The first single from B.o.B's second album is Strange Clouds. It features Lil Wayne and according to the Strange Clouds Songfacts, it "is 3 minutes 47 seconds of bass heavy bragging.". The song was released on October 3, 2011.
Patron and Swag Freestyle
B.o.B Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They say, "B.O.B why not put the guitar down and rap?"
It's easier to sing than put my soul on a track
Cause the media has made a competition out of rap
So constantly they comparin' me to 3 Stacks (Andre 3000)
I try to grow freely but they hold me to my past
Sayin' the music that I'm makin' doesn't appeal to the mass
Hmm
When the syndicated radio is always playin' trash
Every single song is the same old track
About Patron, Patron, Patron and swag, swag, swag
Patron and swag and the whole hood is singin'
"Patron and swag"
And everybody wonder why the kids so bad
Cause they only thing they know is Patron and SWAG!
In this song, B.o.B discusses his frustrations with the music industry and how he feels pressure to conform to the current trends in rap. He opens the song by addressing the criticism he receives for playing the guitar instead of just rapping. He suggests that putting his soul into his songs through singing and playing instruments is more meaningful to him than just rapping, but it comes with the cost of being compared to artists like Andre 3000.
B.o.B goes on to discuss how the music industry has created a competition out of rap, which threatens his art form. He feels pigeonholed into making music that appeals to the masses and is frustrated with the lack of creativity in mainstream rap. B.o.B compares the "same old track" about "Patron and swag" to the trash that syndicated radio plays, which is likely a commentary on the state of popular rap music. He argues that this type of music is only contributing to a downward spiral of societal norms, where the younger generation is only taught about drinking and partying.
Through this song, B.o.B highlights the limitations and pressure placed on artists to create music that appeals to the masses. He underscores the importance of allowing artists to freely express themselves and not be held to their past. The lyrics are a commentary on the current state of the music industry and carry a message about the societal impact music can have if it perpetuates negative stereotypes and values.
Line by Line Meaning
They say, "B.O.B why not put the guitar down and rap?"
People often question why I don't solely focus on rapping and abandon playing the guitar at times.
It's easier to sing than put my soul on a track
Singing comes more naturally to me than pouring my soul into a track through rapping.
Cause the media has made a competition out of rap
The media has turned rap into a competition, and now my skills are being constantly compared to others in the industry.
So constantly they comparin' me to 3 Stacks (Andre 3000)
Particularly, I am often compared to Andre 3000.
I try to grow freely but they hold me to my past
I attempt to evolve and grow as an artist, but individuals link me to my previous work and expect me to follow that direction.
Sayin' the music that I'm makin' doesn't appeal to the mass
Some argue that my music does not capture a mainstream audience's attention.
What am I to do about that?
I'm uncertain how to appease these individuals and still remain authentic to myself.
When the syndicated radio is always playin' trash
This is particularly distressing when syndicated radio stations play music of low-quality repeatedly.
Every single song is the same old track
The majority of songs are devoid of originality and contain overused beats and lyrics.
About Patron, Patron, Patron and swag, swag, swag
Most lyrics focus on two themes: Patron and swag.
Patron and swag and the whole hood is singin'
These themes are resonating with individuals in my community, and many can relate to them.
"Patron and swag"
This phrase has become ubiquitous in today's music scene and dominates the content of many rap songs.
And everybody wonder why the kids so bad
Individuals express dismay over the negative behavior exhibited by young children nowadays.
Cause they only thing they know is Patron and SWAG!
This can be attributed to their exposure to limited themes in music, mainly Patron and swag.
Contributed by Alex P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
zakk2737
preach B.o.B
MoeSkids
and this is coming from someone who has a video of some kid getting the shit stomped out of them....you cant generalize hip hop like that cause its really not all about livin in the hood and becoming killers
McC
hi , its me again . ..there's 2 mixtapes of B.o.B that I can't find...it's "the adventure continues" & "Bread over B..." hoping you could upload them or send me the link please bro . thanks in advance ( there's some songs of his I can't find anywhere , please help)
psukid317
turn my swag on has a tiny bit more views than this video
natedoggineffect
Ironic cause now that he is on the radio his music is pretty shit house.