The track first appeared on Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf’s Instagram Live on February 21, 2021. In the following days, on the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th, multiple snippets of the track were shared via file-sharing websites. Three days later, on the 27th, the song was leaked in its entirety.
The chorus uses lyrics from the previously leaked and unfinished track, “What a Time to be a Slime,” with Young Thug. This may indicate that “What’s Next” is the finished version of that track.
“What’s Next” debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 during the chart week of March 20, 2021. It is Drake’s eighth song to top the chart.
Along with “Wants and Needs” at #2 and “Lemon Pepper Freestyle” at #3 on the chart, Drake debuted all three tracks from Scary Hours 2 in the top three spots on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the first artist in history to accomplish this feat. He is the third artist in history to occupy all three spots simultaneously, joining Ariana Grande and The Beatles as the only acts to do so.
What’s Next
Drake Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ayy, ayy
Yeah
I'm makin' a change today
The liquor been takin' the pain away
I heard you was givin' your chain away
That's kinda like givin' your fame away
I sit in a box where the owners do
A boss is a role that I grown into
I love you to death but I told you the truth
I can't just be with you and only you
Yeah, I got one, Virgil got one and that there is the only two
Man, how many times have I shown improvement?
How many nights I been, whoa
Swervin' them potholes
Not tryna fuck up the wheels on the road, okay
Funny how life goes
He thought he was sick, now we wipin' his nose, okay
Soon as you give 'em your soul
You blow up and they say you're selling your soul, okay
They want my life exposed
They wanna know about the highs and lows
Well, summer, all I did was rest, okay?
And New Year's, all I did was stretch, okay?
And Valentine's Day, I had sex, okay?
We'll see what's 'bout to happen next
Okay? Okay? Okay?
We'll see what's 'bout to happen next
Okay? Okay? Okay?
We'll see what's 'bout to happen, ayy, ayy
We'll see what's 'bout to happen, ayy
We'll see what's 'bout to happen
I'm makin' a change today
The liquor been takin' the pain away
I heard you was givin' your chain away
That's kinda like givin' your fame away
What's wrong with you?
I sit in a box where the owners do
A boss is a role that I've grown into
I love you to death but I told you the truth
I-
Ayy, yeah
I got one, Lori bought one and that there is the only two
Man, how many times have I told you the truth?
Man, how many nights I been, whoa
Swervin' them potholes
Not tryna fuck up the wheels or fuck up the deals
I'm posted in Stockholm
It's me, the owls and the twins, it's only the real
I'm movin' way too humble
Weezy had handed it off, I still got no fumbles
I'm on the hot one hundo, numero uno
This one ain't come with a bundle
I'm in the Wynn, a million in chocolate chips
And that's just how my cookie crumble
I put a skirt on a whip and a crown on the six
But there's no need to dress up the numbers
Ayy, ayy, yeah
But I guess they must have they reasons
They wanna know how I'm livin' my day-to-day life in the regular season
Well, summer, all I did was rest, okay?
And New Year's, all I did was stretch, okay?
And Valentine's Day, I had sex, okay?
We'll see what's 'bout to happen next
Okay? Okay? Okay?
We'll see what's 'bout to happen next
Okay? Okay? Okay?
We'll see what's 'bout to happen, ayy, ayy
We'll see what's 'bout to happen, ayy
We'll see what's 'bout to happen
I'm makin' a change today
The liquor been takin' the pain away
I heard you was givin' your chain away
That's kinda like givin' your fame away
What's wrong with you?
I sit in a box where the owners do
A boss is a role that I've grown into
I love you to death but I told you the truth
I-
The lyrics to Drake's song "What's Next" are about his current state of mind and life as a successful rapper. This is emphasized in the opening verse, where he talks about making changes in his life and getting rid of negative vices like "liquor" that have been clouding his judgment. He also mentions that someone he knows is "giving away their chain," which represents their fame, and this is like "giving away their fame." This is a critique of people who give away their wealth and success, and the reasons why they may do this.
Throughout the song, Drake also emphasizes the challenges and pressures of fame, as he talks about how people are always wanting to know about his "day-to-day life in the regular season." He acknowledges his role as a "boss," and how he's grown into that position over time. The song ends with Drake reflecting on his past, present and future, saying that he's not sure what's going to happen next.
Overall, the song is about Drake's thoughts and feelings about his life as a famous rapper, and the challenges that come with fame. He reflects on his past, the present, and what may happen in the future, as he tries to navigate his way through the complex world of rap music.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm makin' a change today
I'm deciding to make a change in my life starting today
The liquor been takin' the pain away
I've been using alcohol as a coping mechanism for my pain
I heard you was givin' your chain away
I heard that you are giving away something valuable, which is like giving away your fame
That's kinda like givin' your fame away
Giving away something valuable is like giving away your reputation and status
What's wrong with you?
Why would you do something like that?
I sit in a box where the owners do
I'm in a position of power and influence, like the owners of a business
A boss is a role that I grown into
I've become a leader and boss through my hard work and success
I love you to death but I told you the truth
I care about you deeply, but I always speak honestly and frankly with you
I can't just be with you and only you
I can't commit to being in a relationship with only one person
Yeah, I got one, Virgil got one and that there is the only two
I and a designer named Virgil have something valuable that only the two of us have
Man, how many times have I shown improvement?
I've made progress numerous times in my life and career
How many nights I been, whoa
I've had many long and challenging nights
Swervin' them potholes
Avoiding obstacles and challenges in my life
Not tryna fuck up the wheels on the road, okay
I'm trying to avoid making any mistakes that could ruin my success
Funny how life goes
Life can be unpredictable and surprising
He thought he was sick, now we wipin' his nose, okay
Someone who thought they were in control is now in a less powerful position and needs help
Soon as you give 'em your soul
As soon as you become vulnerable and open up to someone
You blow up and they say you're selling your soul, okay
When you become successful, some people accuse you of sacrificing your values and integrity
They want my life exposed
People want to know all the details about my personal life
They wanna know about the highs and lows
People are interested in both my successes and failures
Well, summer, all I did was rest, okay?
During the summer, I took a break and focused on relaxing
And New Year's, all I did was stretch, okay?
On New Year's, I spent time working on my physical health and flexibility
And Valentine's Day, I had sex, okay?
On Valentine's Day, I had an intimate experience with someone
We'll see what's 'bout to happen next
I'm curious and excited to see what the future holds
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Aubrey Drake Graham, Jonathan Demario Priester, Maneesh Bidaye
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jaysontatum000
Hes not even trying at this point hes a certified hit maker
@itsjaize
I’m a rapper inspired by Drake, I’d appreciate y’all feedback 💙
@slaterz
fax
@tylermoeser9557
@Jp what?
@stefan_4508
That’s the problem, he not even trying at this point which is all good he still making hits but his artistry isn’t where it used to be
@dwnation3608
Playboi carti type beat 🔥🔥
@mikeyyy4021
Drake completed the storyline. He just doing side missions now
@kid-1551
He’s beat the game 5 times already he just playing for fun
@tictocmarchant4380
Damn son
@YT-CesarB
Drake on NG++x20