the light
Big K.R.I.T. Lyrics

Oh, oh
Expressing excitement and anticipation

I'm coming home
Returning to a place that one considers home

The night is young
Implying that there is still much time for activity and adventure

Oh, shine your light
Asking for guidance and support

For me when I'm out in the streets
Asking for protection while outside

Ends justify means when you making a meet
Suggesting that sometimes it is necessary to do what is needed to accomplish a goal

When you losing the sleep that you saying you need
Implying that there are pressures and worries keeping one awake at night

But what good is rest when it's family to feed
Stating that taking care of loved ones is a greater priority than personal comfort

When it's money to get, when it's dollars to count
Implying that financial success is a driving force

Fuck a job, you never raised for larger amounts
Discouraging the idea of settling for a regular career when one is capable of more

Keep the lights on, front door locked
An instruction to stay vigilant and protect oneself and one's home

'Cause the villains in the wilderness, lotta George Zimmermans
There are dangerous people outside, referencing the George Zimmerman case

Damned with some innocence
Utilizing wordplay to highlight the contradiction of the legal system

So that mean he still out on the prowl for a black child
Implying that there are people out to harm young Black people

While the judge and jury crack smile, Lord
Criticizing the justice system and those in power who uphold it

The road is long
Reiterating that the journey ahead is difficult

Somewhere in America
A reference to the struggles faced by Black Americans

Say, say your prayers, shine your light
Asking for God's guidance and strength

For me when I'm out on the creep
Asking for protection when doing dangerous activities

Do whatever to get a meal when you barely can eat
Highlighting the desperation that comes with poverty

I'm determined to fight the power to further the peace
A pledge to resist oppressive forces and promote peace

Mama scared the police might make a point out of me
Illustrating the fear many Black people live with in regards to the police

'Cause it's hard to sleep living life in a daze
Describing the mental toll of living in a society that is hostile to one's existence

When kings wanna be niggas, I hope it's a phase
Commenting on Black men who embrace negative stereotypes

Queens down to be hoes as long as they paid
Making a commentary on the exploitation of Black women

Chained to our oppressor, unknowing we slaves
A metaphor for systemic oppression

Who wants to be saved
Questioning whether change is really possible in such an unjust system

When they claim that the prayers that we pray go unheard
Suggesting that even religion fails to provide solace for the oppressed

In these God-forgotten days, just in case
Referencing trying times and difficult circumstances

For me when I barely can smile
Asking for support during times of emotional hardship

And the sun refuse to shine when I'm out in the wild
Using a metaphor for dark times

And the raindrops tap the window pane on my room
Setting the scene of a solitary and perhaps melancholy moment

Scared I lost faith, pray I find God soon
Expressing a loss of hope and asking for spiritual guidance

In a world full of alt-rights I was left field
Feeling out of place in a world of political extremism

Black man born poor, I was black steel
A commentary on defying the odds in a society that is stacked against Black people

Black man born free, this how blessed feel
Feeling grateful for the privilege of not being born into slavery

Because my dreams are dreams, don't make them less real
Upholding the value of one's ambitions and aspirations

Nightmares are still the same thing
Suggesting that even achieving success is not a guarantee of joy and fulfillment

I've fallen from grace, wishing I had wings
A metaphor for a loss of innocence and the desire to escape pain

'Cause all that running from trouble'll give you bad knees
Suggesting that too much avoidance can lead to negative consequences

Now how can I make a move without a play
Expressing frustration with a lack of opportunity

I got freedom of speech but with nothing to say
Reflecting a sense of voicelessness

'Cause all that working for something but they barely can pay
Acknowledging the struggle of working hard without earning enough

What the glimmer of Heaven giving me every day
Expressing gratitude for small blessings

So I wade in the water
Referencing a spiritual folk song and the struggle for freedom

Filled with the sharks, snakes, gators, and piranhas
Metaphorical reference to dangerous people and situations to be faced

Till the higher, higher ground of the mountaintop
Expressing the desire to achieve success and overcome obstacles

Away from the shooters that's down for shooting to take a shot
Avoiding violence and those who are willing to perpetrate it

'Cause they believe in everything they ever heard
Highlighting the importance of critical thinking and fact-checking

From the bigots and racists that twisting every word
Addressing the problem of hate speech and the amplification of harmful rhetoric

So, a hotel balcony could be the end
Referencing the assassination of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.

Or a podium speaking to family and friends
Referencing the potential for success and public speaking engagements

So won't you keep that light, light, light
Asking for continued guidance and support

Keep that light, light, light, light burning for me
A plea to not give up and continue supporting

I'm coming home
Returning to a place of comfort and familiarity

Somewhere in America
Highlighting the fact that these issues are a part of American society

Say, say your prayers, shine your light
Repeating the request for spiritual guidance and support

Shine your light
Asking for a positive presence and influence

Oh
A moment of emotional expression

For me
Stressing the importance of personal support and relationships

Oh
A moment of emotional expression

For me
Stressing the importance of personal support and relationships