THE GAME
Common Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

It's only right that I address this
Gotta be in it to win it
I never come lame type killing in the game
I get busy
It's only right that I address this
Gotta be in it to win it
I never come lame type killing in the game
Hot music

Raised by game
Where niggas ain't fazed by fame
Come to the crib, get banged, they take your chain
Stay in your lane
Brokeback ain't the way of the game
My brainstorm is like I stay in the ring
My favorite was Kane, now I'm dope with weight in the game
You was hot but can't stay in the flame
Ghetto pain and windows crack
The fist is like a symbol for black
Can tell the real by how the real interact
In the middle of wack my soul stick to a track
Kickback records get kicked to the back
I want big cribs and my man Ronnie to get his
Child in a good school and know what her gift is
It's global warming, the world is shifting
Watching Sweet Sixteen, Bitchin-ass rich kids
You don't know it like you gotta go the distance
Whether yoga or doja, we all get lifted in the Game

It's only right that I address this
Gotta be in it to win it
I never come lame type killing in the game
I get busy
It's only right that I address this
Gotta be in it to win it
I never come lame type killing in the game
Hot music

I never kissed that ass of the masses
I'm the black molasses
Thick and I lasted
Pass these rat bastards
They try to box me in like Cassius Clay
Hey I'm like Muhammad when he fasted
Opposing the fascist
Make cuts and got gashes, scratches over third eyelashes
Punchlines are like jab pits to rappers
Whose careers now ashes
It's too many slashes in their name
Came in the game, these gun-clappers
From weak lines to clothing lines to an actress
I seen them dashing smash hits
I yell run nigga run
While I cook up classics
The weak hearted, become Babylon puppets
Making it hard for real hustlers
Touch the sky now and then, with a lady friend
Give thanks to the most that's how the day begins in the game.

It's only right that I address this
Gotta be in it to win it
I never come lame type killing in the game
I get busy
It's only right that I address this
Gotta be in it to win it
I never come lame type killing in the game
Hot music

I just wanna be like Akeelah, an achiever
From the streets of the Chi where some get high for leisure
Selling weed out of cleaners
From rocks to barber shops and beamers
Chicks with blond weaves and strong legs like Serena
The demeanor of the Ghetto, to never stay settled
Aldermen and corrupt men play Pharaoh
Good bring business to the hood like heralds
Five year olds walking by themselves in the street
The young die of cancer
I stop eating meat
Greet the gods on 87th street like peace
Even though it's war to G, got em facing the east
The game ain't tasting as sweet
Cats flow is still, and his compliance with beats
My radio station is deep, so F em
Progression, counting paper and blessings in the game

It's only right that I address this
Gotta be in it to win it
I never come lame type killing in the game
I get busy
It's only right that I address this
Gotta be in it to win it




I never come lame type killing in the game
Hot music

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Common's song The Game explore his experiences and observations of the music industry and the wider world. He discusses the importance of being authentic and dedicated in the game to succeed, and not just chasing fame for the sake of it. He also touches on the struggles and injustices faced by black people, particularly in his hometown of Chicago.


The opening lines of the song set the tone for Common's message. He declares that he "never come lame type killing in the game" and that "it's only right that I address this." He emphasizes that to be successful in the game, one must be committed and genuine. Common draws on his upbringing in the game, where he witnessed the dangers of fame and the importance of staying true to oneself.


Throughout the song, Common highlights the challenges faced by black people in America. He mentions ghetto pain, the symbolism of the raised fist, corrupt politicians, and the immense wealth gap. Common paints a picture of a broken system that works against black people, and he advocates for progress and unity. The concluding lines reaffirm the importance of gratitude and blessings, reminding listeners to appreciate what they have.


Overall, The Game is a powerful message from Common, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, dedication, and social justice.


Line by Line Meaning

It's only right that I address this
Acknowledging the importance of speaking up about something.


Gotta be in it to win it
To succeed, one must be actively engaged in something.


I never come lame type killing in the game
I always bring my best to succeed in this industry.


I get busy
I work hard and make moves to succeed in this industry.


Raised by game
Growing up in an environment where succeeding in the industry is the norm.


Where niggas ain't fazed by fame
Growing up around people who are unfazed by fame and still remain true to themselves.


Come to the crib, get banged, they take your chain
In this industry, people will go to great lengths to take what you have.


Stay in your lane
To succeed, it is important to stay focused on one's own goals and not worry about the competition.


Brokeback ain't the way of the game
To succeed in the industry, one must be strong and tough, not weak and easily swayed.


My brainstorm is like I stay in the ring
My ideas are strong and competitive, like a fighter in the ring.


My favorite was Kane, now I'm dope with weight in the game
I've been influenced by one of the greats in the industry, and now I have proven myself and hold weight in the game.


You was hot but can't stay in the flame
Others have tried to be successful in this industry, but they couldn't handle the pressure and eventually fell off.


Ghetto pain and windows crack
Growing up in the hood, there is both physical and emotional pain, and even the windows are cracked.


The fist is like a symbol for black
The fist is a strong symbol of black pride and resistance in the face of oppression.


Can tell the real by how the real interact
One can tell who is true to themselves and who is fake based on how they interact with others.


In the middle of wack my soul stick to a track
Even when surrounded by mediocre work, I stay true to my passion and keep producing quality content.


Kickback records get kicked to the back
Labels and artists who are not truly committed to the industry get left behind.


I want big cribs and my man Ronnie to get his
I have financial goals for myself and want to ensure my friend also succeeds in the industry.


Child in a good school and know what her gift is
I want to provide a good education and opportunity for my child to discover and develop their talents.


It's global warming, the world is shifting
The world is changing rapidly, and it is important to keep up and adapt in order to succeed in the industry.


Watching Sweet Sixteen, Bitchin-ass rich kids
Observing the extravagance of wealthy youth on MTV's Sweet Sixteen.


You don't know it like you gotta go the distance
To truly understand the struggle and determination required to succeed in this industry, you have to experience it yourself and go the distance.


Whether yoga or doja, we all get lifted in the Game
People may use different methods to deal with the pressures of the industry, but ultimately we are all trying to succeed and improve our position.


I never kissed that ass of the masses
I don't compromise my integrity or values in order to appeal to the mainstream or popular opinion.


I'm the black molasses
I am thick and strong, like black molasses.


Thick and I lasted
Despite the challenges and obstacles in my path, I have remained strong and continued to thrive.


Pass these rat bastards
I am superior to those who are disingenuous or fake and will surpass them.


They try to box me in like Cassius Clay
Others try to limit my potential and put me in a narrow category, like how Cassius Clay was initially seen as only a boxer.


Hey I'm like Muhammad when he fasted
Like how Muhammad fasted to prove his strength and dedication, I am dedicated to my craft and won't let others limit me.


Opposing the fascist
I am fighting against those who are trying to restrict or control me in the industry.


Make cuts and got gashes, scratches over third eyelashes
I have been wounded in this industry, both physically and emotionally, but I still fight and persevere.


Punchlines are like jab pits to rappers
My lyrics are sharp and powerful, like a boxer's jabs, and can easily take down other rappers.


Whose careers now ashes
Those who were once successful in this industry are now gone and forgotten.


It's too many slashes in their name
Other artists may have too many collaborations or features in their work, diluting their individual talent and identity.


Came in the game, these gun-clappers
Many people who enter the industry are focused on violence and aggression, like gun-clappers.


From weak lines to clothing lines to an actress
Some people who are not truly talented or committed to the industry try to diversify and expand their brand, from rap to fashion to acting.


I seen them dashing smash hits
I have seen people succeed quickly and easily in this industry with little real talent or hard work.


I yell run nigga run
It is important to stay ahead of the competition and continue to work and improve.


While I cook up classics
Meanwhile, I am focused on creating timeless, classic music that will stand the test of time.


The weak hearted, become Babylon puppets
Those who are not truly dedicated to their craft or who compromise their integrity become pawns of the industry system.


Making it hard for real hustlers
These fake artists and weak players make it more challenging for those who are truly committed and hardworking in the industry.


Touch the sky now and then, with a lady friend
I occasionally indulge in the luxuries and pleasures that come with success in the industry.


Give thanks to the most that's how the day begins in the game.
I am grateful for my success and start each day with gratitude and humility.




Lyrics Β© Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: SOUL EKOS, LONNIE RASHID LYNN, KANYE WEST

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

@amanialex8235

That second verse 2:04 has to go down as one of the dopest set of words stringed together to constitute a poetic verse. Period!!!

I never kissed that ass of the masses
I'm the black molasses
Thick and I lasted
Pass these rat bastards
They try to box me in like Cassius Clay
Hey I'm like Muhammad when he fasted
Opposing the fascist
Make cuts and got gashes, scratches over third eyelashes
Punchlines are like jab pits to rappers
Whose careers now ashes
It's too many slashes in their name
Came in the game, these gun-clappers
From weak lines to clothing lines to an actress
I seen them dashing smash hits
I yell run nigga run
While I cook up classics
The weak hearted, become Babylon puppets
Making it hard for real hustlers
Touch the sky now and then, with a lady friend
Give thanks to the most that's how the day begins in the game.



All comments from YouTube:

@krimzee

"raised by game, where brothers aint phased by fame" <--definition of what a true hip hop artist is: keeping it real...

@mistajones7814

Speak!!! This is Greatness!!πŸ‘‘πŸ‘‘πŸ‘‘πŸ‘‘πŸ‘‘

@georgewalker9371

aaaaaaaaaaaaaAAa3e!

@georgewalker9371

0store

@georgewalker9371

0store

@clayton9136

This deserves all the likes.

I hope you're doing well. 11 years on.

2 More Replies...

@idubtheejado

Bars. My man Common has consistently stayed nice with the lines. In my book, he remains one of the greatest MCs to have ever rapped, period.

@amanialex8235

That second verse 2:04 has to go down as one of the dopest set of words stringed together to constitute a poetic verse. Period!!!

I never kissed that ass of the masses
I'm the black molasses
Thick and I lasted
Pass these rat bastards
They try to box me in like Cassius Clay
Hey I'm like Muhammad when he fasted
Opposing the fascist
Make cuts and got gashes, scratches over third eyelashes
Punchlines are like jab pits to rappers
Whose careers now ashes
It's too many slashes in their name
Came in the game, these gun-clappers
From weak lines to clothing lines to an actress
I seen them dashing smash hits
I yell run nigga run
While I cook up classics
The weak hearted, become Babylon puppets
Making it hard for real hustlers
Touch the sky now and then, with a lady friend
Give thanks to the most that's how the day begins in the game.

@aquaflow1264

Yea not bad until u compare it to some recent
BLACK THOUGHT
or ILL CONSCIOUS/EMINEM

@DaRealNaga

@Aqua Flow lmao Eminem

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