Elsesser has been sponsored by several skater fashion brands including Converse and Supreme, as well as becoming a professional skater in 2014 through skater collective and clothing store Fucking Awesome (FA). He has also released several short experimental hip hop EPs since 2015, under his Navy Blue stage name, in addition to collaborating with the likes of Earl Sweatshirt, and underground rappers Mach-Hommy, MIKE, King Carter, Adé Hakim and Pink Siifu. Aside from skating and music, Elsesser is also a model for various clothing brands and an artist, most notably handling the art direction for Earl Sweatshirt's 2015 album I Don't Like Shit, I Don't Go Outside.
My Whole Life
Navy Blue Lyrics
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Uh
Yeah, yeah, yeah
This my last time going, Navy suede Wallies stitched by the toe
Watch the sun fall, it's gradient though
Cut it close, told em "Shorten up the rope"
I'm home, it's desolate as it get
Marrow like blood of the bone
Listen close, quick releases
Bought my nephew sneakers just to watch him grow out of 'em soon as he get in 'em
Learned to pick my battles, in the long run we winning
Learned to pick my battles, in the long run we winning
Give thanks, I grew up with some beautiful women
You can't relate, my momma said I'd be the one cycle
Grateful that I lived this life, much easier than Michael's
We look everything alike
Different mothers but I wonder why we couldn't meet in this life
I've spent my whole life loving you (darling, you)
So what they got a branch? My roots in the Earth
Heard they never need a bandage, I'm used to the hurt
Bars speak to keep a clear head, I'm near to my worth
Greatest homestead, niggas at the plate tryna serve
Please do not disturb, peace was the holy word
Teach me, on the verge of breaking through
Ask a plant before you take its fruit
We need reparations done, the patience
We need militants, unite the youth
It ain't a simulation
And peace to Mavi, said that niggas built this nation
We could break it
Pump faking like you James, we know it's all for the taking
Cookies out the cookie jar, I'm far in the basement
Comparing shades and counting scars, we seen the tall faces
Pulling shit apart, quit judging our faith
It's simple just to hark back and sit where you stayed
Moon landings in the dark, it was all on the stage
Watch the sky turn navy, see shooting stars maybe
I'm a king, not a prince, prolly why my youth hazy
You know I can't pretend, you know I came to win
Potent's in the pen
Uh
I've spent my whole life loving you (darling, you) Uh
In Navy Blue's song "My Whole Life," the lyrics delve into themes of reflection, resilience, and introspection. The song starts with Navy Blue acknowledging that this is his last time going, implying that he has reached a turning point or a new chapter in his life. He mentions his Navy suede Wallies, a reference to his footwear, which could symbolize his journey and the steps he has taken to get to where he is now. As he watches the sun fall, he reflects on the beauty of the sunset, describing it as gradient, highlighting the fleeting nature of time.
Navy Blue then talks about cutting it close and asking others to "shorten up the rope," indicating that he is taking risks and pushing boundaries while relying on the support and trust of those around him. He expresses his solitude and desolation but adds that he tosses them a bone, suggesting that he provides some semblance of hope or sustenance to those who are also struggling. The line "marrow like blood of the bone" suggests a deep connection and understanding of the essence of life.
As the song progresses, Navy Blue explores the concept of growth and passing on wisdom. He mentions buying sneakers for his nephew, only to watch him quickly outgrow them, symbolizing the fleeting nature of childhood and the passage of time. He emphasizes the importance of picking battles wisely, highlighting the idea that long-term victory is more important than immediate gratification.
Navy Blue expresses gratitude for the beautiful women he grew up with, hinting at the influence of strong female figures in his life. He contrasts himself with Michael, possibly referring to Michael Jackson, suggesting that his own life has been comparatively easier. He questions why he and Michael couldn't have met in this life, pondering the complexities of fate and missed opportunities.
The second verse delves into the artist's connection with his roots and his resilience in the face of adversity. He talks about his "roots in the Earth," implying a deep connection to his heritage and origins. He acknowledges that he is used to being hurt, indicating that he has built up a tolerance and strength to withstand challenges. He emphasizes the importance of self-expression through bars (referring to rap lyrics) and maintaining a clear head to understand his own worth and the value of his art.
Navy Blue stresses the need for reparations and mentions Mavi, praising him for his contributions to building the nation. He calls for unity among the youth and criticizes those who fake their intentions, referencing basketball player LeBron James as an example. He uses imagery of cookies in a jar, referring to hidden opportunities or resources that he has discovered in the depths of his own existence. He questions societal judgments and asks for an understanding and acceptance of different faiths and perspectives.
The song concludes with Navy Blue reflecting on the moon landing and suggesting that it was all staged, provoking thoughts about the manipulation of truth. He mentions the sky turning navy, possibly symbolizing the dawning of a new chapter in his life or the acceptance of his own greatness. He asserts his identity as a king and acknowledges his drive to win, emphasizing his determination and ambition.
Overall, "My Whole Life" by Navy Blue is a deeply introspective and contemplative song that explores themes of individual growth, resilience, heritage, and the quest for personal fulfillment and success.
Line by Line Meaning
This my last time going, Navy suede Wallies stitched by the toe
This is my final attempt, wearing navy blue suede shoes with detailed stitching
Watch the sun fall, it's gradient though
Observe the sunset, appreciating its gradual change
Cut it close, told em 'Shorten up the rope'
Taking risks, asking others to reduce the margin of error
I'm home, it's desolate as it get
I am in my place of comfort, and it is as lonely as could be
Toss 'em a bone
Give them something to satisfy or appease them
Marrow like blood of the bone
The core essence, deep and essential like blood within the bones
Listen close, quick releases
Pay attention, expecting rapid and efficient outcomes
Bought my nephew sneakers just to watch him grow out of 'em soon as he get in 'em
Purchased shoes for my nephew knowing he'd outgrow them quickly
Learned to pick my battles, in the long run we winning
Learned to choose my conflicts wisely, knowing we will ultimately succeed
Give thanks, I grew up with some beautiful women
Express gratitude for being surrounded by amazing women during my upbringing
You can't relate, my momma said I'd be the one cycle
You can't understand, my mother assured me I would break the cycle
Grateful that I lived this life, much easier than Michael's
Thankful for the life I've lived, which has been less challenging than Michael's
We look everything alike
We resemble each other in every way
Different mothers but I wonder why we couldn't meet in this life
Having different mothers, I question why we couldn't have crossed paths in this lifetime
So what they got a branch? My roots in the Earth
Although others may have their own accomplishments, my foundation remains grounded
Heard they never need a bandage, I'm used to the hurt
I've heard they never require assistance, but I am accustomed to pain
Bars speak to keep a clear head, I'm near to my worth
Rap lyrics remind me to stay focused, I am close to understanding my value
Greatest homestead, niggas at the plate tryna serve
My home is where I excel, while others strive to prove themselves
Please do not disturb, peace was the holy word
Kindly do not interrupt, tranquility is sacred
Teach me, on the verge of breaking through
Educate me, as I am at the brink of achieving a breakthrough
Ask a plant before you take its fruit
Seek permission or consent before acquiring someone's resources
We need reparations done, the patience
We require reparations to be completed, accompanied by patience
We need militants, unite the youth
We need activists, bringing the youth together in solidarity
It ain't a simulation
This is not a simulation or false scenario
And peace to Mavi, said that niggas built this nation
Shout out to Mavi, who stated that people like us constructed this country
We could break it
We have the power to dismantle it
Pump faking like you James, we know it's all for the taking
Faking moves like LeBron James, aware that opportunities are available for the seizing
Cookies out the cookie jar, I'm far in the basement
Revealing secrets, I am distant and concealed in the depths
Comparing shades and counting scars, we seen the tall faces
Analyzing differences and acknowledging past experiences, we have encountered influential individuals
Pulling shit apart, quit judging our faith
Deconstructing various aspects, stop criticizing our belief system
It's simple just to hark back and sit where you stayed
It is easy to reminisce and remain in your comfort zone
Moon landings in the dark, it was all on the stage
Lunar expeditions carried out secretly, purely for show
Watch the sky turn navy, see shooting stars maybe
Observe the sky transitioning to a deep blue hue, possibly witnessing shooting stars
I'm a king, not a prince, prolly why my youth hazy
I possess the qualities of a leader, not merely an heir, which could explain the confusion of my younger days
You know I can't pretend, you know I came to win
I cannot act falsely, it is evident that I am here to succeed
Potent's in the pen
Power lies within the words written
Uh
Interjection, expressing uncertainty or hesitation
I've spent my whole life loving you (darling, you) Uh
I have dedicated my entire existence to loving you
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Sage Gabriel Carlos Atreyu Elsesser
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind