Run This Town
Kanye West Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Feel it comin' in the air (yeah)
Hear the screams from everywhere (yeah)
I'm addicted to the thrill (I'm ready)
It's a dangerous love affair (what's up? Come on)
Can't be scared when it goes down
Got a problem, tell me now (what's up?)
Only thing that's on my mind (what's up?)
Is who's gon' run this town tonight? (Ah, what's up?)
Is who's gon' run this town tonight? (Yeah, what's up? Yeah)
We gon' run this town

We are, yeah, I said it, we are
This is Roc Nation, pledge your allegiance
Get your fatigues on, all black everything
Black cards, black cars, all black everything
And our girls are blackbirds ridin' with they Dillingers
I get more in depth if you boys really real enough
This is la Familia, I'll explain later
But for now, let me get back to this paper
I'm a couple bands down and I'm tryna get back
I gave Doug a grip and lost a flip for five stacks
Yeah, I'm talkin' 5 commas, 6 zeros, dot zero, here Doug
Back to runnin' circles 'round niggas, now we squared up
Hold up

Life's a game, but it's not fair (yeah)
I break the rules, so I don't care (uh-huh)
So I keep doin' my own thing
Walkin' tall against the rain (what's up?)
Victory's within the mile
Almost there, don't give up now (what's up?)
Only thing that's on my mind
Is who's gon' run this town tonight? (What's up?)
Hey, hey, hey, hey (what's up?)
Is who's gon' run this town tonight?

We are, yeah, I said it, we are
You can call me Caesar, in a dark Caesar
Please follow the leader, So Eric B We are
Microphone fiend, it's the return of the god
Peace, God, ah, ah, and ain't nobody fresher
I'm in Maison, ah, Martin Margiela
On the table, screamin', "Fuck the other side, they're jealous"
We got a banquette full of broads, they got a table full of fellas
Yeah, and they ain't spendin' no cake
They should throw they hand in 'cause they ain't got no spades
Yeah, my whole team got dough
So my banquette is lookin' like Millionaires' Row

Life's a game, but it's not fair
I break the rules, so I don't care (what's up?)
So I keep doin' my own thing (uh, uh)
Walkin' tall against the rain (yeah)
Victory's within the mile (what's up?)
Almost there, don't give up now (uh)
Only thing that's on my mind
Is who's gon' run this town tonight? (What's up?)
Hey, hey, hey, hey (yeah, yeah, yeah, what's up?)
Is who's gon' run this town tonight?

It's crazy how you can go from bein' Joe Blow
To everybody on your dick, no homo
I bought my whole family whips, no Volvos
Next time I'm in church, please, no photos
Police escorts, everybody passports
This the life that everybody ask for
This a fast life, we are on a crash course
What you think I rap for, to push a fucking Rav4?
But I know that if I stay stunting
All these girls only gon' want one thing
I could spend my whole life Good Will Hunting
Only good gon' come is this good when I'm cumming
She got a ass that'll swallow up a G-string
And up top, uh, two bee stings
And I'm beasting off the Riesling
And my nigga just made it out the precinct
We give a damn about the drama that your dude bring
I'm just tryna change the color on your mood ring
Reebok, baby, you need to try some new things
Have you ever had shoes without shoe strings?
"What's that 'Ye?" "Baby, these heels"
"Is that a May- what?" "Baby, these wheels"
You trippin' when you ain't sippin', have a refill
You feelin' like you runnin', huh? Now you know how we feel (what's up?)

Hey, hey (yeah, yeah)
Hey, hey (what's up?)
Hey, hey




Hey, we gon' run this town tonight
What's up?

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Kanye West's Run This Town can be interpreted as a declaration of power and dominance, with West boasting about his success and fortune, and his ability to take charge and control. The song suggests that West and his associates are unstoppable, willing to break the rules, and walk against the rain to achieve their goals. The phrase "run this town" can be understood as a metaphor for being at the top of the game and controlling the narrative.


West indicates that he is a leader, using the phrase "follow the leader," and asking his audience to pledge allegiance to Roc Nation. The lyrics mention black everything, signaling the importance of Black culture and highlighting the importance of equality. West references the banquette filled with women on his side, and the table full of men on the other, implying that he is the winner, the one who always gets what he wants.


Line by Line Meaning

Feel it comin' in the air (yeah)
I sense that something big is about to happen (yeah)


Hear the screams from everywhere (yeah)
I can hear the excitement from all around (yeah)


I'm addicted to the thrill (I'm ready)
I crave the excitement and adrenaline rush (I'm ready)


It's a dangerous love affair (what's up? Come on)
This is a risky and thrilling love affair (what's up? Come on)


Can't be scared when it goes down
I can't be afraid when things get tough


Got a problem, tell me now (what's up?)
If there's an issue, let me know right away (what's up?)


Only thing that's on my mind (what's up?)
The only thing I'm thinking about is (what's up?)


Is who's gon' run this town tonight? (Ah, what's up?)
Who's going to take control of this town tonight? (Ah, what's up?)


Is who's gon' run this town tonight? (Yeah, what's up? Yeah)
I'm asking again, who's going to run this town tonight? (Yeah, what's up? Yeah)


We gon' run this town
We are going to take control of this town


We are, yeah, I said it, we are
We are the ones in charge, yes, I said it


This is Roc Nation, pledge your allegiance
This is Roc Nation, show your loyalty


Get your fatigues on, all black everything
Put on your combat gear, dress in all black


Black cards, black cars, all black everything
We only use black credit cards and drive black cars, everything is black


And our girls are blackbirds ridin' with they Dillingers
Our women are like blackbirds riding with their guns


I get more in depth if you boys really real enough
I can give more details if you guys are authentic enough


This is la Familia, I'll explain later
This is like a family, I'll explain more later


But for now, let me get back to this paper
Let me focus on getting this money for now


I'm a couple bands down and I'm tryna get back
I lost some money, and I'm working to get it back


I gave Doug a grip and lost a flip for five stacks
I gave Doug a lot of money and lost a gamble for $5,000


Yeah, I'm talkin' 5 commas, 6 zeros, dot zero, here Doug
I'm referring to $500,000, and I'm addressing Doug


Back to runnin' circles 'round niggas, now we squared up
I'm back to outsmarting people, now we're even in the fight


Life's a game, but it's not fair (yeah)
Life is like a game, but it's not balanced or just (yeah)


I break the rules, so I don't care (uh-huh)
I often break the conventional rules, so I'm not concerned (uh-huh)


So I keep doin' my own thing
So I continue to do what I want


Walkin' tall against the rain (what's up?)
I stand strong and confident amidst challenges (what's up?)


Victory's within the mile
Success is close


Almost there, don't give up now (what's up?)
We're almost there, don't give up now (what's up?)


Hey, hey, hey, hey (what's up?)
Hey, hey, hey, hey (what's up?)


Is who's gon' run this town tonight?
Who's going to lead this town tonight?


You can call me Caesar, in a dark Caesar
You can refer to me as Caesar, wearing a dark Caesar cut hairstyle


Please follow the leader, So Eric B We are
Follow the leader, just like in the song by Eric B and Rakim


Microphone fiend, it's the return of the god
I'm a skilled rapper, and I'm back like a deity


Peace, God, ah, ah, and ain't nobody fresher
Peace, my friend, no one is more fashionable or cooler than me


I'm in Maison, ah, Martin Margiela
I'm wearing clothes from Maison Margiela, ah


On the table, screamin', "Fuck the other side, they're jealous"
I'm shouting out loud at the party, saying that our rivals are envious


We got a banquette full of broads, they got a table full of fellas
Our group has a couch full of women, while the other team has a table full of men


Yeah, and they ain't spendin' no cake
Yeah, and they are not spending any money


They should throw they hand in 'cause they ain't got no spades
They should give up because they don't have any valuable cards


Yeah, my whole team got dough
Yeah, my whole group has money


So my banquette is lookin' like Millionaires' Row
Our couch looks like a wealthy and exclusive section


It's crazy how you can go from bein' Joe Blow
It's amazing how you can transform from being a nobody


To everybody on your dick, no homo
To having everyone admire and praise you, in a non-sexual way


I bought my whole family whips, no Volvos
I bought cars for my entire family, but not Volvos


Next time I'm in church, please, no photos
The next time I'm at church, please don't take any photos


Police escorts, everybody passports
We have police escorts and everyone has their passports


This the life that everybody ask for
This is the life that people dream of having


This a fast life, we are on a crash course
We're living life quickly, and it may lead to trouble


What you think I rap for, to push a fucking Rav4?
Do you really think I rap just to drive an average car?


But I know that if I stay stunting
I know that if I continue showing off


All these girls only gon' want one thing
All these women will want only one thing from me


I could spend my whole life Good Will Hunting
I could spend my entire life searching for opportunities


Only good gon' come is this good when I'm cumming
The only positive thing is the feeling of orgasm


She got a ass that'll swallow up a G-string
She has a big butt that will make a G-string disappear


And up top, uh, two bee stings
And on top, two small breasts (comparing to two bee stings)


And I'm beasting off the Riesling
And I'm enjoying a German white wine called Riesling


And my nigga just made it out the precinct
And my friend just got released from jail


We give a damn about the drama that your dude bring
We don't care about your man's drama


I'm just tryna change the color on your mood ring
I'm trying to change your mood


Reebok, baby, you need to try some new things
Hey baby, you need to try some different things, like Reebok shoes


Have you ever had shoes without shoe strings?
Have you ever worn shoes without laces?


"What's that 'Ye?" "Baby, these heels"
What are those, Kanye? These are heels, baby


"Is that a May- what?" "Baby, these wheels"
Is that a Maybach? No, these are my wheels, baby


You trippin' when you ain't sippin', have a refill
You are acting crazy without drinking, have another drink


You feelin' like you runnin', huh? Now you know how we feel, (what's up?)
You're feeling like you're in charge, huh? Now you understand how we feel (what's up?)


Hey, hey (yeah, yeah)
Hey, hey (yeah, yeah)


Hey, hey (what's up?)
Hey, hey (what's up?)


Hey, we gon' run this town tonight
Hey, we're going to take over this town tonight


What's up?
What's up?




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Royalty Network, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Jeff Bhasker, Robyn Fenty, Kanye West, Shawn Carter, Dion Wilson, Athanasios Alatas, Niko Grapsas, Marinos Giamalakis, Christos Vlachakis, Nikos Dounavis

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@mahdipasague1517

Feel it comin' in the air
Hear the screams from everywhere
I'm addicted to the thrill
It's a dangerous love affair
Can't be scared when it goes down
Got a problem, tell me now
Only thing that's on my mind
Is who's gonna run this town tonight...
Is who's gonna run this town tonight...
We gonna run this town
We are
Yeah I said it
We are
This is Roc Nation
Pledge your allegiance
Get y'all black tees on
All black everything
Black cards, black cars
All black everything
And our girls are blackbirds
Ridin' with they dillingers
I'd get more in depth
If you boys really real enough
This is la familia
I'll explain later
But for now let me get back to this paper
I'm a couple bands down and I'm tryin' to get back
I gave Doug a grip, I lost a flip for five stacks
Yeah I'm talkin' five comma
Six zeros
Dot zero
Here it go
Back to runnin' circles 'round niggas
Now we squared up
Hold up
Life's a game but it's not fair
I break the rules so I don't care
So I keep doin' my own thing
Walkin' tall against the rain
Victory's within the mile
Almost there, don't give up now
Only thing that's on my mind
Is who's gonna run this town tonight
Hey-hey-hey-hey-hey-hey
Hey-hey-hey-hey-hey
Hey-hey-hey-hey-hey-hey
(Is who's gonna run this town tonight)
Hey-hey-hey-hey
We are
Yeah I said it
We are
You can call me Cesar
In a dark Czar
Please follow the leader
So Eric B. we are
Microphone fiend
It's the return of the god
Peace god...
(Auh! Auh!)
And ain't nobody fresher
I'm in Mason
(Ah!)
Martin Margiela
On the tape we're screamin'
Fuck the other side, they jealous
We got a bankhead full of broads
They got a table full of fellas
And they ain't spending no cake
They should throw they hand in
'Cause they ain't got no spades
My whole team got dough
So my bankhead is lookin' like Millionaire's Row
Life's a game but it's not fair
I break the rules so I don't care
So I keep doin' my own thing
Walkin' tall against the rain
Victory's within the mile
Almost there, don't give up now
Only thing that's on my mind
Is who's gonna run this town tonight
Hey-hey-hey-hey-hey-hey
Hey-hey-hey-hey-hey
Hey-hey-hey-hey-hey-hey
(Is who's gonna run this town tonight)
Hey-hey-hey-hey
It's crazy how you can go from being Joe Blow
To everybody on your dick, no homo
I bought my whole family whips, no Volvos
Next time I'm in church, please no photos
Police escorts
Everybody passports
This the life that everybody ask for
This a fast life
We are on a crash course
What you think I rap for
To push a fucking Rav 4?
But I know that if I stay stun-ting
All these girls only gonna want one thing
I could spend my whole life good will hunting
Only good gon' come is as good when I'm cumming
She got a ass that'll swallow up a g-string
And up top, unh...
Two bee stings
And I'm beasting
Off the riesling
And my nigga just made it out the precinct
We give a damn about the drama that you do bring
I'm just tryin' to change the color on your mood ring
Reebok
Baby
You need to drop some new things
Have you ever had shoes without shoe strings?
What's that 'Ye?
Baby, these heels
Is that a may?
What?!
Baby, these wheels
You trippin' when you ain't sippin'
Have a refill
You feelin' like you runnin', huh?
Now you know how we feel
Hey-hey-hey-hey-hey-hey
Hey-hey-hey-hey-hey
Hey-hey-hey-hey-hey-hey
(Is who's gonna run this town tonight)
Hey-hey-hey-hey



All comments from YouTube:

@AnnoyinDreamer_

We back in 2009? 😳

@jdub4998

Good 😂

@BernardoValeu

To stand once for all the Black History Month allied at the ROC Nation who support black artists primor!

@jlowphotog.

I think so

@chucke.cheese2212

@@jdub4998 Hell no that’s not good! 2009 was a bad year! Even 2019 was better than 2009!!

@MASERATIBOSS

😮😮😮😅😅😅

329 More Replies...

@vatoloco2116

Straight classic... still gives me chills down the spine.

@Mindonicon

Same shit takes me back

@vatoloco2116

@DasilvaFW19 you are 🗑

@poezie6198

Thats the song that put me on rihanna🙏

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