Unfortunately for Prof, there’s an underlying seriousness to his lyrics that he tries his hardest to cover with layer upon layer of party-perfect beats and rhymes. Growing up on the South Side of Minneapolis, Prof matured in step with the local hip-hop scene. In his 24 years, he’s seen some shit that can’t help but escape from his memory and into his songs, lending his lines the kind of wisdom that can only be born on hard city streets. He started free styling in eighth grade and, although he likes to have fun with his music, the swiftness of his rise to local fame shows how seriously he regards his rap career.
A rowdy young buck who loves a good time, Prof wants his music to inspire others to party it up with him. In a world where credibility is currency, Prof sticks a middle finger to those who feel hip-hop should be straight-faced and serious.
“Everyone’s trying to be a preacher or a politician— telling you how to live your life,” he says. “I’m not running for Senate. I’m doing this for fun and I don’t watch my mouth.”
Prof’s debut solo album, Project Gampo, definitely made a lasting impression on local music critics and hip-hop heads. “Prof is wall-to-wall here in all his glory, with clever one-liners out the a**, hyperactive and delicious vocab spills popped like collars- picture a supreme smarta** with gorilla swagger and a mouth as fast as his mind… Point blank, this kid’s got more flavor and flow than all five of your favorite MCs combined.” (City Pages, May 12, 2008)
Borrowed Time
Prof Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You old-ass, one too many times
What I find, to my surprise
There is no one who's their own yeah
Wasting time, you're wasting mine
(I've learned my patience needs to sleep)
I will strangle you with my own hands
(I have tied my own two hands)
Wasting time
You can count me out it
You can write my book and later
Tell me all about it
I've seen enough to know that
We've been over this
You're old as hell, your time is up
Motionless, your ride is stuck
You're scared as hell and for good reason
And I'm burnin' both ends
Cause I don't wanna be your
Age at a horse race
Breakin' my back over fourth place
Rather middle of a court case
Screamin' at your face til the show ends
They say I drink too much
That's because I think too much
We really wastin' time motherfucker
You'll miss a moment if you blink too much
We got a reason to tie you up
We're living at a moment's notice
(Wastin' time)
We got a reason, we can't be bought
Keep thinking that we losin' focus
I've raised myself, I'm ready
(To tie you up)
Keep thinkin' that I'm wastin' my time
(Wasting time)
I've raised myself, I'm ready
(To tie you up)
Keep thinkin' that I'm outta my mind
Should I be polite?
Should I leave you 'lone?
Should I let you come and steal my lifeline?
Don't be so vain we all got guns
We'll take what's ours in your lifetime
Patience killing me
I'm getting drunk and breaking everything
I'm so sick my habit's don't lie
I'm killin' myself
Don't wanna break my stride
You can't tell me shit
You're so outta touch
Stay in my way 'n guaranteed
I'll fuck you up the pressure's buildin'
It's gettin' loud
If time is money tell me how to wait around
I've seen you lie
You old-ass, one too many times
We got a reason to tie you up
We're living at a moment's notice
(Wastin' time)
We got a reason, we can't be bought
Keep thinking that we losin' focus
I've raised myself, I'm ready
(To tie you up)
Keep thinkin' that I'm wastin' my time
(Wasting time)
I've raised myself, I'm ready
(To tie you up)
Keep thinkin' that I'm outta my mind
In "Borrowed Time," Prof addresses someone he has caught in lies repeatedly. He notes that "there is no one who's their own," insinuating that this person is struggling with their identity and has lost sight of who they truly are. Meanwhile, the singer feels that his own patience is being wasted in dealing with this person, potentially losing valuable time in his own life. Prof's frustration is palpable as he violently states that he may even strangle the person with his own hands. He also touches on his fear of getting older and wasting his own time, explaining that he would rather be in the middle of a court case than at a horse race. Finally, he acknowledges the pressure that he is under and that he is close to breaking and cannot wait around anymore.
This song seems to be about the challenges of dealing with people who are not truthful or self-aware, who instead of living authentically, choose to lie and manipulate. The song is full of anger, frustration and desperation, as Prof tries to cut ties with this harmful individual and not let them hold him back.
Line by Line Meaning
I've seen you lie
I have witnessed your dishonesty
You old-ass, one too many times
I have seen you lie numerous times and you are old
What I find, to my surprise
To my surprise, what I have found
There is no one who's their own yeah
No one is truly independent
Wasting time, you're wasting mine
You are wasting both of our time
(I've learned my patience needs to sleep)
I have come to the realization that I need to be less patient
I will strangle you with my own hands
I will take matters into my own hands and harm you
(I have tied my own two hands)
I have restricted myself from taking action
You can count me out it
You can exclude me from it
You can write my book and later
You can document my life and recount it later
Tell me all about it
Inform me of everything that happened
I've seen enough to know that
I have witnessed enough to understand that
We've been over this
We have previously discussed this
Your old as hell, your time is up
You are old and past your prime
Motionless, your ride is stuck
You are stagnant and not going anywhere
You're scared as hell and for good reason
You are very afraid and there is a legitimate cause
And I'm burnin' both ends
I am exhausting myself
Cause I don't wanna be your
Because I do not want to end up like you
Age at a horse race
Being old and irrelevant in a competitive situation
Breakin' my back over fourth place
Working extremely hard for a mediocre result
Rather middle of a court case
Preferably dealing with a conflict in a legal setting
Screamin' at your face til the show ends
Vocally expressing my frustration with you until the interaction is over
They say I drink too much
People suggest that I consume a problematic amount of alcohol
That's because I think too much
The reason I drink excessively is due to my constant thinking
We really wastin' time motherfucker
We are truly wasting our time
You'll miss a moment if you blink too much
You will miss an opportunity if you are not alert
We got a reason to tie you up
We have legitimate grounds to restrain you
We're living at a moment's notice
We are living spontaneously
(Wastin' time)
(We are wasting time)
We got a reason, we can't be bought
We have a valid cause, and cannot be bribed
Keep thinking that we losing focus
Continue to believe that we are losing motivation
I've raised myself, I'm ready
I have prepared myself
(To tie you up)
(To restrain you)
Keep thinking that I'm wasting my time
Believe that my actions are pointless
(Wasting time)
(I am wasting time)
I've raised myself, I'm ready
I have brought myself up to par and am prepared
(To tie you up)
(To restrain you)
Keep thinking that I'm outta my mind
Continue to believe that my thoughts are irrational or delusional
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@stephenhunter6411
Kid has been killin' it for years! Level up music fo sho! Prof is "More fun than a crackhead with a squirrel on a leash!"
@tylerfletcher8849
That does sound like a lot of fun.
@jasoncarr5867
Heartbeat childish Gambino vibes 🔥
@Y0PPS
It's the same beat, my guy.
Most of the KVP mixtapes are Gampo doing his thing over "borrowed" beats.
@jasoncarr5867
@@Y0PPS I know it's the same beat it just brought back a vibe I havent heard that song in years used to love Gambino 👌
@nerdyaboutcars6955
Another great song! Family listening and dancing around the house!
@justincasillas5739
The different ranges in your music gets me every time. Love it ❤.
@michellesanchez7197
Yes!! Thanks for bringing this amazing classic home 🙌🔥❤
@jeansebastienrock
Powerful!!
@Clintmotovlog
❤️ classic prof!