The Shift
MEZ Lyrics


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Late night thirst but I'm stuck on the night shift
Brain game, no shame, stuck on the night shift
Rap game insane, stuck on the night shift
Head stay spinning 'til I'm done with the night shift
Late night thirst but I'm stuck on the night shift
Brain game, no shame, stuck on the night shift
Rap game insane, stuck on the night shift
Head stay spinning 'til I'm done with the night shift

Never stuck in my ways
Pray the day I'm gettin' paid come before that degree
And before I go away and God say that my days wasn't great
No space in them gates
Tryna follow what the prophets say
But I was doomed since the prophecy
What an awful way to find out
Cup runneth but I'm feeling like Job, I could really lose it all today
Let a goofy try and take mine though
David Blaine, 12-gauge at your spinal
But what the hell do I know?
Was fifteen with sixteens, slay seven teens with my eyes closed
All through the night shift 'til my eyes bleed
When I recharge, greatness in my IV
Mr. Worth a Billi inscribed on the ID
But them demons from the night shift right behind me

Late night thirst but I'm stuck on the night shift
Brain game, no shame, stuck on the night shift
Rap game insane, stuck on the night shift
Head stay spinning 'til I'm done with the night shift
Late night thirst but I'm stuck on the night shift
Brain game, no shame, stuck on the night shift
Rap game insane, stuck on the night shift
Head stay spinning 'til I'm, 'til I'm, 'til I'm, 'til I'm, 'til I'm

Feeding people on the cusp of a civil war
Y'all been aiming for the hugs and the big awards
Can't think straight 'til I put the pen in my hand
I'm like a fiend searching for that first feeling again
My first shit was written three years back now
Back when rapping as a future played the background
Now that night shift shit is on the regular
Know me, then you know my limit sitting with the nebula

Don't smile in my face with the fake shit
Only hold affiliation, waiting 'til the fame hit
So you can claim that been trill off-rip
And ask for the stacks when I make a withdrawal trip

Decapitating snakes like Medusa with a wave cap
Lot of people say they know the boy from the way back
Y'all were scared of the power I possessed
Young man with a pad and a pen on his desk
No damn clue I was cooking up a crack rock
And planning domination of the world on a fast clock
Gimme twenty, ready, bet I head a coalition
Focused on empowerment of those inside a low position
Back on the cool shit, back on my bullshit
Back on the youngin' early morning cartoon shit
Back like I never left and never plan to leave again
'Til reminiscing legacies I built with every weekend spent
Don't wanna fight bruh, I just want your fanbase
Make 'em turn against you 'til they hit you with a can mace
Make you disappear like, damn, where that man Ma$e?
Make 'em pray for you when a dummy catch a damn case

Don't smile in my face with the fake shit
Only hold affiliation, waiting 'til the fame hit
So you can claim that been trill off-rip
And ask for the stacks when I make a withdrawal trip

The people want money, violence, druggies and hoes
But if I do it, prolly say it's too professional
Done with the throne, 17, man the game wrapped
Aiming for the world in my hands like a Wayne tat
Ain't shit changed but the change stacked
Another lane, hall of fame, see my name plaque
In twelve months like "damn, we really did it"
No shit, see how Dre snapped?
Face facts, get $600, see your names blacked
Imma surely make it global with a good mic
You prolly couldn't make four figures if you could write




So sit down, take notes from a young god
Two swords drawn, here's one, then it's en garde

Overall Meaning

In "The Shift," MEZ expresses his dedication and determination to his craft, even if it means sacrificing his personal life and normalcy. The lyrics depict his relentless work ethic and refusal to conform to societal expectations.


In the first verse, MEZ discusses being stuck on the night shift, referring to his tireless work in the rap game. He describes feeling a thirst for success and acknowledges that his dedication to his career often keeps him up late at night. The repetition of being "stuck on the night shift" emphasizes the intensity and commitment he has to his craft.


Moving on to the second verse, MEZ reflects on his journey and the challenges he has faced. He mentions praying for success before obtaining a degree and hoping that his legacy will be remembered as great. However, he also alludes to the difficulties he has faced along the way, comparing his struggles to those of the biblical figure Job. Despite these challenges, he remains determined to achieve greatness and refuses to let anyone take away what he has earned.


In the third verse, MEZ addresses the state of the music industry and his frustration with the pursuit of fame and recognition. He criticizes those who seek superficial rewards and emphasizes the importance of genuine talent and passion. MEZ also reflects on his own evolution as an artist and the significance of his early work. He implies that he is constantly searching for that initial feeling of excitement and inspiration while acknowledging that his popularity has grown and become more consistent.


In the final verse, MEZ asserts his own power and ambition. He speaks about facing betrayal and fake relationships, expressing his desire for authenticity and loyalty. He also boasts about his ability to overcome obstacles and seize control. MEZ confronts those who underestimate him and claims his place in the rap game. He references the achievements and success he has already attained, promising to continue building on his legacy.


Overall, "The Shift" is a testament to MEZ's unwavering dedication to his craft, his search for authenticity, and his mission to make a lasting impact on the music industry. It showcases his resilience, ambition, and refusal to conform to societal expectations.


Line by Line Meaning

Late night thirst but I'm stuck on the night shift
Despite my desire for something different, I find myself trapped in the monotonous night shift.


Brain game, no shame, stuck on the night shift
My mind is fully engaged, unashamed, yet still stuck in the night shift.


Rap game insane, stuck on the night shift
My involvement in the rap game is intense and overwhelming, but I remain stuck in the night shift.


Head stay spinning 'til I'm done with the night shift
My thoughts and ideas continue to whirl around until I finally break free from the night shift.


Never stuck in my ways
I refuse to be confined to a set pattern or routine.


Pray the day I'm gettin' paid come before that degree
I hope to start earning money before obtaining a formal degree.


And before I go away and God say that my days wasn't great
Before I pass away, I want to ensure that God acknowledges the greatness in the days of my life.


No space in them gates
I fear that there may be no place for me in the gates of heaven.


Tryna follow what the prophets say
I am attempting to adhere to the guidance and teachings of the prophets.


But I was doomed since the prophecy
It seems that I have been destined for a challenging fate ever since the prophecy was revealed.


What an awful way to find out
Discovering this in such a disheartening manner is truly unfortunate.


Cup runneth but I'm feeling like Job, I could really lose it all today
Although I may have an abundance, I still fear losing everything, much like Job from biblical stories.


Let a goofy try and take mine though
If someone foolishly attempts to take what is rightfully mine,


David Blaine, 12-gauge at your spinal
I will respond with force, metaphorically referencing David Blaine performing magic tricks and a 12-gauge shotgun to intimidate and protect myself.


But what the hell do I know?
Despite my confidence, I question my own knowledge and understanding.


Was fifteen with sixteens, slay seven teens with my eyes closed
Even at a young age, my lyrical prowess and ability to dominate was exceptional.


All through the night shift 'til my eyes bleed
I work relentlessly during the night shift until my eyes are fatigued and bloodshot.


When I recharge, greatness in my IV
During moments of rest and rejuvenation, I regain my greatness intravenously.


Mr. Worth a Billi inscribed on the ID
My identity is marked by the title of being worth a billion dollars.


But them demons from the night shift right behind me
However, the negative influences and inner demons from the night shift continue to haunt and follow me.


Feeding people on the cusp of a civil war
I am providing support and sustenance to people on the verge of engaging in a conflict or strife.


Y'all been aiming for the hugs and the big awards
Others in the industry are solely focused on attaining public recognition and major accolades.


Can't think straight 'til I put the pen in my hand
My thoughts and mental clarity are hindered until I start writing with a pen.


I'm like a fiend searching for that first feeling again
I am reminiscent of a person addicted to a drug, desperately seeking the initial euphoric sensation.


My first shit was written three years back now
The first work I created was composed three years ago.


Back when rapping as a future played the background
During that time, pursuing a rap career was not a prominent aspect of my life.


Now that night shift shit is on the regular
Currently, the night shift lifestyle has become a regular occurrence for me.


Know me, then you know my limit sitting with the nebula
If you truly know me, you understand that my potential is vast, comparable to the vastness of the nebula in space.


Don't smile in my face with the fake shit
I don't appreciate insincere actions or false pretenses.


Only hold affiliation, waiting 'til the fame hit
I maintain connections with others solely because I expect them to offer support and recognition once I achieve fame.


So you can claim that been trill off-rip
You desire to claim association with me from the very beginning, portraying a sense of authenticity or being 'trill'.


And ask for the stacks when I make a withdrawal trip
Furthermore, once I am successful and have money, you will request a share of my financial gains.


Decapitating snakes like Medusa with a wave cap
I eliminate deceitful individuals, likening it to the concept of Medusa turning people to stone with her gaze, but in this case, using a wave cap as a metaphorical tool.


Lot of people say they know the boy from the way back
Many individuals claim to have known me since the early days.


Y'all were scared of the power I possessed
People were intimidated by the influence and talent I possessed.


Young man with a pad and a pen on his desk
I am a young individual with a notebook and pen, diligently writing and creating.


No damn clue I was cooking up a crack rock
They had no idea that I was skillfully crafting something of immense value and impact.


And planning domination of the world on a fast clock
Simultaneously, I was strategizing to conquer and influence the world at a rapid pace.


Gimme twenty, ready, bet I head a coalition
Give me twenty seconds, and I will efficiently gather and lead a unified group of individuals.


Focused on empowerment of those inside a low position
My primary objective is to uplift and empower individuals who find themselves in disadvantaged circumstances.


Back on the cool shit, back on my bullshit
I have returned to my cool and confident demeanor, back to exhibiting my usual behavior.


Back on the youngin' early morning cartoon shit
I am back to embracing my youthful energy and engaging in activities reminiscent of watching cartoons in the early morning.


Back like I never left and never plan to leave again
I have returned as if I never departed, and I have no intentions of leaving once more.


'Til reminiscing legacies I built with every weekend spent
I will continue to reminisce and reflect on the legacies I have created through the time and effort invested during each weekend.


Don't wanna fight bruh, I just want your fanbase
I'm not seeking conflict, my intention is to gain your fanbase and support.


Make 'em turn against you 'til they hit you with a can mace
I will manipulate and influence people to turn against you to the point where they physically harm you with pepper spray.


Make you disappear like, damn, where that man Ma$e?
I will cause your presence to vanish, leaving others questioning your whereabouts, just like the rapper Ma$e.


Make 'em pray for you when a dummy catch a damn case
I will create a scenario where people start praying for you when an ignorant person falls into a legal predicament.


The people want money, violence, druggies and hoes
Society is attracted to themes of wealth, violence, drug use, and promiscuity.


But if I do it, prolly say it's too professional
However, if I were to engage in those activities, people would criticize it for being too sophisticated or polished.


Done with the throne, 17, man the game wrapped
I have grown tired of the pursuit of power and dominance, as at the age of seventeen, I have already achieved mastery in the game.


Aiming for the world in my hands like a Wayne tat
My goal is to possess the world within my grasp, comparable to a tattoo of Lil Wayne's face on one's hand.


Ain't shit changed but the change stacked
Very little has altered in my life, except for an accumulation of wealth.


Another lane, hall of fame, see my name plaque
I have entered a new realm and aspire to be included in the hall of fame, with my name displayed on a plaque.


In twelve months like 'damn, we really did it'
Within a year, people will look back in astonishment and acknowledge the greatness we have accomplished.


No shit, see how Dre snapped?
This is evident by observing the success and impact Dr. Dre has had in the industry.


Face facts, get $600, see your names blacked
Face the reality that when faced with financial matters, you will recognize the insignificance of your name as it fades into obscurity.


Imma surely make it global with a good mic
I have full confidence that I will achieve global recognition with my talent and microphone skills.


You prolly couldn't make four figures if you could write
It is likely that you are unable to earn a substantial amount of money, even if you possess the ability to write.


So sit down, take notes from a young god
Therefore, it would be wise for you to humble yourself, observe, and learn from a young individual who possesses god-like abilities.


Two swords drawn, here's one, then it's en garde
I am armed and prepared for battle, offering you one of my swords before the fight commences.




Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Andre Mez

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Myiah Russell

Im proud that he's getting the attention he deserves. He did a fantastic job directing Middle Child video.

Arvid -

One of the best out there right now! Been listening to this “the upset”, “sleep deprived” and “always waiting” no stop this year 🔥

trashbinblues

found king mez when i heard compton, found his mixtape and was impressed. i see now he really defining his style, i was happy to see him on dreamville album. talent to watch out for

Fabí Sama

Incrível 🤩

LOOT RITE

Damn bro your come up is close I feel it 💯🔥

R Leb

found this one yesterday and probably listened to it 30 times or something this track is fucking fireee I swear!!!!!!!!!!

Skankhunt 42

Those tracks were good cant wait for your album

Brannon Broadnax

Damn this song is so incredible.

Bluecode

No way Mez produced this. Bro is so fcking talented..desverves more attention

justZ

So underrated.

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