Elbows
Jay-Rock Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Poke your elbows out and swing like this
Poke your elbows out and swing like this (hold up)

Rock got it, Rock came from rock bottom, now I'm on top
Pocket full of guacamole and that nola
The windows on the Continental tinted cocaine colored, it's a dope ride
Them dope boys outside
Gangbangers, crack heads and hood rats
Drug paraphenelia inside that back pack
If you want it we got it, that's where them goods at
Nickerson Gardens, project parties
Chronic, Hennessey, dro, Bacardi
Guns, enemies that come through, spark them
Throw em in a dumpster; you loved one, you lost him
I don't dance I just boogie a lot
No dress code I just wear a hoodie a lot
White tee under that back against the wall
West coast rocking to the beat, now I'm telling y'all

Poke your elbows out and swing like this
Poke your elbows out and swing like this (homie)
Poke your elbows out and swing like this
Poke your elbows out and swing like this

Whatever you want to call it
For the weed heads or for the alcoholics
Now this can be some OG low-rider music
Or you could twist your fingers up and gangbang to it, gangbang to it

Look, I know some bad ass bitches that go hard on it
Addicted to that sex, they be traveling in packs
They be off that X, and they'll let you fuck fast if you got some cess
I ain't gon lie about it
I ain't bullshitting, come to my block boy
Welcome to Hell's kitchen, we bring that heat to you
Too much of a real nigga not to see through you
Wet him like faucet, bullet sink through you
They speed through you, they eat through you
Two lullaby burners, let em sing to you
The harmony of it is pleasure to your ears
You got to love it (nah) you got to hate it
I got to be my hometown favourite
Watts representer, say hello your mayor
Everybody put them Ws in the air
May I show you the plan I lay out
My disc will never play out, I tell y'all to

Poke your elbows out and swing like this
Poke your elbows out and swing like this (homie)
Poke your elbows out and swing like this
Poke your elbows out and swing like this

Swing your elbows and Taylors, the shell-toes
Kush blunts all in the air, I smell those
Cop the swap meets to freaks on Melrose
This is California, killers on them corners
From Long Beach to Inglewood, Hollywood
Back down, them gangsters will be on you
Block hot as a sauna
We in the club, zoning, Patroning
My knuckleheads roaming, they on and we on it
It's jerkin, poppin, brackin, whatever you want to call it
What's happening, we smashing, crashing your hood
My nigga what's good?
Staying sucker-free, just as well as you should
I pull up in that motherfucking big-ass truck
What the fuck? I'm on
Where your bitch? She's gone with a real nigga
I hop up out that ho asking how you feel nigga
I press blood; throw your sets up!

Poke your elbows out and swing like this
Poke your elbows out and swing like this (homie)




Poke your elbows out and swing like this
Poke your elbows out and swing like this

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Jay-Rock's song Elbows tell the story of a man who has worked hard to escape his past and achieve success, even if that success seems to come at a cost. The song begins with the phrase "Poke your elbows out and swing like this" which is followed by the sound of a hand hitting the other elbow. This phrase is repeated throughout the song, and serves as both a hook and a call to action. The lyrics explain how the rapper came from humble beginnings and is now living the good life with a "pocket full of guacamole." However, despite all his success, he is still surrounded by drugs and violence, as evidenced by the presence of "dope boys outside" and "gangbangers, crack heads and hood rats."


The lyrics also touch on themes such as loyalty, betrayal, and survival. The rapper states that if someone has a problem with him, they can "throw em in a dumpster" and that his enemies will be "sparked." He also laments the loss of loved ones, saying "you loved one, you lost him," which may refer to friends or family members who have been killed or incarcerated. Despite the dark nature of these themes, the song ultimately celebrates the rapper's resilience and success, as well as the joy and freedom he feels when he's "rocking to the beat."


Line by Line Meaning

Poke your elbows out and swing like this
The singer instructs the listener to extend their elbows and move their arms in a swinging motion.


Rock got it, Rock came from rock bottom, now I'm on top
The singer, Jay-Rock, started from a difficult position but has now achieved success and is on top of his game.


Pocket full of guacamole and that nola
The singer has a lot of money, as evidenced by having a pocket full of guacamole, which is often associated with an expensive meal, and that nola, a reference to New Orleans, which is known for its wealthy culture.


The windows on the Continental tinted cocaine colored, it's a dope ride
The artist's car, a Continental, has tinted windows that are colored like cocaine, indicating that it is a cool and stylish ride.


Them dope boys outside
There are drug dealers outside, likely selling illegal substances.


Gangbangers, crack heads and hood rats
The area the singer is in is full of people associated with gang activity, drug addiction, and poverty.


Drug paraphenelia inside that back pack
There are items related to drug use in the backpack, likely indicating that someone is carrying them for personal use or to sell.


If you want it we got it, that's where them goods at
The artist or someone they know can provide illegal drugs to those who want them, as those goods are readily available in the area.


Nickerson Gardens, project parties
The Nickerson Gardens housing project is a location frequented by the artist and others for parties and events.


Chronic, Hennessey, dro, Bacardi
The drugs and alcohol present include marijuana, Hennessy cognac, possibly a type of marijuana called 'dro', and Bacardi rum.


Guns, enemies that come through, spark them
The singer and their associates have guns and will use them against anyone who poses a threat to them.


Throw em in a dumpster; you loved one, you lost him
The artist and their associates are willing to kill and dispose of the bodies of anyone who crosses them or is seen as a threat.


I don't dance I just boogie a lot
The singer doesn't dance, but they do move and groove to music frequently.


No dress code I just wear a hoodie a lot
The singer doesn't adhere to any particular dress code, but they are often seen wearing a hoodie in casual situations.


White tee under that back against the wall
The singer is wearing a white t-shirt and is standing with their back against a wall, which could potentially indicate a desire to avoid confrontation or draw attention to themselves.


West coast rocking to the beat, now I'm telling y'all
The artist is listening to and enjoying West Coast music and wants others to hear and appreciate it as well.


Whatever you want to call it
The artist is unsure of what to call the genre of music they are referring to.


For the weed heads or for the alcoholics
The music is suitable for individuals who enjoy smoking marijuana or drinking alcohol.


Now this can be some OG low-rider music
The music is reminiscent of old-school low-rider car culture.


Or you could twist your fingers up and gangbang to it, gangbang to it
The music could also be enjoyed by individuals who are involved in gang activity and want to participate in 'gang signs' by twisting their fingers in certain ways.


Look, I know some bad ass bitches that go hard on it
The artist knows women who are sexually active and enjoy it immensely.


Addicted to that sex, they be traveling in packs
The women mentioned in the previous line are addicted to sex and often go around in groups or 'packs'.


They be off that X, and they'll let you fuck fast if you got some cess
The women are under the influence of the drug ecstasy and are willing to engage in sexual activity quickly if they are offered marijuana.


I ain't gon lie about it
The artist is being truthful and honest about the situation they are describing.


I ain't bullshitting, come to my block boy
The singer is emphasizing that they are not lying and invites someone to come to their neighborhood to verify what they are saying.


Welcome to Hell's kitchen, we bring that heat to you
The singer is implying that their neighborhood is dangerous and violent, hence the comparison to 'Hell's Kitchen', and that they are capable of using weapons to cause harm if necessary.


Too much of a real nigga not to see through you
The singer is able to see through insincere or fake behavior and is therefore considered to be 'real'.


Wet him like faucet, bullet sink through you
The artist is capable of shooting someone with ease and accuracy, and the impact of the bullets is compared to water flowing from a faucet.


They speed through you, they eat through you
The bullets are so powerful that they move rapidly through and damage the person's body.


Two lullaby burners, let em sing to you
The singer has two guns that they are proficient with, and the sound of the gunshots is referred to as a 'lullaby'.


The harmony of it is pleasure to your ears
The singer finds the sound of gunshots to be enjoyable and satisfying.


You got to love it (nah) you got to hate it
The artist acknowledges that some people may enjoy the violent lifestyle they are describing, while others may despise it.


I got to be my hometown favourite
The artist is popular and well-liked in their hometown.


Watts representer, say hello your mayor
The artist is representing their hometown of Watts and is considered to be the 'mayor' of their community.


Everybody put them Ws in the air
The letter W, likely referring to Watts, is a symbol of pride and is being raised by everyone in the community.


May I show you the plan I lay out
The artist wants to share their plans and ambitions with someone.


My disc will never play out, I tell y'all to
The singer is confident that their music will continue to be popular and relevant, and they urge listeners to continue enjoying it.


Swing your elbows and Taylors, the shell-toes
The singer instructs the listener to move their arms in a swinging motion while wearing a specific type of footwear - either Chuck Taylors or Adidas shell-toes.


Kush blunts all in the air, I smell those
People are smoking marijuana, and the singer can smell the strong, distinct odor of the drug.


Cop the swap meets to freaks on Melrose
The artist is suggesting going to swap meets, which often sell cheap, fake merchandise, or to visit the eclectic neighborhood of Melrose to find 'freaks', or unique and interesting individuals.


This is California, killers on them corners
The artist is reminding the listener that they are in California, a place where crime and violence can occur at any moment.


From Long Beach to Inglewood, Hollywood
The singer is referencing different cities in California, including Long Beach, Inglewood, and Hollywood.


Back down, them gangsters will be on you
The singer is warning the listener that if they get into trouble or show weakness, gang members may threaten them or become violent.


Block hot as a sauna
The neighborhood is very active and filled with people, giving it a warm and busy atmosphere similar to a sauna.


We in the club, zoning, Patroning
The artist and their friends are in a club, likely drinking Patron tequila, and are relaxed and enjoying themselves.


My knuckleheads roaming, they on and we on it
The artist's associates are wandering around and getting into trouble, and the artist is involved and supportive of their actions.


It's jerkin, poppin, brackin, whatever you want to call it
The singer is suggesting that different types of dancing and movement are happening in the club, and it can be called by many different terms.


What's happening, we smashing, crashing your hood
The artist and their friends are partying and causing chaos, going into different neighborhoods and causing trouble.


Staying sucker-free, just as well as you should
The singer and their friends are avoiding people who are considered 'suckers', or easily victimized and taken advantage of.


I pull up in that motherfucking big-ass truck
The singer arrives in a large, impressive truck, likely meant to show off their wealth and status.


Where your bitch? She's gone with a real nigga
The singer is implying that someone's girlfriend has left them to be with someone who is more impressive and successful.


I hop up out that ho asking how you feel nigga
The artist gets out of their vehicle and confidently asks how the other person is feeling, implying that they are not afraid of any confrontation or hostility.


I press blood; throw your sets up!
The artist is likely throwing up gang signs and is ready to engage in a fight or dispute with someone who is also part of a gang or neighborhood. 'Pressing blood' can also refer to testing someone's allegiance or loyalty to a certain group.




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