Encore
Jay-Z feat. Beatles Lyrics

Thank you, thank you, thank you, you're far too kind
Expressing gratitude for the audience's support and praise

Now can I get an encore, do you want more
Asking if the audience wants another performance

Cooking raw with the Brooklyn boy
Collaborating with Pharrell Williams to create a fresh and innovative sound

So for one last time I need y'all to roar
Requesting the audience to show their appreciation and enthusiasm for the final performance

Now what the hell are you waiting for
Asking why the audience is hesitating to show their excitement and energy

After me, there shall be no more
Indicating that this will be Jay-Z's final performance

So for one last time, nigga make some noise
Urging the audience to make as much noise as possible for the final performance

Who you know fresher than Hov'? Riddle me that
Posing a rhetorical question about his superior style and creative talent

The rest of y'all know where I'm lyrically at
Suggesting that other rappers are nowhere near as skilled or talented as him

Can't none of y'all mirror me back
No other rapper is capable of matching his style or skill level

Yeah hearing me rap is like hearing G. Rap in his prime
Comparing his rap skills to those of G. Rap at the height of his career

I'm, young H.O., rap's Grateful Dead
Referring to himself as rap's version of the iconic band Grateful Dead

Back to take over the globe, now break bread
Asserting his dominance in the rap genre and seeking financial success

I'm in, Boeing jets, Global Express
Boasting about his lavish lifestyle and travel on private jets

Out the country but the blueberry still connect
Even though he travels the world, he still has connections to his roots and community

On the low but the yacht got a triple deck
Humblebragging about his private yacht that has three decks

But when you young, what the fuck you expect? Yep, yep
Justifying his bragging by saying that it's natural for a young person in his position to do so

Grand opening, grand closing
Alluding to the short-lived nature of his career and this final performance

God your man Hov' cracked the can open again
Reaffirming his dominance in the rap world and his ability to remain relevant

Who you goin' find doper than him with no pen
Asking who else could possibly be better than him without even writing lyrics

Just draw off inspiration
Creating music based on personal inspiration and creativity

Soon you goin' see you can't replace him
Assuming that people will realize that he is irreplaceable in the rap genre

With cheap imitations for these generations
Suggesting that there are many inferior rappers who try to imitate his style, but they are not genuine or original

Look what you made me do, look what I made for you
Acknowledging the audience's impact on his success and giving credit to his own hard work

Knew if I paid my dues, how will they pay you
Reflecting on the struggles he faced early in his career and how his success paves the way for others

When you first come in the game, they try to play you
Commenting on the challenges faced by new artists in the industry

Then you drop a couple of hits, look how they wave to you
Reflecting on how his success leads to adoration and support from fans and the industry

From Marcy to Madison Square
Referencing his hometown neighborhood and the prestigious venue where he performs

To the only thing that matters in just a matter of years (yea)
Implying that his rap career is his only significant accomplishment

As fate would have it, Jay's status appears
Acknowledging that his success is due in part to good fortune

To be at an all-time high, perfect time to say goodbye
Exiting the rap game at the height of his career and success

When I come back like Jordan, wearing the 4-5
Comparing his return to the rap game to Michael Jordan's comeback to the NBA

It ain't to play games with you
Asserting that he is not joking or messing around with his return

It's to aim at you, probably maim you
Talking trash and boasting about his skills as a rapper

If I owe you I'm blowing you to smithereens
Threatening those who may have wronged him in the past

Cocksucker take one for your team
An insult and a threat, daring his enemies to take him on

And I need you to remember one thing (one thing)
Asking the audience to pay attention to his words and to remember this moment

I came, I saw, I conquered
A triumphant declaration of his success in the rap game

From record sales, to sold out concerts
Listing his many accomplishments and fame

So motherfucker if you want this encore
Challenging the audience to demand an encore performance

I need you to scream, 'til your lungs get sore
Asking the audience to show their excitement and enthusiasm for the final performance with loud cheers and applause