Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo met in Virginia Beach, Virginia at the ages of 12 at a summer camp for musicians, which they both disliked. They spent their free time making beats and performing in groups with fellow childhood friend Timbaland. Shay Haley began performing with Williams and Hugo in high school. After watching the duo perform at a high school talent show, Teddy Riley, a musician and producer, signed Williams and Hugo in 1992. After producing songs for several artists throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, the production duo formed N.E.R.D in 2001 as a side project.
Provider
N.E.R.D Lyrics
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Damn
I must have passed out
And cash is just like the clothes I worn yesterday
We are broke
Damn
I gotta get my ass out
I went to see what my friend was talking about
He told me cocaine would get you clout
My momma said he's trouble and schools my route
But I went to high school and got kicked out
So I'm driving this truck down the 95
I pray to God I make it home alive
I don't get pulled over by the man
I just want to make it home to hold your hand
[Chorus:]
Goodbye beloved one
Do you know what I am
If you don't see my face no more
I'm a provider girl, gotta face the streets tonight
Goodbye beloved one
Do you know what I am
You don't see my face no more
I'm a rider, girl gotta face the streets tonight
You say you don't want me to go but I have to
Please don't weep
I love you
I refuse to be a bum
Especially coming where I'm from
I'm a provider girl
And I love you
So it's just like I said before
Heading down ninety five
Dodging Johnny law
I don't need a ticket though I never got one
If he pulls me over
He can feel my shotgun
I think about life pull down my hat
It's just like this road I don't know where I'm at
I don't want to be another cocaine story
Will I find my sanity
Where I find my glory
Come on
[Chorus:]
Someday, someday, this will be over
We'll raise a family
I'll get a job and I'll be a voter
And if I die
It will change you
Change you
I watch over a family
But only as an angel
So don't tell me you don't know what you see
When you're looking at a motherfucker just like me
I'm a provider girl
I said don't tell me you don't know what you see
When you're looking at a motherfucker just like me
I'm a rider girl
[Chorus:]
I love you girl
I'm doing this for us
I don't know any better
What am I supposed to do
Nothing I love you
In the song Provider by N.E.R.D, the singer wakes up realizing they are still in the same clothes they had on the night before, implying they had a rough night. The cash they have is similar to the clothes they wore yesterday, meaning they have no money. They contemplate doing drugs to gain clout, but acknowledge their mother would disapprove, as education should be their route to success. However, the singer was kicked out of high school, leaving them with no other option. They then imagine driving down the highway, praying to make it home safely without being pulled over by the police. Despite their struggles, the singer is a provider and a rider, who does what they can to take care of their loved ones.
The lyrics address the challenges of the not so glamorous parts of life, such as financial instability and making difficult life choices. They also touch on the theme of perseverance in the face of daunting obstacles. Despite the singer's circumstances, they are determined to provide for their loved ones and take care of them, even if it means facing the harsh realities of the streets.
Line by Line Meaning
Woke up I had the same clothes on I had on last night
Realized I didn't change clothes last night and still wearing the same outfit today.
And cash is just like the clothes I worn yesterday
I'm broke and money doesn't come easy.
Damn, I gotta get my ass out
I need to take action to change my situation.
He told me cocaine would get you clout
My friend suggested that doing drugs would give me respect and power.
But I went to high school and got kicked out
I didn't follow the rules and got expelled from school.
I just want to make it home to hold your hand
My only goal is to be with the person I love and care about.
I'm a provider girl, gotta face the streets tonight
I'm doing what I can to take care of my loved ones, even if it means risking my safety by being on the streets at night.
So it's just like I said before, heading down ninety five, dodging Johnny law
I'm driving down the highway, trying not to get caught by the police.
I don't want to be another cocaine story, will I find my sanity, where I find my glory
I don't want to be another person whose life is ruined by cocaine. I'm searching for meaning and purpose in life.
Someday, someday, this will be over, we'll raise a family, I'll get a job and I'll be a voter
One day, my situation will improve and I'll be able to provide for a family and have a normal life.
I watch over a family, but only as an angel
If I die, I'll still be looking out for my family, but from beyond the grave.
I'm a provider girl, I said don't tell me you don't know what you see, when you're looking at a motherfucker just like me, I'm a rider girl
I'm doing what it takes to provide for my loved ones, even if it means taking risks and being seen as a criminal.
Nothing, I love you
The only reason I'm doing this is because I love you and want to take care of you.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CHAD HUGO, PHARRELL WILLIAMS, PHARRELL L WILLIAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
get out of here
Thanks for this edit!!! Was waiting for something like this..
АстронавТ
Film name, please