Pound
M.I.K.E. Lyrics

(Money)
Introduction to the topic of money.

(I mean what is a, how much is, how much is a lot of money?)
Question on what money really means and how much is considered a lot.

(That's a good question) (ES on the beat)
Acknowledgment of the good question and introduction of the music producer.

(Have, have you made, say millions of dollars?) (Likkledotz)
Question on whether the artist has made millions of dollars, and introduction of the songwriter.

(No)
Answer to the question, stating that the artist has not made millions of dollars.

(Are you a rich man?)
Question on whether the artist is rich or not.

(When you mean rich, what you mean?)
Request for clarification on what is meant by 'rich'.

(You have a lot of possessions? Lot of money in the bank)
Suggestion that being rich means having a lot of possessions or money in the bank.

(Possession make you rich?)
Questioning whether having possessions actually makes one rich.

(I don't, I don't have that type of richness, my richness is life, forever)
Answer to the above question, stating that the artist does not consider possessions as true richness, but rather life experiences and memories.

They say the pound signs turnin' me crazy (One)
Others have claimed that the obsession with money is driving the artist crazy.

Just look what's it doin' to me
Explanation that the artist is indeed being affected by the impact of money.

I put two hundred racks on his cranium
Spending large amounts of money on material possessions, such as expensive clothing or jewelry.

And make his own friend wanna put him to sleep (turn)
Implying that the excess flaunting of money can even turn friends against each other.

Funny how I used to pray for a chain until there's bruises on my knees
Reflecting on how the artist used to wish for material possessions, but now recognizes the harm and impact it can have.

A hundred thou', man blew it this week (turn)
Spending excessive amounts of money in a short period of time.

See friends turn foes (One)
Observing how friends can turn into enemies due to financial disputes or disagreements.

Then roses grew out my sleeve
Despite the hardships, life can still be beautiful and full of surprises.

I've seen the fiend nearly overdose
Witnessing the dangers and negative impact that excessive money can have on individuals.

And I can still hear that voice in my dreams
Trauma and haunting memories of past events can still linger and affect the artist.

Packs got flew out the T, no one was rootin' for me
Despite succeeding financially, the artist feels a sense of loneliness and lack of support from others.

They should make a movie on me, you see some Louis on me
Boasting about the wealth and success achieved, and implying that it is worthy of being a Hollywood film.

Look what this money is doing to me
Reiterating the negative impact of money on the artist's life.

She wanted goals like Bey' and Jay-Z (Jay-Z)
Commenting on how others often desire the same wealthy lifestyle as famous individuals like Beyoncé and Jay-Z.

Then she got left emotionally scarred, Lil' Baby
Acknowledging the potential negative consequences and emotional toll of pursuing wealth and success at all costs.

I make this money, this money don't make me
Asserting that the artist is in control of their own life and choices, rather than being controlled by the pursuit of money.

Gotta chase money cah pussy don't pay me
Expressing the idea that sex isn't worth focusing on and making money is the priority.

Got a new nigga, but she'll be back
Casually mentioning a relationship with someone new, but suggesting that it might not last.

Shorty said I'm unforgettable like Swae Lee
Reference to a popular song by Swae Lee, and implying that the artist is also unforgettable or impressive in some way.

The pound sign amaze me (su, su, su, su, su)
Expressing the incredible and almost unbelievable power of money.

Look what it's doin' to me
Reiterating the negative effects of money on the artist.

I just go flood the whole block with trainers
Spending money on material possessions like shoes for display and attention.

One was velcro, the rest had laces
Describing some of the specific shoes bought by the artist.

Somebody on job could have got a facelift (One)
Implying that the artist has so much money that it could even pay for expensive surgeries like facelifts or other cosmetic procedures.

'Cause the stupidity and my label love the lucrative me
Blaming the artist's label or industry pressures for promoting and encouraging the materialistic and expensive lifestyle.

So next time I want ten milli', that's a platinum pay check (turn, turn, turn, uh)
Setting a goal for earning a certain amount of money, which is considered high and valuable.

New opp block, the neighbors don't know my name yet (turn, turn, turn)
Commenting on moving to a new location or neighborhood where the artist is not yet known or recognized.

But they know there's trade
Implying that the artist is still involved in some kind of trade or business deals involving money.

Don't know how shh-shh didn't turn flavors
Suggesting that luck or chance played a role in avoiding negative consequences or legal issues related to their trade or business dealings.

It really could have went the gelato way
Referencing a specific situation or incident involving money or drugs, suggesting it could have gone badly.

Need one hundred mil' before I touch my grave
Setting an ambitious financial goal for the future, indicating the artist's desire for wealth and success.

I pray, I pray (money)
Acknowledging the role of faith or spirituality in the artist's pursuit of wealth and success.

Until then, I'm on work bro
Focus and commitment to constantly working and pursuing opportunities for making money.

Night shift, day shift, night shift, day
Extremely hardworking schedule or lifestyle, working around the clock to make money.

Pops said this money is ruinin' me
Listening to the advice and concerns of family or loved ones who see the negative impact of money on the artist's life.

My new ting Cuba ain't cuter than me
Talent and self-confidence in attracting partners or lovers despite not being the most physically attractive or wealthy.

And even though she ain't ten-ten (ten)
Acknowledging that the new partner may not be perfect or ideal in every way, but still valued for other qualities.

It's the inner beauty for me
Recognizing the importance and value of inner qualities or personality traits in a partner, rather than just physical appearance or material possessions.

How many times did I bring that wraps to boil?
Reflecting on past experiences and activities related to the artist's trade or business deals involving money and drugs.

The T-house brought out the Susan in me
The artist's past experiences or environments have contributed to shaping their personality and behavior, particularly when it comes to making money or achieving success.

Drug squad bootin' off the bando door
Being caught or pursued by law enforcement officials for involvement in drug-related activities or other money-making attempts.

They found nothin' 'bout niggas and failed (One)
Successfully avoiding being caught or incriminated for drug activity, indicating a mix of luck and skill.

Done years in the can, now I'm free (free up)
Serving time in a prison or correctional facility, but now released and free to continue making money and pursuing success.

Took the PWITS to the chest
Accepting punishment or consequences for one's actions or behavior related to making money or pursuing wealth.

But you know for the works had to turn on the the plea
Agreeing to accept a plea deal or other legal compromise in order to avoid more severe consequences or charges.

They would have threw away the key (ah)
Suggesting that the consequences or punishment could have been even more severe or permanent if not for accepting the plea deal.

Two hundred racks for a show
Earning a substantial amount of money for performing at a live event or concert.

Three years ago, I'd do it for free
Reflecting on how the artist used to perform or pursue opportunities for almost no money, but now earning a lot for the same activities.

Not to long, I was kway up North
Referencing a past geographical location or experience where the artist was successful and had a lot of money.

875 what I took for that 'teenth
Specific details related to past financial transactions or deals involving drugs or other illicit activities.

Had to chase this money all through my teens
Starting to pursue money and success at a young age, and continuing to work hard and make money throughout adolescence.

Now this money chase me (ayy)
Having achieved a certain level of success and wealth, others are constantly pursuing the artist for business deals and opportunities to work together, rather than the other way around.

Ah, this paper long, ain't comin' in free
Acknowledging that even though the artist is successful and wealthy, there is always a cost or price to pay, whether it be through hard work, sacrifice, or legal risk.

They say the pound signs turnin' me crazy
Reiterating concerns or rumors about the negative impact of money on the artist's mental health or wellbeing.

A hundred thou', man blew it this week
Confirmation that the artist has spent an excessively large amount of money in a very short period of time.

(Turn, turn, turn, turn, turn)
Repetition of the phrase 'turn' as a stylistic addition to the song lyrics.

(Look what this money is doing to me)
Reiterating the negative impact of money on the artist's life and mental health.

(Likkle Dotz)
Credits the songwriter for the lyrics.

(ES on the beat)
Credits the music producer for the instrumental track.