Robes
Madlib Lyrics


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They often see what we can't see
Wearing a smile
You never ever find a frown

You ain't shit if you ain't ever struggled
You gotta put in hard work before you flex your muscles
I see where niggas fall off tryna perfect the puzzle
You ain't gotta like my work shit, respect my hustle
I was a solid hearted mind before I had to grind, my swagger fine
I never had to pack my lines with plastic rhymes
Diamond in the rough, give it time, you'll find your light and shine
This little light of mine, these are our highest times
My third eye divine, I see my skies aligned
I feel like one with the moon but that's some other shit
I stopped caring how people see me and I'm loving it
But no desire for your input, I does my shit
Say what you want but know my ignorance is fucking bliss

They often see what we can't see
Wearing a smile
You never ever find a frown

Pardon the scents
Checking press releases off the beeper like a pimp
Smanging Lever off the strength, threw his demons off the cliff
The scenic route below, tires screaming in the mist
And like the key open the door I twist
The weed I bought because I don't know how to cope with shit
Be easy I could three hit 'em right where his shoulder sit
Maneuver throught the swamp like a four-wheeler
Hitting it quickly after a coarse greeting
Leave like the father I never had or a low Caesar
The son he had but ain't never wanted like cold pizza
Skull and bones out the same closet I grow reefer
The team eatin', cold-hearted, spit feces

They often see what we can't see
Wearing a smile
You never ever find a frown

Fuck every rapper and his entourage
Fuck up the stage and blow dodi smoke on his bodyguards
Nothin' but Cutlasses, Cadillac coupes in my garage
Make foreign bread, get some morning head on the Autobahn
Faces, smiling faces, they keep me motivated
And I got plenty fans but I ain't shit without my haters
Know this pussy A&R that threw some bullshit cross the table
Then next year I still be rappin' and he be fired from his label
Damn, bitch, I'm in the mob, I always got a job
Breakin' down the Keisha gettin' Brandon Marshall for the quad
Brett Favre for the zone, five bags for the whole
Wrist piece solid gold, neck piece arctic froze
Give you the smarts and the parts and also regarding hoes
He chase a bitch but I was chose
I only think of you, on two occasions
That's when I'm drunk and when I'm blazin' up
My Filipino bitch she fly me to LA to fuck
I weigh my options, I'd rather be cookin' cuttin' and weighin' up
Bitch, it's Gibbs!

They often see what we can't see




Wearing a smile
You never ever find a frown

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Madlib + Freddie Gibbs feat. Karriem Riggins's song "Robes" are about the struggle and the hard work required to achieve success, and the joy that comes with it. The song starts off by acknowledging that people often see things that we can't see and that it's important to always wear a smile, even when things are tough. The lyrics then talk about the need to put in hard work before one can flex their muscles and the importance of respecting someone's hustle. Gibbs talks about his own struggles and how he never had to pack his lines with plastic rhymes to gain respect as an artist. He talks about finding his light and shining, being at one with the moon, and not caring about how people see him.


The second verse talks about overcoming demons, taking the scenic route, coping with weed, and leaving like the father he never had. Gibbs talks about the team eating, being cold-hearted, and the importance of having smiling faces to keep him motivated. He also talks about the haters who motivate him even more and the pussy A&R who threw some bullshit across the table, only to get fired from his label the next year. The third verse is about living the life of a mobster, with cars in the garage and foreign bread. Gibbs talks about weighing his options and choosing to cook, cut, and weigh up instead of chasing bitches.


Overall, "Robes" is a song about the struggle and hard work required to achieve success, with a touch of swagger and confidence.


Line by Line Meaning

They often see what we can't see
Perception is subjective and others may have insight that we lack


Wearing a smile
Optimism and positivity are important traits


You never ever find a frown
Maintaining a positive attitude can greatly impact one's outlook on life


You ain't shit if you ain't ever struggled
Overcoming adversity and challenges is what builds character and resilience


You gotta put in hard work before you flex your muscles
Success is achieved through dedication and effort, not just natural talent


I see where niggas fall off tryna perfect the puzzle
Some people get lost in seeking perfection and forget to focus on progress and growth


You ain't gotta like my work shit, respect my hustle
Even if others don't appreciate or understand your efforts, they should acknowledge your hard work and dedication


I was a solid hearted mind before I had to grind, my swagger fine
Having a strong sense of self and identity is important when pursuing goals and success


I never had to pack my lines with plastic rhymes
Authenticity and genuine expression are important in art and self-expression


Diamond in the rough, give it time, you'll find your light and shine
Everyone has potential for greatness, it may just need some time and polishing


This little light of mine, these are our highest times
Even in challenging times, one can find the strength and resilience to persevere


My third eye divine, I see my skies aligned
Having a sense of spiritual and personal alignment can bring clarity and direction


I feel like one with the moon but that's some other shit
Feeling connected to the universe and nature can bring a sense of peace and spirituality


I stopped caring how people see me and I'm loving it
Self-acceptance and confidence are important in cultivating a positive self-image


But no desire for your input, I does my shit
Others' opinions and criticisms are not necessary for personal growth and success


Say what you want but know my ignorance is fucking bliss
Being unaware or unconcerned with others' negativity and criticism can bring peace and contentment


Pardon the scents
Apologizing for a strong smell, possibly from illicit substances


Checking press releases off the beeper like a pimp
Monitoring important information or communication in a flashy or ostentatious way


Smanging Lever off the strength, threw his demons off the cliff
Overcoming personal struggles and obstacles through sheer strength and perseverance


The scenic route below, tires screaming in the mist
Driving through a scenic area with urgency or excitement


And like the key open the door I twist
Unlocking a new opportunity or success


The weed I bought because I don't know how to cope with shit
Using marijuana as a coping mechanism for life's challenges and struggles


Be easy I could three hit 'em right where his shoulder sit
Confident and skilled in physical altercations


Maneuver throught the swamp like a four-wheeler
Navigating a difficult or challenging situation with ease and skill


Hitting it quickly after a coarse greeting
Having sex soon after meeting someone in a rough or casual manner


Leave like the father I never had or a low Caesar
Departing from a situation or relationship with a sense of power and control


The son he had but ain't never wanted like cold pizza
Feeling unwanted or unappreciated in a familial relationship


Skull and bones out the same closet I grow reefer
Simultaneously keeping secrets or illicit activities hidden


The team eatin', cold-hearted, spit feces
Succeeding as a team while still being ruthless and unapologetic


Fuck every rapper and his entourage
Disdain for the competition and their support systems


Fuck up the stage and blow dodi smoke on his bodyguards
Arrogantly and disrespectfully causing chaos and trouble for others


Nothin' but Cutlasses, Cadillac coupes in my garage
Success and wealth demonstrated through owning luxury cars


Make foreign bread, get some morning head on the Autobahn
Achieving financial success and engaging in sexual activities in luxurious settings


Faces, smiling faces, they keep me motivated
Positive feedback and support from others can be motivating and inspiring


And I got plenty fans but I ain't shit without my haters
Criticism and negativity can also be motivating and help drive success


Know this pussy A&R that threw some bullshit cross the table
Disdain for someone in the music industry who gave unhelpful or insincere advice


Then next year I still be rappin' and he be fired from his label
Confident in one's own success and ability to outlast those who doubt or criticize


Damn, bitch, I'm in the mob, I always got a job
Being involved with a powerful group or organization provides security and opportunity


Breakin' down the Keisha gettin' Brandon Marshall for the quad
Engaging in drug deals and using profits to acquire assets like a four-wheeler


Brett Favre for the zone, five bags for the whole
Using football references to indicate drug deals


Wrist piece solid gold, neck piece arctic froze
Demonstrating wealth through jewelry


Give you the smarts and the parts and also regarding hoes
Being knowledgeable and skilled in multiple areas, including with women


He chase a bitch but I was chose
Feeling confident and successful with women without needing to pursue them aggressively


I only think of you, on two occasions
Thinking of a special someone in moments of relaxation and pleasure


That's when I'm drunk and when I'm blazin' up
Alcohol and marijuana use as a way of intensifying positive feelings and experiences


My Filipino bitch she fly me to LA to fuck
Engaging in a sexual relationship with someone who is willing to provide luxuries and experiences


I weigh my options, I'd rather be cookin' cuttin' and weighin' up
Preferring to engage in drug deals and other illegal activities to make money


Bitch, it's Gibbs!
Asserting one's own identity and success




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., EMPIRE PUBLISHING
Written by: Otis Jackson, Fredrick Tipton

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@lukestar2218

Piñata is one of those albums where everyone can have a different favorite song and they're all totally understandable choices

@chrismalone5198

Top 5 best albums I ever heard in my lifetime.

@sansishot748

Deadass my favorite song on the album keeps on switching lmao I honestly can’t say what’s my favorite rn

@herbertgoncalves4345

facts, boy

@okayalex

This one is my fav fs tho

@burbsbeatz5740

rare asf

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@musicenlightened2055

Earl sweatshirt verse gave me chills. Lyrics and beat was meant together.

@gabrielflores3578

Erick the fuckin architect

@prim4681

you mean domo genesis?

@poppatato4183

@@prim4681 Nah he meant earl, but domo's verse was dope too

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