Now Or Never
Joe Budden feat. Emanny Lyrics
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Here we are, here forever
(You can eat our dust
We're playing ring around the world)
Nah, this ain't the story of a soldier
It's the story of a nigga
They counted as being over
A new birth, so if you counted me out
On one hand you understand me but
Still you had one hand free
I used to do this to feed
My son and my family
Now you need those other 5 fingers
They might come in handy
Sprinkle your weed on your blunts
Got haters breaking world records for the
Most words eaten at once
Just getting out of my self's way
Been a sucker to slavery
Fucked fear without a condom
Had a baby named Bravery
Old head said, give' em murder on the beats
And fuck going commercial
Make commercial go me
If it's a hurdle I'mma leap
Niggas ain't threats anyway
Odds ain't in my favor
But I'm taking bets anyway
Wasn't with me in the gym in Jersey
Lost his team
But none of my shots touched the Nets anyway
Remember him, Jerz kid, new to some, old face
Fans matured, so did I, now my words
Hold weight nerve of them doubting I
Probably had no faith
Figured I'd be rapper after the
Fact that we're soul mates
Long ago I done been enlightening to y'all
But they was getting fresh air when
The writing was on the wall
Was fucked up a while, smoking 2 packs a day
But never mind that
Rather talk about some accolades
Got rich twice, he got clean twice
Put hood bitches on covers of magazines twice
When they say it's play favorites
Shit don't seem right
And my fans looking confused like
"fuck you mean he ain't nice?"
I've stared death in the
Eyes without shades on
Blink once, open my eyes and they was gone
Ignore the chatter and my crabs in the
Bucket turned to lobster on the platter
None of you niggas matter
This here is the victory lap and
Yet I ain't even win
Where do I begin? How bout when
They wouldn't let me in?
Won't address that setback, passed that shit
I got the blackball and behind
The back passed that shit
Concerned with getting my pay up
Some never thought he'd be hot
Figured I'd just lay up
But I don't take the easy shot
From the grimiest Tabernacle
My peers can respect this bad apple
Never thought we'd be back here right?
Never thought we'd be back, hold up
Let my guitars ride out
Just a moody motherfucker
That MME shit, we on it
If by chance I'm past my
Prime I'm tryna lap it
In the song "Now Or Never" by Joe Budden featuring Emanny, the lyrics convey a sense of urgency and determination, emphasizing the importance of seizing the moment. The opening lines "Racing time, it's now or never, Here we are, here forever" reflect a readiness to take on challenges and make the most out of the present moment. The reference to leaving others behind in the dust and playing ring around the world suggests a confident and competitive spirit, ready to conquer obstacles and push boundaries.
The lyrics shift to a more personal narrative as Joe Budden recounts his own journey and struggles. He distinguishes himself from a traditional soldier's story, instead framing it as the tale of a man who was once written off but has found new purpose and resilience. Through references to feeding his son and family, overcoming fear, and embracing bravery, he illustrates his evolution and determination to succeed despite obstacles.
Joe Budden reflects on his past experiences and growth as an artist, acknowledging his maturation along with his fans. He critiques the industry's tendency to overlook his talents and achievements, highlighting his resilience and ability to rise above challenges. References to facing death, overcoming addiction, and defying expectations showcase his perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity.
As the lyrics progress, Joe Budden celebrates his journey and accomplishments, emphasizing his refusal to be limited by others' perceptions or setbacks. The victory lap he embarks on symbolizes his ongoing pursuit of success and recognition, even in the face of doubt and obstacles. By acknowledging his past struggles and triumphs, he asserts his place in the music industry and the world at large, asserting his worth and significance despite any doubts or challenges he may face.
Line by Line Meaning
Racing time, it's now or never
We must act quickly and decisively, as the opportunity may not come again.
Here we are, here forever
We are present in this moment, and the impact of our actions will have lasting consequences.
Nah, this ain't the story of a soldier
This is not a typical tale of heroism or bravery in battle.
This is the story of a nigga
Instead, it is a personal narrative of struggle and resilience from a common man.
They counted as being over
Many may have written me off or dismissed my potential.
It's just the story of Joseph
In reality, it is the story of my own journey and rebirth.
A new birth, so if you counted me out
Through personal growth and renewal, those who doubted me may now see my true potential.
On one hand you understand me but
While you may grasp my motivations to some extent,
Still you had one hand free
you have yet to fully embrace the complexity of my experience.
I used to do this to feed
I engaged in this pursuit to support my son and my family.
My son and my family
They were my primary motivations and sources of strength.
Now you need those other 5 fingers
Now, you must fully commit and utilize all of your resources to succeed.
They might come in handy
They could prove to be invaluable and beneficial in the long run.
Sprinkle your weed on your blunts
Finding solace and relaxation in times of stress and hardship.
Got haters breaking world records for the
Critics and adversaries are going to great lengths in their efforts to discredit me.
Most words eaten at once
Enduring and deflecting harsh criticism with resilience and determination.
Just getting out of my self's way
Rejecting self-doubt and embracing self-confidence and determination.
Been a sucker to slavery
Acknowledging past mistakes and patterns of self-sabotage.
Fucked fear without a condom
Confronting and overcoming fear and doubt without hesitation or reservation.
Had a baby named Bravery
Generating courage and resilience in the face of adversity.
Old head said, give'em murder on the beats
Receiving guidance and encouragement to excel in musical performance.
And fuck going commercial
Rejecting mainstream success and prioritizing artistic integrity.
Make commercial go me
Striving to redefine commercial success on one's own terms.
If it's a hurdle I'mma leap
Approaching obstacles with determination and resilience.
Niggas ain't threats anyway
Rivals and competitors pose little genuine risk or challenge.
Odds ain't in my favor
Chances for success may be slim or unfavorable.
But I'm taking bets anyway
Despite the odds, I am willing to take risks and pursue success.
Wasn't with me in the gym in Jersey
Those who doubted or dismissed me did not witness my hard work and dedication.
Lost his team
They may have underestimated me or disregarded my potential.
But none of my shots touched the Nets anyway
Despite setbacks and challenges, I remain resilient and focused on my goals.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Joseph Anthony Budden II, Emanny Salgado
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@tloumoreti4800
Pure lyricism ,bar for bar!
@TwiddleJones
Forgot how good this album was
@thetchthegreat
To this day, the best guitar solo ever in a hip hop song.
@offtheshtz
This was my shit back in high school. Good memories
@josecantero597
I STILL BUMP TO THIS SHIT. Deep life advise well needed.
@dwayneskinner3075
killing it dawg killing it🔥🔥🔥🔥
@robertcollins1076
Youll aint doing joe no justice did u hear "figured i just lay up but i dont take da easy shot" cmon yo dis dude is crazy for real. 🔥
@sharitahaynes4866
July 8th 2021
Some days I need the beat
Some days I need the instruments
Some days I need the lyrics
Today I needed all of the above
@juniorbrock6680
Hard 👍
@offtheshtz
💪💪