He continues to explore these themes throughout "ALL-AMERIKKKAN BADA$$", with both the title and the content within a criticism of white America’s conduct.
FOR MY PEOPLE
Joey Bada$$ Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah
Always wanted to have super powers
You know, uh
It's for my people, tryin' stay alive and just stay peaceful
So hard to survive a world so lethal
Who will take a stand and be our hero
It's for my people, tryin' to stay alive and just stay peaceful
So hard to survive a world so lethal
Who will take a stand and be our hero
Uh, not all heroes don't wear capes
And all villains don't get away
But all limits eventually fade
I don't wanna be good, nigga I'm tryin' to be great
It's hard when your back's against the wall
And if you got an order keep your feet up on the floor
That's why I thank the Lord when I wake up in the morn'
'Cause through him you can see every reason I was born
You can see the power when the mic is in my palm
When I storm across the room, hit the stage and perform
Word is bond, don't be alarmed
Don't let me have to sound a horn, and drop a bomb
Want to get my mom a crib, with a lawn
Something that my future kids, can run up on
That's why I always do my best to carry on
Heaven's like game of chess, don't be a pawn my nigga
It's for my people, tryin' to stay alive and just stay peaceful
So hard to survive a world so lethal
Who will take a stand and be our hero
For my people, yeah
It's for my people, tryin' to stay alive and just stay peaceful
So hard to survive a world so lethal
Who will take a stand and be our hero
Look up in the sky, it's a bird it's a plane
No, it's the young black God livin' out his dreams
What you mean I been up on an ultralight beam
They don't wanna see you fly, they just gonna shoot your wings
Everything, ain't what it seem
Wishing all these dirty cops, would come clean
Still swerving on these city blocks, for one thing
I may just cop the 30 shot, protect the team, know what I mean?
Music is a form of expression
I'mma use mine just to teach you a lesson
Rule one: this microphone's a weapon
I'm shootin' out the actions manifested in my passion
Influencing and surpassing, they expect to see a life in my direction
Man that section 8 depressin'
Hard to be progression through recession and oppression
Not to mention that they had our soul blocked ever since an adolescent
It's for my people, tryin' to stay alive and just stay peaceful
So hard to survive a world so lethal
Who will take the stand and be our hero
For my people, yeah
It's for my people, tryin' to stay alive and just stay peaceful
So hard to survive a world so lethal
Who will take the stand and be our hero
Oh, mm
The song "For My People" by Joey Bada$$ speaks to the struggle of living in a violent and oppressive world while trying to remain peaceful and survive. The lyrics highlight the need for someone to take a stand and be a hero for the people who are struggling to survive. The song begins with Joey expressing his desire to have superpowers, almost as if he believes that he needs something supernatural to help him fight against the lethal world he lives in.
The chorus repeats the phrase "it's for my people" multiple times, emphasizing the importance of supporting and standing up for marginalized communities who are facing ongoing oppression. Joey then reflects on the fact that heroes don't always wear capes, and sometimes it's the everyday people who step up to take a stand against injustice. The line "all villains don't get away" suggests that there are consequences for those who perpetrate violence and oppression.
Joey also references his own journey and speaks to the power of music as a form of expression and activism. He believes that his microphone is a weapon, and he uses his music to teach lessons and spark change. The line "they don't wanna see you fly, they just gonna shoot your wings" highlights the reality of living in a world where success and progress for marginalized communities are often met with resistance.
Overall, "For My People" is a powerful call to action for people to stand up against oppression and support those who are struggling to survive in a violent world.
Line by Line Meaning
You know
Acknowledge the given situation.
Yeah
Expressing agreement or confirmation.
Always wanted to have super powers
Desire to have immense power and control.
You know, uh
Acknowledging the situation with added emphasis on the topic.
It's for my people, tryin' stay alive and just stay peaceful
The song is dedicated to the people who try to survive and stay out of trouble.
So hard to survive a world so lethal
The world is a dangerous place making it difficult to survive.
Who will take a stand and be our hero
Asking who will rise up and be a hero to those who are struggling.
For my people, yeah
Reiterating the dedication of the song to those in need.
Uh, not all heroes don't wear capes
Contrary to popular belief, not all heroes wear capes.
And all villains don't get away
The opposite is also true, not all villains escape punishment.
But all limits eventually fade
Limits eventually disappear over time.
I don't wanna be good, nigga I'm tryin' to be great
Striving for excellence rather than just being good.
It's hard when your back's against the wall
It's difficult when you are in a challenging position.
And if you got an order keep your feet up on the floor
Stay grounded and focused on the task at hand.
That's why I thank the Lord when I wake up in the morn'
Expressing gratitude for another day of life.
'Cause through him you can see every reason I was born
Acknowledging a personal connection with a higher power.
You can see the power when the mic is in my palm
Feeling empowered when holding the microphone to perform.
When I storm across the room, hit the stage and perform
Feeling energized and excited when performing live.
Word is bond, don't be alarmed
Making a promise to keep things truthful.
Don't let me have to sound a horn, and drop a bomb
Warning that there will be consequences if something goes wrong.
Want to get my mom a crib, with a lawn
Dreaming of buying a house for his mother with a yard.
Something that my future kids, can run up on
Providing a safe and stable home for future generations.
That's why I always do my best to carry on
Continuing to strive for success and growth.
Heaven's like game of chess, don't be a pawn my nigga
Life is comparable to a game of chess and one should not be just a pawn, but make strategic choices.
Look up in the sky, it's a bird it's a plane
A homage to the superhero references made in the song.
No, it's the young black God livin' out his dreams
Embracing one's own power to achieve their dreams.
What you mean I been up on an ultralight beam
Feeling lifted and inspired after experiencing success.
They don't wanna see you fly, they just gonna shoot your wings
Some people will try to bring you down even when you are succeeding.
Everything, ain't what it seem
Things are not always as they appear.
Wishing all these dirty cops, would come clean
Hoping for those who abuse power to face consequences.
Still swerving on these city blocks, for one thing
Navigating through the hardships of city life with a clear goal in mind.
I may just cop the 30 shot, protect the team, know what I mean?
Thinking about self-protection and protecting those close to him.
Music is a form of expression
Acknowledging the power of music to communicate and convey emotions.
I'mma use mine just to teach you a lesson
Using his music as a way to educate and inspire.
Rule one: this microphone's a weapon
Viewing the microphone as a powerful tool for change.
I'm shootin' out the actions manifested in my passion
Taking action to follow through with his purpose and goals.
Influencing and surpassing, they expect to see a life in my direction
Inspiring and setting a positive example for others.
Man that section 8 depressin'
Feeling down about living in public housing.
Hard to be progression through recession and oppression
Overcoming difficult circumstances to achieve progress and success.
Not to mention that they had our soul blocked ever since an adolescent
Feeling held back and limited since a young age.
Oh, mm
An interjection indicating a pause or reflection.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Reservoir Media Management, Inc., Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: JO-VAUGHN VIRGINIE, KHALIL RAHMAN, ADAM PALLIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind