Once Upon A Time
IDK Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Uh, when it comes to wordplay, I'm bringing it
Everything I do is spine-tingling
Guaranteed to keep your mind lingering
When it comes down to me and the world, I'm fingering
Me against the world, leave the ocean full of pearls
Oyster, guarantee to get the pussy moister
If the earth don't wanna be saved, I disappoint her
As I constantly try to evolve just like a Togepi
Keep my pockets thick as The Parkers
Professor Oglevee
No one's sick as me
Have the common cold, catch a cold from me
Isn't it ironic the younger me is the older me?
Fans demand that I rap about shit I did at seventeen
Might as well I cut my hair off and take some LSD

Disrespect Zel' and I might have to raise hell
The only way you live is if you saved by the bell
'Cause I'm teaching niggas lessons while they find a way to fail
That's the reason why I think you niggas tripping like you fell
Well, I flip a coin and make a wish
I wish these pussy niggas found a way to hop up off my dick
I flick my wrist and make her disappear
Now that's a fucking trick
I trick a nigga off the liquor to give me the money 'fore I fucking flip him
The diamonds on my neck wet, flippa
She wet but her last man wasn't a good swimmer
Sim Simma, who got the keys to my Bimmer?
And then I check my pockets like, "Oh, it's me, nigga" (skrrt)

Remember to remember
Matter fact, remember the fifth of November
Too many scars upon my face, no Simba
Rappers thinking they the most dark but I'm dimmer
Mos Def and grimmer
Dare to witness
The superficial, mean and vicious
I'm bad as a infant
Without a parent having interest
Suspicious intent
Riding around in five percent tint
We'll push your cap back
And send your soul to new dimensions
The ammunition only ignited my ignition
My ambition is only make right decisions on my mission
My division is separate from my business and my bitches
Every sentence and line is a reflection of time

My times table never was good at the time I was nine
At seventeen, I was forced in a nine to the five
So nine times out of ten, I'm despising the eyes of the greedy ones
All around me like some fucking flies, get away
Bye-bye, 'NSYNC
Lie, lie, instinct
Y'all niggas some fossils telling me how to live my life
Just suck my dick and bump my shit
And stream my shit so I can go and count my grip
Reverse the slavery every time I pull out my whip
Then pull up on a racist race like I am the shit




I limp towards the cake 'cause I am the pimp
Ain't nobody fucking my contracts up like Prince, uh

Overall Meaning

In "ONCE UPON A TIME," IDK is boasting about his lyrical skills and his ability to captivate and hold his audience's attention. He talks about his creative wordplay and the spine-tingling effect his music has on his listeners. He also alludes to his struggles with fame and how it affects his relationships with the world and himself. He compares himself to a Togepi, a character from Pokรฉmon, which is known for evolving into stronger versions of itself as it gains experience. IDK also mentions his fans' expectations of him, as they demand that he rap about things he did when he was younger. He ends the first verse by suggesting he may need to cut his hair and take LSD to keep evolving.


In the second verse, IDK takes a more aggressive approach and challenges those who disrespect his friend Zel'. He boasts about his ability to trick others and take their money. He brags about his wealth, with diamonds on his neck and keys to his Bimmer. He references the movie V for Vendetta, reminding listeners to remember to remember the fifth of November. He contrasts his darker image to other rappers who he claims are not as dark as they think they are. He is unapologetic about his image and ambition, reminding everyone that his lyrics are a reflection of his life.


Line by Line Meaning

Uh, when it comes to wordplay, I'm bringing it
I am skilled when it comes to wordplay and I am confident in my abilities to impress


Everything I do is spine-tingling
I am able to amaze and excite my audience with everything I do


Guaranteed to keep your mind lingering
My work is thought-provoking and leaves a lasting impression on the listener


When it comes down to me and the world, I'm fingering
I am actively exploring and engaging with the world around me


Me against the world, leave the ocean full of pearls
Despite facing adversity and challenges, I am committed to making a positive impact


Oyster, guarantee to get the pussy moister
I am confident in my ability to satisfy sexual partners


If the earth don't wanna be saved, I disappoint her
I am disappointed when people do not take responsibility for saving the planet


As I constantly try to evolve just like a Togepi
I am constantly striving to improve and grow as a person


Keep my pockets thick as The Parkers, Professor Oglevee
I am financially successful and have a lot of money


No one's sick as me
I am extremely talented and skilled


Have the common cold, catch a cold from me
My talent is contagious and inspires others


Isn't it ironic the younger me is the older me?
I find it interesting how my past experiences have shaped who I am today


Fans demand that I rap about shit I did at seventeen
My fans are interested in hearing about my past experiences and personal growth


Might as well I cut my hair off and take some LSD
I am willing to try new things and step outside of my comfort zone


Disrespect Zel' and I might have to raise hell
I value and will defend my close friend J.I.D.


The only way you live is if you saved by the bell
If you disrespect me or my friend J.I.D, you will face consequences


'Cause I'm teaching niggas lessons while they find a way to fail
I am guiding and teaching others through my music while they struggle to succeed


That's the reason why I think you niggas tripping like you fell
I believe that others are failing due to their own mistakes and shortcomings


Well, I flip a coin and make a wish
I am optimistic about my future and believe in making wishes


I wish these pussy niggas found a way to hop up off my dick
I am bothered by people who envy my success and cling to me for attention


I flick my wrist and make her disappear
I have confidence and control in my relationships with women


Now that's a fucking trick
I am impressed with my own abilities and success


I trick a nigga off the liquor to give me the money 'fore I fucking flip him
I am resourceful and able to take advantage of others for my own gain


The diamonds on my neck wet, flippa
I am wealthy and wear expensive jewelry


She wet but her last man wasn't a good swimmer
I am a better and more satisfying partner than her previous lover


Sim Simma, who got the keys to my Bimmer?
I am confident and proud of my material possessions


And then I check my pockets like, "Oh, it's me, nigga" (skrrt)
I have a lot of money and am not worried about my financial situation


Remember to remember
I am reminding myself and others to remember important things


Matter fact, remember the fifth of November
I am referencing a significant historical event and urging people to remember it


Too many scars upon my face, no Simba
I have experienced a lot of pain and suffering, but I am not beaten down by it


Rappers thinking they the most dark but I'm dimmer
Other rappers may try to be dark and edgy, but I am the true master of darkness


Mos Def and grimmer
I am as talented and respected as the rapper Mos Def


Dare to witness
I challenge others to witness and experience my greatness


The superficial, mean and vicious
I am not afraid to confront and expose superficial, cruel people


I'm bad as a infant
I am naturally talented and skilled, like a child prodigy


Without a parent having interest
I have achieved success without the support or encouragement of others


Suspicious intent
I approach situations with caution and suspicion


Riding around in five percent tint
I am secretive and prefer to keep my privacy


We'll push your cap back
I am willing and able to physically attack those who cross me


And send your soul to new dimensions
I am powerful and able to impose my will on others, even in death


The ammunition only ignited my ignition
My hardships and struggles have fueled my ambition and drive


My ambition is only make right decisions on my mission
I am focused on making positive decisions to achieve my goals


My division is separate from my business and my bitches
I compartmentalize my personal life and relationships from my professional endeavors


Every sentence and line is a reflection of time
My music is a reflection of my experiences and the passage of time


My times table never was good at the time I was nine
I struggled with math as a child


At seventeen, I was forced in a nine to the five
I had to work a regular job when I was still in high school


So nine times out of ten, I'm despising the eyes of the greedy ones
I am often frustrated by people who are motivated by greed and selfishness


All around me like some fucking flies, get away
I am irritated by the constant presence of people who annoy me


Bye-bye, 'NSYNC
I am dismissing and leaving behind things/people that do not serve me


Lie, lie, instinct
I am calling out people who lie and deceive others


Y'all niggas some fossils telling me how to live my life
I am rejecting the outdated and irrelevant advice of others


Just suck my dick and bump my shit
I am confident in my own abilities and am uninterested in the opinions of others


And stream my shit so I can go and count my grip
I am focused on generating income and financial success through my music


Reverse the slavery every time I pull out my whip
I am subverting the historical context of slavery by being wealthy and powerful


Then pull up on a racist race like I am the shit
I have the confidence and power to confront racism and discrimination


I limp towards the cake 'cause I am the pimp
I am powerful and in control of my life and success


Ain't nobody fucking my contracts up like Prince, uh
I am being protective of my professional relationships and success, referencing the late musician Prince




Lyrics ยฉ Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Jason Mills, Denzel Rae Don Curry

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@IDKIFYOUKNOW

Who can solve this Math problem at 2:28 correctly? Iโ€™ll fly you out!

@woodenhorse9482

Man this is amazing

@fazebatman5333

IDK+Denzel Curry=๐Ÿ”ฅ๐Ÿ”ฅ๐Ÿ”ฅ did I get it right?๐Ÿ˜‚

@MS-st1sl

I Don't Know, is that the answer you're looking for?

@bennypedley3327

HXLY= Hated By Others Loved By You

@heightsbeanie7852

IDK replay

386 More Replies...

@Slothful_Mortal

Fun Fact: Denzel Curry's first verse when he said "As I constantly try to evolve just like a togepi" has a bigger meaning behind it, Togepi Pokemon need happiness to evolve so with that said. I feel you Denzel.

@ni007ck4

Woah ! Just remembered that shit..

@balance5216

Fair play. Whether it was intentional or not, itโ€™s still a dope bar

@i.theworstguys298

i thought it was referring to how that mf togepi in the pokรฉmon anime took fucking forever to evolve ๐Ÿ’€ 269 to be exact

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