New York native Andy Mineo is a hip hop recording artist known for his refl… Read Full Bio ↴New York native Andy Mineo is a hip hop recording artist known for his reflective lyricism. His sophomore album, Uncomfortable, became the No. 1 Independent record in the country and delivered a No. 3 and No.10 position on Billboard’s Hip Hop and Top 200 album charts, respectively. Mineo headlined the Uncomfortable Tour, a 52-city tour which sold out legendary venues across America and in Europe. He has appeared on Sirius XM’s Sway In The Morning, MTV, and his colossal hit “You Can’t Stop Me” won an ESPN Whammy Award for MLB’s Top Walk Up Song. Andy Mineo carries his music beyond through scripting, producing and directing many of his own music videos. He also created a 3-season webseries on YouTube called “Saturday Morning Car-Tunez” which garnered over 1M views and gave fans a glimpse into his creative process and personal life. Beyond the critical adulation, he is a born communicator with comedic timing who has become a social media juggernaut with an audience of over 1.3M and growing.

Desperados
Andy Mineo Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

You know I'm a wanted man
For reasons you won't understand
Prices on my head, for like a hundred grand
'Cause I'm wanted dead or alive

(Bang, bang)
You woulda thought I was whippin' and pushin' and sellin' this dope
(Bang, bang)

The way that they tell me to get out of town and then aim for the throat
(Bang, bang)
They trying to ghost your boy, they pullin' the gun out the holster
(Bang, bang)
But I'm doin' me, I'm doin' me like I'm 'posed to, yeah
You're smart
Out here like the Wild Wild West
Shorty right here with the wild, wild dress
They tell you can be more if you show less, hol' up
I been around the block a few times, I got a new mind, I'm lit
Man, I was sleepin' on futons, bread small as croutons
Now my business legit
How many beats do I got to poop on to prove I'm not a fluke?
I want true, a true sign a growth
For you find ways to refind yourself
You win when you lose, aye!
Seem like every team them got a Judas
But I don't care
Give me a snake and I'll make a nice pair of boots, yeah
I ain't tryna be liked, man, I'm tryna be a light, bang!
I ain't tryna make a livin', man, I'm tryna make a life, bang!
Ayo, that's way different
Nowadays I pray different
Used to ask for mo' blessings
Now I thank him for the ones he givin'

You know I'm a wanted man
For reasons you won't understand
Grasses on my head, for like 100k
Now they want me dead or alive
Bang
They gunnin' for me now
Bang
They got they weapons drawn
Bang!
They say get out of town
'Cause I'm wanted dead or alive

How do you terrify a man that ain't scared to die?
So while I got a mic, I'ma air the lies that paralyze my people
I live by the fear of God
I'm sick and tired of songs that don't dignify a lady
But, baby we givin' them power
The moment you go out and buy it and give 'em yo' dollars
Why they try to define us by how many commas we got?
They don't know what's inside us
But let me be honest, there's something beyond us
Yo, homie, preach
I gotta speak on my peace
Man, I can't keep it a secret
The only way that you get acceptance is when you know you don't need it, yeah
Freedom is a mindset, and I ain't in my prime yet
Miner League and one sixteen, yeah
Them my folk I grind with
I think about all that time spent way before success
Get to see the kid shinin', that's the glimmer from the sweat
Get up and go
Homie, we live by the code
We don't got minutes to blow
Time is more precious than gold
Sharp with the flow
Mix it with lyrics that fix up your soul, oh
I ain't tryna be liked, I'm tryna be a light, bang
I ain't tryna make a livin', man, I'm tryna make a life, bang

Alright, now we some desperados
Livin' by the motto
If I die tonight, man, I'm ready for tomorrow
They say get out of town
The truth won't let me lie though
They gunnin' for me now
They know the way I go
They want me dead or alive
I'm wanted dead or alive
I'm wanted dead or alive
I'm wanted dead or alive
I'm wanted dead or alive
I'm wanted dead or alive
I'm wanted

You know I'm a wanted man
For reasons you won't understand
Grasses on my head, for like 100k
Now they want me dead or alive
Bang!
They gunnin' for me now
Bang!
They got they weapons drawn
Bang!
They say, get out of town

'Cause I'm wanted dead or alive
Bang

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Andy Mineo's song "Desperados" speak to the perennial struggle of living life on one's own terms. The singer knows that he is a wanted man, but he does not know why. He is forced to live his life on the run, constantly dodging bullets and trying to stay alive. Although he is constantly under threat of violence, the singer refuses to back down. He asserts his right to exist on his own terms, even if it means risking his life to do so. The song speaks to themes of rebellion, empowerment, and the struggle to be one's own person in a world that seeks to control and limit individuals.

Throughout the song, the singer expresses his desire to be a light in the world, even as he faces persecution and danger. He recognizes that there are those who would prefer to see him dead or silenced, but he refuses to be deterred. He also reflects on his own growth and transformation as a person, acknowledging the struggles he has faced in the past and the ways in which he has overcome them. Ultimately, the song is a powerful statement of defiance and self-determination, and it reminds listeners that they have the power to shape their own destinies.

Line by Line Meaning

You know I'm a wanted man
I am a person who is wanted by the authorities for committing crimes.

For reasons you won't understand
The reasons for my wanted status are unknown and confusing.

Prices on my head, for like a hundred grand
There are rewards for information leading to my capture, and they are worth a large sum of money.

'Cause I'm wanted dead or alive
My status as a wanted man means that law enforcement would like to take me into custody, either dead or alive.

(Bang, bang)
This sound effect represents the sound of a gun firing.

You woulda thought I was whippin' and pushin' and sellin' this dope
The way people are after me makes it seem like I am involved in the illegal drug trade.

The way that they tell me to get out of town and then aim for the throat
People are threatening me with violence and telling me to leave town.

They trying to ghost your boy, they pullin' the gun out the holster
People are attempting to kill or get rid of me, and they are getting their weapons ready to do so.

But I'm doin' me, I'm doin' me like I'm 'posed to, yeah
Despite the dangers, I am going about my life according to my own plans and expectations.

You're smart
The listener is intelligent.

Out here like the Wild Wild West
This place is like the lawless, violent environment of the American frontier in the 1800s.

Shorty right here with the wild, wild dress
A woman is wearing an eye-catching outfit.

They tell you can be more if you show less, hol' up
Society tells women that they can achieve more success if they reveal more of their bodies, which is problematic.

I been around the block a few times, I got a new mind, I'm lit
I have lived a lot of life and gained a new perspective, and I am currently feeling good about my life.

Man, I was sleepin' on futons, bread small as croutons
I used to be very poor and live on very little money.

Now my business legit
My business is now legal and operating properly.

How many beats do I got to poop on to prove I'm not a fluke?
I am trying to demonstrate that my success in music is not a coincidence or luck.

I want true, a true sign a growth
I am looking for a real indication of progress and improvement in my life.

For you find ways to refind yourself
You should attempt to rediscover yourself if you feel lost or stagnant in life.

You win when you lose, aye!
Sometimes losing can actually lead to winning in life.

Seem like every team them got a Judas
Every group seems to have a betrayer or traitor.

But I don't care
I am not bothered or weighed down by the presence of traitors in my life.

Give me a snake and I'll make a nice pair of boots, yeah
I can make something useful out of something that is harmful or unwanted.

I ain't tryna be liked, man, I'm tryna be a light, bang!
I am not trying to win popularity, but I am hoping to be a shining example for others.

I ain't tryna make a livin', man, I'm tryna make a life, bang!
My goal is not simply to make money, but to create a fulfilling, meaningful life.

Nowadays I pray different
My expression of prayer has changed over time.

Used to ask for mo' blessings
I used to pray for more material success and possessions.

Now I thank him for the ones he givin'
I am now focused on expressing appreciation and gratitude for what I already have in life.

How do you terrify a man that ain't scared to die?
It is difficult to intimidate or scare someone who is not afraid of death.

So while I got a mic, I'ma air the lies that paralyze my people
As someone with a platform, I plan to expose false information or ideas that negatively impact society.

I live by the fear of God
My life is guided by a reverence for God and adherence to their commandments.

I'm sick and tired of songs that don't dignify a lady
I am frustrated with music that objectifies or belittles women.

But, baby we givin' them power
By purchasing and supporting music that demeans women, we are unintentionally giving it more influence and power in society.

The moment you go out and buy it and give 'em yo' dollars
Supporting problematic music or media with money is perpetuating its negative impact.

Why they try to define us by how many commas we got?
Why are people so focused on personal wealth and status as a way of defining someone's value or worth?

They don't know what's inside us
External markers of wealth or success do not necessarily reflect a person's character or what they are capable of.

But let me be honest, there's something beyond us
There is a greater, more profound meaning to life beyond material wealth or success.

Yo, homie, preach
The listener is saying that the singer is preaching a valuable message.

I gotta speak on my peace
I need to articulate my own personal beliefs.

Man, I can't keep it a secret
I am compelled to share my thoughts and ideas with others.

The only way that you get acceptance is when you know you don't need it, yeah
True acceptance and happiness comes from realizing that you do not need the validation or approval of others.

Freedom is a mindset, and I ain't in my prime yet
Freedom requires a certain mentality or outlook on life, and I am still working towards that.

Miner League and one sixteen, yeah
These are affiliations or groups the singer is associated with.

Them my folk I grind with
These are the people the artist works hard and collaborates with.

I think about all that time spent way before success
The artist reflects on the time and effort they put in before achieving their current level of success.

Get to see the kid shinin', that's the glimmer from the sweat
Watching someone achieve success after working hard for it is gratifying, symbolized by the sweat that it took to get there.

Get up and go
It is time to take action and move forward.

Homie, we live by the code
These are the guiding principles or values that the artist and their associates live by.

We don't got minutes to blow
Time is valuable, and it is important to make the most of every moment.

Time is more precious than gold
Time is an incredibly valuable and limited resource.

Sharp with the flow
The singer is skilled at rapping or expressing themselves through music.

Mix it with lyrics that fix up your soul, oh
The artist's music is intended to not only be enjoyable, but also uplifting or healing to the listener's soul.

Alright, now we some desperados
The artist and their associates are now considered to be outlaws or renegades in society.

Livin' by the motto
They are living by a certain set of principles or beliefs.

If I die tonight, man, I'm ready for tomorrow
The singer accepts the possibility of dying soon and feels prepared for what comes next.

The truth won't let me lie though
The artist feels compelled to speak the truth, even if it is difficult or unpopular.

They want me dead or alive
People are seeking to capture or harm the artist, either alive or dead.

Bang!
This sound effect represents the sound of a gun firing.

They gunnin' for me now
People are actively pursuing the singer with weapons to harm them.

They got they weapons drawn
The people following the artist are armed and dangerous.

They say get out of town
People are warning the singer to leave the area for their own safety.

'Cause I'm wanted dead or alive
The singer is still in danger and wanted by authorities.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Andrew Aaron Mineo, Gabriel Eugene Lambirth, Kortney Jamaal Pollard, Ramon Ibanga

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

Niekko accessible Gamer

7y↑91

[Intro: Mali Music]
You know I'm a wanted man
For reasons you won't understand
Prices on my head, for like a hundred grand
Cause I'm wanted dead or alive

[Verse 1: Andy Mineo]
(Bang, bang!)
You woulda thought I was whippin' and pushin' and sellin' this dope
(Bang, bang!)
The way that they tell me to get out of town and then aim for the throat
(Bang, bang!)
They trying to ghost your boy, they pullin' the gun out the holster
(Bang, bang!)
But I'm doin' me, I'm doin' me like I'm 'posed to, yeah!
You're smart
Out here like the Wild Wild West
Shawty right here with the wild, wild dress
They tell you can be more if you show less, hol' up
I been around the block a few times, I got a new mind, I'm lit
Man, I was sleepin' on futons, bread small as croutons
Now my business legit
How many beats do I got to poop on to prove I'm not a fluke?
I want true, a true sign a growth
For you find ways to refind yourself
You win when you lose, aye!
Seem like every team them got a Judas
But I don't care
Give me a snake and I'll make a nice pair of boots, yeah
I ain't tryna be liked, man, I'm tryna be a light, bang!
I ain't tryna make a livin', man, I'm tryna make a life, bang!
Ayo, that's way different
Nowadays I pray different
Used to ask for mo' blessings
Now I thank Him for the ones He givin'

[Hook: Mali Music]
You know I'm a wanted man
For reasons you won't understand
Price is on my head, for like 100k
Now they want me dead or alive
Bang!
They gunnin' for me now
Bang!
They got they weapons drawn
Bang!
They say get out of town
Cause I'm wanted dead or alive

[Verse 2: Andy Mineo]
How do you terrify a man that ain't scared to die?
So while I got a mic, I'ma air the lies that paralyze my people
I live by the fear of God (uh)
I'm sick and tired of songs that don't dignify a lady
But, baby we givin' them power
The moment you go out and buy it and give 'em yo' dollars
Why they try to define us by how many commas we got?
They don't know what's inside us
But let me be honest, there's somethin' beyond us
Yo, homie, preach!
I gotta speak on my peace
Man, I can't keep it a secret
The only way that you get acceptance is when you know you don't need it, yeah
Freedom is a mindset, and I ain't in my prime yet
Miner League and one sixteen, yeah
Them my folk I grind with
I think about all that time spent way before success
Get to see the kid shinin', that's the glimmer from the sweat
Get up and go
Homie, we live by the code
We don't got minutes to blow
Time is more precious than gold
Sharp with the flow
Mix it with lyrics that fix up your soul, oh
I ain't tryna be liked, I'm tryna be a light, bang!
I ain't tryna make a livin', man, I'm tryna make a life, bang!

[Bridge]
Alright, now we some desperados (we are)
Livin' by the motto (you know)
If I die tonight, man, I'm ready for tomorrow (you got)
They say get out of town (hay)
The truth won't let me lie though (what else)
They gunnin' for me now (alright)
They know the way I go (lets go)
They want me dead or alive
I'm wanted dead or alive
I'm wanted dead or alive
I'm wanted dead or alive
I'm wanted dead or alive
I'm wanted dead or alive
I'm wanted

[Hook: Mali Music]
You know I'm a wanted man
For reasons you won't understand
Price is on my head, for like 100k
Now they want me dead or alive
Bang!
They gunnin' for me now
Bang!
They got they weapons drawn
Bang!
They say, "Get out of town"
Cause I'm wanted dead or alive
Bang!

teresa villa

9y↑24

You know I'm a wanted man
For reasons you won't understand
Prices on my head, for like a hundred grand
Cause I'm wanted dead or alive

[Verse 1: Andy Mineo]
(Bang, bang!)
You woulda thought I was whippin' and pushin' and sellin' this dope
(Bang, bang!)
The way that they tell me to get out of town and then aim for the throat
(Bang, bang!)
They trying to ghost your boy, they pullin' the gun out the holster
(Bang, bang!)
But I'm doin' me, I'm doin' me like I'm 'posed to, yeah!
You're smart
Out here like the Wild Wild West
Shorty right here with the wild, wild dress
They tell you can be more if you show less, hol' up
I been around the block a few times, I got a new mind, I'm lit
Man, I was sleepin' on futons, bread small as croutons
Now my business legit
How many beats do I got to poop on to prove I'm not a fluke?
I want true, a true sign a growth
For you find ways to refind yourself
You win when you lose, aye!
Seem like every team them got a Judas
But I don't care
Give me a snake and I'll make a nice pair of boots, yeah
I ain't tryna be liked, man, I'm tryna be a light, bang!
I ain't tryna make a livin', man, I'm tryna make a life, bang!
Ayo, that's way different
Nowadays I pray different
Used to ask for mo' blessings
Now I thank Him for the ones He givin'

[Hook: Mali Music]
You know I'm a wanted man
For reasons you won't understand
Grasses on my head, for like 100k
Now they want me dead or alive
Bang!
They gunnin' for me now
Bang!
They got they weapons drawn
Bang!
They say get out of town
Cause I'm wanted dead or alive

[Verse 2: Andy Mineo]
How do you terrify a man that ain't scared to die?
So while I got a mic, I'ma air the lies that paralyze my people
I live by the fear of God
I'm sick and tired of songs that don't dignify a lady
But, baby we givin' them power
The moment you go out and buy it and give 'em yo' dollars
Why they try to define us by how many commas we got?
They don't know what's inside us
But let me be honest, there's something beyond us
Yo, homie, preach!
I gotta speak on my peace
Man, I can't keep it a secret
The only way that you get acceptance is when you know you don't need it, yeah
Freedom is a mindset, and I ain't in my prime yet
Miner League and one sixteen, yeah
Them my folk I grind with
I think about all that time spent way before success
Get to see the kid shinin', that's the glimmer from the sweat
Get up and go
Homie, we live by the code
We don't got minutes to blow
Time is more precious than gold
Sharp with the flow
Mix it with lyrics that fix up your soul, oh
I ain't tryna be liked, I'm tryna be a light, bang!
I ain't tryna make a livin', man, I'm tryna make a life, bang!

[Bridge]
Alright, now we some desperados
Livin' by the motto
If I die tonight, man, I'm ready for tomorrow
They say get out of town
The truth won't let me lie though
They gunnin' for me now
They know the way I go
They want me dead or alive
I'm wanted dead or alive
I'm wanted dead or alive
I'm wanted dead or alive
I'm wanted dead or alive
I'm wanted dead or alive
I'm wanted

[Hook: Mali Music]
You know I'm a wanted man
For reasons you won't understand
Grasses on my head, for like 100k
Now they want me dead or alive
Bang!
They gunnin' for me now
Bang!
They got they weapons drawn
Bang!
They say, "Get out of town"
Cause I'm wanted dead or alive
Bang!

All comments from YouTube:

Reach Records

7y↑62

Subscribe to Andy's channel to never miss another drop! 👀 http://bit.ly/andymineovevo

liontmasterofme 12

7y↑1

Reach Records SWEET

1 More Replies...

TT3bow

8y↑137

"The only way that you get acceptance is when you know you don't need it." That's a profound statement!

Niekko accessible Gamer

7y↑91

Diana .ForGodsGlory

5y↑7

Thank you!!!👌🙆

D Rodriguez

8y↑86

THANK JESUS FOR ANDY MINEO.... !00% RAW TALENT... PREACH!

Manatee King

9y↑106

When the beat kicks in.... AHHHH! FIRE! Feel that dopeness all through my body!

GFTRAPPERS

9y↑4

FIRE!! also check out Christian/rap remixes by yak-yak

Claudia Louis

8y↑9

Sad that he's underrated though....

LaKesha Badger

Manatee King 😉

More Comments

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