It was around age 12 w… Read Full Bio ↴IT’S A FLY WORLD—AND WE’RE FLYING FIRST CLASS
It was around age 12 when Eighty4 Fly, aka Devon Taylor, started making music. He followed the example of a handful of brothers and cousins who rapped recreationally, but in reality music has been near omnipresent since his early childhood. With grandparents singing in the church, a vocalist sister and a cousin, NoClue, who holds the Guinness Record as the fastest rapper in the world, it’s arguable that musical talent runs in the family—Eighty4 Fly just picked it up.
Eighty4 Fly was born and raised in Seattle, from his early days in the south end’s Rainier Vista to formative years in the north end that followed a move with his mother at age 9. He started out recording from one tape deck to another, then upgraded to so-called studios in friends basements. The first time he ever got in a real studio, the budding emcee was 16 years old and ended up in a booth with West Coast producer Funk Daddy (Sir Mix-a-Lot, E-40).
But after putting out a single short project, Eighty4 Fly was incarcerated and spent 2002-2005 behind bars. He doesn’t advertise that fact, nor use it as a claim to some sort of gangsta street cred; instead, it was a chance for a hardheaded kid to read, soul search and reinvent himself. As counterintuitive as it might sound, the experience was a good one. Instead of choosing to come out the same person, he took the time reflect and learn as much as he possibly could.
After his release, real life superseded rap life; music wasn’t, and couldn’t be, the focal point of his life anymore, and though he continued rapping (then under stage name SK) the art was pushed to a back burner.
But recently, quickly, that all changed. In April, he again changed his stage name to Eighty4 Fly and traveled to Las Vegas to film what would become his breakthrough music videos, “So Cool” and “Like Planes,” with prolific Seattle expat Jon Augustavo. He followed those with an eight-track freeEP titled The Eighty4 Fly Project, culled from more than 20 songs he originally slotted for his debut full length, and a mixtape hosted by KUBE’s DJ B-Mello, 1st Class ’N Flyworld, is due out in the near future. The forthcoming debut full length No Flight Home is scheduled for a release in early 2011.
Listening to everything from The Fray to Crystal Castles, Eighty4 Fly doesn’t look to typical hip-hop influences. But then again, he isn’t about to be tied down by the term “rapper.” He’s an artist, a rock star trapped in a hip-hop artist’s body, one who appreciates the freedom of electronica and focuses on his songs’ construction before all else. Eighty4 Fly doesn’t have one distinct sound, and if he can help it never will; somehow, he evades limiting categorizations while striking a cohesive balance.
Just like every other emcee in Seattle, Eighty4 Fly is aiming to become the flagship of Seattle’s hip-hop renaissance. But unlike most of his townsfolk, he isn’t just making music for Seattle—it’s for everybody. There’s nothing local about what he’s doing.
Gold
Eighty4 Fly Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Posted on the porch just chillin', me and my people
Eyelids closed, gold sun shines on
The world's coated in the gold Krylon
Yea, and these days days days
They never run away
Gold tints, shades, that block out that golden haze
Take all the gold from the pawnshop that lives behind the case
My gold erupted from volcano's in the heavens
And every shrine that existed in time melting
Tombs open, Dookie Ropes on the bells
When everything is gold, who cares about the carats?
They say that gold's the skin of the gods
You can't take the band there when you're gone
Now I'll tip over that kiosk in the mall
As the sunset falls into tomorrow
Today we're feeling like gold, five hundred thousand sold
Slick Rick Gold, row fun, hella cold
And we stay fresh, so fresh head to toe
Ghost slowly faded, 14 carat plated
So we're feeling like gold
Five hundred thousand soul
Slick rick gold, row fun, hella cold
Yea we're feeling like gold
So fresh head to toe
Ghost slowly faded, 14 carat plated
So we're feeling like gold
Alright now we open up that car door
Hop out, hope they notice us
Throughout society we been locked in that cobra clutch
More gold bottles, gold bottles, never sober up
Ditch Jesus, In gold I Trust
I solemnly swear to wear my cross and stunt
Separate myself by sticking out just because
That's how you illustrate power and who you're above
But nah, tonight we take it, take it, giving it back
Crack open the vault, let everyone mob in the bank
Take whatever they want, we party and give thanks
I've been rocking gold chains since pee was in the tank
You only live once, you only live once
Watch Rick Ross give his Jesus piece to a bum
'Cause tonight we ball, we ball, we comin' up
Paintin' the globe gold, two steppin' on the sun
Like gold, five hundred thousand sold
Slick Rick Gold, row fun, hella cold
And we stay fresh, so fresh head to toe
Ghost slowly faded, 14 carat plated
So we're feeling like gold
Oh, oh, oh, oh oh
Today we're feeling like gold
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Gold coins, gold phone, gold car
Costs at least 10 racks to get 16 gold bars
Gold rush, suck on my gold dust stuntin'
Under these gold trunks, that's 2 golden nugget
Flyin' on the gold eagle, flier than the rest of 'em
Passing space needle, golden shower on pedestrians
Excuse me, that's my bad, that's my eagle and he shouldn't of
My eagle got hair, that motherfucker got a mullet bruh
And it's gold, two girls gold brass
Lounging on the water, feet in the gold sand
Sipping on Orangina, arms around them both pants
They're sipping Olde English right out of a gold can
Two girls, gold spandex so pretty
That girl ain't even gold, she just got golden girl titties
I'm kidding, everyone is gold in my city
You paint Betty White gold, even Betty White can get it
Get it, get it, get it, get it
Today we're feeling like gold, five hundred thousand sold
Slick Rick Gold, row fun, hella cold
And we stay fresh, so fresh head to toe
Ghost slowly faded, 14 carat plated
So we're feeling like gold
Five hundred thousand sold
Slick Rick Gold, row fun, hella cold
And we stay fresh, so fresh head to toe
Ghost slowly faded, 14 carat plated
So we're feeling like gold
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
So we're feeling like gold
Oh, oh, oh, oh,
Oh, oh, oh, oh,
Oh, oh, oh, oh,
Oh, oh, oh, oh,
Oh, oh, oh, oh,
The song "Gold" by Eighty4 Fly is all about feeling rich and extravagant, as though everything in life is gold. The opening lines "Everything is gold, everything is equal" set the tone for the rest of the song. The singer describes feeling relaxed and at ease, surrounded by the shining sun and a world coated in gold Krylon. As the song progresses, the singer encourages listeners to throw caution to the wind and live life with abandon. He speaks of giving away possessions, taking whatever one desires, and partying with abandon. The lyrics are heavily focused on material possessions, making the singer feel wealthy and powerful. Towards the end of the song, there is a hint of a potential reality check, as the singer acknowledges that we only live once and that it’s important to make the most of life while we can.
Line by Line Meaning
Everything is gold, everything is equal
Life is precious and everything and everyone should be treated equally
Posted on the porch just chillin', me and my people
Enjoying time with friends and family just relaxing
Eyelids closed, gold sun shines on
Basking in the beauty of the shining sun with eyes closed
The world's coated in the gold Krylon
Seeing the world through a golden hue, everything shines bright
Yea, and these days days days
The days seem to stretch and flow endlessly without pause
They never run away
Time seems to stand still in these golden moments
Gold tints, shades, that block out that golden haze
Shades of gold make everything brighter and more vibrant, blocking out any negativity or haziness
Take all the gold from the pawnshop that lives behind the case
Taking all of the riches and treasures one can find, regardless of where they come from
And get to give it away
Sharing one's wealth and good fortune with others, spreading joy and positivity
My gold erupted from volcano's in the heavens
Feeling like one's wealth and success come from a higher power or divine intervention
And every shrine that existed in time melting
Even the most sacred and untouchable places and objects are subject to the power of gold and its all-encompassing nature
Tombs open, Dookie Ropes on the bells
Even the dead and their belongings are made to shine with golden objects and jewelry
When everything is gold, who cares about the carats?
When everything is perfect and beautiful, it doesn't matter how much or what type of wealth one possesses
They say that gold's the skin of the gods
Gold is considered a divine and powerful material that represents wealth, power, and success
You can't take the band there when you're gone
You can't take your material possessions with you once you've passed away
Now I'll tip over that kiosk in the mall
Taking drastic actions to obtain and flaunt one's wealth and power
As the sunset falls into tomorrow
Watching as each day comes to a close, but looking forward to the future with optimism
Today we're feeling like gold, five hundred thousand sold
Feeling rich and successful with many records sold and money earned
Slick Rick Gold, row fun, hella cold
Referencing rapper Slick Rick and his love of gold and flashy attire
And we stay fresh, so fresh head to toe
Looking and feeling good from head to toe, wearing the latest and greatest fashion
Ghost slowly faded, 14 carat plated
Referencing the fading trend of wearing ghost chains, but still sporting shining 14 carat gold jewelry
Alright now we open up that car door
Continuing the theme of flaunting one's wealth and success, this time with a fancy car
Hop out, hope they notice us
Wanting to be recognized and admired for one's wealth and power
Throughout society we been locked in that cobra clutch
Feeling trapped and constrained by societal norms and expectations
More gold bottles, gold bottles, never sober up
Continuing the theme of materialism and excess, never wanting to stop partying and enjoying the wealth one has amassed
Ditch Jesus, In gold I Trust
Replacing religious faith with the worship of gold and materialism
I solemnly swear to wear my cross and stunt
Using religious symbols as a way to show off and flaunt one's wealth and power
Separate myself by sticking out just because
Making oneself stand out from the rest by blatantly flaunting one's wealth and success
That's how you illustrate power and who you're above
Using wealth and materialism as a way to show off one's social status and power
But nah, tonight we take it, take it, giving it back
Taking the wealth one has amassed and using it to throw a party and give back to others
Crack open the vault, let everyone mob in the bank
Using a metaphorical 'bank' to show that one has unlimited wealth and power to give away and share with others
Take whatever they want, we party and give thanks
Encouraging others to take as much wealth as they want and enjoy it, while also being grateful for what they have
I've been rocking gold chains since pee was in the tank
Showing off how long one has been wearing gold and other flashy jewelry
You only live once, you only live once
The popular phrase YOLO (you only live once) reinforces the idea of living life to the fullest and enjoying every moment
Watch Rick Ross give his Jesus piece to a bum
Even highly regarded religious symbols are no match for the lure of gold and materialism
'Cause tonight we ball, we ball, we comin' up
Celebrating one's success and wealth by partying and having a good time
Paintin' the globe gold, two steppin' on the sun
Dominating and showing off one's wealth and success across the entire world
Gold coins, gold phone, gold car
Listing various expensive objects that can be bought with gold and wealth
Costs at least 10 racks to get 16 gold bars
Another example of how expensive and valuable gold can be
Gold rush, suck on my gold dust stuntin'
Using a metaphorical 'gold rush' to describe the constant buildup of wealth and success, showing off with flashy attire and behavior
Under these gold trunks, that's 2 golden nugget
Referencing a popular phrase for male anatomy, using the metaphor of gold to show off one's physical attributes
Flyin' on the gold eagle, flier than the rest of 'em
Showing off one's wealth and success by comparing oneself to an eagle, a symbol of power and freedom
Passing space needle, golden shower on pedestrians
Dominating and showing off one's wealth and success, even by raining 'gold' on pedestrians from above
Excuse me, that's my bad, that's my eagle and he shouldn't of
Taking responsibility for one's action, even if it involves a bird of prey
My eagle got hair, that motherfucker got a mullet bruh
Making absurd claims about one's eagle to showcase one's sense of humor and lightheartedness
And it's gold, two girls gold brass
Partnering with two women dressed in gold, showing off one's wealth and desirability
Lounging on the water, feet in the gold sand
Relaxing in luxurious surroundings, enjoying the finer things in life
Sipping on Orangina, arms around them both pants
Enjoying a fancy and high-end drink while bonding with loved ones
They're sipping Olde English right out of a gold can
Sharing one's wealth and success by enjoying a cheaper drink with friends
Two girls, gold spandex so pretty
Partnering with two women dressed in flashy and sexy clothing to show off one's wealth and physical attractiveness
That girl ain't even gold, she just got golden girl titties
Making a crass joke about a woman's breast size, yet still complimenting her by associating her with gold
I'm kidding, everyone is gold in my city
Reinforcing the theme of equality and showing that everyone is deserving of love, respect, and admiration
Get it, get it, get it, get it
Encouraging others to seize the moment and enjoy life to the fullest
Today we're feeling like gold
Feeling successful, wealthy, and powerful
Five hundred thousand sold
Referring to the number of records sold, highlighting one's success as a musician
Slick Rick Gold, row fun, hella cold
Referencing rapper Slick Rick and his love of gold and flashy attire, emphasizing coolness and power
And we stay fresh, so fresh head to toe
Maintaining a clean, stylish, and fashionable appearance from head to toe
Ghost slowly faded, 14 carat plated
Referencing the fading trend of wearing ghost chains, but still sporting shining 14 carat gold jewelry
Oh, oh, oh, oh oh
Repeating a catchy and fun chorus, expressing joy and excitement
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh,
Oh, oh, oh, oh,
Oh, oh, oh, oh,
Oh, oh, oh, oh,
Continuing to repeat the chorus with enthusiasm and energy
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: BEN HAGGERTY, DEAVONDIA PONCE TAYLOR, RYAN LEWIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind