Fame
K.I.A. Lyrics

Paparazzi after my shows asking me questions
The constant intrusion and questioning by paparazzi has become a normal occurrence after K.I.A.'s shows.

God fed up with my soul so ain't no blessing
K.I.A. feels that his soul is no longer pure in the eyes of God due to the trappings of fame, resulting in a loss of divine blessings.

Happiness can't be bought or sold, I learned my lesson
K.I.A. has realized that material possessions and fame cannot buy true happiness and contentment.

Now I see what fame will really get you
K.I.A. has become disillusioned with the reality of fame and its negative impact on his life and mental health.

Bottle by the night stand, that ease the stress
K.I.A. uses alcohol as a coping mechanism to deal with the stress and pressure of fame.

Dealing with depression, pills on the dresser
K.I.A. struggles with depression and turns to medication to manage it.

Fiending for affection so I'm buying out the section
K.I.A. seeks validation and attention from others, leading to impulsive and excessive spending on material items.

Lifestyles of the rich and famous
The extravagant and lavish lifestyle of those who have achieved fame and success.

That lifestyle left a lot of rich folk brainless
K.I.A. observes that the pursuit of fame and wealth often leads to a lack of intelligence and sound judgement among those who attain it.

Besides, food is food, water is water, air is air, the rest is mental
K.I.A. recognizes that the basic necessities of life are simple and that the rest is subject to one's perception and mindset.

I did without until I did within
K.I.A. focused on his internal growth and development before seeking external validation through fame and material possessions.

But it's a thin line between heavenly divine and a living a life of sin
K.I.A. acknowledges that the pursuit of fame and success can lead to a morally compromised lifestyle.

Speak in codes to my worthy friends
K.I.A. only reveals his true thoughts and feelings to those he deems trustworthy and deserving.

Greenroom full, I pray we ain't let the devil in
K.I.A. hopes that the presence of fame and success has not attracted negative influences or detracted from his spirituality.

A lot of faces I don't know
K.I.A. is surrounded by many people he does not recognize or have a personal connection with due to his fame.

A lot of 'where you been's', like you was really looking for me
K.I.A. is questioned about his whereabouts and absence from the public eye as though he owes an explanation to his fans and the media.

When I was in the wind, life is just a game now
K.I.A. feels that his life has become a game in the eyes of the public and that he is no longer in control of his own narrative.

Really got my aim down to shoot for stars
Despite the negative aspects of fame, K.I.A. remains focused on achieving success and aiming high in his career.

I ain't been to church in years and it ain't even far
K.I.A. admits that his pursuit of fame and success has led him to neglect his spiritual life and dedication to his faith.

This ain't even half of the battle, I ain't even start
K.I.A. realizes that he has only scratched the surface of the trials and hardships that come with fame and success.

All I do is record
K.I.A.'s focus on creating music is a constant amidst the chaos and challenges of his fame.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
A repeated phrase used as a refrain throughout the song.

Paparazzi after my shows asking me questions
The constant intrusion and questioning by paparazzi has become a normal occurrence after K.I.A.'s shows.

God fed up with my soul so ain't no blessing
K.I.A. feels that his soul is no longer pure in the eyes of God due to the trappings of fame, resulting in a loss of divine blessings.

Happiness can't be bought or sold, I learned my lesson
K.I.A. has realized that material possessions and fame cannot buy true happiness and contentment.

Now I see what fame will really get you
K.I.A. has become disillusioned with the reality of fame and its negative impact on his life and mental health.

Bottle by the night stand, that ease the stress
K.I.A. uses alcohol as a coping mechanism to deal with the stress and pressure of fame.

Dealing with depression, pills on the dresser
K.I.A. struggles with depression and turns to medication to manage it.

Fiending for affection so I'm buying out the section
K.I.A. seeks validation and attention from others, leading to impulsive and excessive spending on material items.

I bought a bottle just to soothe my soul
K.I.A. is using alcohol as a way to cope with his challenges and troubles.

Still crying over granny
K.I.A. is still grieving the loss of his grandmother and is struggling emotionally.

That was some years ago, I'm a man now
K.I.A. reflects on how he has matured and grown since the passing of his grandmother.

I came up to hold my fam down
K.I.A.'s success and fame is largely motivated by his desire to support and provide for his family.

Can't tell them about my depression cause most them fans now
K.I.A. feels that he cannot confide in his fans about his personal struggles with depression, as their admiration for him is often based on a superficial level.

Got to protect myself at all times
K.I.A. recognizes the need to prioritize his own well-being and safety in the face of fame and potential threats.

I know some partners that got sued by their bloodline
K.I.A. has seen firsthand the negative consequences of fame and how it can cause rifts and legal disputes within families.

Lord forbid I let my blood down, the first time I say no, guess we ain't blood now
K.I.A. fears disappointing his family and the pressure to say yes to all their requests, knowing that the consequences of refusing could be severe.

Scared, me as a business man is like all they see
K.I.A. feels like his role as a businessman is all that people see or care about, rather than recognizing him as a human being.

Justin Scott, trapped as Big K.R.I.T. screaming it's really me
K.I.A. expresses a feeling of being trapped in his fame persona as Big K.R.I.T. and yearns for others to see him as himself, Justin Scott.

When it was only us it was only love, how could this be?
K.I.A. reflects on his original love and passion for music and how the introduction of fame and success has complicated and changed that relationship.

When falling out for some is not getting the V.I.P
K.I.A. sees how the superficial and materialistic aspects of fame can lead to conflict and falling out with those closest to you.

And a simple conversation means we talking work
K.I.A. laments the loss of genuine connection and friendship that has been replaced by discussions of business and work.

To play a song that's almost perfect but it need my verse
K.I.A. is frustrated by the pressure to constantly improve and perfect his music, even though he is already successful.

You got an artist, but I'm family, but you need a purse
K.I.A. feels conflicted between his identity as an artist and his role as a family member, who is often asked to provide financially.

You hit the city but don't call me first
K.I.A. feels neglected by those who he thought were his friends or collaborators, as they prioritize their own fame and success over their relationships with him.

That's what fame gets you
K.I.A. concludes the song by reiterating the negative impact that fame can have on one's life and relationships.