The track features Houston singer Vory and Chicago rapper Lil Durk, marking their first collaborations with Kanye, along with background vocals from Kanye’s frequent collaborator Ty Dolla $ign.
The song’s melancholy chorus sees Vory lamenting feelings of isolation and loneliness, expressing despair in fighting his metaphorical “demons” without the support of his significant other. This mirrors the betrayal, and resulting pain and trauma, that Kanye experienced during his divorce from Kim Kardashian, which he expressed on the song “Never Abandon Your Family”.
A snippet of the song surfaced on December 5, 2020, as a solo Vory song. The song was later given to Kanye for "Donda" and played at the Atlanta listening party on July 22, 2021, with a Lil Durk feature and no Kanye vocals.
In October 2020, Kanye and Durk sparked collaboration rumours after being spotted together in Atlanta. Following this, in January 2021, Durk paid homage to Kanye in the music video for the song “Kanye Krazy,” which featured the Chicago native recreating some of Kanye’s most iconic moments.
Jonah
Kanye West Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I hope you're here when I need them demons to be gone
And it's not fair that I had to fight 'em all on my own
Like who's here when I need a shoulder to lean on?
I hope you're here when I need them demons to be gone
And it's not fair that I had to fight 'em all on my own
Hard to keep my focus on what matters
You can rest assured it's not us
'Cause we been out the wave catchin' waves
They say, "We ain't seen you on the block"
'Cause I been out the way
Chasin' millions in my sleep, I found a better way
Somewhere on an island, let me kick it, this my getaway
I pour up a drink for all my n- who ain't see the day
Tryna finish this with who I started with
Way too many fallen soldiers, no, I can't forgot
Hope they got headphones up in Heaven
You can vibe out and just hear this s-
It's just certain s- you can't forget
Like who's here when I need a shoulder to lean on?
I hope you're here when I need them demons to be gone
And it's not fair that I had to fight 'em all on my own
Like who's here when I need a shoulder to lean on?
I hope you're here when I need them demons to be gone
And it's not fair that I had to fight 'em all on my own
Kanye and Jay still brothers, they both billionaires
And we ain't see it, I lost my brother when we was millionaires
I wasn't scared to die, but him, that was my biggest fear
I got your son and your daughter like you still here
Know how it feel to lose a brother, we got a bond still
Twenty-six years, pops got out to see his son killed
And I don't give a f- about hangin' with a Crip, I see blood still
I can be the cleanest millionaire, I'm from the mud still
Died with his chain on, I call it blood diamonds
It's to the point I drop my own lo' so they could find us
And it's been months and I still haven't
Kanye did it for the city, he co-signed
Like who's here when I need a shoulder to lean on?
I hope you're here when I need them demons to be gone
And it's not fair that I had to fight 'em all on my own
Smoke a opp pack ain't funny like that
It get ugly like that, can't get no money like that
Holy Father, please, let me step in
Can't talk to buddy like that, it get bloody like that
Whole lotta steppers and they steppin'
And they sunny like that
And they comin' right back
And when you on tour, I bet you check in
'Cause my guys back to work, it's a Monday like that
And when you text, change the beginnin' of every word
You will speak to me with only no cap
Me and your big homie go back
Now, homie don't rap, you don't know me like that
Like who's here when I need a shoulder to lean on?
I hope you're here when I need them demons to be gone
And it's not fair that I had to fight 'em all on my own
Like who's here when I need a shoulder to lean on?
I hope you're here when I need them demons to be gone
And it's not fair that I had to fight 'em all on my own
Like who's here when I need a shoulder to lean on?
I hope you're here when I need them demons to be gone
And it's not fair that I had to fight 'em all on my own
Like who's here when I need a shoulder to lean on?
I hope you're here when I need them demons to be gone
And it's not fair that I had to fight 'em all on my own
The lyrics to Kanye West's "Jonah" explore themes of loss, struggle, and the need for support in difficult times. The chorus repeats the lines "who's here when I need a shoulder to lean on? / I hope you're here when I need them demons to be gone / and it's not fair that I had to fight 'em all on my own," emphasizing the singer's feelings of isolation and the desire for someone to be there for him.
The verses delve deeper into Kanye's personal experiences, referencing the death of a brother and reflecting on the realities of violence and poverty in his community. He also touches on his wealth and success, juxtaposing it with the struggles he faced in the past. Throughout the song, there is a sense of vulnerability and honesty that resonates with listeners.
Overall, "Jonah" is a powerful and emotional song that showcases Kanye's lyrical prowess and willingness to confront difficult topics.
Line by Line Meaning
Like who's here when I need a shoulder to lean on?
Questioning the support system in times of emotional need
I hope you're here when I need them demons to be gone
Seeking help to overcome personal struggles and inner demons
And it's not fair that I had to fight 'em all on my own
Expressing frustration and disappointment with having to deal with one's problems alone
Hard to keep my focus on what matters
Describing the difficulty of staying on track when distracted by negative events
Mandem hit my line like, "Some n- just got hit up on yo' block"
Being notified of violent events happening in one's neighborhood
You can rest assured it's not us
Reassuring oneself and others that they are not involved in any criminal activity
'Cause we been out the wave catchin' waves
Being productive and successful in life, rather than getting caught up in negative influences
They say, "We ain't seen you on the block"
Feeling disconnected from one's community due to personal growth
'Cause I been out the way
Choosing to keep a low profile and stay out of trouble
Chasin' millions in my sleep, I found a better way
Pursuing financial success through hard work and perseverance
Somewhere on an island, let me kick it, this my getaway
Escaping the stresses and struggles of everyday life
I pour up a drink for all my n- who ain't see the day
Honoring the memory of friends who did not have the opportunity to live a full life
Tryna finish this with who I started with
Remaining loyal to and supportive of old friends and associates
Way too many fallen soldiers, no, I can't forgot
Feeling a sense of obligation to remember and honor those who have passed away
Hope they got headphones up in Heaven
Imagining a peaceful afterlife where lost loved ones can still enjoy music
You can vibe out and just hear this s-
Imagining a scenario where departed friends and family can appreciate the music being created in their memory
It's just certain s- you can't forget
Acknowledging that some experiences and memories will always stay with an individual
Kanye and Jay still brothers, they both billionaires
Highlighting the success and wealth of two longtime friends and collaborators
And we ain't see it, I lost my brother when we was millionaires
Regretting how financial success did not prevent a personal loss
I wasn't scared to die, but him, that was my biggest fear
Recognizing the fear of losing someone close
I got your son and your daughter like you still here
Pledging to care for and support the children of a lost loved one
Know how it feel to lose a brother, we got a bond still
Sharing a strong connection with someone who has experienced a similar loss
Twenty-six years, pops got out to see his son killed
Detailing a tragic event that deeply affected a family
And I don't give a f- about hangin' with a Crip, I see blood still
Not wanting to become involved with gangs or criminal activity, despite the violence and danger present in one's environment
I can be the cleanest millionaire, I'm from the mud still
Refusing to forget one's roots and background, despite financial success
Died with his chain on, I call it blood diamonds
Using a metaphor to describe how a friend's personal effects still remind one of their tragic passing
It's to the point I drop my own lo' so they could find us
Being willing to discard expensive items in order to remain safe and undetected in a dangerous situation
And it's been months and I still haven't
Expressing disbelief at the duration of a challenging and ongoing situation
Kanye did it for the city, he co-signed
Recognizing and appreciating Kanye's contributions and support for the local community
Smoke a opp pack ain't funny like that
Warning against participating in dangerous and harmful behavior
It get ugly like that, can't get no money like that
Acknowledging the negative consequences of criminal activity and violence
Holy Father, please, let me step in
Asking for divine assistance and guidance in dealing with difficult situations
Can't talk to buddy like that, it get bloody like that
Avoiding confrontation and violence in order to stay safe
Whole lotta steppers and they steppin'
Describing the presence of many aggressive and dangerous individuals
And they sunny like that
Observing how even violent people may seem casual or relaxed
And they comin' right back
Acknowledging the persistence and determination of people engaged in violent activity
And when you on tour, I bet you check in
Advising caution and vigilance when traveling or being outside of familiar surroundings
'Cause my guys back to work, it's a Monday like that
Describing how criminal activity and violence can continue on a regular basis
And when you text, change the beginnin' of every word
Using encryption or coded language to communicate secretly or to avoid detection
You will speak to me with only no cap
Encouraging honesty and openness in communication with others
Me and your big homie go back
Recalling a long-standing relationship with an associate
Now, homie don't rap, you don't know me like that
Distinguishing between different aspects of one's identity or personality, and not assuming familiarity or understanding without evidence
Lyrics © TUNECORE INC, Ultra Tunes, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Durk D. Banks, Kanye Omari West, Malik Yusef El Shabbaz Jones, Michael Suski, Michael G. Dean, Tahrence Brown, Tavoris Javon Hollins
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@batemzn
[Chorus: Vory]
Like who's here when I need a shoulder to lean on?
I hope you're here when I need the demons to be gone
And it's not fair that I had to fight 'em all on my own
Like who's here when I need a shoulder to lean on?
I hope you're here when I need the demons to be gone
And it's not fair that I had to fight 'em all on my own
[Verse 1: Vory]
Hard to keep my focus on what matters
Mandem hit my line like, "Some ** just got hit up on your block"
You can rest assured it's not us
'Cause we been out the wavе catchin' waves
They say, "We ain't seen you on thе block"
'Cause I been out the way
Chasin' millions in my sleep, I found the better way
Somewhere on an island, let me kick it, this my getaway
I pour up a drink for all my ** who ain't see the day
Tryna finish this with who I started with
Way too many fallen soldiers, no, I can't forgot
Hope they got headphones up in Heaven
You can vibe out and just hear this **
It's just certain ** you can't forget
[Chorus: Vory]
Like who's here when I need a shoulder to lean on?
I hope you're here when I need the demons to be gone
And it's not fair that I had to fight 'em all on my own
Like who's here when I need a shoulder to lean on?
I hope you're here when I need the demons to be gone
And it's not fair that I had to fight 'em all on my own
[Verse 2: Lil Durk]
Kanye and Jay still brothers, they both billionaires
And we ain't see it, I lost my brother when we was millionaires
I wasn't scared to die, but him, that was my biggest fear
I got your son and your daughter like you still here
Know how it feel to lose a brother, we got a bond still
Twenty-six years, pops got out to see his son killed
And I don't give a ** if I hang with a Crip, I see blood still
I can be the cleanest millionaire, I'm from the mud still
Died with his chain on, I call it blood diamonds
It's to the point I drop my own lo' so they could find us
And it's been months and they still haven’t
Kanye did it for the city, he co-signed
[Chorus: Vory]
Like who's here when I need a shoulder to lean on?
I hope you're here when I need the demons to be gone
And it's not fair that I had to fight 'em all on my own
[Verse 3: Kanye West]
Smoke a opp pack ain't funny like that
It get ugly like that, can't get no money like that
Holy Father, please, let me step in
Can't talk to buddy like that, it get bloody like that
Whole lotta steppers and they steppin'
And they sunny like that
And they comin' right back
And when you on tour, bet you check-in
'Cause my guys back to work, it's a Monday like that
And when you text, change the beginnin' of every word
You will speak to me with only no cap
Me and your big homie go back
And homie don't rap, you don't know me like that
[Chorus: Vory]
Like who's here when I need a shoulder to lean on?
I hope you're here when I need the demons to be gone
And it's not fair that I had to fight 'em all on my own
Like who's here when I need a shoulder to lean on?
I hope you're here when I need the demons to be gone
And it's not fair that I had to fight 'em all on my own
[Outro: Vory]
Like who's here when I need a shoulder to lean on?
I hope you're here when I need the demons to be gone
And it's not fair that I had to fight 'em all on my own
Like who's here when I need a shoulder to lean on?
I hope you're here when I need the demons to be gone
And it's not fair that I had to fight 'em all on my own
@hitdoctor24
This is legitimately one of the most beautiful hooks I've ever heard
@hitdoctor24
@@tommysalami6876 Lol wtf? I'm talking about the chorus...also called a hook
@hitdoctor24
@@tommysalami6876 This ain't Twitter fool gtfo. Any attempt to ratio is disqualified as soon as you like your own comment lmfao
@michaeljohnston3038
@@tommysalami6876 listen to yourself
@pulina2909
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EWzeR3fYm4 .....
@savagepat4987
@@michaeljohnston3038 he did
The twitter kid has realised he was dumb
@flame-qz4ve
Vory is underrated, definitely did something for his name after this album. Dudes talented af.
@IgotJoshsYTchannelTerminated
rip Vroy he had true talent never knew he could sing ❤️
@yunglay619
@@IgotJoshsYTchannelTerminated lmao you a troll!!!
@lmao9526
@@IgotJoshsYTchannelTerminated aye we got a comedian 😐😐