i n t e r l u d e
J. Cole Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

(I'm a livin' little good thing) (well)
(It's like you never livin' for me, yeah) (well)
(Mama said you was a good thing) (well, well)
(Good, good, good) (well) (yeah)
Yeah
We came a long way, man, we done came a long way
And we sittin' on top of this shit
This shit can go one of two ways
This shit can go up, it can go down
Either way, nigga, I'm prepared
Feel me? Yeah

I be comin' in peace, but fuck me
Best beware of the others
This shit deep, undercovers creep
This southern heat make unbearable summers
Just last week, seen your mama weep
Crying 'cause she don't wan' bury your brother
The blood leaks while the EMTs
Gotta carry her baby like surrogate mothers
Whoa, thank God we survived around where the terrorists hovered
Though traumatized, wouldn't trade it for nothin'
Through hard times, it was there I discovered a hustle
And makin' the best out the struggle
I kept grindin' 'til this day, up a level
Respect mine, gotta stay out of trouble
'Cause TEC-9s like to air out rebuttals
Cole World, niggas knowin' what it is
Just in case they don't, I show 'em what it is
This summer, I do real numbers
Couldn't dare touch it if they sold a double disc
Block hot, niggas burnin' up the street
Shots poppin' and we heard it up the street
It's a war, niggas runnin' up the score




Jesus said that you should turn the other cheek
Voiceless niggas gettin' murdered every week
Dead bodies, smell the odor in the street
My homie homie got out on parole
He sold more Coca-Cola than the soda industry
Summertime bring the coldest winter breeze
Hella blues like the Rollin' 60's
Christ went to Heaven aged thirty-three
And so did Pimp C and so did Nipsey

(Baby)
I told you, I told you
This shit can go up, it can go down, I don't give a fuck
Nigga, I done seen the highest heights
I done seen it twice
And I've seen the lowest of the lows
And still I rose
Now I'm at your neck, nigga, yeah

Overall Meaning

In this verse of "i n t e r l u d e," J. Cole begins by reassuring his listeners that God has a plan for them, and all they need to do is have faith. He then proceeds to address the challenges of life, acknowledging that things can get tough, but one must keep their head strong and never give up. Success might fade, but respect doesn't, and he emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself even when things are not going well.


He goes on to discuss his journey to success, the hard work, and the sacrifices he made to get to where he is. Cole talks about how fame has changed his life, attracting both good and bad attention, and he has learned to live with it. He then takes a jab at those who try to imitate him, asserting his superiority in the hip-hop game. He ends the verse by urging his listeners not to be afraid of the spotlight, to embrace the pain they carry, and use it to become the best versions of themselves.


J. Cole's "i n t e r l u d e" is the first single from his highly anticipated album, "The Off-Season," released on May 14, 2021.


Line by Line Meaning

Alright now, alright now
Let's calm down for a moment.


God has a plan for you
Believe that there is a divine plan set in motion for you.


And all you've got to do is believe, believe, believe
To receive divine intervention, believe with all your heart.


Yeah
Acknowledging the message shared, let's get into the details.


This shit gon' get hard, keep your head strong
The journey to success will present challenges; stay resolute.


If I quit now, then I'm dead wrong
Giving up on your dreams is a death sentence.


Fightin' off this hunger for hours
Working hard for hours to achieve your aspirations.


Big stepper, nigga, don't get stepped on
Elevate yourself, walk tall, and don't let anyone bring you down.


The money might fade, but respect don't
Monetary gains come and go, but maintaining respect throughout is crucial.


Still gon' be me when success gone
Maintain your authenticity regardless of the level of success.


I don't speak the language of cowards
I don't entertain fear or cowardice; I face my fears head-on.


I walk through the flame like I'm Teflon
I can withstand any adversity thrown my way.


I sucked up the pain and I kept goin'
I persevered through painful experiences.


Whole world know my name, bitch, my rep strong
I'm reaping the benefits of my hard work and my reputation precedes me.


We sold out in less than a hour
My events are in high demand and are sold out in a short time.


These words I still sang like I'm slept on
Even though some may underestimate me, I still deliver my message with passion.


I sin, so I can't cast the next stone
I am not perfect, so I cannot judge others.


Unless it's baguettes 'round my neck bone
Except, of course, it's jewelry on my neck that I can judge others for not having.


Inside of my frame lies a power
My inner strength is what drives me to success.


You can't get this game from no TED Talk
Experience is the best teacher, and no amount of advice from a TED Talk can replace it.


I wanna know if they understand me
I want to be sure that my message resonates with my fans.


I put it all on A, ain't no plan B
I have no backup plan; I'm fully committed to my dreams.


Hopin' all this weight ain't gon' drown me
I hope the burdens of success won't overwhelm me.


Fucked around, got grey hairs already
The hardships of this journey have aged me beyond my years.


Runnin' up the stairs on a tower
Climbing the ladder of success.


Runnin' up these Ms by the hour
Accumulating millions of dollars in a short amount of time.


If I drop a gem, money showers
Sharing my wisdom leads to financial success.


When you get your taste, they get sour
Others may become jealous when you achieve success and taste of the good life.


Waitin' my turn like grains of sand inside a hourglass
My time will come, and I am patiently awaiting it.


Mainly concerned back in the day with how long I would last
I used to worry about sustainability in the music industry.


Make a few thousand dollars stack with every hour passed
My hard work is paying off financially.


I catch you playin' inside my lane and I'ma foul your ass
If you try to imitate me, I will call you out on it.


Put the whole game on top my back, don't need no chiropract'
I carry the weight of the industry on my shoulders without any help.


They callin' me young PWC, I got my power back
I am regaining my power and influence in the industry.


Ain't fuckin' around, beefin' with me gon' get you hollered at
I am not interested in drama, but I will defend myself if necessary.


Niggas can't see me one-on-one, that's word to Kyla Pratt
No one can match me, that's a fact.


You hittin' them weights, congratulations 'cause you built somethin'
Working out and building your body is something to be proud of.


You takin' a lot of boxin' lessons, but you still pussy
You may be physically training, but you lack inner strength and bravery.


I see right through you niggas just like 2Pac hologram
I am not fooled by fake individuals.


Ain't doin' Coachella, bookin' me gon' be a lot of Ms
I am not performing at Coachella, but booking me for a gig will bring in a lot of money.


I'm feelin' myself, I'm buildin' my wealth up 'til it's towerin'
I am confident in myself and building my wealth until it becomes a towering accomplishment.


I put my tongue all in my bitch, she get to hollerin'
I please my partner sexually, and she moans loudly.


I ain't doin' no dirt no more, I stopped creepin' six years ago
I stopped engaging in illegal activities six years ago.


Fun fuckin' them hoes until you realize that you is the ho
Having casual sex may be fun but then you realize that you have become the object of desire.


Can't be afraid of sunlight
Don't be afraid of success and the attention it brings.


Spotlights when it glows
Embrace the attention when you reach the spotlight.


All the pain you hold
The previous hardships you have faced and overcome.


Makes you worth your weight in gold
Those hardships make you more valuable as a person.




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Tyler Matthew Carl Williams, Jermaine Cole, Abbas Hamad, Tommy Parker

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

@JGrimesOfficial

your reading this, ok look im not gonna lie, you hate that one self promoter guy, but I honestly believe I’m the notorious BIG reincarnated, if not then biggie and pac are my spirit guides on my left and right, and. I think I’m going to become the greatest rapper of THIS ERA, Sure I might kinda suck at the moment but that won’t stop me, roast my music or praise it, for my confidence knows no bounds, enough of these trash rappers thinking they’re music is anything but regurgitated garbage that all sounds the same, how bout a mediocre rapper that’s self aware and doesn’t take anything seriously and mocks the industry and has fun amongs the chaos ? i would appreciate the feedback and harsh criticism along the way though 🙏✌️🔥

im an australian rapper that was rejected by my nation and will get back at them through these malicious rhymes 🤙👹

make sure to roast my OTHER songs too, 🙏🔥 🔥🔥🔥


👇👇👇👇
https://youtu.be/kPhL0Lq4I6M

BTW I MADE A STAR WARS DISS TRACK



@liluziisthegoat977

Plus one more thing, He isn't even in Top 10 greatest Rappers of all time.
Here is the list :
1. Kanye west
2. Eminem
3. Lil Wayne
4. Nas
5. 2Pac
6. Ice Cube
7. Notorious BIG
8. Jay Z
9. Rakim
10. Snoop Dogg
So sorry for Cole fans, they didn't find J Cole in this list🤡😂😂



@surajforreal

[Lyrics]
[Intro]
I'm a livin' little good thing
It's like you never lived for me
Mama said you was a good thing, uh
Good, good, good
Yeah
We came a long way, man, we done came a long way
And we sittin' on top of this shit
This shit can go one or two ways
This shit can go up, it can go down
Either way, nig*a, I'm prepared
Feel me? Yeah

[Verse]
I be comin' in peace, but f*ck me
Best beware of the others
This shit deep, undercovers creep
This Southern heat make unbearable summers
Just last week, seen your mama weep
Crying 'cause she don't wan' bury your brother
The blood leaks while thе EMTs
Gotta carry her baby like surrogate mothеrs
Woah, thank God we survived around where the terrorists hovered
Though traumatized, wouldn't trade it for nothin'
Through hard times, it was there I discovered a hustle
And makin' the best out the struggle
I kept grindin' 'til this day, up a level
Respect mine, gotta stay out of trouble
'Cause TEC-9's like the AR rebuttals
Cole World, nig*as knowin' what it is
Just in case they don't, I show 'em what it is
Then in summer, I do real numbers
Couldn't dare touch it if they sold the double disc
Block hot, nig*as burnin' up the street
Shots poppin' and we heard it up the street
It's a war, nig*as runnin' up the score
Jesus said that you should turn the other cheek
Voiceless nig*as gettin' murdered every week
Dead bodies, smell the odor in the street
My homie' homie got out on parole
Sold more Coca-Cola than the soda industry
Summertime bring the coldest winter breeze
Hella blues like the Rollin' 60's
Christ went to Heaven aged thirty-three
And so did Pimp C and so did Nipsey

[Outro]
I told you, I told you
This shit can go up, it can go down, I don't give a f*ck
Nig*a, I done seen the highest heights
I done seen it twice
And I've seen them lowest of the lows
And still I rose
Now I'm at your neck, ni*ga, yeah



@roque8255

[Intro]
I'm a livin' little good thing
It's like you never lived for me
Mama said you was a good thing, uh
Good, good, good
Yeah
We came a long way, man, we done came a long way
And we sittin' on top of this shit
This shit can go one or two ways
This shit can go up, it can go down
Either way, nigga, I'm prepared
Feel me? Yeah

[Verse]
I be comin' in peace, but fuck me
Best beware of the others
This shit deep, undercovers creep
This Southern heat make unbearable summers
Just last week, seen your mama weep
Crying 'cause she don't wan' bury your brother
The blood leaks while thе EMTs
Gotta carry her baby like surrogate mothеrs
Woah, thank God we survived around where the terrorists hovered
Though traumatized, wouldn't trade it for nothin'
Through hard times, it was there I discovered a hustle
And makin' the best out the struggle
I kept grindin' 'til this day, up a level
Respect mine, gotta stay out of trouble
'Cause TEC-9's like the AR rebuttals
Cole World, niggas knowin' what it is
Just in case they don't, I show 'em what it is
Then in summer, I do real numbers
Couldn't dare touch it if they sold the double disc
Block hot, niggas burnin' up the street
Shots poppin' and we heard it up the street
It's a war, niggas runnin' up the score
Jesus said that you should turn the other cheek
Voiceless niggas gettin' murdered every week
Dead bodies, smell the odor in the street
My homie' homie got out on parole
He sold more Coca-Cola than the soda industry
Summertime bring the coldest winter breeze
Hella blues like the Rollin' 60's
Christ went to Heaven aged thirty-three
And so did Pimp C and so did Nipsey

[Outro]
I told you, I told you
This shit can go up, it can go down, I don't give a fuck
Nigga, I done seen the highest heights
I done seen it twice
And I've seen them lowest of the lows
And still I rose
Now I'm at your neck, nigga, yeah



@JGrimesOfficial

your reading this, ok look im not gonna lie, you hate that one self promoter guy, but I honestly believe I’m the notorious BIG reincarnated, if not then biggie and pac are my spirit guides on my left and right, and. I think I’m going to become the greatest rapper of THIS ERA, Sure I might kinda suck at the moment but that won’t stop me, roast my music or praise it, for my confidence knows no bounds, enough of these trash rappers thinking they’re music is anything but regurgitated garbage that all sounds the same, how bout a mediocre rapper that’s self aware and doesn’t take anything seriously and mocks the industry and has fun amongs the chaos ? i would appreciate the feedback and harsh criticism along the way though 🙏✌️🔥

im an australian rapper that was rejected by my nation and will get back at them through these malicious rhymes 🤙👹

make sure to roast my OTHER songs too, 🙏🔥 🔥🔥🔥


👇👇👇👇
https://youtu.be/kPhL0Lq4I6M

BTW I MADE A STAR WARS DISS TRACK



@elipiz9930

Intro]
I'm a livin' little good thing
It's like you never lived for me, yeah
Mama said you was a good thing, uh
Good, good, good, yeah
Yeah
We came a long way, man, we done came a long way
And we sittin' on top of this shit
This shit can go one or two ways
This shit can go up, it can go down
Either way, nigga, I'm prepared
Feel me? Yeah

[Verse]
I be comin' in peace, but fuck me
Best beware of the others
This shit deep, undercovers creep
This Southern heat make unbearable summers
Just last week, seen yo' mama weep
Crying 'cause she don't wan' bury your brother
The blood lеaks while the EMTs gotta carry her baby likе surrogate mothers
Woah, thank God we survived around where the terrorists hovered
Though traumatized, wouldn't trade it for nothin'
Through hard times, it was there I discovered a hustle and makin' the best out the struggle
I kept grindin' 'til this day, up a level
Respect mine, gotta stay out of trouble
'Cause TEC-9s like to air out rebuttals
Cole World, niggas knowin' what it is
Just in case they don't, I show 'em what it is
Then summer, I do real numbers
Couldn't dare touch it if they sold a double disc
Block hot, niggas burnin' up the street
Shots poppin' and we heard it up the street
It's a war, niggas runnin' up the score
Jesus said that you should turn the other cheek
Voiceless niggas gettin' murdered every week?
Dead bodies, smell the odor in the street
My homie' homie got out on parole
He sold more Coca-Cola than the soda industry
Summertime bring the coldest winter breeze
Hella blues like the Rollin' 60s
Christ went to Heaven age thirty-three
And so did Pimp C and so did Nipsey

[Outro]
I told you, I told you
This shit can go up, it can go down, I don't give a fuck
Nigga, I done seen the highest heights
I done seen it twice
And I've seen the lowest of the lows
And still I rose
Now I'm at your neck, nigga, yeah



All comments from YouTube:

@NoLifeShaq

J. COLE DOESNT F*ckin MISS!

@verifiedgamer6772

Ayo WHATS UP MY G CANT WAIT FOR UR REACTION

@MsJaycee77

Facts Coach

@Channel-eb8tp

💯💯💯

@martinlutherkingjr1012

Yes he does he's not perfect

@chintuchaatmasalayt4771

reaction incoming brrrr👀👀

64 More Replies...

@SaRaGarvey2012

Cole has the most LOYAL FANS a rapper could ask for! This man is a treasure

@samvokes5809

https://youtu.be/uxe5IywkPcI

@tghamd9327

Ong

@aliyahmarie1728

Facts

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