The Food
Kanye West Lyrics

I walked in the crib, got two kids And my baby mama late (uh oh! uh oh! uh oh!) So I had to did, what I had to did Cause I had to get (duh-ough! duh-ough! duh-ough!)
Kanye West is a father who just arrived home to take care of his two children because their mother is running late. He has to do what he needs to do to provide for them and make sure they are taken care of.

I'm up all night, getting my money right Until the blue and white (po po! po po! po po!) Now the money coming slow, but a least a nigga know Slow motion better than (no-oh! no-oh! no-oh!)
Kanye West is working tirelessly throughout the night to ensure his financial stability. Despite the slow pace, he's grateful that he is making progress, even if it is slow. He thinks it's better than not making any progress at all.

You love to hear the story, again and again About these young brothers, from the City of Wind Like juice and gin, in the city we blend Amongst the hustle, titties and skin, fifties and rims Y'all know the Sprewells and trucks that's detailed Heartless females that wanna ride in em Felt the southside venom in raw hides and denim Pimp minds collide wit em, a system that tries victims We living in, my man in the fast lane pivoting On the block white is selling like Eminem On the block it "Jump Off" like Kim and them On the block it's hot, you can feel it, in your skin and then Shorties get the game but no instructions to assembling Eyes bright, it seems like the fight is dimming them Call my man cuzo, like I'm kin to him He trying to stay straight, the streets is bending him
Common is telling a story about young men living in the City of Wind, Chicago, where there is a mix of deprivation and materialism, and a system that preys on its victims. It's a place where young people learn street smarts but don't learn how to assemble a successful future. The fast pace and life of the streets is sometimes too difficult to handle for one of Common's friends.

It's all good in the hood, like raps and gems Throwbacks and Timbs, blacks and rims Whether on ball courts, attires of all sorts We never fall short, wit us it's our Force like And 1's Some waves, some air guns, the days of the fair one is over for Cats is colder than four below, wit self I go toe to toe Wondering if it's for the art or for the doe Though I know to grow a nigga gotta learn to let go Though I know the doe I got to bring back to the ghetto Arrows on Terot cards pointing to the grind Po' livin in more prisons, pointing to my mind, shine the light up Clench my fists tight, holding the right up Freedom fight in dark gear for the years to get brighter Situations, and jobs get tighter My man trying to get his weight and height up, c'mon!
Common reflects on the lives of those in the hood except rappers and drug dealers who are living a satisfying life. There is a sense of growing despair among the youth, who no longer live in the world of the 'fair one' but in a more brutal reality of criminality. Common sees himself as an example of someone who has learned to let go of the past and is searching for ways of building a better future for himself and the poorer minority communities.

I - I know I could make it right If I could just swallow my pride But I can't run away or put my gun away You can't front on me I - no I can't let it ride No no not tonight See I can't run away or put my gun away You can't front on me
Kanye West feels frustrated by his current situation and believes he could make it right if he swallowed his pride. But, he can't let go of his beliefs or leave his weapon behind, as he feels that others would take advantage of him if he did.

I break bread wit thieves and pastors, OG's and masters Emcees and actors that seize and capture Moments like the camcorder You ain't killin it, yo that's man-slaughter Though paper can't change a man's aura It can feed a man's daughter I stand for the blue collar, on the side making a few dollars Like Sam Jack they maneuver through drama like
Common describes his interactions with a wide range of people, from thieves and pastors to artists and professionals. These experiences allow Common to see the world through different lenses and capture important moments, like capturing video on a camcorder. Despite the belief that money doesn't change a person's underlying personality, it can make a significant difference in the quality of life.