You Can't Be
Kanye West Lyrics

Can you be? (way up)
Asking if someone is capable of reaching the same level of success or fame that Kanye has achieved.

Will you be? (way up)
Asking if someone has the drive and ambition to reach the same level of success or fame that Kanye has achieved.

I got that gold stuff stuck on my back
Referring to the weight of fame and success that Kanye carries with him, which can be both a blessing and a burden.

I got that now I can't get that back
Acknowledging that once someone has achieved a certain level of success or fame, they can never truly go back to their old life or way of living.

Come on in I'm super paid
Boasting about his wealth and success, and inviting others to join him in his riches.

Song for song I'm due by day
Asserting that he is deserving of the fame and success he has achieved through his musical talents.

Just got off now I'm suitless
Having just arrived from a flight or performance, now feeling relaxed and not dressed in formal attire.

Watch how you talk to me
Warning others to be respectful when addressing him, as he is a successful and famous figure.

Now I need y'all to hear this
Expressing a desire for his message or opinions to be heard and taken seriously by others.

I need a 100 racks
Referring to a large sum of money that he requires for whatever purchase or service he desires.

Just playin'
Indicating that the previous line was made in jest or not meant to be taken seriously.

I'm just sayin' a lotta niggas
Suggesting that many other people in his industry or social circle have not achieved the same level of success or fame as he has.

Ain't been lost as me
Asserting that he has experienced a unique journey to the top, and that others have not faced the same challenges or obstacles.

I caught a wave
Describing his current state of momentum or success, which he is riding like a wave.

Caught more air than Super Dave
A reference to the stunt performer Super Dave Osborne, indicating that Kanye has achieved more acclaim or attention than even this famous figure.

Call Aaliyah, I'm super paid
A reference to the late singer Aaliyah, suggesting that even she would be impressed by his wealth and success.

Jet lag, and tryna recuperate
Describing the physical toll that travel and performance can take on a person, and the need to rest or recover.

Just got off the flight from Budapest
Describing his recent travels and perhaps suggesting that he has performed in different countries or continents recently.

Don't need Khaled, just say 'you the best!'
Referencing DJ Khaled's catchphrase 'We the best!', but asserting that he doesn't need anyone else to say that he is the best, as he already knows it.

You the type of nigga to shop at Uniqlo
Insulting someone for their fashion sense, suggesting that they shop at a cheaper or less fashionable store like Uniqlo.

Just found out my father-in-law unisex
Revealing a personal detail about his family life, suggesting that his father-in-law is gender non-conforming or perhaps owning a unisex business or product.

Running out of money, running into debt
Acknowledging that even someone as successful as he is can have financial struggles or shortcomings.

Running from bill collectors, I ain't pay them yet
Suggesting that even with his wealth and success, he has still failed to pay certain bills or debts, perhaps due to carelessness or negligence.

Shit you did, with no matter how rich you get
Suggesting that past mistakes or regrets can continue to haunt someone, even if they have achieved a great deal of success or wealth.

And even more, depending on the bitch you get
Insinuating that the women someone chooses to associate with can have a major impact on their success or trajectory in life.

I be getting worried for my niggas getting married, seriously
Expressing concern for his friends or associates who are getting married, perhaps reflecting on the challenges or stresses that come with marriage and commitment.

Can you be? (way up)
Reiterating the central theme of the song: asking if someone can keep up with his level of fame and success.

Will you be? (way up)
Asking if someone has the drive and ambition to attain the same level of success or fame that he has achieved.

I got that gold stuff stuck on my back
Restating the metaphor of fame and success as a heavy burden that he must carry with him at all times.

I got that now I can't get that back
Reflecting on the irreversibility of fame and success once it has been achieved, and the impossibility of returning to a simpler, more ordinary life.