I
Akon Lyrics

Bone Thugs, Akon, yeah
Introduction to the song featuring the artist names

You know though nothin' come easy, you gotta try real, real hard
Success requires hard work and dedication

I tried hard, but I guess I gotta try harder
Despite trying hard, more effort is required to achieve success

I tried so hard, can't seem to get away from misery
Despite previous attempts, the artist is still plagued with difficulties and hardships

Man, I tried so hard, will always be a victim of these streets
The artist feels trapped in a life of poverty and violence

It ain't my fault 'cause I try to get away, but trouble follows me
The artist is blameless for the difficulties he faces and these challenges seem to follow him wherever he goes

And still I try so hard, hopin' one day they'll come and rescue me
Despite ongoing struggles, the artist continues to hold onto hope for a better future

But until then I'll be posted up right here rain, sleet, hail, snow (hail, snow)
The artist is prepared to endure any situation while waiting for his fortunes to change

But until then I'll be posted up right here with my heat, gettin' dough (gettin' dough)
Despite the hardships, the artist remains committed to hustling for money

First, let me explain that I'm just a black man
The artist sets the stage by highlighting his race and the challenges this poses

And I come from the dark side, so I'm havin' a hard time stayin' on track, man
The artist's difficult upbringing and surroundings make it tough to stay on a positive path

My mind be racin', and I don't even know what I'm chasin' yet
The artist is still trying to figure out his goals and purpose

Been in and out of relationships
The artist struggles with forming and maintaining relationships

I'm startin' to see that it's me where the complications at
The artist realizes that he is responsible for many of the difficulties he faces

But I'm layin' back, prayin' that you get that piece of mind of me
The artist hopes that others will understand and accept him for who he is

I thought I was right, but really I'm wrong, but again I was too blind to see
The artist recognizes his own mistakes and the fact that he was blind to them

I was in the fast lane chasin' my dream
The artist was focused on pursuing his dreams quickly

And then it seemed when the fame and cash came, they just got me
The artist was overwhelmed by the sudden fame and money

Goin' crazy (lately, lately) lately I been so faded trying to erase it
The artist is struggling with mental health issues and trying to cope with his problems

But I just can't 'cause the drama just grows greater
The artist feels that his struggles are intensifying

And I been in so many collisions by puttin' shit off till later
The artist has made many mistakes by procrastinating and not taking action

It's like I'm takin' five steps forward, and ten steps back
The artist feels like he is making little progress due to the many setbacks he faces

Tryin' to get ahead of the game but I can't seem to get it on track
The artist is trying to achieve success, but struggles to make progress towards his goals

And I keep runnin' away the ones that say they love me the most
The artist has difficulties forming healthy relationships and inadvertently pushes away those who care for him

How could I create the distance when it's supposed to be close? And uh
The artist is puzzled by his inability to form close relationships despite his desire to do so

I just don't know, but I be out here fightin' demons, and
The artist feels like he is battling inner demons that are impacting his life

It's like the curse that I can't shake this part of Cleveland, and
The artist feels like he is trapped in his hometown and unable to escape his difficult surroundings

Lord, would you help me, and stop this pain?
The artist is pleading for divine intervention to help alleviate his suffering

I keep inflictin' on my family (family)
The artist recognizes that his negative behavior is hurting those he cares about

Hustlin' and gamblin', drinkin' and scramblin'
The artist engages in risky and harmful activities to make a living

And losin' sight of what I supposed to be handlin'
The artist is losing sight of his goals and purpose in life

It's hard to manage 'cause every day's a challenge and, man
The artist struggles to cope with the constant challenges he faces

And I'm slippin', can't lose my balance, and tryin' not to panic
The artist is struggling to maintain his composure under the stress of his situation

I see things won't change (won't change) I'm stuck in the game
The artist is resigned to the fact that his situation is unlikely to improve

As soon as I get out, it keeps pullin' me back, man (pullin' me back, man)
Despite attempts to escape his situation, the artist is constantly pulled back in by his circumstances

Got me doin' dirty dirt, so used to this hustlin' money
The artist is accustomed to living a life of illegal hustling to make money

That I don't understand no nine to five work
The artist is unable to relate to traditional employment styles

Studied on the streets, hustlas know what I mean
The artist's education and skills come from his experiences on the streets

Thugstas ballin' before us, I'm tryin' to make that major league
The artist aspires to the level of success and wealth of previous gangsters

So we never leave, never till the sun came up (came up)
The artist and his peers work tirelessly to make money, never stopping until the sun rises

Gotta get it, nope, no leavin', no grudge (no grudge)
There is no time to waste and no opportunity to hold a grudge when hustling for money

Today games they play, gotta go hard to get what you put in
Success requires unwavering effort and commitment, despite the risks and challenges

If you fall off, then it's all on you (on you)
The artist recognizes that his success is dependent on his own efforts and hard work

Gotta watch what you sign too, try so hard, but I won't act a fool
The artist is cautious and aware of the potential pitfalls in the industry, but remains committed to his goals