Encore
Linkin Park & Jay-Z vs. Will Smith Lyrics

Thank you, thank you, thank you
Expressing gratitude to the audience

You're far too kind
Complimenting the audience's generosity

Can I get an encore, do you want more?
Requesting the audience's enthusiasm for another performance

Cookin' raw with the Brooklyn boy
Collaborating with Jay Z for a dynamic performance

So for one last time I need y'all to roar (yeah)
Asking the audience to make noise for the final performance

Now what the hell are you waiting for?
Encouraging the audience to participate more actively

After me, there shall be no more
Implying that this performance is the last of its kind

So for one last time, nigga, make some noise
Urging the audience to make noise one final time

Who you know fresher than Hov? Riddle me that
Asking who is more current and talented than Jay Z

The rest of y'all know where I'm lyrically at
Acknowledging his position as a top performer

Can't none of y'all mirror me back
No one can imitate his style

Yeah hearing me rap is like hearing G. Rap in his prime
Comparing his talent to one of the greatest rappers of all time

I'm young H.O., rap's Grateful Dead
Referring to his status as a young, influential rapper

Back to take over the globe, now break bread
Reasserting his dominance in the music industry

I'm in Boeing jets, Global Express
Describing his luxurious lifestyle

Out the country but the Blueberry still connect
Implying he still has reliable connections despite traveling

On the low but the yacht got a triple deck
Keeping a low profile but still living extravagantly

But when you young, what the fuck you expect? Yep, yep
Acknowledging the privileges that come with being young and successful

Grand opening, grand closing
Celebrating the beginning and end of a successful music career

God damn, your man Hov cracked the can open again
Asserting his return to the music industry

Who you goin' find doper than him with no pen
Asking who can match his lyrical talent without needing to write

Just draw off inspiration
Creating music through inspiration and talent

Soon you goin' see you can't replace him
Implying that there is no one who can replace Jay Z

With cheap imitations for these generations
Rejecting the idea of cheaper, low-quality performers replacing him

Look what you made me do, look what I made for you
Referencing the performer-audience dynamic and the creation of music

Knew if I paid my dues, how will they pay you?
Acknowledging the struggle to make money as a young performer

When you first come in the game, they try to play you
Describing the initial challenges of starting a music career

Then you drop a couple of hits, look how they wave to you
Pointing out the audience's changing attitudes towards successful performers

From Marcy to Madison Square
Referencing the performer's rise to fame from humble beginnings

To the only thing that matters in just a matter of years (yeah)
Reflecting on the importance of music in the performer's life

As fate would have it, Jay's status appears
Acknowledging the performer's fate and success

To be at a all-time high, perfect time to say goodbye
Implying that the performer is at their peak and ready to retire

When I come back like Jordan, wearing the 4-5
Referencing Michael Jordan's return to basketball and comparing it to a potential return to music

It ain't to play games with you
Clarifying that the performer's return would not be for entertainment purposes

It's to aim at you, probably maim you
Suggesting that the performer's return would be for a specific target or purpose

If I owe you I'm blowing you to smithereens
Implying that anyone who is owed something would be mistreated or damaged as a result

Cocksucker take one for your team
Using vulgar language to suggest that someone should sacrifice themselves for others

And I need you to remember one thing (one thing)
Asking the audience to remember a crucial point

I came, I saw, I conquered
Reflecting on a successful career

From record sales, to sold out concerts
Describing the performer's accomplishments

So motherfucker if you want this encore
Asking the audience if they want another performance

I need you to scream 'til your lungs get sore
Requesting enthusiastic participation from the audience

I'm tired of being what you want me to be
Rejecting the idea of conforming to others' expectations

Feeling so faithless
Reflecting on a sense of hopelessness or lack of faith

Lost under the surface
Feeling lost and unsure of oneself

I don't know what you're expecting of me
Confused about others' expectations and demands

Put under the pressure
Feeling overwhelmed and stressed

Of walking in your shoes
Experiencing the same pressures and expectations as others

(Caught in the undertow, just caught in the undertow)
Using a metaphor to describe a feeling of being overwhelmed

Every step that I take is another mistake to you
Feeling like every decision or action is judged and criticized

(Caught in the undertow, just caught in the undertow)
Continuing the metaphor to describe feeling helpless and trapped

And every second I waste is more than I can take
Feeling like time is running out and there is too much to handle

I've become so numb
Describing a sense of detachment and numbness from others and life

I can't feel you there
Lacking an emotional connection to others

Become so tired
Feeling exhausted from mental and emotional stress

So much more aware
Becoming more aware of one's own situation and feelings

I'm becoming this
Describing a transformation or change

All I want to do
Expressing a desire or goal

Is be more like me
Embracing one's own identity and individuality

And be less like you
Rejecting the idea of conforming to others' expectations and ideals

Can I get an encore, do you want more? (More, more, more)
Returning to the initial request for an enthusiastic encore performance

So for one last time I need y'all to roar (one last time I need y'all to roar)
Reflecting on the final performance and encouraging a final burst of enthusiasm from the audience