Guns & Roses
Jay‐Z feat. Lenny Kravitz Lyrics

Post Positano, Hov' hanging with Bono
Jay-Z is spending time with the lead singer of U2, Bono, after a visit to a small town in Italy called Positano.

U2 can live like Salvatore Ferragamo
Jay-Z is referencing the luxury shoe designer, saying that just like U2 can afford to live extravagantly, people can aspire to a luxurious lifestyle.

And you, too, can cool out poolside at the Delano
Jay-Z is saying that anyone can relax by the pool at a fancy hotel called the Delano.

If you, too, flow like you was out of your mind yo
Jay-Z is saying that if you work hard and hustle like crazy, you can achieve your dreams.

'Cause who knew dude that loved apple pies from McDonald's
Jay-Z is referencing his own humble beginnings, saying no one would have thought a person who loved cheap fast food would become successful.

Would soon be the boss of the Big Apple, ya know
Jay-Z is saying that despite his humble beginnings, he is now a powerful figure in New York City.

And who knew dude that played ball for the NBA
Jay-Z is referencing an NBA player who made a mistake and lost his wealth and status.

Would make a mistake on the who knew estates, throw it away
The NBA player made a bad investment and lost his money and property.

Who knew that would be his last shot, who drew up that play
Jay-Z is saying that the NBA player's financial loss was unexpected and unfortunate.

They giveth and they taketh, life is cruel that way
Jay-Z is saying that life can be unpredictable and people's fortunes can change without warning.

But even a broken clock is right at least two times a day
Jay-Z is saying that even someone who isn't always right can be right sometimes by chance.

You could have turned guns into roses like two times today
Jay-Z is saying that people can turn negative situations into positive ones, and they should try to do it whenever possible.

Now here's something you gotta say, two times to Jay
Jay-Z is saying that people should give him credit for his clever line about turning guns into roses.

I got my shades on waiting for the sun to shine my way
Jay-Z is saying that he is ready for good things to come his way, and he is preparing himself by wearing sunglasses.

Got my boom box, suntan lotion waiting for action
Jay-Z is saying that he is ready for fun, and he has everything he needs, including a boom box and suntan lotion.

They say when you play with skills, good luck could happen
Jay-Z is saying that if you work hard and hone your skills, you could be lucky.

Things got too hot so I jumped off in this rap shit
Jay-Z is saying that he turned to rapping when things got difficult, likely due to poverty or crime in his community.

You got it Kris-krossed ain't no turning me backwards
Jay-Z is saying that he is not going back to his difficult past, no matter what.

Too many District Attorneys concerned with the actions
Jay-Z is saying that people in power are overly concerned with his actions and the actions of others like him, likely due to racism or prejudice.

Of one individual, he's criminally attached
Jay-Z is saying that people in power try to associate him with criminal activity, even though he may not be involved.

I turned in all my rap chips I'm earning my bachelors
Jay-Z is saying that he is focusing on earning his degree, likely to further his career.

By dating all the models and actresses
Jay-Z is saying that he is enjoying the benefits of his fame by dating beautiful women.

I'm learning all the potholes in every single barrio
Jay-Z is saying that he is familiarizing himself with every rough neighborhood, likely to keep himself safe.

Trying not to mess up my axis kid
Jay-Z is saying that he is trying to keep himself balanced and centered, possibly in terms of his mental health and well-being.

On the road to the riches through trafficking
Jay-Z is saying that he is trying to make his way to success through hustle and hard work, possibly in the drug trade or other illegal activities.

Through rapping and whatever's happening
Jay-Z is saying that he is also hoping to achieve success through his music career.

Rocawear, I'm the young black Ralph Lauren
Jay-Z is saying that his clothing line, Rocawear, is just as fashionable and popular as the brand created by the famous designer Ralph Lauren.

Every time I get out, they pull me right back in
Jay-Z is saying that he struggles to escape his past and the stereotypes associated with his background.

The Michael Corleone of the microphone
Jay-Z is comparing himself to the main character in the Godfather, saying that he is powerful and influential in the rap industry.

The Michelangelo of flow I paint pictures with poems
Jay-Z is saying that he is skilled at creating vivid images and stories with his lyrics, just like the famous painter Michelangelo created masterpieces with his brushes and paint.

I gather no moss like a rolling stone
Jay-Z is saying that he is always on the move, never getting stuck in one place for too long.

Case the Grim Reaper visits my home, nigga I'm gone c'mon
Jay-Z is saying that if he were to die, he would accept it and be at peace with it.

Flowers need water to grow, it gotta rain
Jay-Z is saying that just like plants need water to grow, people need setbacks and challenges in order to learn and develop.

And in order to experience joy you need pain
Jay-Z is saying that experiencing pain or hardship can actually make people appreciate joy even more.

Every time a baby is born, somebody's slain
Jay-Z is emphasizing the duality of life, saying that even though new life is starting, someone else may have died or experienced loss.

You know the saying, somebody's lose is another's gain
Jay-Z is saying that in life, there are often winners and losers.

The sun comes out when the water goes down the drain
Jay-Z is saying that after difficult times, things can begin to improve.

A rainbow, then the clouds come out we do it again
Jay-Z is saying that although things may seem better for a while, there will always be ups and downs in life.

Everything evens up, you just wait
Jay-Z is saying that eventually, everything will balance out and make sense.

Even a garbage can gets a steak
Jay-Z is saying that even people who are overlooked or underestimated can sometimes achieve great things.

You ain't even a garbage can you have faith
Jay-Z is encouraging listeners to have faith in themselves, even if they feel like they are starting from the bottom.

But when it turns your way before it turns away
Jay-Z is saying that although things may seem difficult at first, good opportunities and luck can come around unexpectedly.

Gotta turn that into something you gotta learn from Jay
Jay-Z is saying that listeners can learn from his success and use it as inspiration to achieve their own goals.

You will get return in your investment if attention you pay
Jay-Z is saying that if you work hard and pay attention, you will see results.

Life is all about guns and roses
Jay-Z is saying that life is full of both good and bad experiences, just like the saying that life is like a bed of roses with thorns underneath.

Bittersweet like friends and foes is
Jay-Z is saying that just like the complexity of relationships between friends and enemies, life can be challenging and full of ups and downs.

Some get left behind and some get chosen
Jay-Z is saying that life is unfair and some people are more fortunate than others.

Just like life, guns and roses
Jay-Z is repeating his original statement that life has both good and bad aspects, likening it to the two opposing symbols of guns and roses.

Tote more guns then roses, foes is
Jay-Z is saying that some people are more focused on violence and guns than they are on love and beauty, and those people are often his enemies.

Visibly shook of the invisible bully (let's go)
Jay-Z is saying that his enemies are scared of him, even though he is not physically present or visible to them.