Welcome to the Jungle
Jay-Z / Kanye West Lyrics

Welcome to the jungle, welcome to the jungle well, yeah, yeah
Emphasizing that the listener has entered a complex and dangerous environment filled with challenges and obstacles.

(I asked her where she wanna be when she 25 She turned around and looked at me and said “alive”)
Illustrating the importance of survival and staying alive, even as a young person looking toward the future.

Black Axl Rose, move halfs and wholes Come down to the jungle, just ask for Hov Move blocks and squares, move apples and pears Work pots and pans, just to cop me some Airs
Describing similar experiences of struggle and hustle among diverse groups of people, from musicians to drug dealers to kitchen workers.

My uncle died, my daddy did too Paralyzed by the pain, I can barely move My nephew gone, my heart is torn Sometimes I look to the sky, ask why I was born My faith in God, every day is hard Every night is worse, that’s why I pray so hard
Opening up about personal tragedies and the resulting feelings of grief, helplessness, and questioning the purpose of existence. Turning to faith for solace and strength in dark times.

Why I pray so hard, this is crazy God Just when I thought I had everything, I lost it all So que sera, get a case of Syrah Let it chase the pain, before it goes too far
Expressing confusion and frustration with life's unpredictability, including sudden loss and pain. Using alcohol to numb feelings temporarily, as a way of coping.

My dreams is big, reality set in Let off a clip from a automatic weapon Through shots in the door, it died in Vegas Though it fought so hard, I knew it wouldn’t make it
Reconciling high aspirations with harsh realities of crime and violence. Reflecting on a specific tragedy (likely a reference to Tupac's murder) and the fruitlessness of fighting back against fate.

I’m a tortured soul, I live in disguise Rest in peace to the leader of the Jackson 5 I died in my sleep, I’m still Big Pimpin' I ball at the mall, beginning of the ending
Revealing the emotional struggles and identity crises that come with fame and fortune. Paying tribute to Michael Jackson and referencing the own mortality of the singer. Living extravagantly despite an underlying sense of unease and instability in life.

Where the fuck is the sun? It’s been a while Momma, look at ya son, what happened to my smile? My tears is tatted, my rag in my pocket I’m just looking for love, I know somebody got it
Feeling stuck and depressed, searching futilely for happiness and genuine connection with others. Using tattoos and clothing to express emotion and identity, and to hide pain.

Champagne for the pain, weed for the low Goddamn I’m so high, where the fuck did I go? I’m losing myself, I’m stuck in the moment I look in the mirror, my only opponent
Escaping emotional pain through drugs and alcohol, leading to confusion and disorientation. Feeling lost and trapped in the present moment, battling with self-doubt and insecurity.

Where the fuck is the press? Where the fuck is the Pres? Either they don't know or don’t care, I’m fucking depressed No crying in public, just lying to judges Risking my life, I’m already dying, so fuck it well
Calling out the media and political figures for ignoring or exacerbating societal issues that contribute to mental health issues and urban violence. Feeling the need to keep emotions hidden in public spaces, and engaging in illegal activities as a form of self-destruction and rebellion.

Welcome to the jungle, welcome to the jungle well, goddammit
Reiterating the message of the opening lines, with added frustration and anger at the difficulties of jungle life.