Welcome To The Jungle
Jay Z/Kanye West Lyrics
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Welcome to the jungle, welcome to the jungle well, yeah, yeah
(I asked her where she wanna be when she 25
She turned around and looked at me and said “alive”)
Welcome to the jungle, welcome to the jungle well, uh
Black Axl Rose, move halfs and wholes
Come down to the jungle, just ask for Hov
Work pots and pans, just to cop me some Airs
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Welcome to the jungle, welcome to the jungle well, goddammit
In the first few lines of the song, Jay Z and Kanye West welcome the listeners to the jungle, a metaphor for the fast-paced, cutthroat world of fame and success they inhabit. They repeat this line several times throughout the song, creating a sense of urgency and chaos. In the next lines, Jay Z describes himself as the "black Axl Rose," a reference to the lead singer of Guns N' Roses. He talks about moving drugs and money around, using metaphors like "halfs and wholes" and "blocks and squares." He also references working hard to buy fancy sneakers, which could symbolize the materialistic rewards that come with success.
The song takes a darker turn as Jay Z talks about the pain he's experienced in his life. He mentions losing his father and uncle, feeling paralyzed by the pain, and struggling every day to have faith in God. Kanye West echoes this pain in his verse, talking about losing everything and feeling depressed. He mentions the death of Michael Jackson and the Notorious B.I.G. (who had a hit song called "Big Pimpin'" that Jay Z was featured on), as well as his own struggles with addiction and mental health. The lyrics paint a picture of two men who have achieved great success, but at a tremendous cost to their mental and emotional wellbeing.
Overall, "Welcome to the Jungle" is a raw, introspective look at the dark side of fame, success, and the music industry. The repeated refrain of "welcome to the jungle" sets the tone for a wild, unpredictable ride through Jay Z and Kanye West's experiences.
Line by Line Meaning
Welcome to the jungle, welcome to the jungle well, yeah, yeah
Entering this life is like traversing a jungle filled with danger and excitement.
(I asked her where she wanna be when she 25
She turned around and looked at me and said “alive”)
When I asked her about her future goals, she simply wanted to live to that age.
Welcome to the jungle, welcome to the jungle well, uh
Here in the jungle, things are tough and it's not for the faint of heart.
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
I'm like a rock star, but I still have to hustle to get by and enjoy the good things in life.
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
I've experienced a lot of loss and it's hard for me to keep going sometimes.
My faith in God, every day is hard
Every night is worse, that’s why I pray so hard
I find comfort in my faith, especially during the toughest of times when I pray even harder.
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
I realize that things can change in an instant, so I try to accept what comes my way and find ways to cope with the pain.
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
I had high hopes but the harsh reality of life hit me hard, leading me to do reckless things and experience tragedy.
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
I'm hurting inside and disguise my pain, paying respect to Michael Jackson and living life to the fullest, even if it's not quite what I expected.
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
I'm feeling lost and forgotten, yearning for the love and affection I crave.
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
To numb the pain, I turn to substances, but it only makes me feel worse and more isolated.
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
I feel like no one is paying attention to my struggles, and I'm forced to put on a brave face even though it's tearing me apart. The only way to cope is to take risks, even if it means risking my life.
Welcome to the jungle, welcome to the jungle well, goddammit
This jungle we call life is tough and unforgiving, and it's taking everything I have just to survive.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: KANYE OMARI WEST, KASSEEM DEAN, MIKE DEAN, SHAWN CARTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@stevewells5111
"I asked her where she wanted to be when she 25, she turned around and looked at me and she said ALIVE." What a great start!
@VladimirPutin-wt5yh
I still think Kanye was referencing to Outkast on this one
@bigwilly1964
@@VladimirPutin-wt5yh such a great tribute
@travelandeats8518
Yes a great start. Beat is good on the start up.
Good production all around
@CEEBrown
Jay was super vulnerable on this joint. I never would've thought to bring that approach to this beat. He went in.
@jamiekoga1903
I felt that verse deep in my soul.
@CEEBrown
@@jamiekoga1903 Same!
@oluakinkoye850
“I look in the mirror, my only opponent.” 🔥🔥🔥
@ajayayyar2074
This is one of my favourite JayZ songs.
@meyou5789
Swizz Beatz