Never Change
Jay-Z Lyrics
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I'll never change, this is Jay every day
(I'll never change)
I'll never change, this is Jay every day
(I'll never change)
Never change, this is Jay
I am a Roc representer (oh)
Dead or alive (uh)
24/7, three-sixty-five
One CD or three hundred and sixty pies
What's up to E and Kirk?
Welcome home to Taj
Let no amount of money ruin this thing of ours (uh)
We run streets like drunks run street lights
We colliding with life as we speak
We knee deep in coke, we key deep in ice
We flood streets with dope, we keep weed to smoke
We all fish, better teach your folk
Give him money to eat, then next week he's broke
'Cause when you sleep, he's reaching for your throat
Word on the street, you reap what you sow
Not out of fear, but love, love for the game
Roc family first we never change, man
(Never, never, never, never, change)
I'm still fucking with crime, 'cause crime pays (I'll never change)
Out hustling, same clothes for days (I'll never change)
I'll never change, I'm too stuck in my ways, I'll never change
Who you know like Hov? (Never, never, never, never, change)
I'm still fucking with crime, 'cause crime pays (I'll never change, that's right)
Out hustling, same clothes for days (I'll never change, come on)
I'll never change, I'm too stuck in my ways, I'll never change
What's up to my Miami and St. Thomas connects? (What up?)
I'll never mention your name, I promise respect
Death before dishonor, correct?
Yup, that's what you promised me since the Bomber League
Along with if we stay strong
We can get paper longer than Pippen's arms (woo)
Plead the Fifth when it comes to the fam
I'm like a dog, I never speak, but I understand
Where my dogs at? Where my soldiers at war?
Where your balls at? Whoa, gotta pause that (whoa)
Lost ninety two bricks, had to fall back
Knocked a nigga of his feet, but I crawled back
Had A1 credit, got more crack
From the first to the fifth, gave it all back
If I'm not a hustler what you call that?
This is before rap ('fore), this is all fact (fact)
I'll never change
(Never, never, never, never, change)
I'm still fucking with crime, 'cause crime pays (I'll never change)
Out hustling, same clothes for days (I'll never change, that's right)
I'll never change, I'm too stuck in my ways, I'll never change
Who you know like Hov? (Never, never, never, never, change)
I'm still fucking with crime, 'cause crime pays (I'll never change)
Out hustling, same clothes for days (I'll never change, come on)
I'll never change, I'm too stuck in my ways, I'll never change
'Fore the streets robbed me, wasn't educated properly
But fuck y'all, I needed money for Atari
Was so young, my big sis still playing with Barbie
Young brother, big city, eight million stories
Old heads taught me, "Youngin, walk softly"
Carry a big clip that'll get niggas off me
Keep coke in coffee, keep money smelling mothy
Chains is cool to cop, but more important is lawyer fees (uh)
That's how it is now (uh)
That's how it always be (uh)
I'll never change, this is always me
From the womb to the tomb
From now 'til my doom
Drink Army from one cup, pass it around the room (that's a family, nigga)
That's the ritual (yup)
Big Ran, I ain't forgot you, fool
And all that bullshit you tryna get through
This is crew love, move music or move drugs
Rival crews, get your black suits up, I'll never change
(Never, never, never, never, change)
I'm still fucking with crime, 'cause crime pays (I'll never change, come on)
Out hustling, same clothes for days (I'll never change)
I'll never change, I'm too stuck in my ways, I'll never change
Who you know?
(Never, never, never, never, change)
I'm still fucking with crime, 'cause crime pays (I'll never change)
Out hustling, same clothes for days (I'll never change, come on)
I'll never change, I'm too stuck in my ways, I'll never change
This is Jay every day
Who you know like Hov? Nigga
Jay-Z's song "Never Change" is a powerful and introspective commentary on the artist's own values and experiences. Throughout the song, Jay-Z makes it clear that he is committed to maintaining his principles and his loyalty to those he cares about, even in the face of significant challenges and setbacks.
The song begins with Jay-Z boldly declaring his steadfastness, repeating the refrain "Never, never, never, never, change" over a hypnotic beat. He then launches into a litany of examples that illustrate his unwavering commitment to his craft and his crew, from his tireless work ethic to his willingness to take risks and his determination to keep his word.
The second verse of the song provides a more intimate look at Jay-Z's life and his struggles as a young man growing up in the harsh streets of New York City. He discusses his experiences with crime, from selling drugs to getting robbed, and reflects on how those experiences helped shape him into the person he is today. Ultimately, he concludes that he will never change, that his identity is inextricably tied to his past and his present, and that he will continue to be true to himself and his values no matter what.
Overall, "Never Change" is a deeply personal and introspective song that showcases Jay-Z's powerful lyrics and his profound understanding of the human experience. It is a testament to the power of music to express powerful emotions and to connect with listeners on a deep and meaningful level.
Interesting Facts About "Never Change":
1. "Never Change" was released as part of Jay-Z's critically acclaimed album "The Blueprint" in 2001.
2. The song was produced by Kanye West, who was a relatively unknown producer at the time but went on to become one of the most influential and successful producers in hip-hop history.
3. The song features a sample from the 1980s funk group The Four Tops.
4. The music video for "Never Change" was directed by Chris Robinson and features footage of Jay-Z performing the song as well as shots of him interacting with his friends and family.
5. The song has been covered by a number of other artists, including Drake and Lil Wayne.
6. "Never Change" was featured in the video game Grand Theft Auto IV, and has been used in numerous movies and TV shows over the years.
7. The song has been praised by critics for its introspective lyrics, its catchy beat, and its powerful message of perseverance and determination.
8. "Never Change" features a number of references to Jay-Z's friends and associates, including E and Kirk, Miami and St. Thomas connects, and his "Big Ran" crew.
9. The song's title has become a popular catchphrase among hip-hop fans and has been used in a number of songs and memes over the years.
10. Jay-Z has performed "Never Change" live numerous times over the years and it remains a fan favorite to this day.
Chords: There is no official transcription of the chords for "Never Change".
Line by Line Meaning
I'll never change, this is Jay every day
Jay-Z is stating that his personality and demeanor will never change
Never change, this is Jay
Jay-Z is reiterating that he will never transform from who he is
I am a Roc representer (oh)
Jay-Z is representing his rap label Roc-a-Fella Records
Summer to winter (oh)
Jay-Z works hard all year round
Dead or alive (uh)
Jay-Z will always rep Roc-a-Fella Records, no matter what
24/7, three-sixty-five
Jay-Z is working around the clock
One CD or three hundred and sixty pies
Jay-Z is versatile with his music and also makes money in the drug trade
What's up to E and Kirk?
Jay-Z is giving a shoutout to his friends E and Kirk
Welcome home to Taj
Jay-Z is welcoming his friend Taj back home
Let no amount of money ruin this thing of ours (uh)
Jay-Z is emphasizing the importance of keeping his crew and their bond strong, no matter the amount of money
We run streets like drunks run street lights
Jay-Z and his crew run the streets and control them with the same recklessness drunk people exhibit towards street lights
We colliding with life as we speak
Jay-Z and his crew are causing friction and competing with life to get what they want
We knee deep in coke, we key deep in ice
Jay-Z and his crew are heavily involved in the drug trade
We flood streets with dope, we keep weed to smoke
Jay-Z and his crew sell drugs and also use marijuana
We all fish, better teach your folk
Jay-Z and his crew are all in the same situation and it's important to teach your own crew how to survive
Give him money to eat, then next week he's broke
Jay-Z is warning others not to give too much money to someone, as they will likely spend it all quickly
'Cause when you sleep, he's reaching for your throat
Jay-Z is explaining that there are people who will take advantage of you when you're vulnerable
Word on the street, you reap what you sow
Jay-Z is saying that there will be consequences for one's actions
Not out of fear, but love, love for the game
Jay-Z and his crew are not involved in the drug trade out of fear, but rather for the love of the game
Roc family first we never change, man
Jay-Z is emphasizing the importance of his Roc-a-Fella Records crew and their bond
I'm still fucking with crime, 'cause crime pays (I'll never change)
Jay-Z will continue to sell drugs because it makes money and he will never change from this mindset
Out hustling, same clothes for days (I'll never change)
Jay-Z will continue to make money on the streets, even if it means wearing the same clothes for extended periods of time
Who you know like Hov?
Jay-Z is questioning who is as successful and talented as he is
What's up to my Miami and St. Thomas connects? (What up?)
Jay-Z is giving shoutouts to his drug connections in Miami and St. Thomas
I'll never mention your name, I promise respect
Jay-Z will not mention his drug connections' names to protect their identities
Death before dishonor, correct?
Jay-Z will choose to die before he brings dishonor upon himself or anyone within his crew
Yup, that's what you promised me since the Bomber League
Jay-Z's crew has made a promise to each other to always be honorable since their times in youth sports
Along with if we stay strong
If they stay together and united, they will remain strong and successful
We can get paper longer than Pippen's arms (woo)
Jay-Z's crew can make money for an extended period of time, just like Scottie Pippen's wingspan
Plead the Fifth when it comes to the fam
Jay-Z will not speak poorly about his family under any circumstances
I'm like a dog, I never speak, but I understand
Jay-Z listens and comprehends everything that goes on around him like a trainable dog
Where my dogs at? Where my soldiers at war?
Jay-Z is calling out to his crew and team to know where they are and if they are ready to fight
Where your balls at? Whoa, gotta pause that (whoa)
Jay-Z is questioning if his opponents and rivals have any guts and immediately realizes that his choice of words could be interpreted in an unintended way
Lost ninety two bricks, had to fall back
Jay-Z lost a large amount of drugs and had to take a step back and reevaluate his approach
Knocked a nigga of his feet, but I crawled back
Jay-Z encountered an obstacle and was knocked down but got back up and persevered
Had A1 credit, got more crack
Jay-Z's business credit score was good and he was able to use it to obtain more drugs
From the first to the fifth, gave it all back
Jay-Z spent all the money he made without saving any of it
If I'm not a hustler what you call that?
Jay-Z is emphasizing that his entire being revolves around being a hustler
This is before rap ('fore), this is all fact (fact)
Jay-Z's life experiences in the drug trade are true and happened before he became a rapper
'Fore the streets robbed me, wasn't educated properly
Jay-Z was not given a proper education before being exposed to the streets
But fuck y'all, I needed money for Atari
Jay-Z had a poor upbringing and turned to selling drugs in order to afford a video game console
Was so young, my big sis still playing with Barbie
Jay-Z was very young when he began life in the streets, even before his older sister had outgrown playing with dolls
Young brother, big city, eight million stories
Jay-Z is a young man living in New York City, a place with countless stories and experiences
Old heads taught me, "Youngin, walk softly"
Elderly people taught Jay-Z to walk softly and not attract too much attention to himself
Carry a big clip that'll get niggas off me
Jay-Z is carrying a gun with a lot of ammunition to protect himself
Keep coke in coffee, keep money smelling mothy
Jay-Z hides his drugs in everyday products such as coffee and makes sure his money smells old and musty to keep attention away from it
Chains is cool to cop, but more important is lawyer fees (uh)
Jay-Z emphasizes the importance of having a good lawyer, as opposed to buying expensive jewelry
That's how it is now (uh)
Jay-Z is saying that life is all about having a good lawyer in the present day
That's how it always be (uh)
Having a good lawyer has always been important
I'll never change, this is always me
Jay-Z's personality and approach to life will never change
From the womb to the tomb
Jay-Z will be who he is from the beginning of his life to the end
Drink Army from one cup, pass it around the room (that's a family, nigga)
Jay-Z's crew share a cup of liquor and pass it around to signify their bond and brotherhood
That's the ritual (yup)
Drinking one cup of liquor and passing it around is a tradition within Jay-Z's crew
Big Ran, I ain't forgot you, fool
Jay-Z is calling out his friend Big Ran and letting him know he hasn't forgotten about him
And all that bullshit you tryna get through
Jay-Z recognizes that his friend is going through a tough time and there is a lot of nonsense he needs to navigate through
This is crew love, move music or move drugs
Jay-Z's crew is united and will do whatever it takes to succeed, whether it be through music or illegal activities
Rival crews, get your black suits up, I'll never change
Jay-Z is prepared to go to war with rival crews if necessary and remains steadfast in his approach to life
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Robert Miller, Shawn Carter
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Notorik19
("Never, never, never, never change")
Ain't never changed, this is Jay every day
("I never change!")
I never change, this is Jay every day
("I never change!")
I never change, this is Jay
[Jay-Z]
I am a, Roc representer
Hov', summer to winter, Hov', dead or alive
Twenty-four/seven, three-sixty-five
One CD or three-hundred and sixty pies
Whassup to E and Kirk? Welcome home to Taj
Let no amount of money ruin this thing of ours
We run streets like drunks run street lights
We collidin with life as we speak
We knee deep in coke, we ki deep in ice
We flood streets with dope, we keep weed to smoke
We all fish, better teach your folk
Give him money to eat, then next week he's broke
Cause when you sleep, he's reachin for your throat
Word on the skreet, you reap what you sew
Not out of fear but love, love for the game
Roc family first, we never change mayn
[Chorus]
("Never, never, never, never change")
I'm still fuckin with crime cause crime pays
("I never change!")
Out hustlin, same clothes for days
("I never change!")
I never change, I'm too stuck in my ways, I never change
Who you know like Hov'?
("Never, never, never, never change")
I'm still fuckin with crime cause crime pays
("I never change!")
Out hustlin, same clothes for days
("I never change!")
I never change, I'm too stuck in my ways, I never change
[Jay-Z]
What's up to my Miami and St. Thomas connects (whattup)
I'll never mention your name, I promise respect
Death before dishonor correct? - Yup
That's what you promised me, since the (?)lee
Along with, if we stay strong
We can get paper longer than Pippen's arms
Plead the fifth when it comes to the fam
I'm like a dog - I never speak, but I understand
Where my dogs at? Where my soldiers at war?
Where your bars at? Whoa, gotta pause that - whoa
Lost 92 bricks had to fall back
Knocked a nigga off his feet, but I crawled back
Had A-1 credit, got more crack
From the first to the fifth, gave it all back
If, I'm not a hustler what you call that?
This is before rap, this is all fact
I never change
[Chorus]
[Jay-Z]
What, the streets robbed me, wasn't educated properly
Well fuck y'all, I needed money for Atari
Was so young my big sis' still playin with Barbie
Young brother, big city, eight million stories
Old heads taught me, yung'un, walk softly
Carry a big clip, that'll get niggaz off me
Keep coke in coffee, keep money smellin mothy
Change is cool to cop but more important is lawyer fees
(Uhh) That's how it is now (uhh) that's how it always be
(Uhh) I never change, this is always me
From the womb to the tomb, from now until my doom
Drink army from one cup pass it around the room (That's a family nigga)
That's the ritual (yup) Big Ran, I ain't forget you fool
And all that bullshit you tryin to get through
This is crew love, move music or move drugs
Rival crews get your black suits up - I never change
Telron Woodard
This song is so real it literally brings tears to my eyes. This song will never get old.
Prince Blanton Sr
Thought I was the only one
Jay Xtacee
🔥🔥💯
Illmatic
You can never get tired of this song.. One of Kanye's most iconic work.. And Jay as always murdered it..
Jumah Brady
Facts 💯
Justice Jakober
The dream team
RizarachiTV_704
Big facts
Illmatic
Bruce Thompson Source please this is a bold claim..
bbrucet3
@Illmatic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RKOWrot5Eo he's past now, but Kayne really ripped him off. In fact Kanye couldn't come back to Chicago for YEARS because payback was promised.
RipperRoo
One of the best rap songs I've ever heard. Everything about it is perfect. The lyrics are so moving and deep, the beat is catchy, the samples are gorgeous. For me, this is Jay-Z and Kanye West at their respective bests.