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.
Provo King
B.o.B Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I am exactly what the fuck you're thinkin' provo means
The line I walk is thinner than a fuckin' yo-yo string
So what the fuck is crazy? For me there's no such thing
So much emotion, I can sense it but it's so unseen
Cause when the other side is callin', your phone don't ring
You know what my logo means, wear [?] Polo jeans
Somethin', somethin', somethin', virtuoso dreams
Sometimes I'm super honest, cause I can't be who you want me to be
Or how they want me to speak
Yeah I'm a free thinker, that's why they're comin' for me
Yeah you niggas asleep, that's why I'm callin' you sheep
Deep fry your mind, you a human omelette with cheese
The all seein' eye, the beast monitors me
Your mama, your daddy, your auntie, your uncle, your neice
And a nigga came up, lookin' in the street lights
Tryna dodge a gun, and the judge and police lights
We out here starvin' tryna find a way to eat right
'Bout to touch the sky, let a nigga get his feet right
Nigga came up, nigga came up
I said a nigga came up, a nigga came up
A nigga came up, lookin' at the street lights
Tryna survive another night on the east side
And we out here starvin' tryna find a way to eat right
'Bout to touch the sky, let a nigga get his feet right
A nigga came up, a nigga came up
I said a nigga came up, a nigga came up
[Verse 2]
Redeem myself for who? Redeem myself for you?
Redeem myself for your squad? Redeem myself for your crew?
I'm tradin' blows with a giant, I'm in the ring with a deuce
I broke myself out the chains, I cut myself out the noose
So fuck your slanted review, you write at home in your room
So busy spreadin' the hate, you end up missin' the truth
You mothafuckas can shove it, I never back down for nothin'
The man got his hand up your pants, you just a puppet
I'm throwin' a fit and fussin' cause niggas killin' their cousin
Make it worse, he just a kid, kid of your mama's brother
Ask the world, can I live, live, live? No discussion
'Fore they put you in the picture, first they gotta check the color
Where are your rights that get left in the dust?
They get the cheese and don't throw us the crust
Plus sayin' please doesn't make it a must
So we get strapped, give me buck or I bust
And a nigga came up, lookin' in the street lights
Tryna dodge a gun, and the judge and police lights
We out here starvin' tryna find a way to eat right
'Bout to touch the sky, let a nigga get his feet right
Nigga came up, nigga came up
I said a nigga came up, a nigga came up
A nigga came up, lookin' at the street lights
Tryna survive another night on the east side
And we out here starvin' tryna find a way to eat right
'Bout to touch the sky, let a nigga get his feet right
A nigga came up, a nigga came up
I said a nigga came up, a nigga came up
Dark skinned nigga, light skinned nigga
Don't mean shit when the light man hit yah
I said dark skinned nigga, light skinned nigga
See you on the news, hope your white friends miss you
Cause a nigga came up
Dark skinned nigga, light skinned nigga
Don't mean shit when the light man hit yah
I said dark skinned nigga, light skinned nigga
See you on the news, hope your white friends miss you
Cause a nigga came up
The lyrics to B.o.B's song Provo King are reflective of the rapper's innermost thoughts and beliefs. He refers to himself as the "provo king," which he defines as a leader of the unknown beings who walks a thin line between sanity and madness. B.o.B acknowledges that he is a free thinker and that because of this, others in power do not want him to speak freely. He believes that he must be honest with himself because he cannot be who others want him to be. B.o.B also touches on themes of poverty, struggle, and survival, highlighting how difficult it can be to find a way to get what you need in life. The chorus highlights the fact that despite the challenges, he has succeeded and has come out on top - a sentiment that is reflected in the song's title.
The second verse of the song sees B.o.B challenging the system and those who try to keep him down. He refuses to "redeem" himself for others and will not back down or be controlled by anyone. He calls out those who spread hate and ignore the truth, suggesting that they do not deserve to be taken seriously. B.o.B also touches on issues of race and discrimination, highlighting the fact that the color of one's skin should not determine their worth. He suggests that people who say "please" do not always get what they want, and that sometimes you must take matters into your own hands.
Overall, Provo King is a powerful track that sees B.o.B speaking honestly about his experiences and beliefs. It is a call to action, urging listeners to question their reality and stand up for themselves.
Line by Line Meaning
I am the provo king, the leader of the unknown beings
I am the leader of those who are often overlooked or misunderstood
I am exactly what the fuck you're thinkin' provo means
I embody the unconventional, unpredictable and different
The line I walk is thinner than a fuckin' yo-yo string
I walk a fine line between sanity and madness, conformity and rebellion
So much emotion, I can sense it but it's so unseen
I can feel the emotional energy around me, even though it may not be visible
Cause when the other side is callin', your phone don't ring
When people don't want to recognize or hear the truth, they ignore it
You know what my logo means, wear [?] Polo jeans
My brand represents something deeper and more meaningful than just clothing
Somethin', somethin', somethin', virtuoso dreams
My aspirations and dreams are unique and artistic
The tubes is knockin', you pillow talkin in red, white and blue pajamas
While you sleep safely at home, I am out in the streets dealing with harsh realities
Sometimes I'm super honest, cause I can't be who you want me to be
I am honest and authentic, even if it goes against others' expectations or desires
Or how they want me to speak
I won't let others dictate how I express myself or my opinions
Yeah I'm a free thinker, that's why they're comin' for me
My unconventional and independent mindset challenges the status quo, making me a target
Yeah you niggas asleep, that's why I'm callin' you sheep
Those who blindly follow societal norms or popular opinions are unenlightened, unlike me
Deep fry your mind, you a human omelette with cheese
I challenge others to think deeply and critically, as opposed to being easily influenced and manipulated
The all seein' eye, the beast monitors me
The government or other powerful entities keep a close eye on me, as I am seen as a threat
Your mama, your daddy, your auntie, your uncle, your neice
Everyone in your family, no matter how distant, is affected by your actions and choices
And a nigga came up, lookin' in the street lights
I rose from the hardships and challenges of my environment
Tryna dodge a gun, and the judge and police lights
I face danger and injustice from both criminals and those sworn to protect me
We out here starvin' tryna find a way to eat right
Life in my community is a constant struggle for basic necessities like food and shelter
'Bout to touch the sky, let a nigga get his feet right
I am on the brink of achieving success and fulfillment, but I need to prepare myself first
Redeem myself for who? Redeem myself for you?
I won't compromise my values or sacrifice myself for others' approval or benefit
I'm tradin' blows with a giant, I'm in the ring with a deuce
I am fighting against powerful forces and adversaries, despite being perceived as relatively powerless
I broke myself out the chains, I cut myself out the noose
I have overcome obstacles and oppression, and refuse to be anyone's puppet or victim
So busy spreadin' the hate, you end up missin' the truth
Those who focus solely on negativity and division miss out on deeper understanding and knowledge
You mothafuckas can shove it, I never back down for nothin'
I won't be intimidated or silenced by anyone, and stand up for what I believe in
The man got his hand up your pants, you just a puppet
Those who blindly follow authority are being controlled and taken advantage of
I'm throwin' a fit and fussin' cause niggas killin' their cousin
I am angry and upset at the senseless violence and destruction in my community
Make it worse, he just a kid, kid of your mama's brother
The victims of violence are often innocent and closely connected to their attackers' families
Ask the world, can I live, live, live? No discussion
I demand the right to live and thrive, without the interference or oppression of others
'Fore they put you in the picture, first they gotta check the color
People are judged and discriminated against based on their skin color, before anything else
Where are your rights that get left in the dust?
Basic human rights are often overlooked or violated, especially for marginalized communities
They get the cheese and don't throw us the crust
Those in power hoard resources and opportunities, leaving the less fortunate with nothing
Plus sayin' please doesn't make it a must
Asking nicely for what you deserve doesn't always result in getting what you need
So we get strapped, give me buck or I bust
In response to the injustice and inequality, sometimes violent resistance is necessary
Dark skinned nigga, light skinned nigga
Skin color doesn't define someone's worth or capability
Don't mean shit when the light man hit yah
In the end, we are all vulnerable to the same dangers and injustices
See you on the news, hope your white friends miss you
It shouldn't take media coverage or tragedy for people to recognize and care about each other
Cause a nigga came up
Despite the challenges and obstacles, I have risen to success and fulfillment
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Bobby Ray Simmons
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind