Flashing Lights
Lupe Fiasco/Kanye West/Pharrell Lyrics

Flashing lights, lights
The repeated use of flashing lights represents the paparazzi's constant obsession with celebrities.

She don't believe in shootin' stars
The subject is not interested in wishful thinking or superstitions, but rather on material possessions like shoes and cars.

But she believe in shoes and cars
The subject is focused on what they can see and hold, rather than on abstract concepts.

Wood floors in the new apartment
This line describes the luxurious and high-end living standards that the subject has.

Couture from the store's department
The subject shops at the most high-class stores and wears only the most expensive clothing.

You more like L'eau de Stardee shit
The singer is suggesting that the subject's lifestyle is shallow and focused on putting on a facade of elegance instead of true elegance.

I'm more of the, trips to Florida
The singer prefers experiences that allow them to relax and soak in a warm and comfortable environment.

Order the h'orderves, views of the Water
This line describes an elegant, luxurious lifestyle involving fine food and scenic views.

Straight from the page of your favorite author
The artist enjoys intellectual and artistic pursuits, such as reading and writing.

And the weather so breezy
The current state of the environment is perfect for a relaxed and sophisticated lifestyle.

Man why can't life always be this easy
The singer is frustrated that life can't always be as comfortable and carefree as it is in their current environment.

She in the mirror dancing so sleazy
The subject is enjoying themselves in the moment, without worrying about the outside world.

I get a call like where are you Yeezy
The subject is interrupted by a phone call asking for Kanye West's location.

Try to hit you with a 'Oeur de Whopee'
The singer is trying to entice Kanye West with an exciting and novel experience.

Till I get flashed by the paparazzi
The paparazzi are constantly interfering with the singer's attempts to relax and enjoy life.

Damn, these niggas got me
The artist is angered by the paparazzi's constant attention and interference.

I hate these niggas more than the Nazi
The artist is expressing their deep disgust and hatred towards the paparazzi.

As I recall, I know you love to show off
The singer is reflecting on past experiences, in which the subject loved to draw attention to themselves.

But I never thought that you would take it this far
The singer is surprised by how much the subject has gone to showcase their extravagance and luxury.

What do I know? Flashing lights, lights
The artist is unsure of what they truly understand about the subject's motivations, and the flashing lights serve as a metaphor for this confusion.

I know it's been a while
The subject and speaker haven't communicated in some time.

Sweetheart, we hardly talk, I was doing my thing
The artist was focused on their own pursuits, rather than maintaining a relationship.

I know I was foul bay-bay
The singer acknowledges that they were not in the right during their previous interactions.

A-bay lately you been all on my brain
The subject has been on the artist's mind constantly.

And if somebody would've told me a month ago
The singer is reflecting on the fact that a month ago, they would not have expected to still be thinking about the subject.

Fronting though, yo I wouldn't wanna know
The singer is admitting to pretending they were over the subject, when in fact they were not.

If somebody would've told me a year ago
The singer is reflecting on how far they've come in terms of missing the subject.

It'd go, get this difficult
The artist is acknowledging that this longing for the subject has become more difficult to deal with over time.

Feeling like Katrina with no fema
The artist is using a metaphor to describe their current emotional state as being like a disaster zone with no help.

Like Martin with no Gina
The singer is referencing Martin Lawrence's character from the TV show 'Martin', who is often seen struggling to handle romantic issues with his girlfriend, Gina.

Like a flight with no visa
The singer is referencing the frustration of being unable to travel to a desired location due to lack of visas or other legal documentation.

First class with the seat back I still see ya
Even in luxurious and high-end settings, the artist still can't forget about the subject.

In my past, you on the other side of the glass
The artist is looking back at memories of the subject, but the memories cannot be recreated.

Of my memory's museum
The artist's memories of the subject are all preserved like artifacts in a museum.

I'm just saying, Hey Mona Lisa
The singer is using the iconic painting as a way of describing the subject's beauty and allure.

Come home you know you can't Rome without Caesar
The artist is referencing ancient Rome, and suggesting that the subject cannot travel on their own, without the artist.

As you recall, you know I love to show off
The singer is acknowledging that the subject knows the singer likes to draw attention to themselves.

But you never thought that I would take it this far
The singer has taken showcasing their extravagance and luxury to an unexpected level.

What do you know? Flashing lights, lights
The singer is questioning the subject's assumptions and understanding of the singer's motivations, using the flashing lights as a metaphor for confusion.

Lights, lights, lights, lights
This line simply reinforces the overall theme of the song - the constant, unrelenting presence of the paparazzi, and the flashing lights that come with their attention.