By My Side
J. Cole feat. Kendrick Lamar Lyrics
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Without you by my side
I think I'll be alright
I think I'll be alright
Think I'll make it to the light
Then I'll be by your side
By
Your
It's been a little lonely
Since you left me
You're the only
One to ever really know me
The way that you did
I just wanna hold you
Like the first time that we kissed
I remember in my backyard
Sipping on some brisk
You pulled me in
I pulled you closer
Only thing I felt was closure
You're my diamond in the rough
And I could not get enough
You pressed your lips against mine
Against mine
But how can I be fine
When you're not by my side
How can I be fine
When you're not by my side
I tried my best
To get this feeling out of my chest
It suffocates me
I cannot break free
This feeling of emptiness
Weighs me down like everest
You always picked me up
When I was on the ground
Turned my frown
Upside down
I'm feeling a bit better now
Wish you could be here with me
I'm sailing right out to sea
Like we planned at 17
Life i s just a fever dream
Laying on the grass as we looked up at the clouds
You would look up at my eyes
And I'd tell how you're mine
And that we'll be alright
And that we'll be alright
We'll be alright
Then you went and grew your wings
Before I could give you the ring
Now you're up in heaven
The sickness took my everything
I had to let you go
But I had to let you know
I love you
I love you
I treasure all the times we spent
And car rides that would never end
Cruisin down the freeway
Listening to Chris Breezy
But now it's time to say goodbye
I promised you I wouldn't cry
But how the fuck can I be fine
When you're not by my side
The song “By My Side” by J. Cole featuring Kendrick Lamar is a cover of “Africa” by the band Toto. The opening of the song is centered around an African percussion that is later accompanied by a guitar solo that leaves a serene feeling. The song talks about a journey taken by the singer, which can be seen metaphorically just like Africa was seen as a mysterious place in the past. He hears drums along his journey, but his companion hears only whispers of some conserved conversations. They both seek salvation in various forms. The singer seeks to cure what's deep inside, which he is frightened to become. He then remembers the words of an old man that he met while seeking long forgotten words or ancient melodies. The old man's words inspire him to hurry on and pursue his journey towards salvation, which his companion is waiting for.
The chorus of the song talks about the special connection he has with his companion. He explains that there’s nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do to drag him away from his companion. He loves her enough to bless the rains down in Africa, which suggests that he will go through any length to make her happy. They both are going to take some time to do the things they never had, so they prioritize their time together.
Line by Line Meaning
I hear the drums echoing tonight
I sense a calling or a rhythm that resonates with me in this moment
But she hears only whispers of some quiet conversation
My companion perceives the world differently than I do, with a focus on more subdued experiences
She's coming in, 12:30 flight
My companion is physically arriving soon
The moonlit wings reflect the stars that guide me towards salvation
The night sky illuminates my path, reminding me of my purpose and goals
I stopped an old man along the way
I requested wisdom from someone with more life experience than me
Hoping to find some long forgotten words or ancient melodies
I was searching for words or music that had been lost or forgotten over time, hoping they would provide inspiration or insight
He turned to me as if to say, "Hurry boy, it's waiting there for you"
The old man urged me forward, sensing that what I sought was close and within reach
It's gonna take a lot to drag me away from you
It would be difficult to separate myself from my companion or the person I care about
There's nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do
No matter the number of people who may try to separate us, it won't be successful
I bless the rains down in Africa
I express gratitude or good wishes towards a distant place that I feel connected to
Gonna take some time to do the things we never had
I plan to make time to experience new things with my companion or the person I care about
The wild dogs cry out in the night
I hear the sounds of the untamed, restless creatures around me, feeling a sense of urgency to act
As they grow restless, longing for some solitary company
The wild dogs desire companionship, much like myself or my companion
I know that I must do what's right
I understand that there are obligations or responsibilities that I need to fulfill
As sure as Kilimanjaro rises like Olympus above the Serengeti
I have a deep conviction and certainty about what I need to do, like the towering mountains that surround me
I seek to cure what's deep inside, frightened of this thing that I've become
I am searching for a remedy or solution to my internal struggles, afraid of what I have become or may become
Hurry boy, she's waiting there for you
My companion is still waiting for me to join them, urging me to move quickly
(Ah, gonna take the time)
I have decided to prioritize taking the necessary time to discover new experiences or growth with my companion or the person I care about
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Cole Blake
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
RJ The Houston Kid