Wall's first music industry exposure came as a street team member on the Northwest side of Houston, promoting southern artists such as T.I. and labels like Cash Money and The New No Limit. He is also an accomplished and proficient mixtape and party DJ, known for producing mixtapes in the now-well-known screwed & chopped style, which was invented by the late DJ Screw. While he has recently stated on record that South LE. (in Houston's southside) is his base of operations, it is not the neighborhood that Paul Wall is actually from. Paul Wall has claimed several such neighborhoods over his career, starting with De Soto in Acres Homes (his original home neighborhood), then switching to Gulf Bank (also in Acres Homes).
Paul Wall, Chamillionaire and Jon Higgins were originally affiliated with Swishahouse Records, but left for Paid in Full Records a short time later. After several mixtape and independent releases, including the critically acclaimed 'Get Ya Mind Correct', the two parted ways on bad terms. Chamillionaire continued to release independent records, while Paul Wall returned to the Swishahouse fold. This move allowed him to appear on Mike Jones' first commercially distributed single, "Still Tippin'", from his first major label album 'Who Is Mike Jones?'.
His major label debut, 'The People's Champ', has produced a lead single, "Sittin' Sidewayz", which is receiving national radio and television play. In August, 2005, rumors began to circulate that Paul Wall and Chamillionaire had settled any differences that remained between them, and are again on good terms with one another. Paul Wall also appeared with GLC on the song "Drive Slow" on Kanye West's second solo album, 'Late Registration'.
Paul Wall is the owner and proprietor of TV Jewelry in Houston. The store specializes in the production of grills, silver, gold, or platinum caps and diamond inlays (usually princess-cut diamonds). Grills have become a growing trend in rap culture and have even influenced its own song. "Grillz", by Nelly featuring Paul Wall along with other artists, where at one point Paul raps "Call me George Foreman 'cause I'm sellin' everybody grillz.)
Step Outside
Paul Wall Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Unwind oh woah
Stars in the sky
Never fall they just stay where they belong
They shine if you step outside
Can't wait to step outside though
I be up until the sun come up but still not tired though
So long but so long to that its time fool
Need to make some noise let this sunlight shine more
Off top no longer gotta sneak though the side door
Side hustle stacking up bread that's a side note
On that note on the boulevard imma drive slow
Eye for an eye let bygones die slow
Or maybe I should turn the cheek and just live life more
I'm just tryna do me and stack up my dough
Why boys wanna talk down I don't know
It's hard to make a meal ticket with your mind close
So open up alarm clock woken up
Put the kush down boy you're choking up
Step outside and let the sunlight soak him up
Step outside and forget what its like to live in the dark
Unwind oh woah
Stars in the sky
Never fall they just stay where they belong
They shine if you step outside
Step outside and let my mind free
These four walls cannot confine me
The devil moving blindly negativity behind me
As I walk into this vocal booth
Turn it up rewind me
No longer comfy in my comfort zone
Closed mouths don't get fed
I make my hunger known
My youngest is grown and we come from moving tons a stone
Running home after dumping chrome
I got a lot shit on my mind but it be deeper than raps
She say she love me but I be knowing that its deeper than that
I drink my liquor to the face and smoke my reefer in packs
Got some demons in my mind and they be keeping me back
I tend to think about my life when its just me on my own
Early morning I can't sleep I be deep in the zone
Thinking bout my bro he caught a L for letting metal fly
I'm praying God will bless the guys its time for me to step outside
Step outside and forget what its like to live in the dark
Unwind oh woah
Stars in the sky
Never fall they just stay where they belong
They shine if you step outside
Vision blurred I can't cry up in the church
I just wanna go outside
Nowadays its the worst
Man I used to crowd surf
Get up spit a wild verse
Feeling like I'm Pac gone born fist
About to burst
Dappin up every fan standing in the front row
Drinkin straight from the bottle
Pour a fan a lil more
20 thousand in the crowd ain't nobody wearing masks
Ain't no shortage on your coins everybody spending cash
Now we in the after party
20 people in the lab
Everybody passing Ls different hands in the bag
Shorty got the fattest ass now she wanna take my math
I just signed an autograph
Feeling like i'm in the draft
Hoppin out the tour bus cannons pass, cameras flash
Grinding hustling and rhyming chasing Nick Cannon cash
I'm just tryna get the bag hit the ave in the slab
God is great and I'm grateful for everything I have
Step outside and forget what its like to live in the dark
Unwind oh woah
Stars in the sky
Never fall they just stay where they belong
They shine if you step outside
Step outside
It'll get you high
and you step outside
The lyrics of Paul Wall & Termanology's Step Outside depict the desire to break out of monotony and isolation by stepping out into the world. The opening line suggests that the darkness may be a metaphorical representation of a life without enjoyment or fulfillment. The second line emphasizes the need to relax and let go of any pressure or stress, as the stars in the sky never fall from their position and are a symbol of consistency and stability. The last line of the chorus asserts that the world is a better place when experienced personally, and encourages listeners to leave their comfort zones for a more fulfilling experience.
The first verse highlights the need for change after being enclosed for too long. The sunlight is symbolic of hope and new beginnings, and the chorus reinforces the idea of stepping into a new light. The second verse describes the rapper's struggles with his dark thoughts and personal demons, emphasizing the power of positivity in helping him overcome his issues. The third verse reflects on the joy of performing in front of a live audience and sees the artist talking about the importance of making the most of every opportunity that comes your way.
Overall, Step Outside is a song that encourages listeners to take risks and live their lives to the fullest. Whether it's breaking out of your comfort zone or pursuing your dreams, the message is to embrace the world and all its possibilities.
Line by Line Meaning
Step outside and forget what its like to live in the dark
Get out of your comfort zone and let go of your fears.
Unwind oh woah
Relax and let everything go.
Stars in the sky
There are things in life that never change.
Never fall they just stay where they belong
They are always in their right place.
They shine if you step outside
There is magic in the world that can only be experienced by stepping out of your comfort zone.
Can't wait to step outside though
I am eager to take risks and challenge myself.
I be up until the sun come up but still not tired though
I am dedicated to my craft and will work tirelessly to achieve my goals.
I been inside that's what I've been quiet for
I have been in my comfort zone and staying silent on my dreams.
So long but so long to that its time fool
It is time to leave the past behind and step outside my comfort zone.
Need to make some noise let this sunlight shine more
It's time for me to show the world what I can do and let my talent shine.
Off top no longer gotta sneak though the side door
I will be confident in myself and walk through the front door.
Side hustle stacking up bread that's a side note
I will focus on my main passion instead of a side job.
On that note on the boulevard imma drive slow
I will take my time and enjoy the journey.
Eye for an eye let bygones die slow
I will not hold grudges or seek revenge.
Or maybe I should turn the cheek and just live life more
I will let go of negativity and focus on living my best life.
I'm just tryna do me and stack up my dough
I will focus on my goals and work hard to achieve them.
Why boys wanna talk down I don't know
I do not understand why some people want to bring me down.
It's hard to make a meal ticket with your mind close
I need to keep an open mind to new opportunities.
So open up alarm clock woken up
It's time to wake up and seize the day.
Put the kush down boy you're choking up
Let go of bad habits that are holding you back.
Step outside and let the sunlight soak him up
Experience the world and let yourself grow.
Step outside and let my mind free
Let go of negativity and allow myself to think freely.
These four walls cannot confine me
I will not let my comfort zone hold me back.
The devil moving blindly negativity behind me
I am letting go of negative influences and moving forward.
As I walk into this vocal booth
I am ready to express myself.
Turn it up rewind me
Listen to the beat and let it inspire you.
No longer comfy in my comfort zone
I am ready to take risks and grow.
Closed mouths don't get fed
Speak up and ask for what you want in life.
I make my hunger known
I will not be afraid to express my passion and drive for success.
My youngest is grown and we come from moving tons a stone
I have a family to provide for and will work hard to support them.
Running home after dumping chrome
I do not want to live a life of crime and am trying to make a better future for myself and my family.
I got a lot shit on my mind but it be deeper than raps
I have real struggles and issues that go beyond my music.
She say she love me but I be knowing that its deeper than that
I know that true love is more than just words and requires real commitment and hard work.
I drink my liquor to the face and smoke my reefer in packs
I have unhealthy coping mechanisms and need to take care of myself.
Got some demons in my mind and they be keeping me back
I have unresolved issues that are holding me back in life.
I tend to think about my life when its just me on my own
I reflect on my life and my choices when I am alone.
Early morning I can't sleep I be deep in the zone
I am focused on my goals and working hard to achieve them.
Thinking bout my bro he caught a L for letting metal fly
I think about my brother who is in trouble with the law.
I'm praying God will bless the guys its time for me to step outside
I am hoping for a better future for myself and my loved ones.
Vision blurred I can't cry up in the church
I am emotional and affected by the struggles in my life.
I just wanna go outside
I am hoping for a better life and brighter future.
Nowadays its the worst
Life is difficult and challenging.
Man I used to crowd surf
I used to be carefree and have fun in life.
Get up spit a wild verse
I used to perform and create music freely.
Feeling like I'm Pac gone born fist
I feel like I am a fighter and a survivor, like Tupac.
About to burst
I am ready to let go and express myself.
Dappin up every fan standing in the front row
I appreciate my fans and connect with them on a personal level.
Drinkin straight from the bottle
I am letting loose and enjoying life.
Pour a fan a lil more
I am generous and care about my fans.
20 thousand in the crowd ain't nobody wearing masks
I am performing for a large audience, pre-pandemic.
Ain't no shortage on your coins everybody spending cash
The economy is strong and everyone is spending money.
Now we in the after party
We are enjoying ourselves after the concert.
20 people in the lab
We are creating music and collaborating with others.
Everybody passing Ls different hands in the bag
We are sharing and enjoying ourselves together.
Shorty got the fattest ass now she wanna take my math
A woman is interested in me because of my fame and fortune.
I just signed an autograph
I am recognized for my talent and hard work.
Feeling like i'm in the draft
I feel like a highly sought-after athlete.
Hoppin out the tour bus cannons pass, cameras flash
I am a star and my fans are eager to see me.
Grinding hustling and rhyming chasing Nick Cannon cash
I am working hard and striving for success, like Nick Cannon.
I'm just tryna get the bag hit the ave in the slab
I am trying to make money and live a comfortable life.
God is great and I'm grateful for everything I have
I acknowledge that my success and blessings come from a higher power.
Step outside
Take risks and challenge yourself.
It'll get you high
You will feel exhilarated and inspired.
and you step outside
If you take a leap of faith, you will be rewarded.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Daniel Carrillo, Paul Slayton
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind