The instrumental of this track was first teased in "Applying Pressure", the documentary for the album. Also in the short film, Cole and 21 Savage are seen having a discussion about the album, which can be considered foreshadowing his appearance on the record.
J. Cole has famously avoided features on his albums since "2014 Forest Hills Drive", turning it into a cultural phenomenon. This is notably the first of two tracks on "The Off-Season" that contain rapping from other artists, making them the first occurrences of a guest verse on a Cole solo album since 2013โs "Born Sinner".
During the week ending May 29, 2021, โm y . l i f eโ debuted and peaked at #2 on the Hot 100.
On November 23, 2021, โm y . l i f eโ was certified platinum by the RIAA.
m y . l i f e
J. Cole Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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)
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 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 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
J. Coleโs song "m y . l i f e" talks about his trials and tribulations as an African American man from a disadvantaged background. The lyrics are powerful, and they reflect the harsh realities faced by people struggling to rise above an environment in which drugs and violence are prevalent. The song is a reflection of his personal journey, and it combines various themes such as poverty, success, betrayal, and loyalty.
The first part of the song talks about Cole's rise from poverty into success. He raps about his hard work and determination that led him to where he is today. He details the struggles he had to face and how he tried to avoid getting involved in drugs and violence. He also talks about people who speak badly behind his back but refuse to confront him in person. Cole celebrates his success while acknowledging the hard work and focus he put into making it.
The second part of the song touches on betrayal and the pain of losing loved ones. Cole talks about his relationships with friends and family who have passed away due to drug-related issues. He also reflects on his father's failure to correct him when he made poor choices in his youth. The song ends with a sense of triumph, and Cole reiterates that he has made it through the pain and strife.
Line by Line Meaning
(Oh, you came there, God)
Acknowledging a higher power in his life.
Spiralin' up, just like a rich nigga staircase (staircase)
His success is steadily increasing, like climbing a staircase.
No fly zone, please stay the fuck out my airspace (out my face)
He doesn't want anyone interfering with his success or his life.
Niggas say things behind backs that they wouldn't dare say (dare say)
People talk behind his back but won't confront him directly.
Know it's on sight when I see you, I'm workin' at Squarespace
If he sees someone who talks behind his back, he'll confront them on site.
Yeah, top of the mornin', I know that you thought I was dormant
People thought he was inactive or not doing well, but he's still thriving.
Woke up early from shots that were swarmin'
He was woken up by the sound of gunshots in his area.
A block full of opps, now the cops in an orbit
The police are patrolling his block due to the high crime rate and rival gangs.
No weapon gon' prosper that's formin' against me
He believes he's protected from harm by a higher power.
Nigga, I'm starvin', immensely
He's hungry for success and needs it to survive.
After The Fall Off, I promise I'm comin' and sellin' out Wrigley's
He promises to become even more successful and fill large venues with fans.
My family tree got a history of users that struggle with demons
Many members of his family have struggled with addiction and mental health issues.
Me, I was startin' to envy, wanna be on the top where it's plenty
He's envious of those who have more success than him.
My life is all I have
His life is all he has to work with.
Say what? The stuff that I've seen got me traumatized
He's been through a lot of traumatic experiences that have affected him deeply.
I got a good heart, so I send teddy bears every time we make they mamas cry
He tries to ease the pain of those who have lost loved ones to violence.
I blame my pops for that shit 'cause if he didn't fail, he could've corrected me
He believes his father's actions contributed to his own shortcomings.
My rhymes, my pen, my pad
His writing tools are all he needs to express himself and advance his career.
'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
He's overcome the hardships of his past and is now in control of his life.
Lyrics ยฉ Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, NAVY YARD MUSIC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Jacob Brian Dutton, Jermaine Cole, Pharoahe Monch, Shayaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, Styles P, Walter Mcdaniel
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@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 thะตy 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' prospะตr thatโs 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
@morrayda1
m y . l i f e ๐๐พ
@teardaground
GOATEDDDDDDD
@nicolaslopez5131
You did yo thing king ๐
@trendsettakev7359
Thatโs you on here singing the chorus?
@abhinandukanil3415
Killed the hook๐ฅ๐ฅ
@ericford608
๐ฅ
@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