American Dream
Nelly Lyrics

Yo we be out man, fukin it up for erbody
We're out here causing trouble and making a scene for everyone to see

I can't lie man, they thought I was just getting started
People underestimated me and thought I was just beginning my career

Keep the tie man, its the amerrican dream
Preserve your dignity and maintain a professional image, it's the epitome of success in America

I'm just participating, my participation is game
I'm just being part of the game and contributing to the industry

I'm in this one one for the hotel, motel holidae inn
I'm doing this for the sake of partying and enjoying life

Super A red and the rits call tins
I'm living the high life and wearing expensive clothing

All my niggaz who tryin to ball, my niggaz ballin
All my friends who are living lavishly and living their best lives

All my sodiers and generals errbody faillin
Everyone, no matter how successful, can fall at any moment

Stop stallin, pick up the phone and call in
Stop procrastinating and make the call to take a day off from work

Tell your boss you ain't gon make it to work in the mornin'
Let your boss know that you won't be making it to work tomorrow

And why you explainin' go ahead and throw a coffin
While you're on the phone, make up a lie about a funeral to make it more believable

And kindly explain that this won't happen often
Apologize and reassure your boss that this isn't going to be a regular occurrence

But I'm lost and I'm amazed I'm be willing ingaige
I'm taken aback by my talent and success and I'm ready to engage with others

I'll rage that niggaz think that derrty don't need a cage
I'll challenge anyone who thinks that my crew, Derrty Ent, doesn't need structure or discipline

I should be put on display for the display i displayin
My talent and success should be showcased for everyone to see

Half you niggaz is dyin and all the rest are decaying
Many people are not living their lives to the fullest and are wasting away

I'm doin tracks in motels, steady rockin girls bells
I'm recording music in different places and living a wild lifestyle

Kinda like a young elvis, I ain't in nellyville
I'm like a modern-day Elvis Presley and I'm not conforming to a specific lifestyle or location

I never squeal, not the type to kiss and tell
I'm not the type to gossip or share personal information about others

But if I catch you in the shower I might kiss your tell
However, if I catch you in a compromising situation, I might use it to my advantage

Now as I blast off, Kweezie writtin movies rollin took that nass off
As I rise to success, my friend Kweezie is writing movies and living his best life

Mostly leader will be a numba runnas, ass off
Most people who lead a successful life have worked hard to get there and have sacrificed a lot

I had every with deerty even, got a nascar
I've had success with my crew, Derrty Ent, and even have a NASCAR

And you know we fucked up at it boss
We're living recklessly and not following the rules or expectations set by others

Aiyo my radar read, maps in japanese
I have a good sense of intuition and can navigate through unfamiliar situations

Clap at gs smack em back on there E's
I'm not afraid to stand up to those who challenge me and put them in their place

Drop on wacks, simple facts that rap needs
I'm dropping facts and insights that the rap industry needs to hear

And its awlays kris I miss and rap trees
It's always good to reminisce and reflect on the past, especially in regards to the origins of rap music

And I got my game, I said I got my game
I have the talent and confidence needed to succeed in the music industry

From the og's, smokin reefer moonshine
I learned my skills and style from the original gangsters who smoked marijuana and drank alcohol

Poppin oldies, but the whole plane change
I'm sticking to my roots and traditional style, but the music industry as a whole is changing

Yo you know me, shipped in from cali got it home
You know who I am and where I came from before achieving success

Cops and goldies, then we smash some ass
We're enjoying our wealth and success and having fun with women

Free autotericoop call nasa to do the numbers
We're spending money extravagantly and not worrying about the cost

All the freshman from the vocals started firin' the booth
Newcomers to the industry are coming in strong and making a name for themselves through their music

Got more whips and chains, then I'm a start in roots
I have a lot of material possessions and am living a luxurious lifestyle

Ali I'm sick of ballin, unnecessary phone callin
I'm tired of living the high life and making unnecessary phone calls

Man down pimp in distress, I think I'm fallin
I'm struggling to keep up with the glamorous lifestyle and feel like I'm losing control

For anything but the okie doke, I'm old school
I refuse to be taken advantage of and prefer the traditional way of doing things

Like her and bonz and nukee ropes I can't stand them groupie folks
I don't like groupies who are only interested in my fame and success

They want me to turn around like this is hokie poke
They want me to conform to their expectations like it's child's play

They want to break me down like erv before I choke
They want to tear me down and take away my success before I crash and burn

I'm not a jack at all I'm quick draw mcgraw
I'm not someone who can be taken advantage of, instead I'm quick to respond and defend myself

And number 20 on the lakers couldn't hold me yahl
Even a professional basketball player couldn't stop me from achieving my goals

I'm climbin over yahl I'm still scorin
I'm continuing to rise above others and succeed in the industry

85 percent of yahl awake but still snoring
Most people are awake and aware, but not doing anything to achieve their goals

Got knowledge yourself and now my style is much older now
I've gained wisdom and insight and my music style has evolved

We derrty ent we all we got we hold it down
My crew, Derrty Ent, is all we have and we stick together and support each other

I'm feelin cooler than cool, my wrist colder wow
I'm feeling very cool and confident, and my jewelry is representing that attitude

If there's a fashion king then I deserve the crown
If there was a king of fashion, I should be crowned because of my style and image

I'm you city, you dressin up I'm dresisn down
I represent the city and culture, and I dress casually and comfortably

And you keep messin up, me and your girl gon be messin around
If you keep making mistakes, I might end up spending time with your girlfriend