Listen
Dr. Lobster Lyrics


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Lend me your ear (listen)
Won't you listen?
Listen (listen)
Listen
Listen

Granddaddy was a hustla
On the dirt road
Him and his brother
Stayed sharper than a motherfucker
That nigga stayed on the corner
Stacy Adams never scuffed up (listen)
So that explains bout my daddy and me
I mean the apple don't fall too far from the tree
I was thirteen, mad as hell
Thinking why can't we live up in Beverly Hills (listen)
Wondered why all my homies in my hood were killed
Thinking why I got a 9 in my pocket for real? (listen)
It's gotta be a better life than this
I mean kids shouldn't have to go through this shit
I mean this is California, Land of the Free
But every city in America it's plain to see (listen)
Dawg, my people ain't getting they due
That's the reason why we do what we gotta do

Listen
This is for the homies in my hood
All the single mamas it's all good (listen)
All why'all soldiers on the front line
Doing what you got to do to get by (listen)
This is for the struggle it don't stop
This one's for Malcolm, Martin and Tupac (listen)
No matter how hard they try can't stop us
We still gon get by mother fucker
Listen

I ain't in love with the situation
But I'ma get by and I'ma get mine
And my mamas and my daddies and my whole line
Until ShaunShaun sitting on a gold mine (listen)
I'ma play my position get up in the middle
Sneak and attack this dog eat dog shit here
A whole lot of folks got to eat here
Grandmamma had 24 kids and that's real (listen)
Cause I plan to build a boys club or something
Where fathers can take their sons on weekends
Cause that's what they need
I don't want to see them in these streets
These sharks out here and they eating (listen)
I know I been gone for a minute but I'm back
Just to put the West Coast back on track
I gangsta represent it till the day that I die
And I didn't tell a lie
Still gon get by

Listen
This is for the homies in my hood
All the single mamas it's all good (listen)
All why'all soldiers on the front line
Doing what you got to do to get by (listen)
This is for the struggle it don't stop
This one's for Malcolm, Martin and Tupac (listen)
No matter how hard they try can't stop us
We still gon get by mother fucker
Listen

Baby girl I know you trying to do it by yourself
And ain't nobody there to help you
Seem like nobody cares
For beautiful you (listen)
For beautiful you
Baby boy trying to get up out the game now (so much pressure)
But damn it's so much pressure (so much pressure)
It ain't a penthouse in the sky
It's keeping on the lights
We just trying to get by

Listen
This is for the homies in my hood
All the single mamas it's all good (listen)
All why'all soldiers on the front line
Doing what you got to do to get by (listen)
This is for the struggle it don't stop
This one's for Malcolm, Martin and Tupac (listen)
No matter how hard they try can't stop us
We still gon get by mother fucker
Listen

Listen
This is for the homies in my hood
All the single mamas it's all good (listen)
All why'all soldiers on the front line
Doing what you got to do to get by (listen)
This is for the struggle it don't stop
This one's for Malcolm, Martin and Tupac (listen)
No matter how hard they try can't stop us
We still gon get by mother fucker
Listen

Listen
This is for the homies in my hood
All the single mamas it's all good (listen)
All why'all soldiers on the front line
Doing what you got to do to get by (listen)
This is for the struggle it don't stop
This one's for Malcolm, Martin and Tupac (listen)
No matter how hard they try can't stop us




We still gon get by mother fucker
Listen

Overall Meaning

Lobster's "Listen" is a powerful song that speaks to the struggles of growing up in the hood and the determination to get by despite adversity. The opening lyrics "Lend me your ear (listen)/Won't you listen?/Listen (listen)/Listen/Listen" are a plea to the listener to pay attention to the struggles of those in the hood who are often ignored and overlooked. The song then delves into Lobster's personal history, with references to his grandfather's hustling and him being frustrated with the hardships of growing up in the hood.


The chorus of the song is a rallying cry for the people in Lobster's community to keep pushing forward despite the obstacles they face. The lyrics "This is for the homies in my hood/All the single mamas it's all good/All y'all soldiers on the front line/Doing what you got to do to get by" are a tribute to the resilience and strength of those who are forced to navigate the harsh realities of the hood.


The song ultimately ends on a hopeful note, with Lobster expressing his desire to help build a better future for the next generation. The lyrics "Cause I plan to build a boys club or something/Where fathers can take their sons on weekends/Cause that's what they need/I don't want to see them in these streets" are a call to action for change and a reminder that together, people can make a difference.


Line by Line Meaning

Lend me your ear (listen)
Pay attention to what I'm about to say


Won't you listen?
I'm asking you to hear me out


Listen (listen)
Reiterating the importance of paying attention


Listen
Once again, urging the listener to listen with intent


Listen
Another plea to listen and not tune out


Granddaddy was a hustla
My grandfather was a hustler


On the dirt road
He did his business on a rough path


Him and his brother
He worked with his brother


Stayed sharper than a motherfucker
They were extremely astute and quick-witted


That nigga stayed on the corner
He was always out working on the street corner


Stacy Adams never scuffed up (listen)
Granddaddy always kept his shoes in pristine condition


So that explains bout my daddy and me
Their hustling lineage explains why I followed in their footsteps


I mean the apple don't fall too far from the tree
Children often inherit traits and habits from their parents


I was thirteen, mad as hell
At the age of thirteen, I was filled with anger


Thinking why can't we live up in Beverly Hills (listen)
I questioned why we couldn't live in a more affluent area


Wondered why all my homies in my hood were killed
I pondered why so many of my friends in my neighborhood died


Thinking why I got a 9 in my pocket for real? (listen)
I questioned why I had to carry such a dangerous weapon daily


It's gotta be a better life than this
I knew there had to be a more fulfilling life than the one I was living


I mean kids shouldn't have to go through this shit
Children shouldn't have to experience such a difficult and violent environment


I mean this is California, Land of the Free
Even living in the so-called 'Land of the Free,' we still faced hardships


But every city in America it's plain to see (listen)
It's evident that every city in America has its struggles


Dawg, my people ain't getting they due
My community is not receiving the recognition and support they deserve


That's the reason why we do what we gotta do
We have to take matters into our own hands and do what we must to survive


This is for the homies in my hood
This song is dedicated to my friends and neighbors in my community


All the single mamas it's all good (listen)
Empathy and support for the single mothers in my community


All why'all soldiers on the front line
Acknowledging the hard work and resilience of those fighting daily struggles


Doing what you got to do to get by (listen)
Respecting the efforts of those fighting daily battles just to make ends meet


This is for the struggle it don't stop
This is to recognize the perpetual struggle that many face daily


This one's for Malcolm, Martin and Tupac (listen)
Honoring the legacies of civil rights activists and musicians who spoke out against societal issues


No matter how hard they try can't stop us
Despite the efforts to stifle our progress, we will persist


We still gon get by mother fucker
We will continue to overcome the obstacles in our path


I ain't in love with the situation
I don't like the circumstances I find myself in


But I'ma get by and I'ma get mine
I will persevere and make the best of my situation


And my mamas and my daddies and my whole line
I'm doing it for my ancestors and my family


Until ShaunShaun sitting on a gold mine (listen)
Until my son is successful and comfortable


I'ma play my position get up in the middle
I will hold my own and make my way in the world


Sneak and attack this dog eat dog shit here
I will take an aggressive approach to succeeding in this cutthroat world


A whole lot of folks got to eat here
Many people are struggling to survive in this world


Grandmamma had 24 kids and that's real (listen)
My grandmother raised 24 kids on her own and that's a fact


Cause I plan to build a boys club or something
I want to give back to my community by creating a safe space for young men


Where fathers can take their sons on weekends
A place where fathers can spend quality time with their children


Cause that's what they need
Children need positive male role models in their lives


I don't want to see them in these streets
I want to help steer young people away from dangerous situations


These sharks out here and they eating (listen)
There are dangerous people out here who will take advantage of vulnerable individuals


I know I been gone for a minute but I'm back
I may have been away, but I'm still here and fighting for my community


Just to put the West Coast back on track
I want to make a positive impact on my community and my region


I gangsta represent it till the day that I die
I will always represent my community and my values


And I didn't tell a lie
Everything I'm saying is truthful


Baby girl I know you trying to do it by yourself
I understand you may be struggling and attempting to make it on your own


And ain't nobody there to help you
No one is there to support or assist you


Seem like nobody cares
It appears as though you are alone and unsupported


For beautiful you (listen)
I want you to know that I care and support you, even if no one else does


Baby boy trying to get up out the game now (so much pressure)
I understand you're attempting to leave a dangerous lifestyle behind, but it's not easy


But damn it's so much pressure (so much pressure)
The pressure to succeed and make a better life for oneself can be overwhelming


It ain't a penthouse in the sky
Success, for many, is not a grandiose and luxurious lifestyle


It's keeping on the lights
Success is simply having the ability to afford basic necessities




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Ronald Eldon Sexsmith, Don Kerr

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Dustin Trombly

Snapped on this one

QUIETUS

💓💓💓💓

Very Cool

listening

No!Zy

Hornstep

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