During the first "Donda" public listening event at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on July 22, 2021, "No Child Left Behind" was previewed by West, with vocals from Vory, but was previously previewed as a one-minute snippet in a Beats by Dre commercial featuring Sha'Carri Richardson, prior to the listening party. In the commercial, West suggested that the album would be released on July 23, and the ad would also air at the NBA Finals. Shortly after the commercial aired, French producer Gesaffelstein stated that he had produced the song. Speaking to XXL about working with West, Vory mentioned the faith the rapper has put in him musically, explaining that they are understanding of one another while saying their "vibe is crazy". Vory detailed that even West's childhood friends recognize the vibe, saying of them collaborating, "You would think y'all have known each other for years." The rapper recalled that West originally set out to create an entirely different song titled "Never Abandon Your Child", until he told him to use a different saying of the same meaning, specifying that a quote would be preferable. Vory also stated that West advised him to gain a proper fanbase by putting careful thought into creating a discography, rather than gathering popularity via gimmicks or internet skills.
On January 8, 2002, President George W. Bush signed the No Child Left Behind Act into law. The concept behind the education bill was the creation of new standards and goals for the USA's public schools to ensure that no child is left behind. Many considered it a failure, and President Barack Obama repealed the Act in 2015.
The titular phrase has since entered the vernacular. For West it takes on two different meanings within this song:
1. When West's wife Kim Kardashian filed for divorce in February 2021, their four children faced an uncertain future. The parents have agreed joint custody and West is assuring them none of them will be "left behind."
2. When Kanye West debuted the first of his weekly Sunday Services, critics wondered if he was dabbling in Christianity for a publicity stunt, but by the time he released his Jesus Is King album later in the year, it was clear the Chicago rapper had experienced a genuine conversion experience. During this song's chorus West sings of all the miracles God bestowed upon him. The breakdown of his marriage is a time of trial but he knows as a child of God, he can always count on his heavenly Father.
NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND
Kanye West Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No child left behind
No child left behind
No child left behind
No child left behind
Back again, I used my back against the wall
Never called on y'all, never count on y'all
Back again, I used my back against the wall
Never called on y'all, never count on y'all
Always count on God
He's done miracles on me
He's done miracles on me
He's done miracles on me
He's done miracles on me
He's done miracles on me
He's done miracles on me
In Kanye West's "No Child Left Behind," the rapper reflects on his personal relationship with God and the role that faith has played in his life. The repeated refrain of "no child left behind" can be interpreted as a call for compassion and empathy, especially towards those who have been marginalized or neglected by society.
The opening lines, "Back again, I used my back against the wall / Never called on y'all, never count on y'all / Always count on God," highlight Kanye's sense of self-reliance and his trust in a higher power. The phrase "back against the wall" suggests that he has faced challenges or struggles in the past but has always managed to overcome them through his faith.
The verse continues with the repeated refrain "He's done miracles on me," which can be seen as a reference to the many ways in which God has helped Kanye throughout his life. This could include everything from providing inspiration for his music to helping him navigate difficult personal relationships or mental health struggles. Overall, "No Child Left Behind" is a testimony to Kanye's belief in the power of faith and the ways in which it has sustained him through adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
No child left behind
Every child deserves to be taken care of and given appropriate education and opportunities for success
Back again, I used my back against the wall
I've faced difficult challenges before and had to rely on my own strength and perseverance
Never called on y'all, never count on y'all
I never relied on others to achieve my success and didn't ask for help from those who doubted me
Always count on God
Regardless of the challenges I face, God has always been my source of strength and guidance.
He's done miracles on me
God has helped me to overcome many obstacles in my life and achieve things that seemed impossible.
Lyrics ยฉ BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Douglas Brown, Frankie Smith, Jahmal Gwin, Jahshua Brown, Kanye West, Malik Yusef, Mike Levy, Travoris Jr. Hollins
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@batemzn
[Intro: Vory]
No child left behind
No child left behind
No child left behind
No child left behind
No child leftโ behind
[Verse: Vory]
Backโ again, I usedโ my back against the wall
Never calledโ on y'all, never count on y'all
I'll always count on God
Back again, I used my back against the wall
Never called on y'all, never count on y'all
I'll always count on God
[Chorus: Kanye West]
He's done miracles on me
He's done miracles on me
He's done miracles on me
He's done miracles on me
He's done miraclะตs on me
He's done miraclะตs on me
@r4nsonnp
Lyrics
[Intro: Vory]
No child left behind
No child left behind
No child left behind
No child left behind
No child leftโ behind
[Verse: Vory]
Backโ again, I usedโ my back against the wall
Never calledโ on y'all, never count on y'all
I'll always count on God
Back again, I used my back against the wall
Never called on y'all, never count on y'all
I'll always count on God
[Chorus: Kanye West]
He's done miracles on me
He's done miracles on me
He's done miracles on me
He's done miracles on me
He's done miraclะตs on me
He's done miraclะตs on me
@DaFuqBoom
This song should play as an end credits for life, when you ascend.
@StvrBrn
for real bro, I got tears coming down my eyes rn
@fenen_sh
or descend
@jit4528
The rapture
@rzxkp7none275
It's interesting.
@sniperwaffle7581
Heaven Boys, we'll see you there
@prolific4852
Rest in heaven Donda. Your sonโs love for you is just so pure and deep.
@PeterParker-jh4nz
:( I feel so bad that he lost his mother but she lives on through his music
@DanielRodrigues000
Wish this song had more verses, i think post malone would fit perfect in this song
@JoyTb12345
Donda is his Mom's name?