My shoes
LOTE Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

My Shoes
How many pairs of shoes have you gone through in life? I've lost count.
Lyrics
You want to know what it feels like, getting harassed by the cops.

You want to know what it feels like, on the block when it's hot.

You want to know what it feels like,

Waking up in my room.

You want to know what it feels like, take a walk in my shoes.

You want to know what it feels like, getting harrased by the cops.

You want to know what it feels like, on the block when it's hot.

You want to know what it feels like,
Waking up in my room.

You want to know what it feels like, take a walk in my shoes.

Who be making it from nothing, in the kitchen cooking up.

Oh man who's got the Midas touch, OG ain't never giving up.

I call your bluff, my royal flush will crush your dreams.

Getting scorched by all the steam, homie I can you hear the screams, when I hit you with the dope.

Say it's safe, say it's safe, nigga pray tell.

People tend to back away when the waves swell.

From tsunamis run away from this hades hell.

The way I can't forget the day the world trade fell.

I promise you,
We gone get back up and ride, mourning all the ones that died, once it's safe to go outside.

This I promise you,
After this some things will change, other things will stay the same, in the hood they still gone bang.

Through the sun, the rain, the nights, the days, the joy, the pain, all the racist hateful things.

I get it though, the thought of me just living may upset some folks. But I don't give a fuck, I hang them racist by a rope.

Lote, OG man I'm giving haters notice, hope those devils die from Covid.

Fucking jokers, playing poker.

Do you know what it means when they chase you down the street, that's pure evil and it's trying to take your life now

Do you know what they say at the table, when they play their little games, in the room with the lights down.

They looking at me crazy when I'm yelling fuck the police.
They looking at me crazy every time I walk down my street
It feels like nothing's changing, still I'm out here chasing my dreams
They're trying to enslave me, still I'm standing on the concrete.

You want to know what it feels like, getting harassed by the cops.

You want to know what it feels like, on the block when it's hot.

You want to know what it feels like,
Waking up in my room.

You want to know what it feels like, take a walk in my shoes.

You want to know what it feels like, getting harassed by the cops.

You want to know what it feels like, on the block when it's hot.

You want to know what it feels like,
Waking up in my room.

You want to know what it feels like, take a walk in my shoes.

Overall Meaning

In the song "My Shoes" by LOTE, the lyrics poignantly explore themes of systemic oppression, personal struggle, and resilience. Through the refrain "You want to know what it feels like, take a walk in my shoes," the artist invites listeners to empathize with his lived experiences as a person facing societal and institutional harassment. The repeated refrain underscores a sense of urgency and desperation; it reflects the pervasive injustices experienced daily, particularly by marginalized communities. The phrase "getting harassed by the cops" serves as a stark reminder of the racial profiling and police brutality that many individuals endure, layering the narrative with a palpable tension that speaks to the broader societal issues of crime, race, and authority.

As the lyrics transition into the imagery of "Who be making it from nothing, in the kitchen cooking up," a powerful narrative of survival and creativity emerges. The reference to cooking symbolizes the hustle and ingenuity required to navigate life in an environment fraught with economic inequality and limited opportunities. This portrayal of resilience in the face of adversity contrasts sharply with the disheartening reality of feeling trapped or oppressed ("getting chased down the street," "pure evil"). The artist reflects on their determination and refusal to succumb to the likely pressures of their environment, demonstrating an awareness of the systemic forces that aim to "enslave" individuals, while simultaneously emphasizing the importance of dreaming and striving for a better life against the odds.

The emotional weight of the lyrics deepens as the artist confronts traumatic historical events and their lingering effects on contemporary society. The reference to the day "the world trade fell" encapsulates a moment of collective crisis, implying that societal upheaval and grief will continue to resonate through communities long after tragic events. This historical context serves as a backdrop for the struggles faced daily, reinforcing the idea that social change, while inevitable, is slow and fraught with challenges. The line "I promise you, we gone get back up and ride" illustrates a spirit of resilience and hope, whereby the artist acknowledges both grief and a commitment to push forward despite adversity. It sends a powerful message that while the circumstances may remain unchanged, the spirit of those who endure will persist.

Towards the end of the song, there is a notable shift in tone as the artist expresses frustration with pervasive racism and oppression, chaotically portrayed through emphatic lines that call for vindication. The rawness of sentiments like "I hang them racist by a rope" underscores deep anger and a demand for justice—an embodiment of the frustration felt by many individuals who exist within the confines of societal injustices. The artist admits to feeling the weight of being constantly scrutinized and judged, yet remains unwavering in their commitment to vocalize their pain and stand against oppression. By expressing a blending of vulnerability and fierceness, LOTE reveals the complexities of living in a world that feels both oppressive and deserving of change, ultimately leaving the listeners with a stark, unfiltered reflection of the struggle for dignity in a world rife with inequities.

Line by Line Meaning

You want to know what it feels like, getting harassed by the cops.
You seek to understand the experience of being targeted and oppressed by law enforcement.

You want to know what it feels like, on the block when it's hot.
You aim to comprehend the tension and heat of street life during intense moments.

You want to know what it feels like, Waking up in my room.
You desire insight into the personal space and reality of my everyday existence.

You want to know what it feels like, take a walk in my shoes.
You express a wish to experience life from my perspective and share my struggles.

You want to know what it feels like, getting harassed by the cops.
You reiterate the desire to understand the harsh realities of facing police harassment.

You want to know what it feels like, on the block when it's hot.
You emphasize the curiosity about life in high-pressure situations on the streets.

You want to know what it feels like, Waking up in my room.
You highlight the personal and intimate experience of my daily life.

You want to know what it feels like, take a walk in my shoes.
You seek to empathize with my experiences and hardships by living them yourself.

Who be making it from nothing, in the kitchen cooking up.
You refer to those who rise from poverty and adversity, creating opportunities through hard work.

Oh man who's got the Midas touch, OG ain't never giving up.
You celebrate individuals with the ability to succeed despite challenges, especially those who are relentless.

I call your bluff, my royal flush will crush your dreams.
You assert your confidence in facing adversaries, ready to prove them wrong with undeniable success.

Getting scorched by all the steam, homie I can you hear the screams, when I hit you with the dope.
You describe the intense pressure and chaos that ensues in this environment, marked by addiction and violence.

Say it's safe, say it's safe, nigga pray tell.
You doubt the notion of safety in your surroundings and question the reliability of such claims.

People tend to back away when the waves swell.
You observe how people often retreat when faced with overwhelming challenges or crises.

From tsunamis run away from this hades hell.
You articulate the need to escape from terrifying and destructive circumstances in life.

The way I can't forget the day the world trade fell.
You reference a significant moment in history that evokes pain and remembrance, symbolizing loss.

I promise you, We gone get back up and ride, mourning all the ones that died, once it's safe to go outside.
You vow to persevere through adversity while honoring those lost, with hope for a better future.

This I promise you, After this some things will change, other things will stay the same, in the hood they still gone bang.
You acknowledge that while some circumstances may evolve, many of the harsh realities will persist.

Through the sun, the rain, the nights, the days, the joy, the pain, all the racist hateful things.
You encapsulate the full spectrum of experiences in life, highlighting communal struggles against discrimination.

I get it though, the thought of me just living may upset some folks.
You recognize that your resilience and existence provoke discomfort or anger in others, revealing societal tensions.

But I don't give a fuck, I hang them racist by a rope.
You express anger towards racism, using stark imagery to convey your frustration and desire for justice.

Lote, OG man I'm giving haters notice, hope those devils die from Covid.
You assert your strength against detractors, wishing ill upon those who perpetuate harm.

Fucking jokers, playing poker.
You criticize those who trivialize serious matters, comparing them to gamblers risking lives for entertainment.

Do you know what it means when they chase you down the street, that's pure evil and it's trying to take your life now.
You emphasize the life-threatening nature of being pursued, framing it as a battle against malevolence.

Do you know what they say at the table, when they play their little games, in the room with the lights down.
You invite reflection on the conspiracies and manipulations that happen out of public view.

They're looking at me crazy when I'm yelling fuck the police.
You illustrate the reaction you face for expressing outrage against oppression and systemic injustice.

They're looking at me crazy every time I walk down my street.
You describe the scrutiny and judgment you experience simply for existing in your own neighborhood.

It feels like nothing's changing, still I'm out here chasing my dreams.
You convey the frustration of stagnation in societal progress while remaining determined to pursue your aspirations.

They're trying to enslave me, still I'm standing on the concrete.
You express resistance against oppression, firmly asserting your presence and agency in a hostile environment.