Guns & Roses
Jay-Z [feat. Lenny Kravitz] Lyrics


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Yeah, it's magic
Uh, Jay-Z and Lenny Kravitz
And it's a Heavy D production, you bastards
Come on
Ha, hey yo, stop playing man
This is real serious
Ha (it's the Roc) yeah, yo
Let's go

Post Positano, Hov' hanging with Bono
U2 can live like Salvatore Ferragamo
And you, too, can cool out poolside at the Delano
If you, too, flow like you was out of your mind yo
'Cause who knew dude that loved apple pies from McDonald's
Would soon be the boss of the Big Apple, ya know
And who knew dude that played ball for the NBA
Would make a mistake on the who knew estates, throw it away
Who knew that would be his last shot, who drew up that play
They giveth and they taketh, life is cruel that way
But even a broken clock is right at least two times a day
You could have turned guns into roses like two times today
Now here's something you gotta say, two times to Jay
I got my shades on waiting for the sun to shine my way
Got my boom box, suntan lotion waiting for action
They say when you play with skills, good luck could happen
Let's go

(C'mon) It's the Roc
(C'mon) It's the Roc
(C'mon) It's the Roc
(C'mon) Let's rock
(C'mon)

Things got too hot so I jumped off in this rap shit
You got it Kris-krossed ain't no turning me backwards
Too many District Attorneys concerned with the actions
Of one individual, he's criminally attached
I turned in all my rap chips I'm earning my bachelors
By dating all the models and actresses
I'm learning all the potholes in every single barrio
Trying not to mess up my axis kid
On the road to the riches through trafficking
Through rapping and whatever's happening
Rocawear, I'm the young black Ralph Lauren
Every time I get out, they pull me right back in
The Michael Corleone of the microphone
The Michelangelo of flow I paint pictures with poems
I gather no moss like a rolling stone
Case the Grim Reaper visits my home, nigga I'm gone c'mon

(C'mon) It's the Roc
(C'mon) It's the Roc
(C'mon) It's the Roc
(C'mon) Let's rock
(C'mon)

Life is all about guns and roses
Bittersweet like friends and foes is
Some get left behind and some get chosen
Just like life, guns and roses

Life is all about Guns and Roses
Bittersweet like friends and foes is
Some get left behind and some get chosen
Just like life, guns and roses

Tote more guns then roses, foes is
Visibly shook of the invisible bully (let's go)
Flowers need water to grow, it gotta rain
And in order to experience joy you need pain
Every time a baby is born, somebody's slain
You know the saying, somebody's lose is another's gain
The sun comes out when the water goes down the drain
A rainbow, then the clouds come out we do it again
Everything evens up, you just wait
Even a garbage can gets a steak
You ain't even a garbage can you have faith
But when it turns your way before it turns away
Gotta turn that into something you gotta learn from Jay
You will get return in your investment if attention you pay, let's go

(C'mon) It's the Roc
(C'mon) It's the Roc
(C'mon) It's the Roc
(C'mon) Let's rock
(C'mon)

Life is all about guns and roses
Bittersweet like friends and foes is
Some get left behind and some get chosen
Just like life, guns and roses

Life is all about Guns and Roses
Bittersweet like friends and foes is
Some get left behind and some get chosen
Just like life, guns and roses

Life is all about Guns and Roses
Bittersweet like friends and foes is
Some get left behind and some get chosen
Just like life, guns and roses





Life is all about guns and roses

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Jay-Z's song "Guns & Roses" featuring Lenny Kravitz touch on various themes and ideas. Jay-Z reflects on his rise to success and how unexpected it was for someone like him, who enjoyed apple pies from McDonald's, to become the boss of the Big Apple. He also acknowledges the mistakes he has made along the way, comparing life to a broken clock that is right at least twice a day. The lyrics emphasize the idea that even in difficult times, there is always potential for growth and transformation, symbolized by turning "guns into roses."


The song also explores the challenges Jay-Z has faced in his career, with references to legal concerns and the pressure to maintain his success and reputation. He speaks about dating models and actresses, navigating the obstacles that come with fame, and the constant pull back into the music industry despite wanting to move on. Through the lyrics, Jay-Z asserts his talents as a rapper and compares himself to esteemed figures like Michael Corleone and Michelangelo.


In the chorus, the repeated phrase "Life is all about guns and roses, bittersweet like friends and foes" suggests that life is a mix of both positive and negative experiences, much like the contrasting elements of guns and roses. Some people are left behind while others are chosen for success, and Jay-Z encourages listeners to learn from their experiences in order to grow and succeed. Overall, the song serves as a reflection on Jay-Z's journey and the complexities of life.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Stamen Music
Written by: John McCrea, Shawn Carter, Dwight Meyers

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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