The Best
Jay-Z Feat. Lil Wayne Kanye West & T.I. Lyrics

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I mean, Ush' is this what it come to, man?
This is how we gon' do it
I mean, even grass grow baby, you know
Seeds become plants
Boys become men
Want we gon' do?
Let's lead the way, uh

Wrapped around our girls like pashminas
What's my demeanor?
The grass is always greener on the other side
To think of I cant give her a ring up
I couldn't give a
How could I give a finger?
Let alone half baths and closets
So claustrophobic in fear of close objects
Now it's sorta like two-car garages
It's like two broads menagin'
You're the best, mama

Is there any chance
That you remember me being more than just a horrible man?
And would you consider
Pullin' this trigger
And taking a second shot at romance?
Oh, babe
I want the days when you were my girl
And I was your man
Know I took you for granted
But it wasn't 'til now I see how much I miss you
Girl, I'm sorry that I ran the streets, actin' like a damn fool, yeah
But for once, here goes the truth

I can't be fake I can't be phony
Actin' all hard, that's for homies that's lonely
I tried to flex, but I confess, that when you left you took the very best thing
The best thing that ever happened to me
You took my best thing (yeah)
The best thing that I ever seen
You took the best thing (the best thing that I ever had, yeah)
And now all I feel is stress (oh-oh), 'cause when you left you took the very best

Remember Mimi or Vita? Remember Isha or Eva?
I ain't got 'em no more, hey yes
Naomi or Jenny, the same outcome is chillin'
Girl, I let 'em all go
No more trickin' and kissin' miscellaneous chicks
Actin' like a jerk, woman I been to church
And I talked to the bishop and he wanted me to share this with ya
How much I miss you

I'm so sorry that I ran the streets, actin' like a damn fool
But for once here goes the truth

I can't be fake I can't be phony
Acting all hard that's for homies that's lonely
I tried to flex, but I confess, that when you left you took the very best thing
The best things that ever happened to me
You took my best thing (yeah)
The best thing that I ever seen, you took the
(Best thing) the best thing that I ever had, yeah
And now all I feel is stress, 'cause when you left you took the very best (uh)

Mama tried to told me
Hovie Hov to slow it down
You gon' lose your best thing
If you keep gettin' round
Like PAC needed pot
When you old to hold you down
Ma forever young, was forever numb
Sorry states are sorry done
Your million and all of them
All of 'em was funny time
It wasn't you, it was him
School me once, school me twice
Three times, I was dumb
Now it's so plain to see to me
I got the one
You the best, mama

I can't be fake I can't be phony
Actin' all hard that's for homies that's lonely
I tried to flex, but I confess, that when you left you took the very best thing
The best things that ever happened to me (happened to me)
You took my best thing (you took the best of me)
The best thing that I ever seen
You took the best thing (ooh-ooh)
The best thing that I ever had (ooh-whoa-oh)

And now all I feel is stress (ayy)
'Cause baby, when you left you took the very best

Overall Meaning

In the song "The Best," Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, Kanye West, and T.I. collaborate to create a tribute to the most important person in their lives. The song opens with the chorus, which extols the virtues of the person the artist is singing about. This person comes to them when they're needed, and provides everything they need to feel complete. The second verse continues in this vein, speaking of promises and dreams, and requesting that this person take their heart and make it strong.

The final verse speaks of the fear of losing this person, and the feeling of losing control whenever they're away. The song ends as it began, with the chorus praising the object of the artist's affections. While the lyrics are relatively straightforward and unambiguous, they are delivered with a great deal of passion and sincerity, which lends them a powerful emotional impact.

Line by Line Meaning

I call you when I need you, my heart's on fire
I only contact you when I'm in desperate need, and I feel incredibly passionate towards you

You come to me, come to me wild and wired
You always come to me with an intense energy and excitement

Oh, you come to me, give me everything I need
You provide me with everything I require or desire when you come to me

Give me a life time of promises and a world of dreams
Promise to be with me forever, and help me achieve my every aspiration

Speak the language of love like you know what it means
Communicate with me in a way that shows you truly understand and feel love

Mm, and it can't be wrong, take my heart and make it strong, babe
It feels right, and letting you take hold of my heart makes me feel empowered

You're simply the best, better than all the rest
You outshine everyone else and there is no one better than you

Better than anyone, anyone I ever met
You surpass everyone I have come across in my life

I'm stuck on your heart, I hang on every word you say
I am deeply attached to your heart, and I pay close attention to every single thing you say

Tear us apart, baby, I would rather be dead
I would rather die than be separated from you

In your heart I see the start of every night and every day
I see the beginning of every moment in your heart, both good and bad

In your eyes I get lost, I get washed away
When I look into your eyes, I feel hypnotized and completely taken over

Just as long here in your arms I could be in no better place
As long as I'm in your embrace, there is no other place I would rather be

Each time you leave me I start losing control
Every time you have to go away, I start to lose my grip on reality

You're walking away with my heart and my soul
You take a piece of my heart and soul with you every time you leave

I can feel you even when I'm alone
I still feel your presence even when you're not physically with me

Oh, baby, don't let go
Don't leave me or give up on our relationship

You're the best, better than all the rest
As mentioned before, you are the absolute best

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing, WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Johnta Austin, Shawn Carter, Jermaine Dupri, Curtis Mayfield, Manuel Seal

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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