temporary
Eddie Murphy Lyrics


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Hey what ya gonna do?
After all the lies they told ya
Damn near everything they told you
Got to free your mind, open up your eyes
Yea!

Ain’t no angels no shoulders
The Pope ain't much and the devil’s just a lie
And even with your clout and money
When the Reaper comes we will kiss your ass goodbye
Yes we will

It’s temporary
Everything is only temporary
But God (God)
God is everlasting yeah!
It’s temporary
You and me are only temporary (Everlasting, yea)

It’s so much bigger than yourself
And you ain’t but a tiny tick of time
And those certificates for prestigious graduations
On your wall
When your time is up
Won't buy an ounce of time
Write your will

It’s temporary
You and me are only temporary
But God (God)
God is everlasting!
It’s temporary
Everything is only temporary (Everlasting, yea)

So all your good connections
It’s temporary
And all the bill collectors
It’s temporary
Ain’t no angels on no shoulders
It’s temporary
The Pope ain't much and the devil’s just a lie
It’s temporary
Said the Pope ain't much and the devil’s just a lie




It’s temporary
A Pope ain't much and the devil’s just a lie

Overall Meaning

In "Temporary," Eddie Murphy is calling on listeners to free their minds from the lies they've been told by society. He encourages them to open up their eyes and recognize that everything in life is only temporary, including themselves. He emphasizes this point by stating that even with clout and money, when the Reaper comes, we will all meet the same fate. Despite this, he highlights that God is everlasting and encourages listeners to see the bigger picture beyond themselves.


The lyrics speak to the fleeting nature of life and the importance of recognizing that our time on earth is limited. It suggests that we should focus on what's truly important and lasting, rather than temporary, like material possessions or societal status. Murphy urges listeners to live in the present moment and not to solely focus on the future.


Line by Line Meaning

Hey what ya gonna do?
What actions will you take?


After all the lies they told ya
Despite the multitude of falsehoods you were told


Damn near everything they told you
Most, if not all, of what you were told


Got to free your mind, open up your eyes
You must release your preconceptions and expand your perspective


Yea!
Expressing agreement or excitement


Ain’t no angels no shoulders
There are no divine beings to guide you


The Pope ain't much and the devil’s just a lie
Neither religious figures nor the concept of evil are truly significant


And even with your clout and money
Even with your influence and wealth


When the Reaper comes we will kiss your ass goodbye
Your mortality is inevitable, despite any other advantages


Yes we will
Affirming the previous statement


It’s temporary
All aspects of life are fleeting and impermanent


Everything is only temporary
Nothing lasts forever


But God (God)
The only true eternal entity


God is everlasting yeah!
A declaration of God's infinite nature


You and me are only temporary (Everlasting, yea)
Humans, like everything else, are transient, but God is eternal


It’s so much bigger than yourself
Life is far greater and more significant than any one individual


And you ain’t but a tiny tick of time
You are only a small part of the larger picture of existence


And those certificates for prestigious graduations
Even accolades received during your lifetime


On your wall
Displayed in your home


When your time is up
At the end of your life


Won't buy an ounce of time
Will not extend your life by any amount


Write your will
Prepare a legal document detailing how your possessions will be distributed after your death


So all your good connections
All your friends and acquaintances who might be beneficial


And all the bill collectors
Creditors attempting to collect payment from you


Said the Pope ain't much and the devil’s just a lie
Reiterating the insignificance of religious and spiritual concepts




Lyrics © EMI Music Publishing
Written by: Eddie Murphy, Edward Regan Murphy

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Tamika Dunning

Great message and sound Eddie! Really good. Things can definitely change in a matter of seconds.

DWArgenti

Just discovered this. I can’t stop listening. Thank you Mr. Murphy. Your song has made my night better.

Lady Yankee Rebel

Wow....I had no idea Eddie was singing anything since party all the time....it makes total sense....
this song is hitting all my feels man. God is everlasting....no truer words!

Dangerous The Dreamcatcher

I am feeling the positive messages Eddie! Keep em coming sir!!!

VOODOO Chile

Now that's an uplifting song with a deep message......"we're temporary on this
Earth " prepare!!👍

Luis Rosario

Good song . Keep up the great work Eddie .

Garrett C

Beautiful song Eddie, thanks!

Echo³d EnerGee

So blessed to have grown up knowing who you were and now being able to show my own children your movies your music. Thankyou 🥰Love&Light xoxooz

Full Body Wisdom with Blanche Haley

I’m gonna cover this. I love it! Thank you Eddie!

googie

Great message. The most underrated entertainer in history.

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