‎l e t . g o . m y . h a n d
J. Cole Bas 6LACK Lyrics

Soldier's song, marching on, on
Beginning of the song, establishing a military theme and the idea of persevering in the face of difficulty

Hoping to see home
The goal of the soldier is to return home, safe and sound

If I die before I See your smile just one more time
The fear of dying without seeing loved ones again is a constant presence for soldiers

Sometimes I question whether this shit matters
Doubt about the value of making music with substance in a world that values instant gratification

Puttin' substance into something and the world's so used to instant gratification
Expanding on the idea that the world values quick and easy entertainment, rather than depth and substance

I found this instrumental on my phone while on vacation
Discovery of the instrumental that sparked inspiration for the song

Ib sent it a year ago or so
Credit given to a friend who sent the instrumental a year prior

Shit don't always connect as soon as you press play
Acknowledging the fact that sometimes inspiration takes time to materialize

At times you gotta step away, do some livin'
The importance of taking a break to experience and learn from life

Let time provide a new prescription, givin' truer vision
Allowing time to change one's perspective and provide new insight

I dibble-dabble in a few religions
Exploration of different religious beliefs

My homie constantly telling me 'bout Quran, puttin' me on
Receiving information about the Quran from a friend

I read a few pages and recognize the wisdom in it
Acknowledging the value of the wisdom in the Quran

But I ain't got the discipline for stickin' with it
Admitting to a lack of discipline to commit to a particular religious practice

Now I'm on the way to London, got a show for seven digits
Success and wealth as a musician

I'm wonderin' just when did I become my biggest critic?
Self-doubt and insecurity despite external success

I wanna be my biggest fan, like how I was when didn't nobody know my jams
Desire to have self-confidence and self-love instead of relying on external validation

Today my son said, "Dad, let go my hand"
Realization that children grow up and need to be equipped to become independent adults

Reminded me one day he's gonna be his own man
Further realization of the need to prepare one's children for independence

And my job is to make sure he's equipped
Acknowledging the responsibility of a parent to prepare their child for the future

I gotta make sure he not no bitch 'cause niggas bound to try him
Protecting one's child from potential harm and violence

If I said I was the toughest growin' up, I would be lyin'
Humility in admitting that toughness wasn't always a part of one's identity

I had a fear of gettin' punched while everybody eyein'
Fear of public humiliation and vulnerability

Add to that a constant fear of dyin'
Fear of death and mortality

By gunshot wound, or other violent type of endings
Acknowledging that death can come in many forms, especially in certain environments

I kept a tough demeanor on the surface but was mostly just pretendin'
Admitting that a tough exterior isn't always an accurate reflection of one's true self

Luckily my bluff was workin' way more often than not
Acknowledging the success of projecting a tough persona

But sometimes a nigga pulled my card, tryna expose me for a fraud
Potential for others to see past the facade and challenge one's authenticity

And with my reputation at stake
Importance of reputation in certain environments

I was scufflin' just to save face
Struggling to maintain an image and reputation under threat of exposure

Couple wins, couple losses, some broken up too quick to call it
Life can be a mix of successes and failures, with some unclear outcomes

My last scrap was with Puff Daddy, who would've thought it?
Surprise at having a physical altercation with a famous musician

I bought that nigga album in seventh grade and played it so much
Nostalgic appreciation for Puff Daddy's music as a child

You would've thought my favorite rapper was Puff
Admitting to liking and admiring a musician who isn't typically considered as a favorite

Back then I ain't know shit, now I know too much
Realization of how much has been learned since childhood

Ignorance is bliss and innocence is just ignorance before it's introduced to currency and clips
The idea that innocence is only valued until it is corrupted by money and violence

Or bad licks that have a nigga servin' three to six, shit
The consequences of making bad choices and falling into a life of crime

Soldier's song I could be one to lean on
Reiterating the idea of persevering and being someone to rely on

Time will right them wrongs
A reminder that time can heal and correct past mistakes

Won't be long
Optimism about the eventual resolution of difficulties

How can we grow any closer?
Questioning how to improve and deepen relationships with others

Something inside of me's tryna crawl up to the surface
An internal struggle or conflict emerging

Something is suddenly smothering, stopping me
Feeling suffocated or hindered in some way

Stubbornly getting its way (way), way (way)
The internal struggle persisting or intensifying

Drowning out the wave (drowning out)
Overwhelming and distracting emotions or thoughts

I've got a reason to believe that I'll turn out just fine
Despite inner turmoil, there is hope for a positive outcome

Soldier's song
Repeating the theme of perseverance and strength

Lord, please guide our steps
A prayer for guidance and support

Watch us, cover us
Seeking protection and safety through divine intervention

So that every move we make is in alignment with Your will
Asking for clarity and direction in life decisions

Your purpose
Trusting in a higher purpose and meaning in life

Please fill us with Your spirit
Asking for spiritual strength and guidance

Keep us forever in the present
Emphasizing the importance of living in the moment and not getting lost in the past or future

For presence makes the strongest fathers
Recognizing the value of being present and involved in one's family life

Teach us how to lead
Asking for guidance in leadership skills and responsibilities

Show us how to love
Asking for guidance in fostering and maintaining loving relationships with others