The band had its genesis when long-time Statesmen Quartet member Jake Hess retired from that band on December 7, 1963.[1] Hess wanted to start a new group recognized as "king" of the Southern gospel field and thought the "Imperials" would be a good moniker. After getting the go-ahead from Marion Snider for permission to use the name (Snider had previously operated an Imperial Quartet named after its sponsor Imperial Sugar), he gathered together pianist Henry Slaughter from the Weatherford Quartet,ex-Oak Ridge Boys baritone Gary McSpadden, the Weatherford Quartet's bass singer Armond Morales and Speer Family tenor Sherrill (Shawn) Neilsen to join him.[2] Signing with Benson Records subsidiary Skylite, the group had a busy first year releasing 4 albums in 1964.
All My Life
Imperials Lyrics
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All my life I been trying to do me
Trying to keep my shit G
Trying to live my life free
What's the price
Man you got to hustle for them greens
Got to step yo game up
Cause there ain't no in between
What's your choice
These busters too wack to be making all this noise
But never mind them
Are you a man or you a boy
Cause me I'm fucking ill
Hella ill like Illinois
I'm hopping on the freeway
Sparks flying everywhere
Tell me what you need baby girl you know I care
I always keep my guard up
Every time I mob out
Cause even in south bay they will knock your lights out
Just a young fly Asian
Ilocano from the south
Representing tough
All love no doubt
I keep a small circle
It's just me and my dawgs
Trying to do it all
Trying to ball till we fall
I've never been selfish
Cause I got what you need
With character like that
Some people abused me
But I ain't really tripping
It's their loss not mine
I'm a keep on stepping
While I let my light shine
I'm a shine man I do this everyday
Big stepper ain't tripping on small thangs
Been thru so much still remaining same
I put that on my life
On my family name
I'm a shine man I do this everyday
Big stepper ain't tripping on small thangs
Been thru so much still remaining same
I put that on my life
On my family name
I put that on my life
Man I made it so far
Had to close my eyes
And take a shot in the dark
But now I roll around
In a lowered ass car
Kicker 12s in the back
My speakers be bumping hard
High decibels in a residential district
Turn my shit up
I ain't turning down for no shit
Life's too short you got to live out every minute
In a matter of minutes
Your life is gone in an instant
Standing here today no regrets in my life
Cause I know that God has a plan he aligned
I'm blessed to be here with every lesson in time
Yet I'm learning everyday
I'm a student for life
And shoutout to my pops
Taught me everything I know
Never left my side even when I needed growth
And shoutout to my homies
Yeah the ones that stayed close
I promise we gonna make it one day
Just keep it going
I'm a shine man I do this everyday
Big stepper ain't tripping on small thangs
Been thru so much still remaining same
I put that on my life
On my family name
I'm a shine man I do this everyday
Big stepper ain't tripping on small thangs
Been thru so much still remaining same
I put that on my life
On my family name
Yeah yeah Ima shine
I'm a shine
I'm a shine every day
Oh
Yeah yeah
The song "All My Life" by Imperials is a retrospective look at the artist's life, detailing his hardships and successes. The chorus emphasizes the uniqueness of his life experiences and his resilience. The artist establishes his grit, explaining how he had to rely on himself from a young age, with minimal resources, often stealing toys from other children. As he grew older, the need for money to survive became his primary motivation, and he turned to drawing and sales to make a living.
The song then shifts to the artist's adult life in which he becomes embroiled in illegal activities, specifically theft, to acquire luxury goods. Despite the risks, he and his friend do not believe they will get caught, and his reckless behavior illustrates how far he has come. However, it also highlights the consequences of his actions, as he is eventually caught and faces legal issues, but thankfully, has the resources to get through them.
As he continues to recount the lessons he has learned, he emphasizes his love for language, metaphors, and the power it has to bring clarity and wealth. His successes, both past and present, have made him determined to keep striving for greatness, with his words as his currency.
Overall, the song portrays the artist's journey from childhood struggles to adult triumphs, emphasizing his determination and resourcefulness in overcoming his hardships.
Line by Line Meaning
If u lived my life, you would see some things
My life has been difficult and full of experiences that have shaped who I am today.
I'm cut from a cloth, that would seam for Kings
I am unique and have qualities that make me stand out, like royalty.
This is my life, I been through it
This is my story, I have overcome challenges and obstacles that have helped me grow.
This is my life, and I ain't through yet
I still have more to accomplish and experience in my life.
Growin up didn't have much, but had it all when I slept though
Even though I didn't have many material possessions growing up, I had a rich inner world and vivid dreams.
Dreams would turn to schemes, early age I was a klepto
As a child, I learned to turn my dreams into plans and strategies to get what I wanted, even if it meant stealing.
I took what life wouldn't give, half my toys came from other kids
I had to be resourceful to get what I wanted and often relied on taking from others to fill the gaps in my life.
Strategies changed as I got big, money became a need to live
As I grew older, my priorities shifted and I realized that money was necessary to survive and thrive in the world.
Started with a grind, drawing pictures for some change
I began my journey towards success by doing small tasks and being creative with my talents to make money.
Then with some time, different pictures, my mind would paint
As I honed my craft, I became more skilled and envisioned greater possibilities for myself.
I was a natural born salesman, but hustle flowed through my veins
I have a talent for selling and making deals, but it is also ingrained in my personality and work ethic.
Like a game of pin the tail, retailing would boost my gains
I found success in retail and learned to leverage my skills to make more money.
At 20, thought it be best to buy what I couldn't have
As I entered adulthood, I believed that owning material possessions would make me happy and successful.
I swiped to get the bag, with money I shouldn't have
I made bad choices and used illegal means to attain the things I wanted.
Me & my boy ran it all, we always stayed 2 gees
I had a close friend who shared my goals and we worked together to achieve our dreams.
Even when smellin trouble in the air, guilty by Gucci
Despite sensing danger, I still indulged in luxury and expensive items.
C' loan money to a bank, but still didn't freeze
I was able to maintain my composure and continue with my schemes, even when taking out loans from banks.
Sat In a room with DTs, picture it, we didn't even say cheese
I was in a difficult situation, facing law enforcement, but didn't allow myself to act scared or nervous.
Wrap sheet almost had the highest thread count
I had a long criminal record and came close to facing severe consequences for my actions.
Thank God that didn't pan out
I am grateful that things did not turn out worse for me and that I was able to turn my life around.
Retainer helped me never have to talk behind bars
I was able to secure legal representation that kept me from serving prison time.
Embracing the straight and narrow, cuz we already got ours
After experiencing the consequences of my actions, I chose to live a more honest and ethical life, because I had already achieved success through illegal means.
Now my money's making money
I have gained financial stability and my investments are generating income.
And I'm flipping it with my words
I am able to use my talents and skills to make even more money through various projects and endeavors.
A kid destined to be wealthy
I always knew deep down that I had the potential for great success and wealth.
All the dreams I unlocked past words
I was able to turn my aspirations and dreams into reality through hard work and dedication.
Picture worth a thousand words
Visuals can convey powerful messages and emotions that cannot be expressed through words alone.
Each of my words worth millions
I have learned the value of words and how they can impact my success and wealth.
Sistine chapel with nouns and verbs
My words and writing have the power to create art and beauty, similar to the famed Sistine Chapel artwork.
My words paint ceilings
My words have the power to inspire and uplift, reaching great heights and impacting many.
Words worth more than a costly yacht, a verbal Basquiat
My words are more valuable than expensive possessions and can be compared to the renowned artist Jean-Michel Basquiat.
And it opens up all doors like a boss key ought
My words have the power to open up opportunities and doors for me like a video game's boss key.
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Gohan Christopher Imperial
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind