We Made It
Kanye West Lyrics

(Make it up) we can make it better
Emphasizing the need to take action and improve the current situation.

(Make it up) we can make it better
Reiterating the importance of working together to create positive change.

(Make it up) we can make it better
Encouraging listeners to believe that they have the ability to improve things.

(Make it up) we can make it
Concluding that it is possible to create positive change if people come together and strive for it.

Somebody told me that delta's brownskinned, akas' lightskinned
Referring to the diversity within a sorority and highlighting the issue of colorism.

And they supposed to be bougious, so they got white friends
Pointing out the tendency for some individuals to try to assimilate into whiteness by befriending white people.

First day of school, I'mma take you sight seein'
Offering to show someone new to the area what the community typically does for leisure.

Show you what we do on weekends for a sight, man
Explaining that there are limited options and opportunities for leisure activities in the community.

She said, "i know what you about to say, like your hypeman"
Acknowledging the predictable nature of the conversation and promoting self-awareness.

She let a nigga hit it, and now she only date white men
Revealing the way society often attaches value to white partners and marginalizes Black ones.

And if a nigga even wave at her, it's frightnin' but
Highlighting the fear and hostility that some Black people may face when interacting with non-Black people, particularly white people.

The night fallin' over brooklyn, where they murder for change
Alluding to the poverty and crime that plague many Black neighborhoods.

The converter remains faithful to the drug dealer priestess
Implying the complicity and corruption that can take place within the community, such as religious or political figures being involved in illegal activities.

He in search of the word of fame, you heard of the name
Suggesting that some people are willing to do whatever it takes to become famous, even if it is not honorable or legal.

Kweli the truth, like I'm comin' out the mouth of bass
Introducing the artist by his stage name and referencing his reputation for speaking on social and political issues.

One for it, one for out the grave
Expressing the need to fight for justice and equality both in the present and for future generations.

Niggas want they reparations, how you calculate the amount to be paid
Posing a rhetorical question about the issue of reparations, often demanded for the harms and injustices inflicted on Black people throughout history.

You try to imagine america without the slaves (the slaves)
Reiterating the importance of understanding the impact that slavery has had on American society, culture, and economics.

'Cause you make me feel
Returning to the refrain and emphasizing the power of change through unity.

Her tenament yo, is rat infested
Describing the poor living conditions faced by many Black people in urban areas.

Her heart is like a gold booya cause she wouldn't protest it
Implying that some people may accept their difficult circumstances instead of fighting to change them.

'Cause, her best friends man got popped
Explaining that someone's friend was killed by the police, which contributes to a feeling of hopelessness and despair in the community.

He was sixteen years old, the cop thought his phone was a glock
Sharing an example of police brutality and racism, where a young person was killed because the officer perceived him as a threat based on his race.

In the hood is a everyday happenin'
Highlighting the prevalence of violence and police brutality in many Black neighborhoods.

A friend of the priest say she chose out the captain
Referencing someone in the community choosing to be with a police officer or authority figure, despite the systemic oppression that these figures represent.

She yelled out "why you do this to black men? "
Questioning the police officer's motives and the systemic racism that is often present in police interactions with Black people.

I think of eighty seven ways, to make better days
Suggesting that there are numerous ways to create positive change, if one is committed to finding them.

Whether climb or rhyme, I heard of rebel pays
Describing that there are ways to make a living that may not be conventional, but can still be effective and fulfilling, such as pursuing art or activism.

On the scene, tryin' to get green like everglades
Referencing the desire to make money, like the growth and ubiquity of the Everglades, a seemingly endless resource.

Music, rhymin' good like escalates
Boasting of the author's skills in music and rapping, and comparing them to the quality and popularity of Escalade vehicles.

In the ghetto infested by shade and drama
Describing the particular challenges that people living in impoverished Black neighborhoods face.

And niggas wit' things ain't afraid of karma
Suggesting that some people in the community may resort to violence or crime to get ahead because they believe in taking control of their lives and not relying on luck or chance.

I'm thinking big like lil wayne in the problem set
Comparing the artist's ambitions and skills to those of the popular rapper Lil Wayne.

C'mon, tell people the truth, but never give 'em ya true thoughts
Encouraging the importance of honesty, while also acknowledging that there may be risks or consequences to being completely open.

Terrorism on blacks, they poison our newports
Referring to the negative impact that tobacco products, especially menthol cigarettes like Newport, have had on the Black community, which some may see as a form of terrorism.

Patriot act in effect, make it hard to breathe now
Referring to the Patriot Act, which expanded government surveillance and policing powers, and the impact it has had on the freedom and privacy of individuals, especially marginalized communities.

Johnny cochran dead, who gonna get us free now?
Referring to the late attorney Johnny Cochran, who was known for his successful representation of Black clients in high-profile cases, and questioning who will continue to fight for justice and freedom.

Clinton ain't in office, who gon' give us shit free now?
Suggesting that Black people often rely on politicians or leaders to provide solutions or assistance, and questioning who will step up in the absence of someone recognizable or influential.

Who gon' make it better for the thugs and p's now?
Addressing the specific challenges and obstacles that face young people in the community and questioning who will help them overcome these challenges.

Who gon' make it good for old folks that's senile?
Concerned with the well-being and care of elderly people in the community who may be struggling with memory loss and other health issues.