Known in the independent rap world for his production skills, J. Rawls has … Read Full Bio ↴Known in the independent rap world for his production skills, J. Rawls has worked with everyone from Masta Ace, The Beastie Boys, Wordsworth, Black Star and J Sands (who he works with as one half of Ohio's underground hip-hop group Lone Catalysts). With his earliest recollection of hip-hop from movies such as "Wild Style" and "Beat Street" and influenced by Madlib, Pete Rock and Jay Dee he has always produced and made music he has loved. In 2001 he released his solo debut called "The Essence of J. Rawls". He has released two more albums since, "The Essence of Soul" in 2005 and "The Liquid Crystal Project" in 2006.

Soul Searchin'
J. Rawls Lyrics

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Soul searching with a tide low
When in doubt keep my eyes closed
The shorter more the good
Weigh my options up and make a call so I don't fall low
We need the trap but you can suck a dick
And run the time slow
I never catch a buzz cause I don't drink
But the let the breeze catch me

You better listen when you feeling low
So I don't sound it's just me
It's fucken up my mental
I talk about the times I had fun but that was high school
You grew out better why you cry though?
The bitches they don't miss you
I'm sick of wishing of the time that goes in circles
I'm pimping in a 64, lower than the street floor
I need a sound that hit the people
And beast coast
Don't hit like it hit back in 12 though
I honor Steez, my raps are ignorant without his relevance
And thank you to the people
Sometimes I feel this shit is not for me
I runaway from this and come back
My calling missing this it's time to eat
I focus on the treasure
Cant say what he will do and V for vendetta
My egos best when yous against me
My little knowledge to a subject is a subject to a power over me
And that was something for my comeback
A wish to bring me more stacks
A wish to bring me motive
A wish to bring my gramps back
A wish to fucking notice
They want me back in school so my language is improving
I'm tired of the bag, I got myself into some stupid
Never sign a car unless you richer than most humans
I don't regret my car be 5.3 in fewer seconds
No brag because the cash low
I want to take my parents higher than the gas that shit never hit low
And in my time zone
Reflections always needed
Irruption cause you fucking with the one and only seated
A crown cause ima king
My product always round season
I'm wishing well to others using voices as my beacon
The soul is always searching and can never be content
I found myself with money and materials I dreamt

I made this far and my skill has never bent
The opportunity I strike no hesitant

Overall Meaning

In the song "Soul Searchin'" by J. Rawls, the lyrics explore themes of self-reflection, personal growth, and the pursuit of success. The opening lines, "Soul searching with a tide low, when in doubt keep my eyes closed," suggest that the singer is introspective during difficult times and relies on intuition rather than external validation.

The next set of lines, "The shorter more the good, weigh my options up and make a call so I don't fall low," alludes to the idea that making concise and informed decisions is beneficial in avoiding negative outcomes. It implies a desire to stay mentally and emotionally stable.

The lyrics continue with a sense of defiance and self-assuredness, as the singer dismisses those who bring negativity or try to slow them down, particularly referencing the trap music scene. The line "You better listen when you feeling low, so I don't sound it's just me," emphasizes the importance of being heard and understood even in vulnerable moments.

The song then delves into the singer's reflections on their past, specifically high school experiences, suggesting a sense of nostalgia. The line "I'm sick of wishing of the time that goes in circles" conveys a longing to break free from stagnation and move forward.

The lyrics also mention the influence of the late rapper Capital Steez, acknowledging his contribution to the genre and expressing gratitude to the listeners. This could be interpreted as a reflection on the singer's own artistic journey and the importance of acknowledging those who inspire and pave the way for others.

The song shifts to a contemplation of personal desires and ambitions. The lyrics express a wish for success, financial stability, and the ability to provide for loved ones. The mention of family, such as wanting to take his parents higher and bringing his gramps back, shows a deep sense of care and responsibility towards his loved ones.

Towards the end, the lyrics touch upon the singer's pursuit of knowledge and improvement. They express a desire to improve their language skills and regret getting involved in something foolish. The line "I'm tired of the bag, I got myself into some stupid" suggests a recognition of past mistakes and a longing for personal growth.

The song concludes with a determination to seize opportunities without hesitation. The lyrics convey a sense of confidence and ambition, with the singer acknowledging their own talent and stating that their success is earned. This showcases a focus on personal development and a commitment to making the most of the opportunities that come their way.

Line by Line Meaning

Soul searching with a tide low
Engaging in self-reflection during a period of personal struggle or difficulty

When in doubt keep my eyes closed
Choosing to ignore uncertainties and trust one's instincts

The shorter more the good
Simplifying choices and focusing on what brings true satisfaction

Weigh my options up and make a call so I don't fall low
Considering the potential outcomes before making a decision to avoid negative consequences

We need the trap but you can suck a dick
Acknowledging the usefulness of certain societal structures but expressing disdain towards individuals who exploit them

And run the time slow
Taking one's time and not rushing through life

I never catch a buzz cause I don't drink
Choosing not to rely on substances for enjoyment or escape

But the let the breeze catch me
Allowing oneself to be influenced by the natural flow of life

You better listen when you feeling low
Recognizing the importance of seeking guidance or support during times of emotional vulnerability

So I don't sound it's just me
Avoiding the tendency to present a false or exaggerated version of oneself

It's fucken up my mental
Negatively impacting one's mental well-being

I talk about the times I had fun but that was high school
Reflecting on past enjoyable experiences and acknowledging that they belong to a different phase of life

You grew out better why you cry though?
Questioning why someone who has matured and improved continues to complain or feel discontent

The bitches they don't miss you
Not receiving affection or attention from those who were once interested

I'm sick of wishing of the time that goes in circles
Feeling tired and frustrated with constantly yearning for a past that can never be recreated

I'm pimping in a 64, lower than the street floor
Exerting control and power over one's circumstances, despite being in a challenging or disadvantaged position

I need a sound that hit the people
Desiring a musical style or message that resonates deeply with listeners

And beast coast
Affirming a sense of belonging or connection to a particular geographic region or creative community

Don't hit like it hit back in 12 though
Expressing dissatisfaction with the current state of music or artistic impact compared to the past

I honor Steez, my raps are ignorant without his relevance
Paying tribute to a deceased artist who had a significant impact on one's own artistic style and recognizing the importance of their influence

And thank you to the people
Expressing gratitude towards one's audience or fanbase for their support and appreciation

Sometimes I feel this shit is not for me
Experiencing moments of doubt or uncertainty about pursuing a career or passion in music

I runaway from this and come back
Temporarily distancing oneself from the music industry or creative process, only to return later

My calling missing this it's time to eat
Recognizing that pursuing one's passion and talent in music is essential for personal fulfillment and success

I focus on the treasure
Directing one's attention and efforts towards the valuable and meaningful aspects of life

Cant say what he will do and V for vendetta
Expressing uncertainty about a person's actions or intentions, drawing a parallel to the character V from the movie 'V for Vendetta'

My egos best when yous against me
Finding motivation and confidence in proving others wrong or facing opposition

My little knowledge to a subject is a subject to a power over me
Acknowledging that limited understanding or expertise in a particular area can leave one vulnerable to manipulation or control

And that was something for my comeback
Viewing a previous setback or obstacle as a valuable learning experience or stepping stone towards future success

A wish to bring me more stacks
Desiring increased financial success or wealth

A wish to bring me motive
Seeking inspiration or a sense of purpose in order to fuel creative expression

A wish to bring my gramps back
Longing for the return of a deceased grandparent, symbolizing a desire for familial connection and guidance

A wish to fucking notice
Wanting to be recognized or acknowledged for one's talent and efforts

They want me back in school so my language is improving
Acknowledging societal pressure to pursue traditional education while also recognizing personal growth and development through artistic expression and language

I'm tired of the bag, I got myself into some stupid
Feeling exhausted or disillusioned with materialistic pursuits or external pressures, realizing the consequences of impulsive choices

Never sign a car unless you richer than most humans
Advising against purchasing expensive items or making significant commitments unless one is financially secure

I don't regret my car be 5.3 in fewer seconds
Expressing pride or satisfaction in owning a fast and powerful car, despite potential drawbacks or criticisms

No brag because the cash low
Asserting that despite financial limitations or challenges, one chooses not to boast or flaunt wealth

I want to take my parents higher than the gas that shit never hit low
Desiring to provide for and support one's parents to a greater extent than material possessions or temporary gratification ever could

And in my time zone
Referring to a unique perspective or frame of reference that aligns with one's personal experiences and circumstances

Reflections always needed
Valuing introspection and self-examination as integral to personal growth and understanding

Irruption cause you fucking with the one and only seated
Warning against provoking or disrupting someone who holds a position of power or authority

A crown cause ima king
Embracing one's own self-worth and asserting their status or importance

My product always round season
Ensuring that one's creative output remains relevant and appealing regardless of changing trends or seasons

I'm wishing well to others using voices as my beacon
Extending good wishes and positive energy towards others, while finding inspiration and guidance in the voices of those who came before

The soul is always searching and can never be content
Recognizing the inherent human desire for constant growth, discovery, and fulfillment, never truly reaching a state of complete satisfaction

I found myself with money and materials I dreamt
Realizing that acquiring wealth and possessions does not necessarily lead to true self-discovery or happiness

I made this far and my skill has never bent
Celebrating personal achievements and strengths, particularly in maintaining one's artistic abilities and integrity

The opportunity I strike no hesitant
Seizing opportunities with confidence and decisiveness, refraining from hesitation or doubt

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