By The Sea
Gowe Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I've seen you change a lot you seen me grow up
From when my flow sucked threw shows but no one showed up
And so what you still had my back through the rain
It's crazy when I think about the change insane and lately
They show me love so when I spit I represent you
The 2-0, through gowe 6'ing instrumentals
Killing any beat in itself, I'm speaking
Myself so when the heat peeks I'm keeping it seeking for help
You light my eyes up when the night falls
So I slow down on I-5 to get a better picture
You're so pretty
I could leave but I would miss ya
And to breathe in the sea is where the air is never crisper
I've seen people leave but I'm a stand right here
So if the spotlight shines
You're gonna be right there
But tell me if I had no rhythm or flow
Would you still have a place in the city for gowe

[Hook:]
If I couldn't paint a picture with my words,
Or bring you bright lights with a stage
Would you still love me? Would you still love me?
If I couldn't fly around to all the different towns
And represent you with my sound
Would you still love me? Would you still love me?

I had a passion to write the pen was glued to my hand
When I was writing these poems they were forming a band
Alone did I stand my dreams still intact all the times
I was smacked for even mentioning rap
Now my folks love it and they just came to a show
They don't catch all of the words but they applaud for gowe
And as a son, that brings a big smile to my face
So When I'm done I'll leave the bright lights of the stage and recline
Reminisce on the times like my first battle At the Nippon kan theatre
I lost that one Or my first out of state gig
And the crowd was small Or the time we didn't have a stage at terry hall
But we still rocked it, and it's for the love of the art
And a rest in peace goes out to the dearly depart
So I bump biggie smalls one of the best emcees
While I zone out at my spot as I reflect on me

[Hook:]
If I couldn't paint a picture with my words,
Or bring you bright lights with a stage
Would you still love me? Would you still love me?
If I couldn't fly around to all the different towns
And represent you with my sound
Would you still love me? Would you still love me?

I used to sit at this bench and just write rhymes
So I could see the city lights and memorize the skylines
So when I closed my eyes
I would see without seeing you
It was beautiful the nights were so colorful
And now that I've grown up I return to the spot
And take a seat on this bench you got me thinking a lot
About the past and the present and
Whether not I was destined
Or is it really a question will I compromise in my message?
Never, you also told me that my rhymes were too hard
That it was a bit complex and so I took it to heart
Now my parts are more friendly extending my hand
Not as abstract as then so we can both understand
See you relate to my words cause I experience you
Not to mention we been close since the days of my youth
So regardless of where I flew or might travel around
Where there's Gowe there'll also be Seattle my town

[Hook: x2]
If I couldn't paint a picture with my words,
Or bring you bright lights with a stage
Would you still love me? Would you still love me?
If I couldn't fly around to all the different towns




And represent you with my sound
Would you still love me? Would you still love me?

Overall Meaning

The song "By the Sea" by Gowe is a heartfelt ode to the city of Seattle, where the rapper grew up and honed his craft. Through the lyrics, Gowe reflects on how far he has come as an artist and how his city has shaped him. He acknowledges the people who have supported him from the beginning, even when his shows were sparsely attended or his flow was lacking. Through it all, Seattle has been a constant in his life, a place where he can always find inspiration and take refuge. The lyrics also ponder what would happen if Gowe could no longer perform or make music in the way he has been doing, and whether his city would still love him for who he is. Ultimately, the song celebrates the deep bond between an artist and his hometown, and how that bond can sustain him through good times and bad.


One interesting fact about the song is that it was produced by Seattle-based music collective, The Physics. The group has worked with a number of other Seattle musicians, including Blue Scholars and Macklemore. Another interesting fact is that the music video for "By the Sea" features footage shot around Seattle, showcasing many of the city's landmarks and scenic spots. Gowe has cited Seattle-based hip-hop duo Blue Scholars as a major influence on his music, and has recorded several tracks with them over the years. Additionally, Gowe has spoken about the importance of his Christian faith in his life and music, and has referenced God and spirituality in many of his songs. "By the Sea" was included on Gowe's 2015 album "Nostalgia Forever," which also features collaborations with rappers Sam Ock and David Choi. Another interesting fact about Gowe is that he has gained a significant following in South Korea, where he has performed live and recorded tracks in Korean as well as English.


Chords: Unfortunately, the chords for "By the Sea" are not readily available.


Line by Line Meaning

I've seen you change a lot you seen me grow up
We've both gone through changes and grown together.


From when my flow sucked threw shows but no one showed up
During my early performances when no one would show up and my rap style wasn't great.


And so what you still had my back through the rain
You still supported me through the tough times and challenges.


It's crazy when I think about the change insane and lately
It's crazy how much things have changed, especially recently.


They show me love so when I spit I represent you
My fans show love and support, and when I rap, I represent my city and community.


The 2-0, through gowe 6'ing instrumentals
I represent the 206 area code and kill any instrumental I rap over.


Killing any beat in itself, I'm speaking
I can kill any beat without even trying and my rapping is my voice.


Myself so when the heat peeks I'm keeping it seeking for help
I have faith in myself, but when things get tough, I seek help from others.


You light my eyes up when the night falls
You bring light and happiness to my life.


So I slow down on I-5 to get a better picture
I take time to appreciate and enjoy the beauty of my city.


You're so pretty I could leave but I would miss ya
My love for my city is so strong that I can't imagine leaving it.


And to breathe in the sea is where the air is never crisper
Being by the sea gives me pure and fresh air.


I've seen people leave but I'm a stand right here
Even when others leave, I'll stay committed to my city.


So if the spotlight shines You're gonna be right there
If I achieve success, my city will have played a big role in it.


But tell me if I had no rhythm or flow Would you still have a place in the city for gowe
If my music wasn't good, would my city still support me?


If I couldn't paint a picture with my words, Or bring you bright lights with a stage Would you still love me? Would you still love me?
Would the city still love and support me if I couldn't perform or create good music?


I had a passion to write the pen was glued to my hand
I've always had a passion for writing and creating music.


When I was writing these poems they were forming a band
My early writings eventually evolved into full-fledged music creations.


Alone did I stand my dreams still intact all the times
I was alone in my music journey, but my dreams and goals remained strong.


I was smacked for even mentioning rap
Some people didn't support my passion for rap music.


Now my folks love it and they just came to a show
My family now supports and loves my music, and they even attend my shows.


And as a son, that brings a big smile to my face
As a son, it makes me happy to see my family supporting and enjoying my music.


So When I'm done I'll leave the bright lights of the stage and recline
After performing, I can reflect on my success and take a break.


Reminisce on the times like my first battle At the Nippon kan theatre
I remember and reflect on my early music performances and shows.


I lost that one Or my first out of state gig And the crowd was small Or the time we didn't have a stage at terry hall
I've experienced setbacks and challenges in my music career, like losing battles or small crowds at shows.


But we still rocked it, and it's for the love of the art
Despite challenges, my love for music and the art kept me going.


And a rest in peace goes out to the dearly depart
I pay respects to those who have passed away.


So I bump biggie smalls one of the best emcees While I zone out at my spot as I reflect on me
I listen to music and reflect on my own music journey and growth.


I used to sit at this bench and just write rhymes
I have memories of writing music while sitting on a particular bench.


So I could see the city lights and memorize the skylines
I would write music while looking at the beautiful city lights and skyline.


So when I closed my eyes I would see without seeing you
My memories of the city and my passion for music are deeply ingrained and will always be with me.


It was beautiful the nights were so colorful
The city and its lights were beautiful to look at during my music-writing sessions.


And now that I've grown up I return to the spot
Now that I've grown and achieved success, I still return to the spot where I started writing music.


And take a seat on this bench you got me thinking a lot
Sitting back on the bench makes me think about my music journey and where I am now.


About the past and the present and Whether not I was destined
I reflect on my past and present, and consider whether I was destined to achieve this success.


Or is it really a question will I compromise in my message?
I wonder if I'll have to compromise my message to keep achieving success in the future.


Never, you also told me that my rhymes were too hard That it was a bit complex and so I took it to heart
I once received feedback that my music was too complex, and I took that feedback seriously.


Now my parts are more friendly extending my hand
I've since adjusted my music to be more accessible and relatable to a wider audience.


Not as abstract as then so we can both understand
My music is now more understandable and relatable for everyone.


See you relate to my words cause I experience you
People relate to my music because it reflects my experiences with and love for my city.


Not to mention we been close since the days of my youth
My relationship with my city and community dates back to my childhood.


So regardless of where I flew or might travel around Where there's Gowe there'll also be Seattle my town
No matter where my music career takes me, my love for and connection to my city will always remain strong.


If I couldn't paint a picture with my words, Or bring you bright lights with a stage Would you still love me? Would you still love me?
Would the city still love and support me if I couldn't perform or create good music?


If I couldn't fly around to all the different towns And represent you with my sound Would you still love me? Would you still love me?
Would the city still love and support me if I couldn't travel and represent the city through my music?




Contributed by Riley A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

ClutchCut

This song sent chills down my spine. Makes me a proud Seattleite

GabeTrieuMusic

clean, dope, and actually has meaning! REAL rap here! seriously, how can anyone dislike this?!

Joren Estrada

Not the best, but he's getting there. We're all rooting for you Gowe!

cowsaredelicious

this is THE BEST SONG EVAA!!! I LOVE GOWE'S SONGS!!! KEEP MAKING THEM!!! GOD BLESS YOU!!! HAVE A WONDERFUL LIFE!!!!!

dmswl

I just got back from Kollaboration Seattle 2011 and got the chance to meet GOWE, his performance was AMAZINGGG and he was super nice. People bought VIP to meet Jayesslee but I got VIP just to meet GOWE <3 Got his shirt & everything. and I made a youtube account just to say this haha. GOWE YOU'RE SO AMAZING & I'll NEVER get over how amazing your performance was. I hope in the future ill be able to meet you again! :) and btw, I had my hands up the whole time, always supporting you! :]

slickvibez16

Man, this speaks to me Gowe. I'm from an immigrant family and my parents don't understand my passion for poetry. I've mentioned rapping to them a few times and even made spoken poetry videos but they don't see it as a future for me. I want to get in the studio and make it my serious hobby.. maybe one day. Love your flow. Keep at it and God bless

Andrew C

I'm not sure how I stumbled upon GOWE, but I'm liking the tracks you have so far... looking forward to more... hip hop represented by some talent...

BizareBunch

I love this song, nice man. Keep up the good work!

Hoon Q

I used to listen to this song all the time! until I forgot the title of the song and one day I stumbled upon this and I'm listening to this everyday again ! :) THIS IS an amazing song. <3

Jeremy McNett

I can't stop coming back to this song. Its been 2 years, and this song is still as good as it was when i listened to it back in 2010.

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