The track is self-produced and pays homage to the late MF DOOM, pulling samples from his November 2003 instrumental, “Valerian Root.”
“c l o s e” debuted and peaked at #33 on the Billboard Hot 100 for the charting week ending May 29, 2021.
c l o s e
J. Cole Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ain't nothing I want more
I ain't c-
I told you, when I first came here, I said, "I ain't come here to waste my time"
I came here
They gave us a chance to get in, like we asked for
And that's, that's what we here to do
(Yeah, nigga, 26)
(Straight up)
But I, I said, "You, you know what I'm here for"
Back on top, punchin' the clock, clutchin' sanity
I got more cribs than Habitat for Humanity
Shit profound, we propagating more profanity
Paid off collections from recollections of calamity (oh shit, look, that nigga gonna shoot)
The shit pop off, I learned to duck under the canopy (oh shit, run, nigga, run)
'Til it cool off, they murked a nigga right in front of me
Told him to come off his chain for tryna floss
Died over a cross just like the start of Christianity
When I was a boy, the teacher often reprimanded me (Jermaine)
Thought it was toys, it was a Glock this nigga handed me
I busted the trees, was barely strong enough to squeeze
Bullets traveled through leaves, it probably killed somebody randomly
Ran in the crib and played it off amongst the family
Nightmare scenes, the police finally apprehended me
Woke up screamin', seen a demon had his hand on me
Still sport the scar on my arm from where he branded me
Like a Que Dog, my niggas burnin' with the mute off
Loud pack smoke through the cracks, I catch a contact
Triggerin' a paranoid mindset, now I'm back
Teeterin' between enlightened and insanity
Now that I'm rich, I feel nobody understandin' me
All I can do is cut the mic on, holler at you
Can't let the fame scare me off from speaking candidly
All them niggas is so Kane, they started singin' like Danity
Now I'm left here, paid like I planned to be, damn
A lot of times, those situations are, um, are handled way before the time comes
In the summer, I think when you truly prepare yourself, and
With training and conditioning, and things like that
When you cheat yourself, you fail in those moments
You know, you crash, and when you really put the time in and
Whether people see it, or whether people know it or not
You know, it always come to light
In the song "p u n c h i n ' . t h e . c l o c k", J. Cole takes us through a journey of his life, from his struggles in his early days to his present-day status as a successful artist. He talks about his past where he had to face severe issues like crime, poverty and racism, being handed a Glock by a teacher when he was barely old enough to understand the consequences of the actions he was involved in.
He then talks about his rise to the top, referencing his multiple homes and successes in the music industry, but admits that he still struggles to feel understood by those around him despite the fame and fortune he has garnered. The song ends with J. Cole reflecting on the importance of hard work and preparation, suggesting that he is a big believer in the idea that success comes to those who put in the effort.
Overall, "p u n c h i n ' . t h e . c l o c k" is a reflection on J. Cole's journey to success, from his gritty street beginnings to the luxurious life he lives now. It is an honest portrayal of the struggles that come with fame and fortune and the importance of staying true to oneself.
Line by Line Meaning
It ain't nothing I want more
There's nothing I want more than success.
Ain't nothing I want more
I am absolutely determined to succeed.
I ain't c-
I am not afraid of putting in the hard work.
I told you, when I first came here, I said, "I ain't come here to waste my time"
From the start, I have always been focused on making the most of my opportunities.
I came here
I am here to do everything I can to succeed.
They gave us a chance to get in, like we asked for
We have been given an opportunity to succeed, just as we hoped for.
And that's, that's what we here to do
Our goal is to make the most of this opportunity and achieve success.
(Yeah, nigga, 26)
I am 26 years old and ready to take on the world.
The job still ain't done
I have achieved a lot, but there is still more work to be done.
(Straight up)
I'm being honest and straightforward about my goals.
But I, I said, "You, you know what I'm here for"
I am here to succeed and make a name for myself in this industry.
Back on top, punchin' the clock, clutchin' sanity
I am back on top of my game, working hard and trying to keep my sanity intact.
I got more cribs than Habitat for Humanity
I have become quite successful, owning more properties than the well-known housing charity.
Shit profound, we propagating more profanity
Our music is powerful and meaningful, even though it includes explicit lyrics.
Paid off collections from recollections of calamity (oh shit, look, that nigga gonna shoot)
I've been able to pay off my debts through my painful memories of past tragedies. (Suddenly, someone is about to open fire.)
The shit pop off, I learned to duck under the canopy (oh shit, run, nigga, run)
When things get dangerous, I've learned to take cover quickly. (Again, someone tries to shoot.)
'Til it cool off, they murked a nigga right in front of me
I had to wait until the danger had passed, but unfortunately someone was killed right in front of me in the meantime.
Told him to come off his chain for tryna floss
The person was killed just because he was wearing jewelry and trying to show off.
Died over a cross just like the start of Christianity
The victim was killed over a simple piece of jewelry, just as Jesus was crucified for a religious symbol.
When I was a boy, the teacher often reprimanded me (Jermaine)
As a child, I was often told off by teachers for being difficult. (Jermaine is the artist's real name.)
Thought it was toys, it was a Glock this nigga handed me
I thought I was being given toys to play with, but in reality, I was handed a gun.
I busted the trees, was barely strong enough to squeeze
I fired the gun, but I was so young that I could hardly grip it tightly enough.
Bullets traveled through leaves, it probably killed somebody randomly
The bullet I fired may have hit someone unknown to me, with fatal consequences.
Ran in the crib and played it off amongst the family
I ran back home and pretended that nothing had happened, keeping the incident a secret from my family.
Nightmare scenes, the police finally apprehended me
I had nightmares about the incident for a long time, and eventually the police caught up with me.
Woke up screamin', seen a demon had his hand on me
I still have nightmares about the incident, imagining a demon holding me responsible.
Still sport the scar on my arm from where he branded me
I have a permanent scar from a mark that was burned into my arm, perhaps as a form of punishment.
Like a Que Dog, my niggas burnin' with the mute off
Just like members of the fraternity the Omega Psi Phi, my friends and colleagues are passionate and expressive.
Loud pack smoke through the cracks, I catch a contact
Smoke from nearby marijuana use seeps into my space, affecting me even though I don't partake.
Triggerin' a paranoid mindset, now I'm back
The drugs and paranoia that come with fame have affected my mindset lately.
Teeterin' between enlightened and insanity
I'm experiencing a mental struggle between feeling wise and being on the verge of losing my mind.
Now that I'm rich, I feel nobody understandin' me
I have become wealthy, but I feel like nobody really knows or understands me anymore.
All I can do is cut the mic on, holler at you
The only way I can express myself is through my music, speaking directly to my listeners.
Can't let the fame scare me off from speaking candidly
Even though I feel isolated by my fame, I have to keep speaking honestly and truthfully through my music.
All them niggas is so Kane, they started singin' like Danity
Other famous people have become so mainstream and commercial that they have lost their edge and authenticity.
Now I'm left here, paid like I planned to be, damn
Despite everything, I have achieved success and wealth, just like I always intended.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Jermaine Cole
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@גלאשכנזי-ק8ד
Lyrics:
[Intro]
Yeah
Close
Ville-matic, one, one
One, one, one-two, one
One-two, one, one-two, one
One-two, one, one, listen
[Verse]
Close, I stare at my dreams as they approach
Gotta be patient and trust in God, He the coach
Temptations are taking a shortcut, but I don't
'Cause I ain't tryna be a almost, when I get it, I'ma float
Gone are the days we was close
Now when I see you, I look at you just like a ghost
A shell of your former self, so caught up with that dope
Two niggas singin' two diffеrent notes and you know I gotta coast
Nothin' but a dollar and some hopе
Up in NY, but damn, what hurts me the most
You was a good nigga, we knew each other's folks
Now you gotta ride around with the toast and you keep that shit close
'Cause niggas plottin' on you since you chose
To roll around with the candy paint on spokes
You know 'Ville niggas don't like it when you boast
You know twelve be takin' notes and they watchin' you close
But maybe you don't see 'em 'cause the smoke
Cloudin' your vision from every cigar that you toke
Plus the lean you sippin' which started as a joke
Got you now fiendin' for your next dose, meanwhile I'm so close
Don't even give a fuck that I'm broke
'Cause in my mind I'm rich with shit I done wrote
Therefore I'm convinced that this is supposed to happen
And in time I'ma blow, they gon' label me the GOAT
How long has it been since we spoke?
Last night I jumped up from my sleep, I was soaked
Call it a nightmare, the scene that awoke me
Involved you and niggas I ain't know, they was creepin' up close
I saw the heat tucked in they coats
You didn't notice 'cause you was busy countin' dough
I tried to yell, but nothin' came out of my throat
Niggas cocked back the hammers and you froze, in your eyes I saw hope
Hope of a better way to cope with the pain
And the scars, than the lean and the coke
And I swear in that moment I wish we were still close
Maybe I could've saved you, but no, trigger squeeze, gun smoke
I open up my eyes with a jolt
Heart pumpin' like Usain Bolt
Reached for my phone, missed calls and a text message note
From my mama sayin' you just got smoked, damn, this life is no joke
[Outro]
Close
Fuck
@NLECHOPPA
This tooo hard
@huertaruizrobertocarlos373
🖤
@juandan6383
Yeahhh
@huertaruizrobertocarlos373
When shotta flow 1736?
@dr.woozie7500
My fav song of the album so far.
@youngjj8517
Nle
@itumelengthibile5827
How many words can you rhyme with "close"?
Cole: Yes
@lolsword7
I'm shook. I was just about to write this comment, and then I saw yours.
Exactly word for word :O
@MontyMilestone
Not too many in the way that bruh do it
@Mac_Lawson
This made me laugh 😂