This song is largely inspired by U2’s “City of Blinding Lights,” which the band often performed at live shows to much applause. Kanye went on U2’s The Vertigo Tour as a supporting act in 2006, and after witnessing the praise they received when opening concerts, he sought to achieve “stadium status” through anthemic music.
The soulful piano and vocals were sampled from Labi Siffre’s 1972 track “My Song,” off his album Crying Laughing Loving Lying. Although West used a soul sample, the production contrasts many of his former songs due to the layered electronic synths and loud drum patterns.
Kanye noted in an interview with Concrete Loop that he simplified the lyrics on “I Wonder” so his listeners could identify with the record:
"I was like you know what? I don’t need to over rap and that’s how you get a song like ’I Wonder.’ […] I didn’t even try. I just zoned out, I’d go into the studio and vibe to the beat and it just came to me—God gave me the words."
In an official press message Kanye West says the following about “I Wonder” and his favorite songs from the album:
"My favorite 3 songs are: “Flashing Lights,” “Homecoming” and “I Wonder.”
Now, “I Wonder” is more of an emotional pull. “I Wonder” and “Homecoming” is very emotional, but “I Wonder” has that stadium thing to it and that has one of my favorite pieces of music – the third verse, the breakdown when the strings come in that Larry Gold did."
I Wonder
Kanye West Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I wonder if you know
What it means, what it means
And I wonder if you know
What it means, what it means
And I wonder if you know
What it means to find your dreams
I've been waiting on this my whole life
These dreams be waking me up at night (night, night)
(And I wonder) you say I think I'm never wrong (wrong, wrong)
(And I wonder) you know what, maybe you're right, aight?
And I wonder if you know
What it means, what it means
And I wonder if you know
What it means to find your dreams
(And I wonder) you say he get on your fucking nerves (nerves, nerves)
(And I wonder) you hope that he get what he deserves ('serves, 'serves) word
(And I wonder) do you even remember what the issue is?
You just trying to find where the tissue is
You can still be who you wish you is
It ain't happen yet
And that's what the intuition is (and I wonder)
When you hop back in the car
Drive back to the crib
Run back to their arms
The smokescreens
The chokes and the screams
You ever wonder what it all really mean
And I wonder if you know
What it means, what it means
And I wonder if you know
What it means to find your dreams
(And I wonder) and I'm back on my grind
A psychic read my lifeline
Told me in my lifetime
My name would help light up the Chicago skyline
And that's what I'm (and I wonder)
Seven o'clock, that's primetime
Heaven'll watch, God calling from the hotlines
Why he keep giving me hot lines?
I'm a star, how could I not shine? (And I wonder)
How many ladies in the house (if you know)
How many ladies in the house without a spouse (what it means)
Something in your blouse got me feeling so aroused (what it means)
What you about? (And I wonder)
On that independent shit (if you know)
Trade it all for a husband and some kids (what it means)
You ever wonder what it all really mean? (To find your dreams come true)
You ever wonder if you'll find your dreams
In Kanye West's song "I Wonder," the artist is contemplating the meaning of finding one's dreams. He wonders if people truly understand what it means to achieve their aspirations and what it takes to get there. Kanye reflects on his own lifelong pursuit of his dreams, which often keep him up at night. He recognizes that while he may think he's always right, there's a chance that he could be wrong.
The song suggests that finding one's dreams is a continuous process that requires perseverance and the ability to navigate life's challenges. Kanye recognizes the struggles that come with relationships - be it with a significant other or family member. He wonders if people remember why they are upset and what the true issue is, or if they are simply caught up in the moment. Despite the turmoil that may arise, Kanye believes people should stay true to themselves and never give up on their aspirations. Kanye ends with a call to action, asking listeners if they ever wonder if they will find their dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
Find your dreams come true
Achieving your dreams and desires
And I wonder if you know
What it means, what it means
And I wonder if you know
What it means, what it means
And I wonder if you know
What it means to find your dreams
Questioning if one truly understands the significance of finding and achieving their dreams
I've been waiting on this my whole life
Longing and waiting for this accomplishment for a considerable amount of time
These dreams be waking me up at night (night, night)
Finding it difficult to sleep due to the persistent nature of the dreams
(And I wonder) you say I think I'm never wrong (wrong, wrong)
(And I wonder) you know what, maybe you're right, aight?
Acknowledging a previous conversation where it was believed that the individual in question was never wrong and then eventually siding with their counterpart's opinion
(And I wonder) you say he get on your fucking nerves (nerves, nerves)
(And I wonder) you hope that he get what he deserves ('serves, 'serves) word
(And I wonder) do you even remember what the issue is?
You just trying to find where the tissue is
Asking if the person in question really knows the root problem of their current issue or if they are simply fixated on the surface level of it all
You can still be who you wish you is
It ain't happen yet
And that's what the intuition is (and I wonder)
When you hop back in the car
Drive back to the crib
Run back to their arms
The smokescreens
The chokes and the screams
You ever wonder what it all really mean
Encouraging the idea that one should continue trying to be the person they want to be, despite not achieving it yet, and posing a question about the true meaning behind turning to someone else and experiencing the emotional turmoil that may come with it
(And I wonder) and I'm back on my grind
A psychic read my lifeline
Told me in my lifetime
My name would help light up the Chicago skyline
And that's what I'm (and I wonder)
Expressing the determination to work hard towards achieving goals and alluding to the idea that his name will become widely known and respected in his hometown of Chicago
Seven o'clock, that's primetime
Heaven'll watch, God calling from the hotlines
Why he keep giving me hot lines?
I'm a star, how could I not shine? (And I wonder)
Referencing the idea that God is watching and that he is receiving many important calls, and the notion that he has the potential to shine brightly like a star
How many ladies in the house (if you know)
How many ladies in the house without a spouse (what it means)
Something in your blouse got me feeling so aroused (what it means)
What you about? (And I wonder)
On that independent shit (if you know)
Trade it all for a husband and some kids (what it means)
You ever wonder what it all really mean? (To find your dreams come true)
You ever wonder if you'll find your dreams
Pondering the identity and desires of women, considering both their independence and desire for companionship and family, and questioning whether the attainment of such needs ultimately leads to achieving one's dreams
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Labi Siffre, Kanye Omari West
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Lauri Des Marais
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