Party
Kanye West ft. Andre 3000 Lyrics

It's after hours at that glamorous blind spot
We are in a hidden, exclusive place where time doesn't matter.

And we're taking it easy, swapping personal experiences
We are relaxed, sharing our own stories with each other.

Let's listen in America today
Let's pay attention to what is happening in America right now.

Life of the party, mmm-hmm, 'til I almost cry, mmm-mmm
I am the center of attention, having fun, but deep inside, I feel sadness.

It's the life of the party, to think I could've almost died
Being the life of the party makes me realize how close I came to death.

Lord, help us
I pray for divine assistance and guidance.

Hey, Miss Donda
Greetings to Miss Donda, my late mother.

If you run into my mama, please tell her I said, "Say something"
If you see my mother in the afterlife, relay the message that I want her to speak to me.

I'm starting to believe ain't no such thing as heaven's trumpets
I am beginning to doubt the existence of heavenly calls or messages.

No after-over, this is it, done
There is no continuation after life, this is the finality.

If there's a Heaven you would think they'd let ya speak to your son
If there is indeed a Heaven, one would expect that they would allow communication with one's child.

Maybe she has in the form of a baby's laugh
Perhaps my mother communicates with me through the joyful sound of a baby's laughter.

I heard passing by in a stroller, remindin' me, "Hey, keep rolling"
As I heard a baby's laughter while strolling by, it serves as a reminder to continue moving forward.

I don't know, maybe she has with a prick of a blade of grass
Perhaps my mother connects with me through a small, subtle sign like the prick of a blade of grass.

I've been layin' on way too long, got me itchy
I have been stagnant for too long, it's making me restless.

Got up and roamed a lil' more
I decided to get up and explore a bit further.

Miss Donda, if you see my mama, tell her I'm lost
If you encounter my mother, please inform her that I feel lost without her.

You see, she'd always light a cigarette, we talk, I would cough
My mother would often smoke a cigarette while we conversed, causing me to cough.

Exaggeratin' a lil' bit so she get the point
I would slightly exaggerate to make sure she understood my message.

Tryna get her to stop smokin', I would leave then fire up a joint
In an attempt to persuade her to quit smoking, I would leave the room and smoke marijuana instead.

'Til I quit, started back up again twenty years later
I eventually stopped smoking marijuana but resumed the habit two decades later.

All that time, y'all thought a nigga was high
During that period, everyone believed I was constantly under the influence of drugs.

Thought I was crazy, my mama, she ain't cut no corners
People assumed I was mentally unstable, but my mother never took any shortcuts in raising me.

Got me back on track, I don't miss her overstepping
She helped me regain focus and balance, and I don't long for her to take control.

But do miss a show in seven, civilian life shit
However, I do miss being able to showcase my talent while navigating normal everyday life.

Ah, Miss Donda, you see my mama whisper her this
Oh, Miss Donda, if you see my mother, please convey this message to her secretly.

The real reason I was geeked to go to church, must confess
I must admit the true reason I was excited to go to church.

When y'all grown-ups would be in Bible study
While the adults were engaged in Bible study sessions.

That girl helping me with my homework, her and I would fuck
That girl, who also helped me with my homework, and I engaged in sexual activities.

And so pure and perverted, so spirit spinning and dirty
Our actions were both innocent and corrupted, evoking conflicting emotions.

So on, so on and so on, we hoped that no one heard us (shh-shh, ah, ah)
And so it continued, hoping that nobody would overhear our activities.

Until this day, I think her mama knew but let us explore
Even now, I believe her mother was aware of what was happening but allowed us to continue.

Miss Donda, you see my father, please, ask him
If you come across my father, inquire something of him on my behalf.

Why he never married? Always smiled, but was he happy inside?
I wonder why he never entered into matrimony, always appearing content, but was he truly happy internally?

Because I carried my mother's name, did he carry shame with him?
Did he feel burdened or ashamed because I inherited my mother's name?

I'm sure she did it out of spite, it was her decision at birth
I am certain my mother chose to give me her name out of resentment and as her deliberate choice.

Shit, she probably was hurt, ah, poor baby
She must have been hurt herself, oh, poor baby.

Two young people with different views a lot for a young lady
Two young individuals with conflicting perspectives, a lot for a young woman to endure.

No coincidence, they both passed away from heart conditions
It's not a coincidence that they both died due to heart-related ailments.

There's a dissonance at play, dad and mom do hard division
There is a distinct disagreement happening, where my father and mother hold opposing beliefs.

Three Thou', poster child for big dick niggas raised by their mothers
Andre 3000, commonly known as Three Thousand, is an emblematic figure for men raised by their mothers, known for their boldness and confidence.

I'm supposed to smile as if God knew that I would be troubled
I am expected to appear happy, as if God foresaw the challenges I would face.

Keeps me around, for what I don't know but I do know
God keeps me alive for a purpose unknown to me, but what I do know is...

That it's crucial, that we do so, pronto
It is vital, imperative that we do it quickly, without delay.

I don't know how much long though
Although I'm uncertain for how much longer.

Momma, your son in the red hat, had suffered set-backs
Mother, I, your son in the iconic red hat, have encountered obstacles and failures.

Had shouldn't-have-said-thats, had made everyone mad
I have uttered things that I shouldn't have, resulting in anger from everyone.

He made 808s, so he's everyone dad, know he ever gets sad
I created the influential album '808s & Heartbreak,' so I am like a father figure to many, even though people often overlook my sadness.

Hotel rooms by the shore, close my eyes, I can see more
In hotel rooms near the coast, when I close my eyes, I visualize greater things.

Nobody punkin' me, nobody pressure me, nobody gangsta me
Nobody can intimidate, pressure, or act tough towards me.

Especially, when the gangstas eat thanks to me
Particularly, when those who claim to be gangsters succeed because of my influence.

And my favorite principal name was Mrs. Wooten
One of my favorite school administrators was named Mrs. Wooten.

She was strict, the perfect instructor for young Putin
She had a strict demeanor, which made her an excellent teacher for young me, like a disciplinarian for a young leader.

Vladimir, just so that is clear
I draw a parallel between myself and the Russian leader, Vladimir Putin, to emphasize the point clearly.

Whom should we fear when we know dad is here?
If our father figure is present, whom do we have to be afraid of?

(Daddy's right here, daddy's right here)
(The presence of a father figure provides assurance and safety)

I don't play, boy
I am assertive and serious, not to be taken lightly.

Over y'all dead body 'fore my daughter pose in Playboy
I would go to great lengths, even if it meant your demise, to prevent my daughter from appearing in Playboy magazine.

We don't condone over-sexualization of the kids in the home
We do not support or tolerate the excessive sexual exposure of children within our household.

Battery in my back, this house of pain won't ever last
I am motivated and driven to ensure that this cycle of suffering and anguish ends.

CyHi told me to my face that Sicko Mode was his biggest song
CyHi, a collaborator, informed me directly that 'Sicko Mode' was his most successful song.

Well go'n, cause Donda was the best ghostwriter I ever had
Well then, go ahead, because Donda, my late mother, was the most talented and influential ghostwriter I ever worked with.

South Park had jokes about fish sticks
The television show 'South Park' included comedic references to fish sticks.

Till this day the whole team can kiss this dick
Even now, the entire team can show their disrespect towards me.

I put Virgil and Drake on the same text
I included both Virgil Abloh and Drake in the same conversation text thread.

And it wasn't about the matching Arc'teryx or Kid Cudi dress
The message wasn't regarding coordinating clothing or Kid Cudi's outfit.

Just told these grown men stop it with the funny shit
I simply instructed these adult men to cease their comedic behaviors.

I might hire the whole team from ACG
I am considering hiring the entire team from ACG (All Conditions Gear).

So don't text me like I'm Juanita JCV
Therefore, refrain from texting me as if I were Juanita Jordan (Michael Jordan's ex-wife) or JCV (a reference to a specific person).

Or more important, Monica Corgan, who was there for me
Or even more crucial, Monica Corgan, someone who provided support and was present for me.

Somebody really there for me, was rare for me
Having someone genuinely there for me was a rarity in my life.

That was new air to breathe
Experiencing such support was like a breath of fresh air.

When I was underappreciated, undervaluated
During times when I felt unappreciated and underestimated.

Stockholders told me, "Board rooms will bore you"
Investors advised me that boardrooms would not interest or satisfy me.

And remember going by your rules, try to follow the Lord's rules
I recall attempting to adhere to your rules, as well as the rules of the Lord.

Thought we was the new Abu Dhabi
We believed we were the modern equivalent of Abu Dhabi (symbolizing great wealth and prosperity).

Told Drake don't play with me on GD
I warned Drake not to provoke or challenge me on GD (Gangster Disciples).

And he sent that message to everybody
He spread that message to everyone else.

So if I hit you with a "W-Y-D"
So if I send you a message with the abbreviation "W-Y-D" (What You Doing),

You better hit me with, "Yes sir, I'm writing everything you need"
You better respond with, "Yes sir, I am currently working on all the things you require."

I told you I was gonna take the summer back
I previously informed you that I intended to reclaim control of the summer season.

So any of the cap, won't take none of that
Therefore, I won't tolerate any deceit or falsehoods.

Where my motherfuckin' red hat?
Where is my iconic red hat?

Security and the nannies be forever handling
The security personnel and nannies are always managing everything.

I can't stand it when there's talks of
I cannot tolerate discussions about

Putting the kids back in Sierra Canyon when daddy got his own school
Sending the children to Sierra Canyon School when their father has established his own educational institution.

Trav, smile for these white people if you want (C'mon)
Trav, you can smile for these white individuals if you choose, come on.

While we build a team to get Hoover out the joint
Meanwhile, we are assembling a group to secure the release of Larry Hoover from prison.

I do what I want, bro, in my life
In my personal life, I have the freedom to do as I please.

Serve and protect long as it's my wife
I am committed to serving and protecting my wife.

Screaming on M-A-Ns for trying to lower the percentage of SKIMS
I passionately argue against men who attempt to diminish the value of SKIMS (a clothing brand).

See, I was going in back when they thought I was only making Ms
I was making significant contributions even when people underestimated my achievements.

Now it's 9 billi', you ain't gotta like me but you feel me
Now I am worth 9 billion dollars, you don't have to like me but you can't deny my impact.

Do y'all feel me? Really?
Do you all truly understand and comprehend my message?

Get off Scott Free, I'm talking Ridley
Stop being able to escape consequences without punishment, I'm referring to Ridley Scott.

Get off our knees, that's if you're with me
Rise up and stand tall, if you are in agreement with me.

Get off your knees, that's if you're with me
Stop being subservient and submissive, if you are in agreement with me.

Get off your knees and let's get free
Stand up and let's achieve freedom together.

Get off your knees and let's get free
Stop being subservient and let's attain freedom.

Quickly, I mean really
Promptly, no, I really mean it, urgency is necessary.

Really, I mean really
Truly, I mean it from the depths of my heart.

I need release, I don't need police, I'm like, "nigga, please"
I require liberation, not law enforcement, I express my frustration, saying 'please, come on.'

Y'all can't hear me, mmm-mmm-mmm
You all are unable to truly understand my message, mmm-mmm-mmm.

For the real me, for the real me, I mean, mmm-mmm-mmm
For the authentic version of myself, to truly comprehend, mmm-mmm-mmm.

For the real me, mmm-mmm, for the real me, mmm-mmm-mmm
For the genuine essence of who I am, mmm-mmm, to fully grasp it, mmm-mmm-mmm.

Over here, or you go over there?
Should I stay here, or should I go to another place?

Alright, it's gonna shoot us in the, whoa, uh-oh, uh-oh
Okay, it's going to fire shots in our direction, whoa, uh-oh, uh-oh.

Ready mama? (Yup)
Are you prepared, mama? (Yes, I am)

I'm so proud of you, yup, you're gonna have so much fun
I am filled with immense pride for you, yes, you're going to have an amazing time.

They gonna shoot us in the air mama, okay?
They are going to fire into the air, mama, are you fine with that?

C'mon, P, I got you, it's okay, mama
Come on, P, I will protect you, don't worry, mama.

Hold your head back, hold your head back (three, two, one)
Lean your head backwards, hold it there (three, two, one).

Daddy's here, daddy's here, daddy's right here
I am here, daddy is present, don't worry, daddy is here.

It's okay, mama, daddy's here, daddy's here
Don't worry, mama, I am here, daddy is here.

Help (daddy's right here), I'm scared
Assistance is needed (daddy is right here), I am frightened.

Okay, okay, I got you, it's okay
Alright, alright, I have you, everything will be fine.

Okay, we goin' slow, we goin' slow down
Alright, we are moving slowly, we are descending.

It's okay, stop cryin', daddy got you, see, it's over, you did it, P
It's alright, stop crying, daddy is taking care of you, look, the ordeal is finished, you did it, P.

You already did it, see? It's already over, yay, you did it
You have already accomplished it, see? It is already finished, yay, you did it.

Big girl, it's already over, it's already over, it's already over
You are a big girl, it's already finished, it's already finished, it's already finished.

Daddy right here, daddy right here
Daddy is here, daddy is right here.

I told you I'm not gon' let you go
I assured you that I won't allow anything to harm you or separate us.

I'm not gon' let you go, mama, okay?
I will not permit you to be in danger or leave me, mama, alright?

Daddy got you, daddy gon bring us all the way down, okay?
Daddy is taking care of you, daddy will bring us all the way down, alright?

How was it? (We good)
How was the experience? (We are good.)

You did a good job (it was scary)
You performed well (it was frightening).