Welcome to the Jungle
Jay-Z - Kanye West Lyrics

Welcome to the jungle, welcome to the jungle well, yeah, yeah
The jungle is a metaphor for the hardships and struggles of life. The repetition signifies that this is not a place of comfort, safety or stability. Being welcomed to the jungle implies that one is entering a world full of chaos and uncertainty.

I asked her where she wanna be when she 25 She turned around and looked at me and said “alive”
The singer is having a conversation with a girl who when asked about her future aspirations, answered by stating her hope to survive until the age of 25. This highlights the harsh realities of life that people are forced to confront, where staying alive is a significant achievement.

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
Black Axl Rose represents someone who has achieved success despite their race, and Hov refers to Jay-Z himself. The lyrics highlight the struggle of those who come from disadvantaged backgrounds to earn money and secure their position in society. Coping Airs refers to purchasing expensive shoes as a symbol of status and wealth. The singer emphasizes the lengths one has to go to obtain luxury goods.

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
The artist has lost family members that have left him paralyzed with grief. He is struggling to come to terms with the suffering he's experiencing and the reasons for the obstacles he faces in life. The lyrics reflect on the difficult experiences that lead to a sense of hopelessness and despair.

My faith in God, every day is hard Every night is worse, that's why I pray so hard 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
Despite having faith in God, the artist is struggling to cope with the pain he's experiencing. He prays to find solace in his struggles but is met with more hardships. The lyrics describe the process of drowning one's sorrows in alcohol to numb the pain, ultimately concluding that life has an element of unpredictability and acceptance is necessary.

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
The rapper's dreams are ambitious, but he's aware of the limitations and challenges posed by the harsh realities of his environment. The lyrics refer to the shooting in Las Vegas where a victim fought to survive but ultimately lost. It's a metaphor for the fragility of life and the challenges one faces when trying to overcome obstacles.

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
The singer feels burdened by the hardships and struggles of life, which cause him to hide his true self. The lyrics contain a reference to Michael Jackson because of his impact on music and his own struggles with fame. Even though he's tortured, the singer finds solace in the materialistic distractions like shopping in the mall and the hedonistic lifestyle of ‘Big Pimpin’.

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
The lyrics emphasize the current struggles the artist is facing and his longing for more positive experiences. The sun symbolizes joy, and its absence indicates that happiness is eluding him. He's aware of his sadness and desires a return to a happier state. The tattoos and rag suggest gang affiliation, but he's just seeking love and acceptance like anyone else.

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
The artist turns to alcohol and drugs to escape the overwhelmingly negative experiences he's facing. His excessive substance use leads him to question his reality and how he got there. He's struggling to control his life, and his addiction is in conflict with his attempts at self-improvement.

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
The final lyrics highlight the isolation of the artist and his dissatisfaction with society. He's questioning the role of people in positions of authority to respond and intervene when people are struggling. He's lying to judges and hiding his true feelings, risking his life in the process. The lyrics conclude with the defeatist attitude of the artist, where he expresses his acceptance of his fate and imminent demise.