Dreamin
Big K.R.I.T. Lyrics


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Olds school flow,
Yo, yo, yo, yo
They used to say
They used to say
This rap shit
They used to say (He's dreamin)
They used to say (He's dreamin)
This rap shit (is not for real)
This rap shit (is not for real)

They used to say (He's dreamin)
They used to say (He's dreamin)
This rap shit (is not for real)
This rap shit (is not for real)

[Big K.R.I.T - Verse 1]
Yeah I remember it so clearly
Rappin' to my pop about the cars and the clothes
Shrimp and the lobster that I heard about
Like word of mouth
The UGK tape and Scarface will turn ya out
I was like 13 thirsting for a good beat
Scoping for a studio talkin' bout I spit heat
Like Ball & G, on that pimp type shit
36 had me crunk on that late night tip

They say (He's dreamin)
They used to say (He's dreamin)
This rap shit (is not for real)
This rap shit (is not for real)

They used to say (He's dreamin)
They used to say (He's dreamin)
This rap shit (is not for real)
This rap shit (is not for real)

[Big K.R.I.T - Verse 2]
I played ball for a minute, did I mention wasn't in it
Writing rhymes on my glove so I will never forget em
Had to quit it, didn't feel it back in high school
Rather write poems, known for flowing, thats what I do
Couldn't be little Zac forever, peace to my big brother

Follow ya dreams baby, thats word to my grandmother
When I hear the streets tappin', my beats kickin' my flow
I overhear the same shit they always say before (he's dreaming)

[Hook]

[Big K.R.I.T - Verse 3]
I told them call me KRIT, they told me change my name
Don't be alarmed if you don't make it, thats just part of the game
Besides I aint rapping about dope nor did I sell it
I guess the story of a country boy just aint compelling
A&R's searching for a hit, I just need a meal
Couldn't afford to pay the rent, but passed up on the deal
Cause, it wasn't right sometimes you gotta wade the storm
In a class of my own, but I was scared to raise my arm
Like, this my dream, this my life, I sacrificed it all
Except my soul in the firm belief there is a God
Watching out, when all the others used to doubt
Felt my pain and pointed down and said "Son, your time is now"
I think my grandma pulled some strings on the low
Thats between her and the lord I'll ever know
For those that caught me in the Spin, in Complex magazine, XXL, the Vibe and whatever inbetween
It's safe to say that dreams come true I guess
Don't let nobody tell ya, try for yourself
Just know that I was once considered just a dreamer
But I paid my dues and turned so many doubters to believers
They used to say
They used to say
They used to say
They used to say

He's dreamin, he's dreamin, it's not for real, its not for real
He's dreamin, he's dreamin, it's not for real, its not for real

I don't care if it is a dream, I've got to believe in something I love
What can I do, what have I got to lose




You know sometimes dreams do come true
Might as well be a dream, dream, dream

Overall Meaning

In Big K.R.I.T.'s song Dreamin, the rapper reflects on the doubters and naysayers he faced as he pursued his dream of becoming a rapper. He recalls being told that "this rap shit" is not for real and that he's just "dreamin". Despite the criticism, he remained steadfast in his pursuit of music as a career, recalling his love for hip hop and the influence of UGK and Scarface on his style.


In the first verse, K.R.I.T. talks about his early aspirations and the influence of music on his life. He mentions writing rhymes on his baseball glove and quitting sports to focus on his music. In the second verse, he talks about the struggle to make it in the music industry, and the pressure to change his name and style in order to appeal to record labels. He ultimately decides to stay true to himself and his roots, and his perseverance pays off as he achieves success and proves his doubters wrong.


The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "They used to say, he's dreamin, this rap shit is not for real", emphasizing the doubts and criticism K.R.I.T. faced on his journey. The song ends on a hopeful note, with K.R.I.T. encouraging listeners to follow their dreams and not let anyone tell them otherwise.


Line by Line Meaning

Olds school flow,
This song has a traditional or classic rap style.


Yo, yo, yo, yo
A standard intro commonly heard in rap songs.


They used to say
People used to believe and declare that something was true, but it may not be the case anymore.


This rap shit
This kind of music or lifestyle, namely rap, is not legitimate or real.


They used to say (He's dreamin)
People used to laugh or ridicule someone for having a seemingly unachievable dream or ambition.


They used to say (He's dreamin)
People used to laugh or ridicule someone for having a seemingly unachievable dream or ambition.


This rap shit (is not for real)
Again, people used to think that living the lifestyle of a rapper is not sustainable or legitimate.


This rap shit (is not for real)
Again, people used to think that living the lifestyle of a rapper is not sustainable or legitimate.


Yeah I remember it so clearly
The artist recalls a moment in his life vividly.


Rappin' to my pop about the cars and the clothes
The artist was inspired to rap after listening to songs that discussed materialism and wealth.


Shrimp and the lobster that I heard about
The artist was motivated by the luxurious lifestyle portrayed in rap music to make it in the industry.


Like word of mouth
The artist heard about the lifestyle through hearsay, stories or rumors.


The UGK tape and Scarface will turn ya out
The artist was influenced by certain rappers and their styles.


I was like 13 thirsting for a good beat
The artist was young and eager to find good music to listen to and recreate himself.


Scoping for a studio talkin' bout I spit heat
The artist was looking for a place to record and express his rapping skills.


Like Ball & G, on that pimp type shit
The artist tried to emulate the style of rapping used by certain artists while also focusing on topics that appealed to him.


36 had me crunk on that late night tip
The artist was moved and motivated by certain songs or artists that kept him energized and inspired.


I played ball for a minute, did I mention wasn't in it
The artist tried playing basketball but realized it wasn't his passion or skillset.


Writing rhymes on my glove so I will never forget em
The artist wrote his rhymes on his clothing or other personal items so that he could remember them and practice them later on.


Had to quit it, didn't feel it back in high school
The artist quit playing basketball after realizing it wasn't his passion.


Rather write poems, known for flowing, thats what I do
The artist found his true passion in creating rhymes and rapping after trying various activities.


Couldn't be little Zac forever, peace to my big brother
The artist realized he had to grow and find his own path, giving a shout out to his brother.


Follow ya dreams baby, thats word to my grandmother
The artist's grandmother encouraged him to pursue his dreams.


When I hear the streets tappin', my beats kickin' my flow
The artist is motivated by what's happening in the streets and incorporates it into his music.


I overhear the same shit they always say before (he's dreaming)
The artist continues to be ridiculed by others who don't think his dreams are attainable.


I told them call me KRIT, they told me change my name
The artist changed his name to KRIT, but others wanted him to choose another name.


Don't be alarmed if you don't make it, thats just part of the game
The artist acknowledges that failure is a possibility but it is inherent to the industry.


Besides I aint rapping about dope nor did I sell it
The artist distinguishes himself from other rappers who often rap about drugs, highlighting that he's different.


I guess the story of a country boy just aint compelling
The artist acknowledges that some people may not find his background or story interesting.


A&R's searching for a hit, I just need a meal
The artist is not looking to make a hit song that will make him money, he just needs to make enough to live.


Couldn't afford to pay the rent, but passed up on the deal
The artist had an opportunity to make a deal but couldn't afford it at the time, so he turned down the offer.


Cause, it wasn't right sometimes you gotta wade the storm
The artist had to make a tough or unpopular decision, knowing that sometimes you have to weather a storm before it gets better.


In a class of my own, but I was scared to raise my arm
The artist knows he is unique, but he was hesitant to take risks or contribute his ideas because of fear or doubt.


Like, this my dream, this my life, I sacrificed it all
The artist has dedicated his life to pursuing this dream, even if it takes everything he's got.


Except my soul in the firm belief there is a God
The artist believes in a higher power that gives him strength and keeps him grounded.


Watching out, when all the others used to doubt
The artist stays observant and vigilant, even when others didn't believe him or his dreams.


Felt my pain and pointed down and said "Son, your time is now"
The artist feels like his hard work and perseverance has finally paid off; a sign from a higher power reaffirms this belief.


I think my grandma pulled some strings on the low
The artist playfully suggests his grandmother may have had a hand in his recent success, even though he knows she didn't have anything to do with it.


Thats between her and the lord I'll ever know
The artist acknowledges that some things are between him, his grandmother and his higher power.


For those that caught me in the Spin, in Complex magazine, XXL, the Vibe and whatever inbetween
The artist is grateful to the publications that helped launch his career.


It's safe to say that dreams come true I guess
The artist reflects on his journey and acknowledges that his dream has become a reality.


Don't let nobody tell ya, try for yourself
The artist encourages his listeners to not let others dictate their dreams or goals.


Just know that I was once considered just a dreamer
The artist was once told that his dreams were unattainable.


But I paid my dues and turned so many doubters to believers
The artist worked hard and proved his doubters wrong, inspiring others to believe in their dreams.


He's dreamin, he's dreamin, it's not for real, its not for real
The chorus reiterates what people used to say about the artist and his dreams.


He's dreamin, he's dreamin, it's not for real, its not for real
The chorus reiterates what people used to say about the artist and his dreams.


I don't care if it is a dream, I've got to believe in something I love
The artist is determined to follow his passion and dreams, even if it seems impossible or unrealistic to others.


What can I do, what have I got to lose
The artist is willing to take risks and pursue his dreams, knowing that he may face failure or disappointment.


You know sometimes dreams do come true
The artist is optimistic and hopeful that his dreams will come to fruition.


Might as well be a dream, dream, dream
The artist acknowledges that his success may seem like a dream, but it is real and he worked hard to achieve it.




Contributed by Alyssa L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@vincentbryan1962

Used to listen to this on repeat. Mopping floors at 3am. I had two jobs 9-5 and My second job was cleaning up after weddings 11-3am. I just wanted to not struggle anymore. Today I’m making this comment on a Friday night. I’m off work and I’m doing a lot better than I was 5 years ago. Thank you Krit.

Thank you everyone for the likes! I don’t have to work a second job anymore and slave away just to get by! Thanks Krit for giving me hope and getting me thru the struggles of poverty. I’m Doing much better today from no cars to 3 cars, one being my Lowrider my dream car. From struggling to pay rent to I have enough to cover nexts months. See me on top

@froheschwanz

Good job king 🫡👑

@ReptilianAnusWizzard

Love it👍🏻💪🏻 hope you doing good

@jatindersingh9771

Respect bro

@keithanthony9388

@alexgretzky2247

Beautiful my man

10 More Replies...

@paulpineda294

K.R.I.T. is a breath of fresh air, I've been listening to him since i was 18, I'm 30 now, and his songs still hit hard to this day.

@dannyjohns1795

Same. From 2012 til now

@TheLazzardman

This was the song that turned me into a fan.

@umarbaskins6470

rich dad poor dad was mine

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