Do You Know )
Erick Sermon Lyrics

Spike Lee
A shout out to Spike Lee, a famous film director

Wake up
An urging to listeners to pay attention and be alert

Yeah, word
An acknowledgement or agreement with something previously said

(Do you know, where you're goin' to) Yes
Asking listeners if they know what they want out of life and answering 'yes', implying a sense of purpose

(Do you like the things that life is showin' you)
Questioning whether listeners are truly happy with their current lifestyle or experiences

Uh, industry uh
Acknowledging the entertainment industry and its role in shaping the lives of artists

(Where are you goin' to) Uh
Repeating the question from earlier, emphasizing the importance of direction in one's life

Aye yo what's goin' on y'all (nothin') whats up?
Asking how the listeners are doing and acknowledging their response

It's a few things you should know so let's touch up (okay)
Acknowledging that there is some important advice to be shared

I was once one of y'all, I admit
Admitting that the singer was once like his listeners, perhaps less experienced or naive

But I never judge a book by it's cover, mine was ripped
Saying that he does not make assumptions or judge people based on appearances, as he has faced hardships himself

Look, most of y'all was a first class member
Acknowledging that many of his listeners once had success or notoriety in their field

And now you're gone and it's past November
Suggesting that their success or fame is no longer relevant or has passed

Word to Wyclef, I test the best
Giving a shout out to Wyclef and saying that the singer tests himself against the best in the industry

To go against the industry, without plan B
Saying that he challenges himself to succeed without backup plans or outside help

And don't count those that made it
Saying that success stories should not be the only focus or measure of success

Even those one hundred million bucks still don't equal up
Suggesting that wealth and fame do not necessarily equal happiness or fulfillment

Yo, where you live, you got a crib?
Asking where the listeners live and if they have a home of their own

I bet you got some brand Timbs, car got brand new rims
Imagining that his listeners have expensive clothing and cars

Look, it happened to Prince, it happened to Michael
Pointing out that even famous and successful people can suffer hardships or fall from grace

It happened to Bobby, it happened to Whitney, is y'all wit me?
Listing more examples of famous people who faced challenges and asking if the listeners understand his message

Yo, things go wrong when there's no hit song
Suggesting that losing relevance in the industry can lead to hardships and challenges

This chorus made for you, so y'all sing along, come on
Encouraging listeners to sing along with the chorus, which highlights the importance of direction and happiness in life

(Do you know, what you're goin through)
Asking if listeners understand the difficulties they may be facing in their own lives

(Do you like the things that life is showin' you)
Suggesting that listeners should reflect on whether they are truly content with their lives

(Where are you goin' to)
Repeating the question from earlier, emphasizing its importance to the overall message of the song

Second, aye yo I done checked the Vibe on any Rap Sheet
Starting a new verse and saying that the artist has looked into the details of many rap artists' careers

It's the same beefs, even athletes (uh-huh)
Suggesting that challenges or problems faced by rappers are often similar to those experienced by athletes

There's five types of ballplayers
Listing different types of athletes

Volley, foot, soccer, basket, base - all in the same race (to win)
Saying that all types of athletes are competing to be the best

What happen when the clock stop (uh?)
Asking what happens when an athlete's career ends

Injury, and no more wicked jump shots (two!)
Suggesting that injuries can end an athlete's career and prevent them from performing at their best

ESPN ends
Saying that when an athlete retires, they are no longer followed or covered by sports media like ESPN

There goes your Two million fans and there goes your friends (uh-huh)
Suggesting that fans and acquaintances may abandon an athlete once they are no longer relevant

They don't care who you are and what you did
Saying that people may not care about an athlete's legacy or accomplishments once they retire

You a "Where Are They Now?" VH-1 type kid (it's over)
Comparing retired athletes to the subjects of a VH-1 show that highlights once-famous people who are no longer relevant

Major fact is, all the actors mad
Suggesting that successful actors are upset that rappers are gaining more attention or success

Cause they Rolls been takin' by rappers
Saying that rappers are buying luxury cars that were once associated with actors or wealthy individuals

"How High?" You thought you had it all figured out
Referencing a movie title and suggesting that some people think they have everything figured out, but may not

Get the car, get the truck, and then get the house (uh-huh)
Suggesting that people often pursue material possessions as a measure of success

Touchy subject, I ain't wanna paint this picture
Saying that the following message may be difficult or unpleasant, but is important to address

But Picasso's dead, so I did it instead, do you know
Referencing the famous artist and saying that the singer is the one sharing this difficult message

(Do you know, where you're goin' to)
Repeating the earlier question, emphasizing its importance to the overall message of the song

(Do you like the things that life is showin' you)
Asking listeners to reflect on whether they are truly happy with their current life experiences

(Where are you goin' to)
Repeating the question from earlier, emphasizing its importance to the overall message of the song

Listen, uh-huh
Beginning the final verse and encouraging listeners to pay close attention to what is being said

This is for the nine to five worker, or nine to five hustler
Saying that this message applies to anyone who works hard to make a living, regardless of their profession

That had to make ends meet, in the kitchen or the street
Suggesting that people may have to work in less desirable jobs or even engage in illegal activities in order to make a living

I wish drugs was food and water was liquor
A statement that acknowledges the painful reality that drug addiction and alcoholism can be devastating to people's lives and livelihoods

So you'd kick back, kill thirst and not kill niggas
Suggesting that if people could have access to basic necessities like food and water without having to resort to illegal means, they would be less likely to engage in violent behavior

Every real gangsters dies
Stating that even the toughest or most successful criminals will eventually die

Tony, Al Capone, Gotti, Bonnie & Clyde
Listing famous gangsters from history who met violent ends

It's almost done for you, it's about to end
Suggesting that people engaged in illegal activities are likely to face arrest, prosecution, or even death

Either linin' six by two, or live in a 8 by 10 of sin
Suggesting that people engaged in illegal activities are likely to end up either dead (in a 6-foot by 2-foot grave) or in jail (in an 8-foot by 10-foot cell)