Guard Your Heart
Big Sean Lyrics

I'm broken in pieces, down to the soul
The singer is deeply hurt and has lost touch with their inner self.

I know the whole world can feel it
The singer's pain is palpable and affects everyone around them.

I know that they can see it (oh)
The singer's struggles are visible and cannot be ignored.

Oh, I hate to admit that I need you
The artist is ashamed to recognize their need for someone else's support and love.

You said that you would ride for me
The artist's companion promised to stand by them no matter what.

And I hear you, but right now
The singer acknowledges their companion's support but still feels alone.

I need to feel you right next to me
The singer longs for physical comfort and closeness with their companion.

'Cause this is all I got, prove that you got me
The artist feels vulnerable and needs reassurance that their companion will be there for them.

So if you say, "nigga", then I'ma say, "Is that a Ritz?" Mmm, ooh
The artist calls out the use of the N-word and suggests an alternative, playful response.

Fifty niggas deep (deep), hunnid niggas step
The artist is surrounded by a large group of people ready to defend themselves and their community.

Million Man March (mmm), cracker, don't you start (yeah)
The singer references a historical event and warns against racism and aggression towards their community.

Hold your head, guard your heart, hold your head (uh)
The artist advises others to be strong and protect their emotions in the face of adversity.

Nigga, get your bread, light your spark, strike your mark, life don't stop
The singer encourages others to pursue their goals and passions despite obstacles and distractions.

Conflicted in this free based world of give and take (take)
The singer is uncertain and distressed by the pressures of modern society where everything is a transaction.

'Cause I always rather give than to be the one sayin' thanks (whoa)
The singer prefers to be generous and kind without expecting anything in return.

Conflicted like bein' signed to Ye and managed by Jay
The artist is torn between loyalty to two influential figures in the music industry.

Conflicted like bein' cool with Pusha and Drake (damn)
The artist struggles with being friends with two artists who have a history of feuding with each other.

Conflicted like reppin' a city where I hardly stay (stay)
The singer feels conflicted about representing a city where they don't spend much time.

Hold your head (hold your head), guard your heart (guard your heart)
The singer repeats their advice to stay strong and protect one's emotions.

In my life, those were the hardest parts (yeah)
The artist reflects on their personal struggles and challenges.

So many dark times, I wish I caught a spark
The artist wishes they had found hope and inspiration during difficult times.

Or learned not seein' eye to eye could be fixed with a heart to heart (God)
The artist realizes that resolving conflicts often requires an honest and compassionate conversation.

So many lost, I feel lost, got me feelin' like a real nigga, Holocaust
The singer feels overwhelmed by the pain and loss in the world and compares it to a tragedy.

Life will eat you alive, we know how to be a meal
The artist acknowledges the harsh realities of life and the need to be strong and resilient.

Thought I was past my past, but let's be clear (clear)
The singer thought they had moved on from their traumatic experiences but realizes that it's not that simple.

Objects in the mirror are closer than they appear (swerve)
The singer uses a driving metaphor to suggest that past experiences still affect them and are not as distant as they seem.

Regrettin' everything in life is my only fear (my only fear)
The singer's biggest fear is looking back on their life with regret.

And you know what they say about not conquerin' fears (what?)
The artist references a common phrase about the importance of facing and overcoming fears.

If you don't, then they'll always be near
The artist warns that ignoring fears only allows them to persist.

As that reminder in your ear, shit that I ain't tryna hear (nah)
The singer acknowledges that reminders of one's fears can be unpleasant and unwanted.

Or mistake me bein' soft for speakin' from the heart
The singer is often misunderstood for being vulnerable and emotional when speaking sincerely.

I guess life hasn't taught you as much as you thought
The artist suggests that those who judge them for their emotions have yet to learn important lessons in life.

Instead of pickin' up yo missin' pieces, you pick me apart (God)
The artist is disappointed that others focus on criticizing them rather than addressing their own shortcomings.

Boy, hold your head but guard your heart
The artist repeats their advice to remain strong and protect one's emotions.

Got tired of white silence, so the riots started
The singer is frustrated by the lack of action and support from white people in response to systemic racism and inequality.

And the robbers robbed, you wylin' 'cause your product gone?
The artist questions why people are more upset about losing material possessions than human life.

We mad that Eric Garner, Breonna, Gianna father gone (yeah)
The singer references several victims of police brutality and mourns their loss.

A lot of trauma, we tired, exhausted
The singer acknowledges the emotional toll of systemic oppression on their community.

Ermias the prophet, said it'd be a marathon, look
The singer references Nipsey Hussle's wisdom about the long-term struggle for social justice.

Seen all my dawgs, shown me God was watchin' (whoa)
The artist finds comfort in their faith and the supportive people in their life.

Pandemic slowin' 'em down, they fastin', Ramadan
The artist references the challenges and opportunities for reflection during the COVID-19 pandemic and Ramadan.

White friends don't got us, I promise you, I block 'em (straight up)
The singer is disappointed by the lack of support from some of their white friends and decides to cut them off.

I'ma count my bread, I defied the odds
The singer plans to focus on their own success and achievements despite the obstacles they face.

And fuck the Saint quarterback, 'cause he ain't Saint Laurent
The artist dismisses the football player Drew Brees for his lack of understanding and support for the Black Lives Matter movement.

Boy, from here on out we on Peyer Moss
The artist pledges their allegiance to the fashion brand Peyer Moss, known for its social and political activism.

If we leave Reebok, we still bringin' pumps and all the broads
The artist promises to remain loyal to their own brand and values no matter where they go.

I motivate (I motivate), I don't divide (I don't divide)
The singer seeks to inspire and unite people rather than separate them.

The 45 a coward for practicin' otherwise
The artist criticizes the 45th president of the United States for his divisive and harmful policies.

A burnt nation, still it's under God
The singer acknowledges the current state of the country and emphasizes the importance of faith and unity.

Not gonna throw the towel in, I'm by my brother's side
The singer refuses to give up and remains committed to their community and allies.

Your niggas be your niggas when you level up
The singer suggests that some friends may only be loyal when it benefits them.

You see that yo niggas and brothers different when luck is up
The artist observes that people's true colors are revealed when they face success and prosperity.

So I trust nothin', this industry's somethin'
The artist is cautious and distrustful of the music industry and its motives.

My biggest rival is my mind protectin' my thoughts as well as my heart
The singer recognizes that their own thoughts and emotions can be their biggest obstacles on their journey to success and fulfillment.