t h e . c l i m b . b a c k
J. Cole Lyrics

Are you doin' this work to facilitate growth or to become famous?
Are you engaging in this work to promote personal development and progress, or solely to gain recognition and popularity?

Which is more important?
Which holds greater significance or value?

Getting or letting go?
Is it more important to acquire or possess something, or to release and detach from it?

(You can do anything, anything you can do)
You have the ability and potential to accomplish anything you set your mind to.

Everything come back around full circle
All things in life eventually repeat or return to their original state.

Why do lies sound pleasant but the truth hurtful?
Why do falsehoods or deceitful words often sound appealing or soothing, while the truth is often painful or uncomfortable?

Everybody gotta cry once in a while
It is normal and necessary for everyone to experience sadness or emotional release at times.

But how long will it take 'fore you smile?
However, how long will it take for you to find happiness or contentment again?

This is that come back to life shit
This is an opportunity for personal rejuvenation and renewal.

My niggas pick me up and we gon' light the city up
My friends support and uplift me, and together we will bring energy and vitality to our surroundings.

As if the sun had the night shift
We will shine and illuminate our environment, just as the sun does during the night.

And paint the town red for my nigga found dead too soon
We will celebrate and commemorate the life of my friend who passed away unexpectedly.

(Bitch, I'm back out-)
(I am back in action and ready to face the world)

To the left of that decimal, I need seven figures to play the joint
To earn significant wealth or financial success from my endeavors, I require a substantial sum of money.

Turn up your decibels, peep how I decimate a joint
Increase the volume and pay attention to how I excel and surpass in my music or projects.

Check out my projects like them workers that Section 8 appoints
Examine my creative works or projects, similar to how Section 8 designates workers for specific tasks or roles.

And you'll see how I flipped, like exclamation points
You will witness how I have transformed or changed, similar to the way exclamation points add emphasis and excitement to a statement.

My niggas shoot first as if they never played the point
My friends are quick to take action or make decisive moves, resembling basketball guards who don't typically assume the role of playmaker.

More two guards, 'nough straps to fill four U-Hauls
We possess an abundance of firearms, enough to fill four U-Haul trucks, indicating preparedness and readiness.

More death than World War II caused
The number of deaths in our surroundings is greater than those caused by the events of World War II, highlighting the prevalence of violence.

Around these parts we pour the brown just to drown these thoughts
In our community, we consume alcohol excessively to numb or escape from our troubling and distressing thoughts.

Of black corpses in county morgues
We are haunted by the images of deceased black individuals in the local morgues, representing the tragedies and loss within our community.

Lord, those images hauntin'
Those distressing images are deeply ingrained and troubling to our spirits.

I ain't been sleep yet, it's ten in the mornin'
I have not slept yet, even though it is already ten o'clock in the morning, emphasizing my restless state.

I'm sendin' a warnin', a problem with me is like the BET Hip-Hop Awards
I am issuing a cautionary message, stating that having a conflict or disagreement with me is comparable to the potentially contentious atmosphere of the BET Hip-Hop Awards.

I'm startin' to see you niggas don't want it
I am beginning to realize that you individuals don't actually desire or seek any confrontation or conflict.

I'm sick of this flauntin'
I am tired and displeased with the excessive displaying or showing off that is prevalent among others.

From niggas I know for sure ain't got more dough than Cole
This vanity is coming from individuals whom I am certain do not possess a greater amount of wealth or success than I do.

Trash rappers, ass backwards, tryna go toe to toe
Inept or subpar rappers are attempting to challenge or compete with me, despite their lack of talent or skill.

We laugh at ya, staff strapped up on top the totem pole to blast at ya
We mock and ridicule your futile attempts, while remaining armed and ready to retaliate, just like being at the highest position on a totem pole.

Bassmasters, look how they tote a pole
Similar to skilled fishermen in the sport of bass fishing, observe how they proudly carry and wield their firearms.

Gotta know the ropes and the protocol
It is essential to be knowledgeable and familiar with the rules, procedures, and expectations in order to navigate and succeed.

Or they gon' for sure blow your clothes half off like a promo code
Otherwise, they will undoubtedly shoot and cause significant harm to you, leaving you partially exposed or vulnerable, similar to a promotional code discount.

Made a lil' tune called, "Foldin Clothes"
I created a song titled "Foldin Clothes," emphasizing the simplicity and domesticity of the subject matter.

And a nigga still ain't known to fold under pressure
Yet, I, as an individual, am renowned for not succumbing or yielding to stressful situations or challenges.

Well, you know what Cole do
You are already aware of how I, Cole, typically respond or behave in such circumstances.

Make a diamond, they just rhymin', me, I'm quotin' gold
While others may produce mediocre or superficial work, I create something truly valuable and meaningful, akin to quoting gold.

One phone call get you canceled like a homophobe
A single phone call to the right individuals can cause your reputation or career to be ruined, similar to the repercussion faced by a homophobic person.

In this PC culture, address me as the GOAT
In this politically correct culture, refer to me as the Greatest of All Time, acknowledging and respecting my talent and contributions.

Like they call Chief Keef Sosa
Just as Chief Keef is commonly referred to as "Sosa," they similarly address and recognize me by my prominent nickname.

In my sectional like a fuckin' three piece sofa
I comfortably reside in my designated area or position, metaphorically likened to a luxurious three-piece sofa.

I'm known as the chosen one
I am recognized and acclaimed as the selected or favored individual for a particular purpose or destiny.

Another dead body lay frozen, that's how it go sometimes
Yet again, another lifeless body is left motionless, illustrating the grim and unfortunate reality of life at times.

When niggas weighin' coke and not the pro's and cons
Within the context of drug dealing, individuals focus more on calculating the weight of cocaine rather than carefully considering the advantages and disadvantages of their actions.

Well, I ain't with that sleepin' underground like a gopher
However, I am not inclined to live in a constant state of fear or hiding, akin to a gopher residing underground.

So I go for mines
Instead, I strive for what rightfully belongs to me, refusing to be deterred or limited by external factors.

Survival at all costs
The emphasis is placed on the necessity of surviving, regardless of the sacrifices or actions required.

Every day niggas get logged off, bodies get hauled off
Each day, individuals lose their lives, either through violent acts or natural causes, and their bodies are subsequently removed from the scene.

Passin' a funeral procession while holdin' my breath in the car I thought
Driving past a funeral procession, I briefly hold my breath, contemplating the fragility and fleeting nature of life.

At times, it be feelin' the devil be winnin' but do that mean God lost?
Occasionally, it seems like evil forces have the upper hand, but does that imply that God has been defeated or overcome?

Just got off the phone with my nigga, he back in the kennel, my dog lost
Recently, I had a conversation with my friend who is back in prison, highlighting the loss and disappointment associated with his situation.

I brought him 'round close to me before but he
I have previously welcomed and supported him in my circle, but he

Became addicted to clout and all the hoes we'd meet
Became obsessed with pursuing fame and constantly indulging in casual sexual encounters.

I slowly peeped jealousy on his breath, whenever he spoke to me
Over time, I gradually noticed jealousy in his demeanor and words whenever he conversed with me.

Like on the low, he feelin' that in my shoes is where he supposed to be
Secretly, he believes that he is meant to be in my position or enjoy the same level of success and recognition.

I tried to ignore the signs, but there in the back of my mind
I attempted to disregard the warning signals, but deep down, I was aware of them and their implications.

It felt like lettin' a nigga come sleep on your couch
It felt as if I was allowing someone to take advantage of my generosity or hospitality.

And he eatin' up all your groceries
And this person is consuming all of your resources or benefits without contributing in return.

My nigga repeated this quote to me, I felt its potency
My friend continually reiterated this statement, and I recognized its significance and power.

Said, "Most of these niggas gon' hang theyself
He stated that the majority of these individuals will ultimately bring about their own downfall or demise

Just give 'em the rope and see"
if you provide them with an opportunity or means to destroy themselves.

Shit, I heeded that, and what got showed to me
Well, I took that advice seriously, and it became evident or revealed to me

Was screamin' that, some niggas you gotta leave 'em back
that certain individuals must be left behind or cut off completely

Unfortunately we seen the trap
Regrettably, we have witnessed or fallen into the same traps and pitfalls

Niggas be on that demon clock resultantly
as other people are constantly drawn towards destructive actions and behaviors.

They fiend to clap as often as the Genius app misquotin' me
They eagerly seek opportunities to harm or attack me, much like how the Genius app often misinterprets or misattributes my words.

Meanwhile, I see that your diamonds is glistenin'
In the meantime, I notice that your jewelry or possessions are sparkling or shining brightly.

I'm glad that you shinin' but need I remind you
I am happy for your success and accomplishments, but should I emphasize or bring to your attention

My niggas is dimin' and nickelin'?
that my friends are struggling and barely getting by with very little?

Scrapin' up whatever coin they can find
They are constantly searching and collecting any bit of money they can come across.

The pettiest crime, they committin' it
Engaging in the most minor and insignificant criminal activities to make ends meet.

Just to get by for a limited time
Merely in order to survive or maintain their livelihood for a short period.

The steepest of mountains, they tryna climb
They are attempting to overcome the most challenging and difficult obstacles or circumstances.

I'm here tryna find the derivative
In contrast, I am focused on seeking and exploring the underlying meaning or essence of things.

You niggas don't feel me, you see the clout
You individuals fail to truly understand or comprehend my perspective or experiences, as you merely perceive or recognize my social influence or popularity.

You don't see the real me
You do not grasp or acknowledge my true identity or character.

If I was sick, you niggas wouldn't heal me
If I was in need or unwell, you individuals would not offer assistance or support to help me recover.

That's why I'm healin' myself, gettin' in tune with my God
That is why I am taking care of my own healing process and reconnecting with my spirituality or higher power.

Slowly revealin' myself, buildin' my wealth
Gradually exposing my authentic self and working on accumulating personal prosperity or success.

A nigga touch mine, I'ma kill 'em myself, trust me
If someone poses a threat or attempts to harm those dear to me, I will take matters into my own hands and eliminate them, you can trust me on that.

Bitch, I'm back outside, nigga
I am back in the active and visible scene, asserting my presence and influence.

I'm back outside
I have returned to a public space or state of engagement.

I'm back outside
I have reemerged or resumed my previous involvement or participation.

Bitch, I'm back outside
I, without a doubt, am present and involved once again.

Everybody mentions suicide prevention
Many people address the importance of preventing suicide.

Man, they even made a hotline
There is even a dedicated phone line established for this purpose.

To call up when there's tension
To contact when there is heightened stress or conflict.

But I got a question
However, I have a query or concern.

What about a fuckin' homicide?
What resources or assistance is available for situations involving intentional killings?

Need a number for my niggas to call
I require a hotline or support system for my friends to reach out to

Whenever there's a urge to get triggers involved
When they feel a strong desire or impulse to resort to violence or use firearms.

(You, anything, anything you can do)
(Remember, you have the potential and capability to accomplish anything you set your mind to)