My Life
J. Cole Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Durkio told me he been on some positive shit, yeah, yeah
Lately, I just wanna show up and body some shit, yeah, yeah
Always been a lil' mathematician, lately it's cash I'm gettin'
Got me losin' count of these bags, I've been movin' too fast
Hard times don't last, 'member when cops harrassed
Talkin' out my ass, boy, you ain't shit but a bitch with a badge

All my life (all my life)
They been tryin' to keep me down (they been tryin' to keep me down)
All this time (all this time)
Never thought I would make it out (never thought I'd make it out)
They couldn't break me, they couldn't break me (no, no)
They couldn't take me, they couldn't take me (no)
All my life (all my life)
They been tryin' to keep me down (they been tryin' to keep me down)

I decided I had to finish, but the media called me a menace
I done sat with the mayor and politicians, I'm tryna change the image
You can't blame my past no more, I come from the trenches
Some said I'd never be a superstar, but I know I'm different (no, no, no)
I'm The Voice, but the system ain't give me a choice
Know some people that's still on deploy
I know a felon who tryna get FOID
Child support your only support
For a visit, I'm goin' through courts
Went to jail, they was chainin' me up
And you know that I'm famous as fuck
See how you gon' joke about stimulus?
But they really had came in the clutch
I know some kids wanna hurt they self
Stop tryna take drugs, I refer to myself
Tryna better myself, tryna better my health but

All my life (all my life)
They been tryin' to keep me down (they been tryin' to keep me down)
All this time (all this time)
Never thought I would make it out (never thought I'd make it out)
They couldn't break me, they couldn't break me (no, no)
They couldn't take me, they couldn't take me (no)
All my life (all my life)
They been tryin' to keep me down (they been tryin' to keep me down) (yeah)

First-generation ghetto nigga
Cole world, hello niggas
Made it out the city with my head on straight
Niggas keep shootin' up the lead out
Young Jordan Peele, gotta get out
'Cause the shit that I spit out
Is a cheat code like I'm facin' a RICO, how a nigga put a hit out
And another one, and, and another one
I got like a hundred of 'em
'Bout to lap niggas so they think they ahead of me, but I'm really in front of them
Now some of them fumblin' they bags
Fuckin' up the little crumbs that they had
A reminder to humble yourself, this shit could be gone in an instant
Me, I'm runnin' long distance
All pistons firin'
I be stuck between maybe retirin'
And feelin' like I'm just not hittin' my prime
These days seein' rappers be dyin'
Way before they even gettin' they shine
I never even heard of lil' buddy
'Til somebody murdered lil' buddy
Now I'm on the phone, searchin' lil' buddy name
Got to playin' his tunes, all day in my room
Thinkin', "Damn, this shit wicked, to get they names buzzin'
Some niggas just gotta go lay in a tomb"
And media thirsty for clicks, I got a new rule
If you ain't never posted a rapper when he was alive
You can't post about him after he get hit
It's simple, it's the principle
On any tempo, I'm invincible
Don't even rap, I just vent to you
I rather that than an interview
Most days
Fuck 'em all like I'm goin' through a ho phase
Young nigga shoot out the whip like road rage
I pray all of my dawgs stay so paid
And the only thing that kill 'em is old age

All my life (all my life)
They been tryin' to keep me down (they been tryin' to keep me down)
All this time (all this time)
Never thought I would make it out (never thought I'd make it out)
They couldn't break me, they couldn't break me (no, no)
They couldn't take me, they couldn't take me (no)




All my life (all my life)
They been tryin' to keep me down (they been tryin' to keep me down)

Overall Meaning

J. Cole's song "My Life" is an ode to living life on your own terms, despite the pain and struggles that come with it. In the lyrics, he speaks to the importance of authenticity and being true to oneself, even when it's difficult. The line "through the pain and through all that rain, found myself which is truly sane" is a powerful reminder that sometimes our lowest moments can lead us to our highest selves. The chorus emphasizes this message with the repeating phrase "I'm living my life, it's more than alright," driving home the idea that living fully and authentically is the ultimate goal.


Additionally, the verse where J. Cole references Nipsey Hussle's life as a marathon is a tribute to the late rapper's legacy of hard work and perseverance. J. Cole speaks to his own work ethic as well, saying he stays in his bag from morning till dawn, showing that he recognizes the importance of putting in time and effort to achieve his goals.


Overall, "My Life" is an uplifting and empowering song, encouraging listeners to embrace their true selves and live their lives to the fullest.


Line by Line Meaning

Through the pain and through all that rain
Despite facing difficulties and challenges in life


Found myself which is truly sane
I discovered my true self and achieved clarity of mind


Everyday you gotta always be you
Be yourself and don't pretend to be someone else


Don't hate on me playa do what you do
Don't criticize me, just focus on doing your own thing


All these racks on me
I have a lot of money


Look at my money mama can you see
I'm flaunting my wealth to impress others


Yeah I meditate everyday
I practice daily meditation for inner peace


When it come to my goals I don't even play
I'm serious about achieving my goals and don't waste time


I don't even play, I don't even play
I don't engage in meaningless activities or distractions


Time to make bands on this fine day
I'm determined to make a lot of money today


Crazy how you can outgrow a friend
It's surprising how people can grow apart over time


No hate at all it's just love that I send
I feel no negativity towards them, just positive vibes


All this is telling me that I'm really growin'
These experiences are showing me that I'm maturing


All the hard work man it's really showin'
My efforts are paying off and it's evident


Man it's really wild how it's all showin'
I'm amazed by how my progress is manifested


Now I'm in the booth just spittin' and flowin'
I'm currently recording music and expressing myself


I'm living my life
I'm enjoying and experiencing my existence


It's more than alright
It's better than just okay or satisfactory


I'm in my bag from morning till night
I'm focused and productive throughout the day


I'm living my life and I'm living it right
I'm living according to my personal values and principles


You know what imma do I'm about to take flight
I'm about to soar to new heights and achieve my dreams


Yeah I learned from Nipsey life's ah marathon
I'm inspired by Nipsey Hussle's approach to life as a long-term journey


And I stay in my bag from morning till dawn
I remain focused and motivated throughout the day and night


I'm always busy that's how I roll
I'm constantly occupied with various tasks and responsibilities


Man I need clones like Naruto
I wish I had multiple copies of myself to handle all my work


You can really do what you want to
You have the freedom and ability to pursue your desires


And blowin' a bag is what I really wanna do
I want to spend a lot of money on things I enjoy


I'm enlightened just like the Buddha
I'm knowledgeable and spiritually aware like Buddha


I'm vibin' out in Chattanooga
I'm relaxing and enjoying my time in Chattanooga, Tennessee


Look within and you can find that peace
To find inner peace, you must search within yourself


Man you see that car I bought it no lease
I purchased that car without financing, it's fully paid for


Look within and you can find that how
You can find how to achieve inner peace by introspection


Man the time to do it is always now
Don't procrastinate, the best time to start is now


Yeah every morning I wake up in bliss
I wake up feeling happy and content every day


Man all these diamonds up on my wrist
I'm wearing a lot of expensive jewelry


Vibin' out with my fam on the lake
I'm having a great time with my family on the lake


Got no time if your energy fake
I don't have time for fake or negative people


Pullin' up in my wraith
I'm arriving in my luxury car


Put most my cash up in my safe
I store most of my money in a safe


I always find gratitude
I consistently experience feelings of appreciation and thankfulness


Your life is based on your attitude
Your mindset determines the quality of your life


I'll always smile
I choose to be happy and positive


Always got style
I have a unique and appealing fashion sense


Last time I've been it's awhile
It's been a long time since the last time I did something


Had to go though that pain to grow
I had to experience pain and hardship to develop and mature


Man all that pain is the is the reason I flow
My experiences of pain and struggle inspire my music and creativity




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Durk D Banks, Gamal Lewis, Jermaine Cole, Lukasz Gottwald, Rocco Valdes, Ryan Ogren, Theron Makiel Thomas

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@Zarroxius

[Intro: J. Cole]
Oh, you came there, God
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Oh, Lord
No matter how, no matter how long it take, yeah
No matter how long it take, nigga
Oh, God, yeah
You better be

[Verse 1: J. Cole]
Spiralin' up, just like a rich nigga staircase (Spiral up)
No fly zone, please stay the fuck out my airspace (Out my face)
Niggas say things behind backs that they wouldn't dare say (Dare say)
Know it's on sight when I see you, I'm workin' at Squarespace
Yeah, top of the mornin', I know that you thought I was dormant
Woke up early from shots that were swarmin'
A block full of opps, now the cops in an orbit
Guess somebody got popped, now thеy knockin' on doors
Tryna find an informant but I ain't see Nathan
I'm mindin' my business as God is my witness
No weapon gon' prospеr that’s formin' against me
Nigga, I'm starvin', immensely
Know when I'm done with these songs, you gon' miss me
Ja Morant, I'm on my Grizzly
You niggas just cubs but no, not the ones in the big leagues
After The Fall Off, I promise I'm comin' to sellin' out Wrigley's
Nigga, I'm just a product of poverty, full of narcotics to profit off quickly
My family tree got a history of users that struggle with demons
Not really the hustler instincts
Therefore, often, my pockets was empty
So while some of my partners was servin' up rocks on the corners, the project assemblies
Me, I was startin' to envy, wanna be on the top where it's plenty
Wanna be in the spot like where every bitch want me like Rihanna droppin' new Fenty
What I see in the sky, the 'Ville is the ceilin', can't reach up too high, evidently
Nah, shit, I can't reach up too high, evidently
Never seen no one drivin' a Bentley
I can't be out here moppin' up Wendy's
[Chorus: Morray, J. Cole, Morray & J. Cole]
My life is all I have
My rhymes, my pen, my pad
And I done made it out the struggle, don't judge me
What you sayin' now won't budge me
'Cause where I come from (Come from), so often (So often)
People you grow up with layin' in a coffin
But I done made it through the pain and strife
It's my time now, my world, my life, my life

[Verse 2: 21 Savage]
Say what? The stuff that I've seen got me traumatized
I let the K go when Johnny died
Swangin' that muhfucka' side to side
We don't participate, ain't with that squashin' shit, all we believe in is homicide
I got a good heart, so I send teddy bears every time we make they mommas cry
I pray that my past ain't ahead of me (21)
When I'm in love, I love heavily (On God)
If you betray me, you dead to me (21)
I disrespect you respectfully (Straight up)
I got some partners who left this Earth
Maybe the pain made a better me (On God)
Just know that they secrets is kept with me (On God)
I feel like the streets is in debt with me (Straight up)
I gave my heart away to all the dawg hoes 'cause that's who accepted me (21)
I blame my pops for that shit 'cause if he didn't fail, he could've corrected me (21)
Give all the props to my momma 'cause no matter what, she always protected me (On God)
I promise you, it ain't no checkin' me (On God)
Jump in the water, get wet with me (Straight up, 21, 21)
You want my money or wanna have sex with me?
Can't let the opps or the law get the best of me
I get to answerin', you get to testin' me
I see chicken, you niggas is breast to me
Planted a seed but it ain't a sesame
Can't let you niggas or bitches grow next to me

[Chorus: Morray, J. Cole, Morray & J. Cole]
My life is all I have
My rhymes, my pen, my pad
And I done made it out the struggle, don't judge me
What you sayin' now won't budge me
'Cause where I come from (Come from), so often (So often)
People you grow up with layin' in a coffin
But I done made it through the pain and strife
It's my time now, my world, my life, my life



@luisjuiz1089

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
(Oh, Lord)
(No matter how, no matter how long it take, yeah)
No matter how long it take, nigga
(Oh, Lord, oh, yeah)
(You better be)
Spiralin' up, just like a rich nigga staircase (staircase)
No fly zone, please stay the fuck out my airspace (out my face)
Niggas say things behind backs that they wouldn't dare say (dare say)
Know it's on sight when I see you, I'm workin' at Squarespace
Yeah, top of the mornin', I know that you thought I was dormant
Woke up early from shots that were swarmin'
A block full of opps, now the cops in an orbit
Guess somebody got popped, now they knockin' on doors
Tryna find an informant but I ain't see Nathan
I'm mindin' my business as God is my witness
No weapon gon' prosper that's formin' against me
Nigga, I'm starvin', immensely
Know when I'm done with these songs, you gon' miss me
Ja Morant, I'm on my Grizzly
You niggas just cubs but no, not the ones in the big leagues
After The Fall Off, I promise I'm comin' and sellin' out Wrigley's
Nigga, I'm just a product of poverty, full of narcotics to profit off quickly
My family tree got a history of users that struggle with demons
Not really the hustler instincts
Therefore, often, my pockets was empty
So while some of my partners was servin' up rocks on the corners, the project assemblies
Me, I was startin' to envy, wanna be on the top where it's plenty
Wanna be in the spot like where every bitch want me like Rihanna droppin' new Fenty
What I see in the sky, the 'Ville is the ceilin', can't reach up too high, evidently
Nah, shit, I can't reach up too high, evidently
Never seen no one drivin' a Bentley
I can't be out here moppin' up Wendy's
My life is all I have
My rhymes, my pen, my pad
And I done made it out the struggle, don't judge me
What you're sayin' now won't budge me
'Cause where I come from (come from), so often (so often)
People you grow up with layin' in a coffin
But I done made it through the pain and strife
It's my time now, my world, my life, my life
Say what? The stuff that I've seen got me traumatized
I let the K go when Johnny died
Swangin' that muhfucka' side to side
We don't participate, ain't with that squashin' shit, all we believe in is homicides
I got a good heart, so I send teddy bears every time we make they mamas cry
I pray that my past ain't ahead of me (21)
When I'm in love, I love heavily (on God)
If you betray me, you dead to me (21)
I disrespect you respectfully (straight up)
I got some partners who left this Earth
Maybe the pain made a better me (on God)
Just know that they secrets is kept with them (on God)
I feel like the streets is in debt with me (straight up)
I gave my heart away to all the dawg hoes 'cause that's who accepted me (21)
I blame my pops for that shit 'cause if he didn't fail, he could've corrected me (21)
Give all the props to my mama 'cause no matter what, she always protected me (on God)
I promise you, it ain't no checkin' me (on God)
Jump in the water, get wet with me (straight up, 21, 21)
You want my money or wanna have sex with me?
Can't let the opps or the law get the best of me
I get to answerin', you get to textin' me
I see chicken, you niggas is breast to me
Planted a seed but it ain't a sesame
Can't let you niggas or bitches grow next to me
My life is all I have
My rhymes, my pen, my pad
And I done made it out the struggle, don't judge me
What you're sayin' now won't budge me
'Cause where I come from (come from), so often (so often)
People you grow up with layin' in a coffin
But I done made it through the pain and strife
It's my time now, my world, my life, my life



All comments from YouTube:

@morrayda1

m y . l i f e 🙏🏾

@teardaground

GOATEDDDDDDD

@nicolaslopez5131

You did yo thing king 👑

@trendsettakev7359

That’s you on here singing the chorus?

@abhinandukanil3415

Killed the hook🔥🔥

@ericford608

🔥

493 More Replies...

@yorhahoudini4531

"I blame my pop's for that shit cause if he didn't fail he coulda corrected me" 21 really evolved like crazy

@noedominguez6503

It ain't his final form but It's really only when he hop with
J. Cole, otherwise he reverts to his first form... lol

@thqi_gz1739

I thought he said fall not fail

@lasantajones9703

Hell yeah he had str8 jewels in his verse if u listen. I have his verse on repeat

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