Hollywood
Jay-Z (Feat Beyonce) Lyrics


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It ain't for everybody
Welcome to Hollywood, baby
Take my picture
You comin' with?
Let's not even talk about it
Let's do it
Let's go
I see your jealousy as you're watching (I see you watching)
You're watching (it's all good)
It's kinda sexy to me (I love it)
How you're watching, you're watching
I see your face (I see your face)
You want to touch it (you want to touch it)
Come to my place (come to the crib)
And let's discuss it (let's chop it up)
Tonight you'll be (tonight you goin' be a superstar, baby)
A superstar
Come, let me sign you up (let's get into it)

Oh, it's the lights (you're blinded by the)
Action! (You need that)
Hollywood (uh, uh, uh, uh)
Oh, it's the lights (you're blinded by the)
Satisfaction (you need that)
Hollywood (uh, uh, uh, uh, c'mon)

Paparazzi spots me in the lobby of my high rise
I hide behind my shades because the fame is blindin' my eyes
My god, I know how Ozzy Oz must have felt when he was Oz hot
As I have got, I have got to make this stop
People often warn me that the fame ain't for the faint of heart
It'll change those who said they had love for you into strangers
When your fame starts, it's a chain reaction
Locomotion like when a train departs
Stranger things have happened
Rappin', stackin' platinum plaquin'
Born in Brooklyn, got a place in Manhattan
Goin' back to Brooklyn to escape the madness
When your friends is Chris and Gwyneth
When your girl is more famous than Juventus
Then it's time to get all your windows tinted
Keep your eyes squinted, it's goin' flash any minute
The music biz is like musical chairs
It's about where you standin' when the music stop spinnin'

Oh, it's the lights (you're blinded by the)
Action! (you need that)
Hollywood (uh, uh, uh, uh)
Oh, it's the lights (you're blinded by the)
Satisfaction (you need that)
Hollywood (uh, uh, uh, uh, c'mon)

You got to get it
Do you want it?
But you don't need it
Till you do, till you do

Hey mister, page sixer
A-lister, you're in the midst of
The ride of your life, but you gotta keep them hits up
Can't put your guard down, gotta keep your mitts up
Take a sip, sir, it's so intoxicating ain't it?
Try not to get jaded
Hollywood's been good to ya
Startin' to feel like buzz to ya
Don't lie, go on fly, you're addicted to the light
Without the fame, how you gon' survive?
It's like livin' on heroin, you so high

And everybody's warning you about it (I tried to tell you)
And once you taste it you can't live without it (it's addicting)
Not 'cause you choose to not live without it (you sure you want this, baby?)
It's now a part of you, it's now a part of you (it's a part of you)
And everybody's warning you about it
And once you taste it you can't leave

Oh, it's the lights (you're blinded by the)
Action (you need that)
Hollywood (uh, uh, uh, uh)
Oh, it's the lights (you're blinded by the)
Satisfaction (you need that)
Hollywood (uh, uh, uh, uh, c'mon)

Wanna be seen now, groupies
Now you've become what you once despised
James Dean, John Belushi, blow your whole life trying to live in the lights
Heroin's following, Marilyn hopping over the edge
It's like Janis Joplin
River Pheonix, Jimi Hendrix
Jimmy Morrison, all of them ended by Hollywood
Thank God for Hollywood
Hollywood
You sure you want this, baby?
Hollywood, it's the most addictive drug in the world




You want the fame
You want the lights

Overall Meaning

In the song "Hollywood," Jay-Z and Beyoncé examine the allure and danger of fame and celebrity culture. The song is about the excitement and seduction of Hollywood and the entertainment business, as well as the negative aspects of the lifestyle. The opening lyric, "it ain't for everybody," sets the tone, suggesting that not everyone is cut out for the limelight. Jay-Z raps about the warning signs and costs of fame, touching on the changes it can bring to relationships and personal life. In contrast, Beyoncé sings over the electrifying beat about the addictiveness of the world of Hollywood and how it can provide a sense of satisfaction and purpose. Ultimately, though, the song presents a warning about the addictive and destructive nature of the celebrity lifestyle.


Line by Line Meaning

It ain't for everybody
Not everyone can handle the fame and glamour of Hollywood.


Welcome to Hollywood, baby
Welcome to a world where fame and the desire for it is all-consuming.


Take my picture
Come and capture the moment of fame and glamour with me.


You comin' with?
Are you ready and willing to join in on this journey to fame and fortune?


Let's not even talk about it
Let's not waste any time arguing, let's just do it and get on with it.


Let's do it
Let's take the leap into the world of fame, wealth, and glamour.


I see your jealousy as you're watching (I see you watching)
I can tell from your envious eyes that you wish you were in my position.


You're watching (It's all good)
It's okay to admire and want what I have; I take it as a compliment.


It's kinda sexy to me (I love it)
I find your envy and admiration attractive; it fuels me to keep going.


How you're watching, you're watching
The intensity with which you're observing me is intriguing and exciting to me.


I see your face (I see your face)
I can read the emotions on your face, and I know exactly what you're feeling.


You want to touch it (You want to touch it)
You're so drawn to my fame and glamour that you want to be a part of it.


Come to my place (Come to the crib)
Join me at my luxury home, and let's talk more about how we can work together to achieve success.


And let's discuss it (Let's chop it up)
Let's have a real conversation about the challenges and opportunities that come with fame and fortune.


Tonight you'll be (Tonight you goin' be a superstar, baby)
Tonight, I will show you how it feels to be a superstar like me.


A superstar
The highest level of fame and success in Hollywood.


Come, let me sign you up (Let's get into it)
Join me, and let's make a pact to achieve fame and wealth together.


Oh, it's the lights (You're blinded by the)
The fame and glamour of Hollywood is blinding in its intensity and excitement.


Action! (You need that)
The fast-paced, high-energy lifestyle of Hollywood is addictive and irresistible.


Hollywood (uh, uh, uh, uh)
The glamorous, exciting, and addictive world of fame and fortune in the entertainment industry.


Paparazzi spots me in the lobby of my high rise
Even in the privacy of my own home, the paparazzi follows and hounds me for a photo opportunity.


I hide behind my shades because the fame is blindin' my eyes
I use my sunglasses as a shield because the bright lights of fame can be overwhelming and blinding.


My god, I know how Ozzy Oz must have felt when he was Oz hot
The pressure and intensity of fame can be so consuming that it's hard to imagine how someone like Ozzy Osbourne dealt with it.


As I have got, I have got to make this stop
I have to find a way to slow down and take a break from the constant demands and pressures of fame.


People often warn me that the fame ain't for the faint of heart
I have been warned many times that fame is not easy and requires a lot of hard work and perseverance.


It'll change those 'cause if they had love for you into strangers
Fame can change people and cause them to become distant from those who they once loved.


When the fame starts, it's a chain reaction
Once you achieve some level of fame, it leads to even more opportunities and success.


Locomotion like when a train departs
The momentum and speed of your career can be compared to a train leaving the station.


Stranger things have happened
Unexpected things can happen in Hollywood, some good, some bad, but you have to be prepared for anything.


Rappin', stackin' platinum plaques
My hip-hop music has earned me multiple platinum certifications and substantial wealth.


Born in Brooklyn, got a place in Manhattan
I was born and raised in Brooklyn, but have achieved enough success to own property in Manhattan.


Goin' back to Brooklyn to escape the madness
Sometimes, it's necessary to go back to your roots and find peace in familiar surroundings to escape the craziness of Hollywood.


When your friends is Chris and Gwyneth
When you're on the same level of fame and esteem as big names like Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow.


When your girl is more famous than Juventus
When your partner is so famous and well-known that they are more well-known than a famous soccer club like Juventus.


Then it's time to get all your windows tinted
When your fame and success reach a certain level, it's necessary to take precautions to protect your privacy.


Keep your eyes squinted, it's goin' flash any minute
Be ready to smile and strike a pose because the paparazzi will try to catch you at any moment.


The music biz is like musical chairs
The music industry is constantly changing, and it's important to stay on top and be aware of changes to succeed.


It's about where you stand when the music stop spinnin'
Success in the music industry often comes down to having the right connections and being in the right place at the right time.


Wanna be seen now, groupies
People who once looked down on fame and those who chased it are now themselves seeking the spotlight.


Now you've become what you once despised
When you become famous, you may find yourself doing things you once criticized others for doing.


James Dean, John Belushi, blow your whole life trying to live in the lights
It's easy to get caught up in the glamour and excitement of Hollywood, but many famous people have suffered because of it.


Heroin's following, Marijuana hopping over the edge
Drugs and addiction are common in Hollywood and can be a dangerous side effect of seeking fame and fortune.


It's like Janis Joplin, River Phoenix, Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Morrison, all of them ended by Hollywood
Many famous musicians have died tragically young, often as a result of the pressures and demands of being famous.


Thank God for Hollywood
Despite the challenges and potential dangers of fame, many people still view Hollywood as an aspirational goal.


Hollywood
The embodiment of all the excitement, glamour, and danger of the entertainment industry.


You sure you want this, baby?
This life of fame and glamour may seem appealing, but it's important to think carefully before pursuing it.


Hollywood, it's the most addicting drug in the world
Fame and success in Hollywood can be like a drug, addicting and all-consuming.


You want the fame
You desire the success and recognition that comes with being famous in Hollywood.


You want the lights
You crave the excitement and glamour that comes with being in the spotlight in Hollywood.


Do you want it?
Are you prepared to work hard and make the sacrifices necessary to achieve fame and fortune in Hollywood?


But you don't need it
Despite your desire for fame, it's important to remember that it's not a necessity for happiness or fulfillment in life.


Till you do, till you do
You may not realize how much you want or need fame until you've experienced it.


Hey mister, page sixer
An acknowledgement of the paparazzi and tabloid media that plays such a big role in the world of Hollywood.


A-lister, you're in the midst of
Referring to the top tier of celebrities and actors in Hollywood, who enjoy tremendous success and recognition.


The ride of your life, but you gotta keep them hits up
Being successful in Hollywood is like taking the ride of your life, but you have to stay relevant and continue to produce hits to stay on top.


Can't put your guard down, gotta keep your mitts up
You always have to stay on your toes and be ready to fight to maintain your success.


Take a sip, sir, it's so intoxicating ain't it?
The allure of fame and glamour can be so intoxicating that it's hard to resist.


Try not to get jaded
It's important to try to maintain your perspective and not become negative or cynical in the face of the challenges of Hollywood.


Hollywood's been good to ya
Despite the challenges, Hollywood has brought a lot of success and opportunity to those who pursue it.


Startin' to feel like buzz to ya
The excitement and glamour of Hollywood start to become normalized and almost routine once you've been in the industry for a while.


Don't lie, go on fly, you're addicted to the light
Once you've tasted fame and success, it can be hard to step away and lead a simpler life.


And everybody's warning you about it (I tried to tell you)
Those who have experienced the ups and downs of fame are trying to warn you about the dangers and risks.


And once you taste it you can't live without it (It's addicting)
Once you've achieved fame and success, it can be hard to imagine going back to a regular life.


Not 'cause you choose to not live without it (you sure you want this, baby?)
You may not be choosing to become addicted to fame, but it's important to consider if it's really what you want.


It's now a part of you, it's now a part of you (It's a part of you)
Once you've experienced the life of fame and glamour, it becomes a part of who you are and shapes your identity.


And everybody's warning you about it
Those who have been successful in Hollywood know how challenging it can be and are cautioning you about the risks.


And once you taste it you can't leave
Just like a drug, fame and success are hard to walk away from once you've experienced them.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Shawn Carter, Reginald Perry, Schaffer Smith

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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