In 2018, he released his third studio album, Some Rap Songs, which was his last album with Columbia; following it up with the EP Feet of Clay in 2019 on Warner Records. His latest album, Sick!, was released in 2022, also on Warner Records.
Sirius Blac
Earl Sweatshirt Lyrics
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Photocopies of my shit hittin' the net, niggas is ass
I nicked my hand on a backboard glass, shattered it like Shaq
Shakey as Shaq down, don't get smacked out here tryna act wild
Runnin' with wolves like Karl Towns
Used to be on bullshit, bugged out
And the drink was duller than shark feelings
Six feet underneath the sun chillin', crispy
I'm not gon' be your burn victim
I roll weed slow, I learn quickly
It's cyclical that's for certain
The sickness this type of motion bring
Windows open, I know this breeze
Lucifer son of the morning
I'll let you talk yo self to sleep
These niggas scared of morals
I just went pro for the Justice League
I love this team, I'm focused
Fuck police and the 'Rona, only weed and yoga
Shorty save me the peace I was wantin'
Loose change rattlin' in my pocket
Threw it back to the block where I found it, uh
Two faces, deceit in the swamp
Talk out the side of your mouth like Harv' Dent
It's only gon' get niggas parked, bitch
It's only big fish in the pond
Jump in, no risk, no reward
No joke, serious as stars
This the one I remember when I'm lost
In my thoughts thinkin' too hard
Been gone a few winters too long
Couldn't miss this one, uh, yeah
It's only big fish in the pond
Jump in, no risk, no reward
No joke, serious as stars
This the one I remember when I'm lost
In my thoughts thinkin' too hard
Been gone a few winters too long
But, couldn't miss this one, uh
Yo, your story you changed like mad times
How many fuckin' (?)
I said between three and seven, baby, come on
Yo man, I told you this was my mans right here, I'm sorry
I brought him in here
You a young kid, you in the schools right now so you know about the new drugs
Nah, listen, listen, you don't need no E. Coli, yo
In the first verse, Earl Sweatshirt starts by referencing Roc Marciano, who has advised him that the fame and success he is experiencing won't last, so he should enjoy it while he can. He mentions that his music is being illegally shared on the internet, and expresses his disappointment in the quality of some rappers in the industry. Earl then shares a personal experience of injuring his hand on a backboard glass, comparing it to former basketball player Shaquille O'Neal breaking backboards. He warns people not to act wild and get smacked for their reckless behavior. The mention of running with wolves like Karl Towns suggests that he has surrounded himself with dangerous and unpredictable individuals in the past. Reflecting on his past behavior, Earl admits that he used to engage in foolishness and drug abuse. He also mentions that his life used to lack excitement, comparing it to a dull drink.
Earl then reflects on the cyclical nature of life and the constant motion it brings. He opens the windows, allowing a breeze to enter, perhaps symbolizing a fresh perspective. He references Lucifer, the rebellious angel from Christian mythology. By stating "I'll let you talk yo self to sleep," Earl suggests that he won't engage in meaningless arguments or conflicts. He notes that some people are scared of having morals, but he has joined the Justice League, implying that he has aligned himself with those who fight for justice. He expresses his love and dedication to his team, emphasizing his focus amidst the chaos. Earl rejects authority figures like the police and the coronavirus pandemic, choosing instead to find solace in weed and yoga. He asks someone close to him to provide peace, acknowledging that he was searching for it. He mentions finding loose change and returning it to where he found it, suggesting a desire to maintain balance in his life.
In the chorus, Earl emphasizes the need to take risks in order to reap rewards. He compares himself to a big fish in a pond, implying that he is a dominant force in his field. He acknowledges the seriousness of his music and the impact it has on him. He sees this particular song as one that will resonate with him during challenging times. Earl reflects on being absent for a long time and mentions the significance of not missing out on this moment.
In the second verse, Earl engages in a conversation with someone, possibly a friend or a romantic interest. They discuss a story that has changed multiple times, indicating a lack of consistency or honesty. He mentions that the person has been involved with three to seven other people romantically. Earl tries to downplay the situation by jokingly saying that the person doesn't need "E. Coli," perhaps suggesting that engaging in unhealthy relationships isn't necessary. The conversation ends abruptly when someone else interjects, apologizing for bringing Earl into the situation. This suggests that the conversation took an unexpected turn, possibly causing discomfort or tension.
Line by Line Meaning
Roc Marciano told you it don't last, get you a snack
Roc Marciano warned you that fame doesn't last, so you should grab a snack and be prepared for the downfall.
Photocopies of my shit hittin' the net, niggas is ass
Unauthorized copies of my work spreading online, exposing these inferior artists.
I nicked my hand on a backboard glass, shattered it like Shaq
I injured my hand on a basketball hoop, breaking it forcefully like Shaquille O'Neal.
Shakey as Shaq down, don't get smacked out here tryna act wild
Don't imitate Shaq's aggressive behavior, or else you'll face the consequences.
Runnin' with wolves like Karl Towns
Associating myself with dangerous individuals, similar to how Karl Towns plays alongside aggressive teammates.
Used to be on bullshit, bugged out
I used to engage in reckless behavior and be mentally unstable.
And the drink was duller than shark feelings
The alcohol I consumed was unexciting, lacking the intensity of shark's emotions.
Six feet underneath the sun chillin', crispy
Relaxing peacefully beneath the scorching sun, buried six feet below the ground.
When everything turn tricky, miss me
When situations become complicated, I prefer not to be involved or affected.
I'm not gon' be your burn victim
I refuse to allow myself to be harmed or taken advantage of.
I roll weed slow, I learn quickly
I take my time when rolling marijuana, but I quickly pick up on new things.
It's cyclical that's for certain
Life follows a repeating pattern, and that's definitely true.
The sickness this type of motion bring
The negative consequences that come with this lifestyle and constant movement.
Windows open, I know this breeze
With my windows open, I can feel the refreshing breeze.
Lucifer son of the morning
A reference to Lucifer, a fallen angel associated with darkness and rebellion.
I'll let you talk yo self to sleep
I'll allow you to exhaust yourself with meaningless conversation until you fall asleep.
These niggas scared of morals
These individuals are frightened by the concept of having moral values.
I just went pro for the Justice League
I've attained a high level of skill and joined forces with a powerful group, like becoming a professional athlete for the Justice League.
I love this team, I'm focused
I have a deep affection for this team and I'm fully dedicated to my objectives.
Fuck police and the 'Rona, only weed and yoga
I have no regard for law enforcement or the COVID-19 pandemic, my only focus is on cannabis and practicing yoga.
Shorty save me the peace I was wantin'
The woman I'm with brings me the peace and tranquility I desire.
Loose change rattlin' in my pocket
I have some spare change making noise in my pocket.
Threw it back to the block where I found it, uh
I returned the money to the neighborhood where I first obtained it.
Two faces, deceit in the swamp
There are deceitful individuals with dual personalities lurking in this murky environment.
Talk out the side of your mouth like Harv' Dent
Speaking dishonestly or deceptively, similar to the character Harvey Dent from Batman.
It's only gon' get niggas parked, bitch
Engaging in such behavior will ultimately lead to dangerous consequences.
It's only big fish in the pond
In this competitive environment, only the most influential and powerful individuals thrive.
Jump in, no risk, no reward
To achieve success, you must take bold actions without fearing the potential consequences.
No joke, serious as stars
This is not a matter to be taken lightly, it's as serious as the stars in the sky.
This the one I remember when I'm lost
This particular experience or moment is the one I recall and seek guidance from when I feel lost.
In my thoughts thinkin' too hard
Deep in my thoughts, I tend to overanalyze and overthink things.
Been gone a few winters too long
I've been absent or disconnected for an extended period of time.
Couldn't miss this one, uh, yeah
This moment is too significant or valuable to be ignored or overlooked.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Daniel Alan Maman, Thebe Kgositsile
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@rellfields7457
I keep replaying this track. So dope. Earl was floating on this beat 🔥
@yslcologneconnoisseur7473
This beat so damn clean! 🔥🔥🔥
@claysoggyfries
Best song ever. Waited a couple years for it
@menzisaclown
Fr
@AMUN_M4P
been waiting for this song for about 3 years now, thank you earl...
@silfrido1768
On god
@celestial1325
Been jamming to the live version for so long I’m so happy this is out
@dbdjakobi764
Best on the album in my opinion I love it.🔥🔥🔥🔥
@mandlamashinini2701
it's like being at the library reading a good book
@CheddaBdaPTV
“I roll weed slow and I learn quickly” 💯