Father Of 4
Offset Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Yeah, you already know what it is (Swerve)
It's noisy off the set path
How can I make choices I've yet to discover we have?
Must need rehab
If you think you know me from the facets they show these folks to get money, I gotta laugh
How funny it is you don't realize the skill lies in knowing within the truth there's still lies
It's called being civilized
But not to trivialize your belief in the semi-fictionalized
I am who you see
What you hear is part of me
But there's so much more to me
So much more to be than just alive
A son, a brother, a husband, a father
But still can go even farther
With sheer will, can go harder
In that time, I went the hardest
More than this generic term: artist
A reality smith, you love my craftsmanship
Because I craft some shit to make my people proud
And so I speak aloud, but not loud enough yet
Or as loud as I can get
They think I ain't a threat
But all preconceived notions, I've arrived
To Offset

I was 17 years old when I had you (When I had you)
Tryna find my soul when I had you (When I had you)
I was oh so broke when I had you (When I had you)
Locked up down the road when I had you (When I had you)
Jordan, sorry I wasn't there for all your birthdays
I tried to hit, I wasn't rich, and had no workplace
My son Kody, he three, rappin' already like me
Ridin' in the car, you don't play me, then he gon' scream

Kalia, you my first, first daughter
I missed the first years of your life, I'm sorry
Tell the truth, I ain't really know if I was your father
Tell the truth, I really don't even know your mama
But I had to step up, my daddy had left us
Even though we gotta catch up, pray to God that he bless us
I'ma keep grindin' for my kids, never gon' let up
I'ma put the money up for y'all, I can't be selfish
Had a baby as a kid, mama kicked me out
Had to go and hit a lick, tryna put food in your mouth
Then I got caught for the shit, in the pen when she pushed you out
Your mama tried to push me down, ain't let me stay at the house

I was 17 years old when I had you (When I had you)
Tryna find my soul when I had you (When I had you)
I was oh so broke when I had you (When I had you)
Locked up down the road when I had you (When I had you)
Jordan, sorry I wasn't there for all your birthdays
I tried to hit, I wasn't rich, and had no workplace
My son Kody, he three, rappin' already like me
Ridin' in the car, you don't play me, then he gon' scream

I'm a father of four, gotta get that cash, gold
Keep my past closed, 'member I ain't had no dough
Spend a big bag on clothes, Gucci from the head to toes
Not two, not three, all four, that's all they know
Kulture, remind me of my grandma, feel like she is closer
Gotta thank your mama, she hold me like holsters
Gotta protect her from the world, I can't even post her
Ups and downs in this fame, roller coaster
If I don't ball, then everything 'round me fall
I'm prayin' to God to watch my kids, that's my all

I was 17 years old when I had you (When I had you)
Tryna find my soul when I had you (When I had you)
I was oh so broke when I had you (When I had you)
Locked up down the road when I had you (When I had you)
Jordan, sorry I wasn't there for all your birthdays
I tried to hit, I wasn't rich, and had no workplace




My son Kody, he three, rappin' already like me
Ridin' in the car, you don't play me, then he gon' scream

Overall Meaning

"Father of 4" by Offset and featuring Big Rube is a song that shows the struggles of being a father and the challenges of balancing fame and family. The lyrics express Offset's regret for not being present in his children's lives when they were young and his determination to make up for lost time now. The song begins with Offset questioning how he can make choices in life without knowing all the facts. He then goes on to highlight that he is more than just a rapper, but also a son, brother, husband, and most importantly, a father.


Offset then reflects on his past as a young father, when he was broke and even incarcerated. He apologizes to his five-year-old son Jordan for not being there for his birthdays and not being able to provide for him. He also expresses how proud he is of his three-year-old son Kody, who is already rapping like him at such a young age. Offset's tone then changes as he talks about his first daughter Kalia and not knowing if he was her father, feeling guilty for not being there for her in the first few years of her life. He also apologizes to her for not being able to be there for her because he didn't have a stable job and was trying to make ends meet.


The final verse of the song explores the challenges of being a famous father of four. Offset raps about spending a lot of money on clothes and protecting his daughter Kulture from the public's scrutiny. He then expresses that his children are his all and prays to God to watch over them while he is away pursuing his career.


Overall, "Father of 4" is a deeply personal and emotional song from Offset that shows a different side to his life as a rapper and celebrity. It highlights the struggles of balancing fame and family and the consequences of past mistakes. The song is a reminder that even celebrities have real-life struggles and responsibilities as fathers.


Line by Line Meaning

Yeah, you already know what it is (Swerve)
I am a versatile artist with multiple facets, and I can switch styles effortlessly.


It's noisy off the set path
Life is unpredictable and full of unforeseen challenges.


How can I make choices I've yet to discover we have?
I question my decision-making abilities and wonder if I'm missing out on some undiscovered options.


Must need rehab
I may need to seek help or treatment to overcome my struggles.


If you think you know me from the facets they show these folks to get money, I gotta laugh
The public persona I present to make money is not an accurate reflection of who I really am.


How funny it is you don't realize the skill lies in knowing within the truth there's still lies
It's ironic that people fail to recognize the artistry in recognizing the nuances of truth and deception.


It's called being civilized
The ability to understand and navigate social situations with tact and diplomacy is a hallmark of civilized behavior.


But not to trivialize your belief in the semi-fictionalized
I don't want to belittle the importance you place in entertainment that blurs the line between fact and fiction.


I am who you see
The public persona that people see is a part of who I am as an artist.


What you hear is part of me
The music I make is an expression of my artistry and creativity.


But there's so much more to me
There's more to me as a person and artist than what people see or hear in the public eye.


So much more to be than just alive
I believe there's a higher purpose to life than just existing.


A son, a brother, a husband, a father
I have multiple roles and responsibilities in my personal life.


But still can go even farther
I'm constantly striving to achieve more and reach my full potential.


With sheer will, can go harder
I rely on my inner strength and determination to push myself harder than others might.


In that time, I went the hardest
I've faced and overcome significant challenges and obstacles in my life.


More than this generic term: artist
My artistry is unique and not defined by a label or stereotype.


A reality smith, you love my craftsmanship
As a skilled artist, I have the ability to craft compelling and authentic stories that resonate with my fans.


Because I craft some shit to make my people proud
I take pride in creating music that reflects my life experiences and resonates with my fans.


And so I speak aloud, but not loud enough yet
I have a voice and message to share, but feel I have more work to do to reach a wider audience.


Or as loud as I can get
I'm doing my best to amplify my voice and spread my message as far and wide as possible.


They think I ain't a threat
Some people underestimate my potential influence and impact as an artist.


But all preconceived notions, I've arrived
Despite any preconceived notions or doubts people may have had, I've achieved success and recognition for my artistry.


I was 17 years old when I had you (When I had you)
I became a father at a young age.


Tryna find my soul when I had you (When I had you)
I was still figuring out who I was as a person while also adjusting to my new role as a parent.


I was oh so broke when I had you (When I had you)
I struggled financially during the early years of fatherhood.


Locked up down the road when I had you (When I had you)
I was incarcerated at some point after becoming a parent.


Jordan, sorry I wasn't there for all your birthdays
I regret not being able to be present for all of my child's birthdays.


I tried to hit, I wasn't rich, and had no workplace
Despite my efforts, I couldn't provide the level of support I wanted for my child due to financial and employment challenges.


My son Kody, he three, rappin' already like me
My young child is showing an interest in and talent for the same craft that I practice.


Ridin' in the car, you don't play me, then he gon' scream
My child enjoys listening to my music and gets upset when it's not played.


Kalia, you my first, first daughter
Kalia is my oldest daughter.


I missed the first years of your life, I'm sorry
I wasn't able to be present for the early years of my child's life and feel regretful about this.


Tell the truth, I ain't really know if I was your father
There was doubt or uncertainty surrounding my paternity for this child.


Tell the truth, I really don't even know your mama
I have a limited relationship or understanding with the mother of this child.


But I had to step up, my daddy had left us
Despite the challenges and uncertainties, I knew I had to take responsibility for being a parent, as my own father had not been present for me.


Even though we gotta catch up, pray to God that he bless us
There's work to be done to strengthen our relationship as parent and child, and I'm hopeful that things will improve.


I'ma keep grindin' for my kids, never gon' let up
I'm motivated to work hard and succeed, for the sake of providing for and setting an example for my children.


I'ma put the money up for y'all, I can't be selfish
I'm committed to using my success and resources to support my children, rather than keeping everything to myself.


Had a baby as a kid, mama kicked me out
I became a parent at a young age and was subsequently estranged from my own family.


Had to go and hit a lick, tryna put food in your mouth
I turned to criminal activity in order to support my child and provide basic necessities.


Then I got caught for the shit, in the pen when she pushed you out
I was incarcerated when this child was born, as a result of the criminal activity I had engaged in earlier.


Your mama tried to push me down, ain't let me stay at the house
The child's mother did not allow me to stay in her home or otherwise support the child during my time of need.


I'm a father of four, gotta get that cash, gold
As a father of four children, I have a strong motivation to work hard and provide for their needs and future.


Keep my past closed, 'member I ain't had no dough
I try to move past my difficult upbringing and financial struggles, but never forget where I came from.


Spend a big bag on clothes, Gucci from the head to toes
Despite my humble beginnings, I'm now able to afford luxury items and high-end fashion brands.


Not two, not three, all four, that's all they know
All of my children are aware of their siblings and the fact that they have a large family.


Kulture, remind me of my grandma, feel like she is closer
My youngest child reminds me of my deceased grandmother, and brings a sense of closeness and nostalgia to my family dynamic.


Gotta thank your mama, she hold me like holsters
I'm grateful for the support and care provided by my children's mother, who helps me navigate the challenges of parenthood.


Gotta protect her from the world, I can't even post her
As a public figure, I feel a responsibility to shield my child from scrutiny and maintain her privacy.


Ups and downs in this fame, roller coaster
The journey of fame and success is full of unpredictable highs and lows.


If I don't ball, then everything 'round me fall
My success and financial stability have a direct impact on the well-being and security of my family.


I'm prayin' to God to watch my kids, that's my all
My highest priority and greatest source of concern is the well-being and safety of my children, and I rely on my faith to guide me in this responsibility.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Joshua Luellen, Kiari Cephus, Leland Tyler Wayne

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Michael Musick

I’m not a huge fan of Migos as a group or individually but this song is goosebump inducing. Big Rube’s intro at the beginning is some of the most emotional lines I’ve heard from a song in a while. Once offset starts it just gets realer and realer. This is what I’ve always loved about hip hop. This song is beautiful.

CIGA GamingCommunity

“I was 17 years old when i had you”. Damn i felt that. Came with the goosebumps.

Terrian Rogers💛

@Mike no it’s called a blessing. A unexpected blessing

Guy In Red_420

Same kinda song bringa tear outcha eye

Jamario Hewins

Imagine the vibe in the studio when he laid this joint...Pain and love at the same time. 💯💯

Richie Martinez

This is hands down one of his best songs to date. Absolutely incredible. Deep and heartfelt.

gangster458

Respect offset for admitting everything

beard_life_matter

I agree with you...Man this album is amazing. Offset always been my fav!

gangster458

randy lall yeah same

David E Taylor

Real recognize real....those that quick to criticize put your mouth on chill

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