First Chain
Big Sean Lyrics


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Coming from a city where bullets turn bro's into souls
Who knew from that concrete that a rose had arose
Good girls stopped being good when I turned 'em into hos
Dreams stopped being dreams when I turned 'em into goals
BIG was the first one that had it
Then I saw Nas' chain, man, that was Illmatic
Then I saw Kanye's hanging from his gold necklace
Then Ye gave me mine, that show you my work ethic
Mom had that hooptie that she ran in the dirt
Used to pick me up from school right after work
Now she rolling up in that Caddy like she coming to church
She's ask why I rock all this gold, cause I'm coming in first
Got the streets behind me like I was staring in the rear view
Used to have to take showers standing in the mildew
Now I'm in the penthouse, look what a mill do
Looking in the mirror and I'm still you, I'm still you

Got my first chain
Feeling like I got my first chain
I be stunting, stunting like I got my first chain
I be stunting, stunting like I got my first chain

BIG was the first one that had it
Now Jacob the Jeweler benefit from my habits
I be stunting, stunting like I got my first chain
I be stunting, stunting like I got my first chain

What's the noise all about with this rap stuff
I can say I never been punked, robbed or smacked up
I can say I never been chased, jumped or backed up
I learned to patch it up to get passes to niggas who be acting up
Cause it's a mental game, I learned that when I got my first initial chain
I didn't fake it, it was gold plated, I was posing relatin'
To those dealing with blow, had the big gold bow acres it was those gangsters
That bonus, that culture, those projects
Shiny shit on their necks, making both of my eyes squint
They got in my bones, now I'm coppin' stones
Sorry Sierra Leone, one day we'll right the wrongs
18 karat gold Cuban on, not too short, not too wide, not too long
My pendant offensive, in the truest form
Platinum gold, rose gold, what you want?

Got my first chain
Feeling like I got my first chain
I be stunting, stunting like I got my first chain
I be stunting, stunting like I got my first chain

BIG was the first one that had it
Then I saw Nas' chain, man, that was illmatic
And I be stunting, stunting like I got my first chain
I be stunting, stunting like I got my first chain

On a highway to heaven, look at all the tolls I paid
I done gave my city drive all the roads I paved
No matter what why I turn things go my way
I'm rocking chains everyday, so you know I slave
Even when I'm just walking 'round the crib, nigga
To remind me of everything that we did, nigga
Look up in the mirror, chain only thing lyin'
No heroes where I'm from, bullets only thing flying
I know the higher that I go, the harder to climb
But after that, the bigger the muscle and smarter the mind
Police only work 12-hour shifts
Cause in Detroit that's cheaper than the bailout, bitch
Trap house built brick by brick, paid dues on dues
FF good, you know I'm reppin' crew on crews
Stack bills on bills till my backyards got pools on pools
Girls on girls, lingerie and Moulin Rouge
God damn, I think I'm gon' O.D.
Off this asparagus and bread and pasta
Need a doctor, I've been dogding shady hoes and rainy days
It's like I got a built-in doppler
And it's a shame, a fuckin' shame
I don't remember my first love or my first time prayin'
But remember my first ass and the first time she came
It almost felt as good as when I got my first chain

Got my first chain
When I got my first chain
I be stunting, stunting like I got my first chain
I be stunting, stunting like I got my first chain

Jay-Z taught me money ain't a thing
Came from the streets, headed to the hall of fame
And I be stunting, stunting like I got my first chain
Stunting, stunting like I got my first chain

It's such a wonderful thing, to see the end of all things
Niggas and bitches, where you at?
I got my mind is on me
A couple others and dreams, would've seen me
Me and my niggas in this bitch
About two months in a week's time
Movin, feelin hellish to dolly with lemon, lime shine
Now how the fuck can I chill now?
Kanye think I'm dope
See this piece that I own now
How sick is the rope?
Taking life for what it is
The troublesome chick, who throws fists
Sometimes it's the weather
Things switch up, people trip up
The money come down, then climb up
But when it come again
The most creepin', deceivin', men are scheme-schemin'
Saying that you love me, you surely do and if you don't
Motherfuck that sometimes
So dead it, shred it
Young nigga lost to the night
I'm so ready to let it go
My life is fucking awesome, I could be fuckin' dead right now
But I'm awesome
So fuck whoever has a bad thought
Don't know the god
Cause when I leave this bitch you all gon' wish you knew the god
It might be too late, but the song's will live on
Just know this fact, you were all wrong
Now watch me do my silly dance
Not really a dance, more like a prance
I'm signing off with a crotch grab

Thank you man, for letting me get on this record Sean
You the coolest
G.O.O.D. music nigga forever




Understand?
Yum

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Big Sean's song "First Chain" are a powerful reflection on his journey from a tough childhood in Detroit to achieving fame and success as a rapper. The first verse speaks to the difficult environment in which he grew up, where young men can easily lose their lives to violence. But despite this bleak reality, he sees that something beautiful can arise from the most unlikely of places, comparing his own transformation to a rose growing from concrete. He also acknowledges the negative impact that his newfound success has had on some of the people around him, turning good girls into hos and dreams into goals.


The chorus of the song is an exultant celebration of Big Sean's first chain, an emblem of his success and hard work. He describes the other rappers who he looked up to and emulated, from the legendary Biggie Smalls to Kanye West and Nas, and how each of them had a distinct style that he admired. He also mentions the role that his mother played in his life, going from driving a beat-up car to owning a Cadillac, and how this upward mobility has influenced his desire to always come in first.


The song ends with a more introspective verse, where Big Sean discusses the challenges of fame and wealth and the toll that they can take on one's spirit. He acknowledges the power of money but reminds himself that it's not everything, and that true success is measured by more than material possessions. Overall, "First Chain" is a deeply personal reflection on the meaning of success and the price that one pays to achieve it.


Line by Line Meaning

Coming from a city where bullets turn bro's into souls
I come from a city where violence and guns take away the lives of close friends


Who knew from that concrete that a rose had arose
Nobody expected something beautiful to emerge from the harsh environment I grew up in


Good girls stopped being good when I turned 'em into hos
Once I started using my charm and influence, even well-behaved girls changed their behavior


Dreams stopped being dreams when I turned 'em into goals
Once I started taking my dreams seriously and working towards them, they transformed into achievable goals


BIG was the first one that had it
The late rapper Biggie Smalls was the first one to have a luxurious chain


Then I saw Nas' chain, man, that was Illmatic
When I saw Nas' chain, it was impressive and represented his iconic status in the rap world


Then I saw Kanye's hanging from his gold necklace
Kanye West had a chain hanging from his neck, showcasing his wealth and success


Then Ye gave me mine, that show you my work ethic
Kanye West gave me my own chain as a symbol of recognition for my hard work and dedication


Mom had that hooptie that she ran in the dirt
My mom used to drive a beat-up car that she drove in tough conditions


Used to pick me up from school right after work
Despite her busy schedule, my mom would always make time to pick me up from school


Now she rolling up in that Caddy like she coming to church
Now my mom drives a Cadillac and looks stylish like she's going to church


She's ask why I rock all this gold, cause I'm coming in first
My mom asks why I wear so much gold, and it's because I always strive to be the best and come out on top


Got the streets behind me like I was staring in the rear view
I have the support and respect of the streets, as if they are always watching and rooting for me


Used to have to take showers standing in the mildew
I used to live in a place with poor living conditions where I had to shower in a bathroom with mildew


Now I'm in the penthouse, look what a mill do
Now I live in a luxury penthouse, and it's amazing what achieving financial success can do


Looking in the mirror and I'm still you, I'm still you
Despite all the changes and success, I still see my true self when I look in the mirror


Got my first chain
I acquired my first expensive chain


Feeling like I got my first chain
The excitement and pride I felt when I got my first chain is indescribable


I be stunting, stunting like I got my first chain
I show off and boast about my success as if I just got my first chain


BIG was the first one that had it
Biggie Smalls was the first rapper to have a chain like mine


Now Jacob the Jeweler benefit from my habits
Now the famous jeweler Jacob the Jeweler profits from my desire to buy luxury items


What's the noise all about with this rap stuff
I wonder what all the fuss and hype is about in the rap industry


I can say I never been punked, robbed or smacked up
I can proudly say that I've never been humiliated, robbed, or physically attacked


I can say I never been chased, jumped or backed up
I can confidently state that I've never been pursued, attacked, or intimidated by others


I learned to patch it up to get passes to niggas who be acting up
I've learned how to settle conflicts and maintain good relationships with people who are prone to causing trouble


Cause it's a mental game, I learned that when I got my first initial chain
I realized that success in this industry is also about the mindset and the mental aspect, which I learned when I received my first chain


I didn't fake it, it was gold plated, I was posing relatin'
I didn't pretend to be something I'm not; even though my chain was not solid gold but gold-plated, I still felt a sense of connection and authenticity


To those dealing with blow, had the big gold bow acres it was those gangsters
I felt a sense of belonging and kinship with those involved in illegal activities and the gang culture, symbolized by their large, gold jewelry


That bonus, that culture, those projects
That extravagant display, that lifestyle, those housing projects


Shiny shit on their necks, making both of my eyes squint
The flashy and valuable chains around their necks were so dazzling and impressive that it caused me to squint my eyes


They got in my bones, now I'm coppin' stones
I was deeply influenced and inspired by them, and now I'm buying expensive jewelry myself


Sorry Sierra Leone, one day we'll right the wrongs
I apologize to the country of Sierra Leone, which has suffered due to the mining of conflict diamonds, and I hope that one day we can correct the injustices


18 karat gold Cuban on, not too short, not too wide, not too long
I wear an 18 karat gold Cuban chain that is perfectly sized and proportioned


My pendant offensive, in the truest form
The pendant on my chain is bold and provocative, representing my true self


Platinum gold, rose gold, what you want?
I have various chains made of different precious metals like platinum and rose gold, offering a range of options for anyone's preference


On a highway to heaven, look at all the tolls I paid
I've faced many obstacles and sacrifices in my journey to success, symbolized as tolls on a road to heaven


I done gave my city drive all the roads I paved
I've given my hometown inspiration and motivation through the paths I've created and paved with my success


No matter what why I turn things go my way
Regardless of the circumstances, things always seem to work out in my favor


I'm rocking chains everyday, so you know I slave
I wear expensive chains every day, symbolizing the wealth and success I've achieved, but acknowledging that I still work hard and hustle


Even when I'm just walking 'round the crib, nigga
Even when I'm just at home, casually walking around, I still wear my chains to remind myself of my success and accomplishments


To remind me of everything that we did, nigga
I wear my chains to remind me of all the hard work and struggles I've overcome to reach this point


Look up in the mirror, chain only thing lyin'
When I look in the mirror, my chain is the only thing that truly reflects the success and accomplishments in my life


No heroes where I'm from, bullets only thing flying
In my hometown, there are no heroes or role models, only violence and the sound of bullets


I know the higher that I go, the harder to climb
I understand that the more success I achieve, the more difficult it becomes to maintain and continue climbing to new heights


But after that, the bigger the muscle and smarter the mind
But once I overcome those challenges, I'll become stronger physically and mentally


Police only work 12-hour shifts
In a place like Detroit, the police can only afford to work 12-hour shifts due to budget constraints


Cause in Detroit that's cheaper than the bailout, bitch
Because in Detroit, it's more cost-effective for the police to work longer shifts than for the government to provide financial assistance and bailouts


Trap house built brick by brick, paid dues on dues
I built my empire from the ground up, working hard and paying my dues repeatedly


FF good, you know I'm reppin' crew on crews
My rap group, Finally Famous, is doing well and I proudly represent us wherever I go


Stack bills on bills till my backyards got pools on pools
I've accumulated so much wealth that I have multiple swimming pools in my backyard, representing my financial success


Girls on girls, lingerie and Moulin Rouge
I enjoy the company of many women, whether it's in situations involving lingerie or the glamorous atmosphere of the Moulin Rouge


God damn, I think I'm gon' O.D.
I feel like I'm going to overdose on the extravagant and excessive lifestyle I'm living


Off this asparagus and bread and pasta
Even though my diet consists of healthy foods like asparagus, bread, and pasta, I still feel overwhelmed by the excess and indulgence


Need a doctor, I've been dogding shady hoes and rainy days
I need someone to help me navigate through the deceitful people and difficult times I've encountered


It's like I got a built-in doppler
It feels like I have a built-in radar system that detects and warns me about upcoming trouble or negativity


And it's a shame, a fuckin' shame
It's unfortunate, a real disgrace


I don't remember my first love or my first time prayin'
I don't have clear memories of my first love or my earliest experiences with prayer


But remember my first ass and the first time she came
But I vividly remember my first sexual encounter and the pleasure my partner experienced


It almost felt as good as when I got my first chain
The pleasure and satisfaction I derived from that experience was almost as intense as the joy I felt when I acquired my first chain


Jay-Z taught me money ain't a thing
Jay-Z taught me that money is not a concern or obstacle in life


Came from the streets, headed to the hall of fame
I came from a rough background and now I'm on my way to achieving legendary status in the music industry


And I be stunting, stunting like I got my first chain
I continue to flaunt and show off my success as if I just got my first chain


Stunting, stunting like I got my first chain
I'm constantly showcasing and boasting about my achievements, as if I'm still experiencing the excitement of acquiring my first chain


It's such a wonderful thing, to see the end of all things
It's incredible and satisfying to witness the culmination of all my hard work and endeavors


Niggas and bitches, where you at?
I'm asking where all the people who doubted or didn't believe in me are now


I got my mind is on me
I'm focused on myself and my own success


A couple others and dreams, would've seen me
Only a few individuals and my dreams truly understood and believed in me


Me and my niggas in this bitch
Me and my close friends are making it in this industry


About two months in a week's time
Within a short period of two months, we accomplished what normally takes a week


Movin, feelin hellish to dolly with lemon, lime shine
We're making significant progress and achieving success, feeling both chaotic and glamorous at the same time


Now how the fuck can I chill now?
Considering the fast pace and excitement of my life, it's hard for me to relax


Kanye think I'm dope
Kanye West thinks highly of me and respects my talent


See this piece that I own now
Look at this expensive piece of jewelry I now possess


How sick is the rope?
The chain is so impressive and valuable


Taking life for what it is
I've learned to accept and embrace life as it is


The troublesome chick, who throws fists
I've encountered difficult situations and confrontations with influential women who are not afraid to fight


Sometimes it's the weather
Sometimes external factors or circumstances can cause challenges or difficulties


Things switch up, people trip up
Situations change, and people can make mistakes or stumble


The money come down, then climb up
Financial situations fluctuate, with money coming in and going out


But when it come again
But when success and wealth come around again


The most creepin', deceivin', men are scheme-schemin'
The most cunning and deceitful individuals are always looking for opportunities to exploit and take advantage


Saying that you love me, you surely do and if you don't
People claim to love me, but some of them are dishonest or insincere


Motherfuck that sometimes
Sometimes I couldn't care less about their false love or intentions


So dead it, shred it
I completely dismiss and discard their dishonesty and false promises


Young nigga lost to the night
I, as a young black man, have experienced difficult and challenging times


I'm so ready to let it go
I'm ready to move on and release all the negativity and challenges I've faced


My life is fucking awesome, I could be fuckin' dead right now
Despite the difficulties, I acknowledge that my life is incredibly great and I could have easily been killed


But I'm awesome
But I'm amazing and successful


So fuck whoever has a bad thought
I don't care about the opinions or negative thoughts of anyone who doubts or dislikes me


Don't know the god
They don't understand or recognize the greatness and talent I possess


Cause when I leave this bitch you all gon' wish you knew the god
When I die or leave this world, everyone will regret not recognizing my greatness and talent


It might be too late, but the song's will live on
Even if it's too late for people to appreciate me, my songs and legacy will continue to exist


Just know this fact, you were all wrong
Just understand and accept the fact that everyone who doubted or underestimated me was incorrect


Now watch me do my silly dance
Now observe me as I confidently and playfully dance


Not really a dance, more like a prance
Technically, it's not a dance but more of a lively and graceful movement


I'm signing off with a crotch grab
I'm playfully ending my performance with a gesture of grabbing my crotch


Thank you man, for letting me get on this record Sean
I express gratitude to the person who allowed me to be a part of this song, Sean (referring to the artist Big Sean)


You the coolest
I acknowledge and appreciate that Sean is a very cool person


G.O.O.D. music nigga forever
I will remain associated with G.O.O.D. Music, as it will always be a part of me


Understand?
Do you comprehend and grasp the meaning behind my words?


Yum
An expression used to signify satisfaction or enjoyment




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: ERNEST WILSON, SEAN ANDERSON, NASIR JONES, SCOTT RAMON SEGURO MESCUDI

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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