Tightrope
Big Boi & Janelle Monáe Lyrics

Whoaaa!
Intensifies the gravity of the situation to grab the listener's attention.

Another day (adabadee, nigga)
Expresses the mundanity and routine of life.

I take your pain away
Pledging support and empathy for the listener.

Some people talk about ya like they know all about ya
Conveys how people speculate and make assumptions about others.

When you get down they doubt ya
People start believing that others are incapable or worthless when they face problems.

And when you tip it on the scene, yeah they talkin' bout it
People get on the bandwagon when someone is successful.

Cause they can't tip on the scene
People who cannot handle the pressure of the situation tend to talk.

They just talk about it, t-t-t-talk bout it
Reinforces the idea that they are only talking but not acting on it.

When you get elevated
Describes how people start noticing when someone succeeds.

They love it or they hate it
Explains the two extreme reactions that people have toward others' success.

You dance up on them haters
When someone is successful, others tend to hate.

Keep getting funky on the scene
Encourages the listener to continue despite any difficulties.

While they jumpin' round ya
Others try and change the focus to themselves.

They trying to take all of your dreams
People who are unsuccessful try to steal ideas from successful people.

But you can't allow it
Encourage the listener to take a stand against anyone who tries to hit steal their ideas.

Cause baby whether you're high or low
States that it does not matter if someone is succeeding or failing.

You gotta tip on the tightrope (tip, tip on it)
Encourages the listener to keep a balance in their life.

T-t-t-tip on the tightrope (tip, tip on it)
Reinforces the need to keep a balance in their life.

Now let me see you do the tightrope (tip, tip on it)
Encourages the listener to show how they keep a balance in life.

And I'm still tippin' on it
The singer is setting an example by keeping a balance in life.

See I'm not walkin' on it
States that they are not just moving through life like a walk in the park.

Or tryin to run around it
They are not trying to run away from the problems or responsibilities.

This ain't no acrobatics
Explains this is not a simple task, but a difficult one.

You either follow or you lead, yeah
We have to choose to lead or follow in life.

I'm talkin' bout ya
The singer is talking exclusively about the listener.

Keep on blaming the machine, yeah I'm talkin' bout it
People who put the blame on others for their troubles.

T-t-t-talkin' bout it
Reinforces a point previously addressed.

I can't complain about it
The singer cannot complain about life, and neither should the listener.

I gotta keep my balance
The artist must keep an equilibrium in life.

And just keep dancin on it
The singer will keep moving forward, no matter what challenges come their way.

We gettin funky on the scene
The mood is lightening up and the artist is more in tune with the listener.

Yeah you know about it
Speaks of a shared experience.

Like a star on the screen
The artist is shining like a star.

Watch me tip all on it
The artist is showing the listener how to balance in life.

Then baby whether I'm high or low
Repeating that the situation does not matter.

You gotta tip on the tightrope (tip, tip on it)
Reiterates that we must balance life.

Yeah, tip on the tightrope (tip, tip on it)
Repeating the importance of a balanced life.

You can't get too high, you can't get too low, no
Reminding the listener not to get too excited or too depressed, but instead maintain perspective.

You get too high, no, you'll surely be low
Getting too high will lead to inevitable lows.

Now shut up, yeah
Tells someone to be quiet.

Now put some voodoo on it
Asks someone to add some personality to what they're doing.

Ladies and gentlemen, the funkiest horn section in Metropolis
Introducing the performers.

Do you mind?
Asking for permission

If I play the ukulele
Wants to play a musical instrument

Just like a little lady
Playing an instrument like how traditionally ladies were expected to.