Rat Race
Andy Mineo Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Tell 'em we don't wanna play, yeah, yeah
We're so okay with last place
We already won the game, yeah, yeah
No, we won't run your rat race

This is so disrespectful
I'm sorry that I didn't do it sooner
They talkin' that manure
Snakes comin' for my head, that's Medusa
But watch how I maneuver
I ain't fly, man, I'm lunar
I got no time for high opinions with them low commitments
I hear that chatter from a distance, I don't ever listen
'Cause art critics just artists that never made it
What I care what you sayin', I'm too busy creatin'
I could tell that ya' some crabs, hatin' on the low
Tryna shoot my dream down, cause you never chase your own
I think I struck a nerve, matter fact I hit a bone
I got a word for them rappers who swear that they on the throne
Oh, so you the king of rap, where your kingdom at?
I got a queen, a fly one, sittin' on my lap
You bought the lie them rappers told ya, I bring it back
That's all I gotta say
Roof your ball, I don't wanna play

Tell 'em we don't wanna play, yeah, yeah
We're so okay with last place
We already won the game, yeah, yeah
No, we won't run your rat race

It's so disrespectful
Hip-hop raised me, I'm talkin' back to my parents
I dropped that Never Land, yo, I still haven't landed
Look mama, you don't gotta drop it low if you raise your standards
Raisin' this banner, mama raised me with manners
Couldn't put me in a box, how I'm raisin' this brand
It's hard to stay focused with standin' in front of cameras
But they don't understand it, they don't see that from my vantage
All glory to the Most High all the praise be
Got them other rappers sweatin' like they need the AC
It ain't all 'bout who you know, Bleek knew Jay-Z
If it you ain't HOT 97, bad idea tryna play me
I know dudes with so much money that it ain't funny
Type of money make you laugh at jokes when it ain't funny
Type of money, go outside lookin' bummy
Still bag a supermodel, they don't care if he ugly
It's politics in this game, but ain't no politicians
And I ain't tryna be another one of fame's victims
Make a name for myself but never make a difference
Now, that's all I gotta say
Roof your ball, I don't wanna play

Yeah, roof your ball, I don't wanna play
Yeah, you ain't ever seein' that again
No, I roof your ball, I don't wanna play




Yeah, no
Kiss it goodbye

Overall Meaning

The lyrics in "Rat Race" by Andy Mineo express his frustration with the music industry and the "rat race" that comes with it. He rejects the notion of competing with other artists for success and instead values his artistry and individuality. The lines "Tell 'em we don't wanna play, yeah, yeah // We're so okay with last place" showcase his belief that true success comes from being true to oneself, rather than conforming to industry standards. Mineo also takes aim at the negative aspects of the industry, particularly snakes who try to bring him down and the superficiality of fame. He asserts his commitment to his craft and his faith in God, concluding that he doesn't want to play the game.


Overall, the lyrics of "Rat Race" convey Andy Mineo's defiance of the music industry's pressure to conform and compete with other artists. He values his own artistry and faith over fame, rejecting the superficiality and negativity that often come with success.


Line by Line Meaning

Tell 'em we don't wanna play, yeah, yeah
We refuse to participate in the highly competitive and demanding nature of the music industry.


We're so okay with last place
Seeking commercial success and recognition is not our priority, and we are content with being overlooked and under-appreciated.


We already won the game, yeah, yeah
We have already achieved our own personal goals and have found success in our own terms, not in others' opinions and expectations.


No, we won't run your rat race
We refuse to get caught up in the competition and cutthroat environment of the music industry, and instead focus on creating music we are proud of without external pressures.


It's so disrespectful
The critical and judgmental attitude towards musicians and their work is hurtful and frustrating.


I'm sorry that I didn't do it sooner
Expressing regret for not standing up for himself and his work earlier, and not letting others' opinions affect him as much.


They talkin' that manure
The constant negative and destructive criticism from others is equivalent to spreading manure around.


Snakes comin' for my head, that's Medusa
Dealing with malicious and deceitful people who are trying to attack his success and reputation, just like the snakes surrounding Medusa in Greek mythology.


But watch how I maneuver
Despite the obstacles and challenges, he will navigate through them with skill and creativity.


I ain't fly, man, I'm lunar
Humility and modesty are more important than pride and flashiness.


I got no time for high opinions with them low commitments
He does not value individuals with a strong opinion but little to no action to back it up.


I hear that chatter from a distance, I don't ever listen
Noise and rumors from the outside world will not distract him or shake his confidence in his craft.


What I care what you sayin', I'm too busy creatin'
He is focused on creating music and art, and has no time for negative or discouraging comments from outsiders.


I could tell that ya' some crabs, hatin' on the low
Some individuals try to bring down others who are succeeding, due to their own insecurities and envy.


Tryna shoot my dream down, cause you never chase your own
Other people's lack of ambition and drive should not cause him to give up on his own dreams and goals.


I think I struck a nerve, matter fact I hit a bone
His words and actions have exposed the vulnerability and insecurities of others, as well as made a significant impact.


I got a word for them rappers who swear that they on the throne
He has a message for those artists who are arrogant and boastful about their success.


Oh, so you the king of rap, where your kingdom at?
If you are claiming to be the best in the industry, why is your impact and recognition so limited?


I got a queen, a fly one, sittin' on my lap
He has a significant other who supports him and whose presence represents his success in his personal life.


You bought the lie them rappers told ya, I bring it back
There is a false narrative in the music industry about what success means and how to achieve it, but he is going against the norm and staying true to himself and his craft.


Hip-hop raised me, I'm talkin' back to my parents
Hip-hop culture and music have had a profound impact on his upbringing and identity, and he is challenging conventional values and expectations.


I dropped that Never Land, yo, I still haven't landed
Even though he has released successful music and gained recognition, he still feels like he has not reached his full potential or achieved his goals yet.


Look mama, you don't gotta drop it low if you raise your standards
Women do not have to lower themselves to be successful or gain recognition, and should hold themselves to a higher standard.


Raisin' this banner, mama raised me with manners
His mother raised him to be respectful and kind, and he hopes to inspire his fans and listeners to do the same.


Couldn't put me in a box, how I'm raisin' this brand
He refuses to be restricted by societal norms or music industry expectations, and is determined to redefine and expand his personal brand.


It's hard to stay focused with standin' in front of cameras
The constant attention and scrutiny from the media and public can be overwhelming and distracting.


But they don't understand it, they don't see that from my vantage
It is difficult for others to understand the pressures and challenges of being in the public eye, and the unique perspective and experiences it brings.


All glory to the Most High all the praise be
He attributes all of his success and blessings to a higher power, and is grateful for the opportunities he has been given.


Got them other rappers sweatin' like they need the AC
His success and talent put pressure on other artists to step up their game and improve their own craft.


It ain't all 'bout who you know, Bleek knew Jay-Z
Success in the music industry is not solely based on who you know or connections, as evidenced by a rapper like Memphis Bleek who had a close relationship with Jay-Z but still struggled to achieve significant success.


If it you ain't HOT 97, bad idea tryna play me
If you are not a reputable or established source in the music industry, do not try to discredit or undermine his success and talent.


I know dudes with so much money that it ain't funny
Money and wealth do not necessarily equal happiness or fulfillment, and should not be the ultimate goal in life.


Type of money make you laugh at jokes when it ain't funny
The excess of wealth and power can make people lose touch with reality and what is truly important.


Type of money, go outside lookin' bummy
The value of a person should not be solely based on their appearance or material possessions.


Still bag a supermodel, they don't care if he ugly
Beauty and attraction are subjective and not solely determined by appearance or status, as evidenced by successful and attractive individuals who may not fit societal standards of beauty.


It's politics in this game, but ain't no politicians
The music industry is heavily influenced by power dynamics and politics, but there are no clear leaders or rules regulating it.


And I ain't tryna be another one of fame's victims
Success and fame can come at a cost, and he is trying to navigate through the industry without losing sight of himself or his values.


Make a name for myself but never make a difference
He wants to have a lasting impact and legacy through his music, and not just create for the sake of fame or recognition.


Yeah, roof your ball, I don't wanna play
He refuses to get caught up in the cutthroat and competitive nature of the music industry.


Yeah, you ain't ever seein' that again
He is done with playing the industry's game and will not participate in it anymore.


No, I roof your ball, I don't wanna play
He is taking control of his career and refusing to give in to external pressures or expectations.


Yeah, no
He is firm in his decision and stands by it.


Kiss it goodbye
He is letting go of the negative influences and pressures in the industry, and is moving forward with his career on his own terms.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Andrew Aaron Mineo, Jonathan David Bellion, Ramon Ibanga

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

Danyelle Burke

Lyrics
Tell 'em we don't wanna play, yeah, yeah
We're so okay with last place
We already won the game, yeah, yeah
No, we won't run your rat race
This is so disrespectful
I'm sorry that I didn't do it sooner
They talkin' that manure
Snakes comin' for my head, that's Medusa
But watch how I maneuver
I ain't fly, man, I'm lunar
I got no time for high opinions with them low commitments
I hear that chatter from a distance, I don't ever listen
'Cause art critics just artists that never made it
What I care what you sayin', I'm too busy creatin'
I could tell that ya' some crabs, hatin' on the low
Tryna shoot my dream down, cause you never chase your own
I think I struck a nerve, matter fact I hit a bone
I got a word for them rappers who swear that they on the throne
Oh, so you the king of rap, where your kingdom at?
I got a queen, a fly one, sittin' on my lap
You bought the lie them rappers told ya, I bring it back
That's all I gotta say
Roof your ball, I don't wanna play
Tell 'em we don't wanna play, yeah, yeah
We're so okay with last place
We already won the game, yeah, yeah
No, we won't run your rat race
It's so disrespectful
Hip-hop raised me, I'm talkin' back to my parents
I dropped that Never Land, yo, I still haven't landed
Look mama, you don't gotta drop it low if you raise your standards
Raisin' this banner, mama raised me with manners
Couldn't put me in a box, how I'm raisin' this brand
It's hard to stay focused with standin' in front of cameras
But they don't understand it, they don't see that from my vantage
All glory to the Most High all the praise be
Got them other rappers sweatin' like they need the AC
It ain't all 'bout who you know, Bleek knew Jay-Z
If it you ain't HOT 97, bad idea tryna play me
I know dudes with so much money that it ain't funny
Type of money make you laugh at jokes when it ain't funny
Type of money, go outside lookin' bummy
Still bag a supermodel, they don't care if he ugly
It's politics in this game, but ain't no politicians
And I ain't tryna be another one of fame's victims
Make a name for myself but never make a difference
Now, that's all I gotta say
Roof your ball, I don't wanna play
Yeah, roof your ball, I don't wanna play
Yeah, you ain't ever seein' that again
No, I roof your ball, I don't wanna play
Yeah, no
Kiss it goodbye



All comments from YouTube:

Reach Records

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

pukucitis7

Oh man, this is sick! Andy and Jon.. there probly isn't a better combination out there. Yup, this is the record I've been waitin' for.

Testing my Audio Addiction

Now we Jon Bellion, Jon Legend, Lecrae, and Andy Mineo together on a track together and the world breaks.

Hp_jerom94

Maximus Keene yess

Sandwich Games

andy and social club misfits was amazing

no name

Jon and eden

Ryan Pelopero

Nah, jon with anyone is great. Especially with andy

3 More Replies...

KelsieJanel

I went to school with Jon! Dope music!

KelsieJanel

@Ananiah Ledoux not at all. I went to Five Towns at the same time he was there.

KelsieJanel

@David Garcia yes, I went to Five Towns as well

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