He also has some run-ins with Success and Defeat (also women)
The product of Jay-Z’s success in finding Victory will be him making History, portrayed as Jay’s son whose role in life will be to make sure Jay-Z isn’t forgotten
The extended conceits and parables reminds me of Lupe Fiasco’s Michael Young History in “The Cool” saga.
History
JAY-Z Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Lighter)
And the battle's finally won
(Gimme a lighter)
Victory (Lighters up) is finally ours
(Lighters up)
History so long so long
So long, so long
In search of victory she keeps eluding me
If only we could be together momentarily
We can make love and make history
Why won't you visit me? Until she visit me
I'll be stuck with her sister her name is defeat
She gives me agony, so much agony
She brings me so much pain so much misery
Like missing your last shot and falling to your knees
As the crowd screams for the other team
I practice so hard for this moment victory don't leave
I know what this means I'm stuck in this routine
Whole new different day same old thing
All I got is dreams nobody else can see
Nobody else believes, nobody else but me
Where are you victory? I need you desperately
Not just for the moment to make history
Now that all the smoke is gone
(Lighters)
And the battle's finally won
(Lighters)
Victory is finally ours
History (yeah) so long so long
So long so long
So now I'm flirting with death hustling like a G
While victory wasn't watching took chances repeatedly
As a teenage boy before acne before I got Proactiv I couldn't face she
I just threw on my hoodie and headed to the street
That's where I met success we'd live together shortly
Now success is like lust she's good to the touch
She's good for the moment but she's never enough
Everybody's had her she's nothing like V
But success is all I got unfortunately
But I'm burning down the block hoppin' in and out of V
But something tells me that there's much more to see
Before I get killed because I can't get robbed
So before me success and death menage
I gotta get lost I gotta find V
We gotta be together to make history
Now that all the smoke is gone
(Lighters. Up.)
And the battle's finally won
(Lighter. Up.)
Victory is finally ours
(Lighters. Up.)
History so long so long
So long so long
Now victory is mine it tastes so sweet
She's my trophy wife you're coming with me
We'll have a baby who stutters repeatedly
We'll name him History he'll repeat after me
He's my legacy son of my hard work
Future of my past he'll explain who I be
Rank me amongst the greats either 1 2 or 3
If I ain't number one then I failed you victory
Ain't in it for the fame that dies within weeks
Ain't in it for the money can't take it when you leave
I wanna be remembered long after you grieve
Long after I'm gone long after I breathe
I leave all I am in the hands of history
That's my last will and testimony
This is much more than a song it's a baby shower
I've been waiting for this hour history you ours
Now that all the smoke is gone
And the battle's finally won
Victory is finally ours
History so long, so long
So long, so long
Now that all the smoke is gone
And the battle's finally won
Victory is finally ours
History so long, so long
So long, so long
The song "History" by Jay-Z is a reflection on the rapper's career journey, his search for victory, and the desire to be remembered in history. The lyrics reflect Jay-Z's struggles and aspirations in his pursuit of success. The song begins with Jay-Z talking about how he has achieved victory and that history is finally theirs. The second verse is about how he has always searched for victory, but it has eluded him. The third verse is a reflection on his relationship with success and how it can be fleeting. The last verse talks about his desire to leave a legacy and be remembered in history.
Jay-Z's lyrics in "History" draw attention to his personal struggles in the music industry. The song has themes of perseverance, determination, and aspiration. He uses various metaphors to describe his search for success and how it can be elusive. The song reflects the idea that the journey to success is not always linear and can be full of ups and downs.
Overall, "History" is a powerful song that reflects Jay-Z's career journey, struggles, and aspirations. The song can be interpreted as a message of hope and encouragement to those who are striving for success.
Line by Line Meaning
Now that all the smoke is gone
After all the struggles and difficulties have passed
(Lighter)
An expression of wanting to light up a cigarette
And the battle's finally won
After a long and hard-fought conflict, the victory has been achieved
(Gimme a lighter)
Asking for someone to hand him a lighter to light up a cigarette
Victory (Lighters up) is finally ours
Celebrating the victory with the lighting up of lighters
(Lighters up)
An expression of celebration and excitement
History so long so long
The history of the struggle has been long and difficult
So long, so long
Reinforcing the idea that the struggle has been going on for a long time
In search of victory she keeps eluding me
The pursuit of victory has been difficult and elusive
If only we could be together momentarily
Expressing a desire to enjoy the victory and celebrate, if only for a short while
We can make love and make history
Suggesting that celebrating the victory will be glorious and memorable
Why won't you visit me? Until she visit me
Asking why victory hasn't come, yet still holding out hope for its arrival
I'll be stuck with her sister her name is defeat
Until victory comes, he will be left with the constant presence of defeat
She gives me agony, so much agony
Defeat brings with it intense pain and disappointment
She brings me so much pain so much misery
Defeat causes him significant discomfort and sadness
Like missing your last shot and falling to your knees
A metaphor for the feeling of utter defeat and failure
As the crowd screams for the other team
The added humiliation and disappointment of losing in front of an audience
I practice so hard for this moment victory don't leave
Despite the difficulties, he has prepared for this moment and doesn't want to lose it
I know what this means I'm stuck in this routine
Acknowledging the familiarity of this cycle of defeat and victory, and how it can be difficult to break out of
Whole new different day same old thing
The same pattern of struggle, defeat, and eventual victory repeats every day
All I got is dreams nobody else can see
Despite the difficulties and setbacks, he is driven by his dreams and desires for victory
Nobody else believes, nobody else but me
Despite others doubting him, he has faith in himself and his ability to achieve victory
Where are you victory? I need you desperately
Expressing a sense of desperation for the arrival of victory
Not just for the moment to make history
The pursuit of victory isn't just for the sake of winning, but for the sake of making a lasting impact
So now I'm flirting with death hustling like a G
Acknowledging the dangers of his pursuit of victory, which takes the form of hustling and risking his life
While victory wasn't watching took chances repeatedly
Taking risks and making moves to achieve victory, even when it seems unlikely
As a teenage boy before acne before I got Proactiv I couldn't face she
Referring to his sense of inadequacy and self-doubt as a teenager
I just threw on my hoodie and headed to the street
The hoodie serves as a metaphor for hiding his insecurities and fear of failure
That's where I met success we'd live together shortly
Finding success, but acknowledging its fleeting nature
Now success is like lust she's good to the touch
Comparing the fleeting nature of success to the attraction of lust
She's good for the moment but she's never enough
Success is satisfying in the short-term, but doesn't provide lasting fulfillment
Everybody's had her she's nothing like V
Success is common and doesn't have the same unique qualities as victory
But success is all I got unfortunately
Despite its shortcomings, success is what he has right now
But I'm burning down the block hoppin' in and out of V
Still pursuing victory even while acknowledging the allure of success
But something tells me that there's much more to see
Despite his successes, he still feels there is more to accomplish
Before I get killed because I can't get robbed
Realizing the dangers of his pursuit, and the need to be careful
So before me success and death menage
Referring to the dangerous balance he must strike between pursuing success and avoiding death
I gotta get lost I gotta find V
Acknowledging the need to re-focus on the pursuit of victory
We gotta be together to make history
Emphasizing the importance of victory in achieving lasting impact and success
Now victory is mine it tastes so sweet
Celebrating the arrival of victory, which is rewarding and satisfying
She's my trophy wife you're coming with me
Victory is something to be celebrated and displayed with pride
We'll have a baby who stutters repeatedly
Personifying their success and victory in the form of a child
We'll name him History he'll repeat after me
Naming the child after the concept of history, emphasizing the importance of their victory in the grand scheme of things
He's my legacy son of my hard work
Their child represents the culmination of their hard work and pursuit of victory
Future of my past he'll explain who I be
Their child will represent their legacy and achievements to future generations
Rank me amongst the greats either 1 2 or 3
Desiring to be remembered as one of the all-time greats
If I ain't number one then I failed you victory
Acknowledging that failure to be the best would be a disappointment, even with victory achieved
Ain't in it for the fame that dies within weeks
The pursuit of victory isn't for the sake of fame or recognition that fades quickly
Ain't in it for the money can't take it when you leave
The pursuit of victory isn't for the sake of money, which they can't take with them when they die
I wanna be remembered long after you grieve
Desiring to leave a lasting legacy that will be remembered long after they've passed away
Long after I'm gone long after I breathe
Emphasizing the long-lasting nature of the legacy they hope to leave
I leave all I am in the hands of history
Complete faith in history to preserve and remember their legacy
That's my last will and testimony
A statement of their desires and beliefs for what they hope their legacy will be
This is much more than a song it's a baby shower
The song is symbolic of the birth of their legacy and accomplishments
I've been waiting for this hour history you ours
Eagerly anticipating the moment of victory and legacy-building
Lyrics © Ultra Tunes, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MAURICE JORDAN, SHAWN C. CARTER, KANYE OMARI WEST, ANTONY VON WILLIAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Myron Ganes
I remember I used to listen to this when I didn’t have anything to my name. I slept on the floor and only ate ramen noodles. I used to put this on repeat and picture myself getting out of that situation. That was 12 years ago and today I can finally say that I achieved victory. Never give up on whatever you’re trying to go after.
Dashawn Thomas
Facts bro you not the only one
Edward Mwale
The funny part of it all all the shame and pain fades away when victory is attained.thanks jay am making history too
Yaw Owusu Agyeman
That’s the power of the subconscious mind. Picture it done and it will be done
Osibest Osagie
True
Patrick Ruch
This inspired me
Francis Eluaka
2022 and I still believe this is one of Jay's best songs.
Gold Mamba
I swear it popped in my head today .and I said to myself like he went crazy
Lindokuhle Chule
My best rapper 👈
Alan Donohoe
@Lindokuhle Chule2Pac & Eminem