Principles
Fabolous & Jadakiss Lyrics

Never 'bout the money, ah
Money is not the sole driving factor in street life.

The shorty get shot in the streets 'Cause he ain't pay his fees It's never 'bout the money (never 'bout the money) It's never 'bout the money (ohh, ohh) There's principles involved These rules apply to all (all) It's never 'bout the money It's never 'bout the money
A person can get shot in the streets for not paying their dues, but it's not just about the money involved; principles and laws are always in play, and they affect everyone.

Damn, why they do him like that? They ain't even had to do him like that Fuck it, he should've had the llami on 'em Actin' Holly, had to go Tommy on 'em
The singer is angry that someone was treated poorly and thinks they should have been better prepared for such a situation.

You do dirt, you get dirt, that's how germs spread (word) Squash the beef with a funeral, it's confirmed dead (word) See it's never 'bout the money 'cause I burn bread It's the principalities like Big Worm said (hold up)
If a person does something bad, something bad is likely to happen to them in return. Sometimes, the only way to end a conflict is with a funeral. The artist believes that it's not just about money because, even if they have plenty of it, they need to respect the laws and code of the streets.

Back to the wall, your man was on the Wizards I weathered the storm while standin' in a blizzard Handlin' your bid'ness almost landed me in prison So I had to cut you off, but you handed me the scissors (damn!) See after I lost you, I must've found me Niggas wasn't with me they was just around me Gotta know the rules in the streets you playin' (What happened?) I don't even know but the streets is sayin'
The artist faced a difficult situation involving a friend and nearly ended up in jail as a result. They had to cut ties with that friend and learned that the people around them were not truly with them. They acknowledge that it's important to know the rules of the streets, even if they don't know everything that's going on.

If you beat him, you can't welp him It's only a problem in the case where you can't help him (umm) They even invite you to a place where you ain't welcome (wooh!) Reliable source, who you gettin' your intel from? (who?) Jewish lawyer on the retainer, they had to bill him (umm) Interrogation 'fore he arrived, they tried to drill him (yeah) It's hard for you to stay on one side when you a villain (hard) Your heart sayin' yeah, but your pride won't let you kill him (Kill kill kill) Nah, that's what happen when you love a nigga (love) Then he end up gettin' it from another nigga (uh) The wrong way is usually how you rub a nigga (yeah) Sometimes for you it's just easier to dub a nigga (one) Whatever issues they have just let 'em keep those It's 'bout the morals, principles and G-codes Sometimes, you gotta give one to take a blow (woo!) It's never 'bout the paper though, what
If someone is in trouble, you can't fix everything for them. Sometimes people are invited to places they don't belong, and it's important to know who to trust when gathering information. Sometimes it's difficult to stay true to your side when you're a villain, and it's never easy when someone you trust betrays you. The singer believes that certain issues should be left alone and that it's vital to follow the moral and ethical codes of the streets, even if it means giving something up in the end. Money is never the most important thing.