Tears of Joy
Cee Lo/Rick Ross Lyrics


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Smoking the best spliff in a brand new Benz
No I.D. on the track let the story begin, begin
Lookin' in the mirror but I don't see much
Staring in the streets so I don't sleep much
Watching the snakes so they don't creep up
But the way I'm gettin' dis money niggas cant keep up
You niggas can't keep up
Niggas got beef but it cant be much
I'm still walking through the crowds like I cant be touched
Top back all black Gretzky puck
Ice skater lil' later might let me fuck
Damn, she might let me fuck
Last night I cried tears of joy
What did I do to deserve this
Vacheron on my wrist a year ago
I didn't even know the bitches exist
Quarter milli for the muthafucka'
No insurance on a muthafucka'
Ain't life a bitch, but you gotta keep her wet
Keys open doors so I gotta keep a set
Everybody knows I'm a a lot of people's threats
Biggie smalls in the flesh livin' life after my death
Yesterday I read my horoscope
Tell me lord will I be poor and broke
Tell me lord will I be dealing dope
I wanna take my momma to the Poconos
But only lords knows

To all the love ones I leave behind
At least they can't see me cry
And I ask when someone wants to be me, why?
Thought having everything would ease my mind
If you could read my mind
My god, I'm scarred
I have tattooed tears of joy

Last night I cried tears of joy
What did I do to deserve this
Young rich muthafucka' still uneducated but dammit a nigga made it
God damn a nigga made it
Crib bigger than a church Lord know I'm blessed
Five different lawyers Lord know I'm stressed
A punch in the face get you 300 K
Ask Blair Knight he back makin' minimum wage
Another victim of my criminal ways
I wanna walk in the image of Christ
But that bitch Vivica nice
And I'm still swimming in ice
I'm just living my life
I'm just living my life
Lease a Lamborghini for your pussy rate
Life is just a pussy race
Snatch a bitch take her back to your place
Next mournin' I can tell you how the pussy taste
I got expensive taste

Goodbye
To all the love ones I leave behind
At least they cant see me cry
And I ask when someone wants to be me, why?
Thought having everything would ease my mind
If you could read my mind
My god I'm scarred
I have tattooed tears of joy

Last night I cried tears of joy
What did we do to deserve this
Not to dwell on the the past
But to keep it real I gotta represent for Emmitt Till
All the dead souls in the field
Lookin' at my Rolly it's about that time
White man got a problem wit' mine
And we suppose to be shy
The revolutions televised
Bobby still on the rise

Goodbye
To all the love ones I leave behind
At least they cant see me cry
And I ask when someone wants to be me, why?
Thought having everything would ease my mind
If you could read my mind




My god I'm scarred
I have tattooed tears of joy

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Cee Lo/Rick Ross's song Tears of Joy describe a life of luxury and success from the perspective of someone who has worked hard to attain it. The opening lines set the tone by describing the singer smoking a spliff in a brand new Benz, living life without much self-reflection. He is always on alert, watching out for snakes and getting cash, but is so comfortable in his surroundings that he feels untouchable.


In the chorus, he talks about crying tears of joy, a feeling that suggests while everything around him may be grand, there is still an undercurrent of pain and unhappiness that persists. The lyric "what did I do to deserve this" speaks to the idea that he may feel unworthy of his success or perhaps guilty about how he attained it.


The second half of the song starts to touch on some of those darker feelings. He mentions the victims of his "criminal ways" and how he wishes he could walk in the image of Christ. He touches on the idea that there is a constant war between him and the white man who has a problem with his success but is also aware of the importance of representing for his community.


Overall, the song presents an intriguing picture of someone who has achieved everything they set out to but is still struggling with deep-rooted issues that money and success can't solve.


Line by Line Meaning

Smoking the best spliff in a brand new Benz
Celebrating success and indulging in luxury with the finest quality cannabis.


No I.D. on the track let the story begin, begin
Starting a new chapter in life without any external influences, ready to tell his own story.


Lookin' in the mirror but I don't see much
Struggling with insecurities and a lack of self-worth despite external success.


Staring in the streets so I don't sleep much
Keeping a watchful eye on his surroundings to protect himself from potential dangers.


Watching the snakes so they don't creep up
Being wary of those who may try to harm or deceive him, constantly on the lookout for potential threats.


But the way I'm gettin' dis money niggas cant keep up
Achieving financial success at a rate that others can't match or compete with.


You niggas can't keep up
Further emphasizing the idea that others cannot match his level of financial success.


Niggas got beef but it cant be much
Acknowledging that there may be individuals who have a problem with him, but the severity of their issue is likely minor or insignificant.


I'm still walking through the crowds like I cant be touched
Confidently carrying himself in public, seemingly unbothered by any potential threats or negative energy.


Top back all black Gretzky puck
Describing the luxury car he's driving, with the top down and a hockey reference to emphasize his wealth and status.


Ice skater lil' later might let me fuck
Flirting with a woman who is presumably a talented ice skater, suggesting that he may engage in sexual activity with her later on.


Damn, she might let me fuck
Reiterating his previous statement and expressing anticipation and excitement for a potential sexual encounter.


Last night I cried tears of joy
Reflecting on a moment of intense emotion, likely sparked by a recent success or milestone.


What did I do to deserve this
Feeling grateful and somewhat surprised by his success and the blessings he has received in life.


Vacheron on my wrist a year ago
Describing a high-end watch brand that he now owns, highlighting his growth and accumulation of wealth over time.


I didn't even know the bitches exist
Continuing to emphasize his newfound wealth and the luxury items he has acquired, suggesting that he wasn't even aware of this type of product before.


Quarter milli for the muthafucka'
Referring to the cost of a luxury item that he has purchased, likely a car or piece of jewelry.


No insurance on a muthafucka'
Taking a risk by not insuring a high-value item, perhaps because he is confident in his ability to protect it.


Ain't life a bitch, but you gotta keep her wet
Acknowledging the difficulties and challenges of life, but suggesting that it is important to stay positive and motivated to succeed.


Keys open doors so I gotta keep a set
Referring to the power and influence that comes with success, and the need to continue building relationships and connections to maintain that power.


Everybody knows I'm a a lot of people's threats
Seemingly acknowledging that he has made enemies and that some people feel threatened by his success.


Biggie smalls in the flesh livin' life after my death
Comparing himself to another successful rapper who has passed away, suggesting that he is leaving a lasting legacy.


Yesterday I read my horoscope
Describing a personal habit or ritual, suggesting that he may be looking for guidance or reassurance about his future.


Tell me lord will I be poor and broke
Expressing fear and anxiety about losing his financial success or feared failure.


Tell me lord will I be dealing dope
Expressing fear of returning to criminal activity or desperate measures that were necessary for survival before attaining financial success.


I wanna take my momma to the Poconos
Expressing a desire to provide for his family and share experiences with them as a result of his success.


But only lords knows
Acknowledging the uncertainty and unpredictability of life, suggesting that some things are out of his control.


To all the love ones I leave behind
Addressing the people he cares about, particularly in case something were to happen to him.


At least they can't see me cry
Suggesting that he doesn't like to show vulnerability or weakness in front of others, particularly those he cares about.


And I ask when someone wants to be me, why?
Wondering why someone would want to be in his position or trade places with him, given the challenges and struggles he faces in life.


Thought having everything would ease my mind
Reflecting on the idea that material possessions and success do not always bring happiness or inner peace.


If you could read my mind
Appealing to someone who might be able to understand his thoughts and emotions, or read between the lines of his lyrics.


My god, I'm scarred
Admitting past trauma or difficulties that have left emotional scars.


I have tattooed tears of joy
Describing a tattoo that he has, which represents the intense emotions he has experienced throughout his life.


Young rich muthafucka' still uneducated but dammit a nigga made it
Proudly acknowledging his success despite potentially lacking formal education or higher learning.


God damn a nigga made it
Simply basking in the glory of his own success, proud of what he has achieved in life.


Crib bigger than a church Lord know I'm blessed
Describing the size and opulence of his home, juxtaposing it with the idea of a place of worship to emphasize his wealth and success.


Five different lawyers Lord know I'm stressed
Acknowledging the challenges and difficulties that come with achieving financial success and maintaining it, particularly the stress of legal situations and conflicts.


A punch in the face get you 300 K
Describing the high cost of physical conflicts that may result in legal settlements, highlighting that he has the resources to pay a large sum of money for protection.


Ask Blair Knight he back makin' minimum wage
Referring to an individual who used to be in a position of power, but is now struggling financially, emphasizing the fleeting nature of success and how it can be lost just as quickly as it is gained.


Another victim of my criminal ways
Acknowledging past actions or choices that have contributed to his financial success, perhaps admitting to past criminal activities.


I wanna walk in the image of Christ
Expressing a desire to live a morally upstanding life and emulate the values of Christianity.


But that bitch Vivica nice
Jokingly admitting his attraction to a celebrity (presumably Vivica A. Fox), highlighting his human desires and imperfections.


And I'm still swimming in ice
Referencing the expensive jewelry he has, perhaps suggesting that he is continuing to indulge in his luxuries despite his desire to live a virtuous life.


I'm just living my life
Simplifying his outlook on life, living in the moment and enjoying his success while it lasts.


Lease a Lamborghini for your pussy rate
Suggesting that he has the financial resources to lease luxury cars as a form of impressing or attracting women.


Life is just a pussy race
Reducing the complexities of life and the struggles of others to a simple competition for sexual prowess and satisfaction.


Snatch a bitch take her back to your place
Continuing to objectify women and reduce them to nothing more than sexual conquests.


Next mournin' I can tell you how the pussy taste
Bragging about sexual encounters and reducing women to nothing more than objects.


I got expensive taste
Reiterating his love for luxury items and the finer things in life, perhaps admitting that his attraction to material possessions is a part of his persona.


Not to dwell on the the past
Acknowledging the importance of moving on from past trauma or experiences, rather than getting stuck in them.


But to keep it real I gotta represent for Emmitt Till
Referencing a historical figure and representing for a cause or belief that he is passionate about.


All the dead souls in the field
Honoring and remembering the people who have suffered or died as a result of past injustices and systemic racism.


White man got a problem wit' mine
Acknowledging the existence of systemic racism and the challenges that come with being a person of color in America.


And we suppose to be shy
Questioning the expectations or stereotypes of black individuals in society, highlighting the need to challenge and subvert those expectations.


The revolutions televised
Recognizing the importance of social and political movements in the media, suggesting that visibility is key to creating real change.


Bobby still on the rise
Referencing a historical figure or event (perhaps Bobby Seale or the Black Panthers) and celebrating the progress that has been made in advancing social justice and civil rights.




Lyrics Β© Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, BMG Rights Management
Written by: WILLIAM ROBERTS, WILLIE HUTCH, ERNEST WILSON, THOMAS CALLAWAY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@niyonkurusaidi3591

Lyrics
Smoking the best spliff in a brand new Benz
No I.D. on the track let the story begin, begin
Lookin' in the mirror but I don't see much
Staring in the streets so I don't sleep much
Watching the snakes so they don't creep up
But the way I'm gettin' dis money niggas cant keep up
You niggas can't keep up
Niggas got beef but it cant be much
I'm still walking through the crowds like I cant be touched
Top back all black Gretzky puck
Ice skater lil' later might let me fuck
Damn, she might let me fuck
Last night I cried tears of joy
What did I do to deserve this
Vacheron on my wrist a year ago
I didn't even know the bitches exist
Quarter milli for the muthafucka'
No insurance on a muthafucka'
Ain't life a bitch, but you gotta keep her wet
Keys open doors so I gotta keep a set
Everybody knows I'm a a lot of people's threats
Biggie smalls in the flesh livin' life after my death
Yesterday I read my horoscope
Tell me lord will I be poor and broke
Tell me lord will I be dealing dope
I wanna take my momma to the Poconos
But only lords knows
To all the love ones I leave behind
At least they can't see me cry
And I ask when someone wants to be me, why?
Thought having everything would ease my mind
If you could read my mind
My god, I'm scarred
I have tattooed tears of joy
Last night I cried tears of joy
What did I do to deserve this
Young rich muthafucka' still uneducated but dammit a nigga made it
God damn a nigga made it
Crib bigger than a church Lord know I'm blessed
Five different lawyers Lord know I'm stressed
A punch in the face get you 300 K
Ask Blair Knight he back makin' minimum wage
Another victim of my criminal ways
I wanna walk in the image of Christ
But that bitch Vivica nice
And I'm still swimming in ice
I'm just living my life
I'm just living my life
Lease a Lamborghini for your pussy rate
Life is just a pussy race
Snatch a bitch take her back to your place
Next mournin' I can tell you how the pussy taste
I got expensive taste
Goodbye
To all the love ones I leave behind
At least they cant see me cry
And I ask when someone wants to be me, why?
Thought having everything would ease my mind
If you could read my mind
My god I'm scarred
I have tattooed tears of joy
Last night I cried tears of joy
What did we do to deserve this
Not to dwell on the the past
But to keep it real I gotta represent for Emmitt Till
All the dead souls in the field
Lookin' at my Rolly it's about that time
White man got a problem wit' mine
And we suppose to be shy
The revolutions televised
Bobby still on the rise
Goodbye
To all the love ones I leave behind
At least they cant see me cry
And I ask when someone wants to be me, why?
Thought having everything would ease my mind
If you could read my mind
My god I'm scarred
I have tattooed tears of joy



All comments from YouTube:

@Anthony-vq4se

Came out of a coma after 37 days and I only could play this song in my head over and over my first visitor I asked her to play this song on her phone and I broke down in tears no cap music for the soul

@santanogriffiths729

God bless you ❀❀

@josang9332

I bet all you heard was " no insurance on a mothafucka, what did i do to deserve this"

@humblekingreloaded9389

Bless ❀❀❀❀

@jaytherealest9120

God bless you

@StanMo18

I just added the song on my playlist

2 More Replies...

@erickwilliam6795

This song is everything, it's the struggle, it's the pain , it's the resilience, it's the victory, it's looking back and reminiscing, it's like a sunset after a long day of fighting, preparing to celebrate the night ...

@primetimepromise.

Played this after I graduated college and shed tears by myself cause of the journey to be one of the first in my family to do so.

@joshuatall3813

I played the shit out of this when my mother passed away, it gave me so much strength!! God bless Rick Ross and celo!!

@flyty7590

Salute

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