Fallin'
Jay-Z vs. Run D.M.C. Lyrics

I know I shouldn't have did that
Regretting a bad decision made in the past

I know it's gon' come right back
Anticipating negative consequences for actions

I know it's gon' destroy everything I made
Aware of the potential to lose everything achieved

It's probably gon' get your boy sent away
Expecting to face legal consequences

But this game I play, ain't no way to fix it
Acknowledging the impossibility of undoing past actions

It's inevitable that I'm (fallin')
Recognizing the inevitability of a downfall

Said where I would stop before I even started
Making promises to oneself before engaging in risky behavior

When I get to one brick, then the game I would depart with
Intending to quit criminal activity after achieving a certain level of success

Got to one brick then I looked to the sky like
Celebrating achievements but feeling guilty about breaking promises

"Sorry, God, I lied but give me one more try"
Asking for forgiveness and another chance to do better

Got to two bricks, new cars, new whips
Achieving even greater success in illegal activities

But niggas never learn 'til they end up in the news clip
Not realizing the danger and consequences until it's too late

The irony of selling drugs is sort of like you using it
Noticing the paradoxical nature of profiting off drugs while also suffering from drug abuse

Guess it's two sides to what substance abuse is
Reflecting on the complexity of drug addiction

Can't stop, won't stop, addicted to this new shit
Feeling unable to quit despite the risks

Brand new convertibles, I'm so ruthless
Showing off wealth and success earned through illegal means

Front row fight night, see how big my tube is
Boasting about financial success and having the best seats at big events

Fuck HD, nigga, see how clear my view is?
Proudly displaying status symbols and emphasizing the importance of image

(Fallin') But there's a price for overdoing it
Acknowledging that reckless behavior comes with consequences

Doing it this big will put you on the map
Bragging about becoming well-known and respected

Stick-up kids is out to tax
Acknowledging the danger of attracting unwanted attention from those who would rob and steal

Plus the FBI boys with the cameras in the back
Feeling the pressure of being constantly watched and monitored by law enforcement

Damn
Expressing frustration and disappointment

Now you (fallin'), when you should've fell back
Facing the consequences of not knowing when to stop

Now you (fallin'), right into they lap
Feeling trapped by one's own actions and decisions

Fallin', they applauding, they screaming at the screen
Being publicly shamed and ridiculed for one's mistakes

Damn, you fucked up like your favorite movie scene
Comparing one's downfall to a dramatic movie scene

Godfather, Goodfellas, Scarface, Casino
Referencing classic gangster movies as examples of the consequences of illegal activities

You seen what that last run did to De Niro in Heat
Pointing out how even successful and experienced criminals can face severe consequences

Can't beat the odds, can't cheat the Gods
Recognizing the difficulty of escaping the consequences of one's actions and the will of a higher power

Can't blow too hard, life's a deck of cards
Realizing the unpredictability of life and the importance of being cautious

Now your tumbling is humbling, you're fallin', you're mumbling
Feeling embarrassed and ashamed about the downfall, with a sense of regret

Under your breath like you knew this day was coming
Recognizing that the consequences were predictable

(Fallin') Now let's pray that arm candy/That you left your ex for stay down and come in handy
Remarking on the importance of having support during difficult times, hoping that a new romantic partner will stay loyal

'Cause come January it gets cold, when the letters start to slow/And your commissary's low, and your lawyer screams appeal
Anticipating the difficulties of spending time in prison, with little support or assistance

Only thinking about a bill and your chances are nil/Damn, gravity's ill
Acknowledging the hopelessness of the situation and the overwhelming force of gravity as a metaphor for one's downfall

But you're (fallin'), and you can't get up
Feeling trapped and unable to escape the consequences of one's actions

All you do is push-up, pull-up, sit-up
Describing the mundane routine of prison life

Locked down the town now belongs to the squares/Who said they won't make the same mistake that got you there
Feeling powerless and recognizing that others will continue to make mistakes similar to one's own

And your arm candy sweet on them/And the women that you left for this heifer/Got a college degree coming
Feeling betrayed by romantic partners who move on to succeed without them

Bad news keeps coming, hard to keep something on your stomach/You're sick 'bout what your life is becoming
Feeling overwhelmed by negative events and unhappy with the life one has created

(Fallin') But your use-to's, has-beens/Ragging bad 'bout all the new dudes/Talking tough on the Youtube/'Bout what you used to do/But that's old school to the new crew
Being seen as outdated and irrelevant by a younger generation who have different values and priorities

They doing numbers like Sudoku/They're the new you, and it's damn near inevitable/They'll experience deja vu too
Observing the popularity and success of a younger generation that is similar to oneself and recognizing the cycle of behavior

Fight and you'll never survive/Run and you'll never escape/So just fall from grace, damn
Recognizing that there may be no escape from the consequences of one's actions, and choosing to accept the situation and face the fallout