In September 2010, Pusha T signed to Kanye West's GOOD Music imprint, under the aegis of Def Jam Recordings. Later that year, he was featured on West's single "Runaway," which peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100. In 2011, he released his first solo project, the mixtape Fear of God, which was followed up with his debut solo album, My Name Is My Name, released in 2013. In November 2015, West appointed Pusha T to take over his role as president of GOOD Music. Pusha T remained a flagship artist for the label until ending his tenure with the company in 2022.
Pusha T has since then released three solo albums: King Push – Darkest Before Dawn: The Prelude (2015), Daytona (2018), and It's Almost Dry (2022), all receiving widespread critical acclaim; the latter was Pusha T's first number one debut on the Billboard 200.
40 Acres
Pusha T Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Trouble times destroyed my smile
No change of heart, no change of mind
You can take what's yours but you gon' leave what's mine
I'd rather die, than go home
I'd rather die, than go home
And I ain't leaving without my 40 acres
This cocaine cowboy pushed it to the limit
You thought Tony in that cell would've made us timid
We found his old cell, bitch, we searchin' through the digits
Anything Spanish, got me speaking Spanglish
Money universal, that's the only language
The dream ain't die, only some real niggas
We was born to mothers who couldn't deal with us
Left by fathers who wouldn't build with us
I had both mine home, let's keep it real niggas
My better half chose the better path, applaud him
Younger brother me a spoiled child, I fought him
I heard that the Devil's new playground is boredom
The California top just falls back like autumn
And they say I'm on the verge of winning
I claim victory when Malice on the verge of sinning
Old habits die hard
That rainy day bag buried in the backyard
It's heaven for a hustler, no graveyards
Cause stand up niggas don't lie on no floors
Much rather burns us, ashes to ashes
Mix us with the powder, sell us to the masses
We gon' keep it tight, rip it out the plastic
Now you celebrate motherfuckers raise your glasses, Push'
Trouble world, trouble child
Trouble times destroyed my smile
No change of heart, no change of mind
You can take what's yours but you gon' leave what's mine
I'd rather die, than go home
I'd rather die, than go home
And I ain't leaving without my 40 acres
Unpolished, unapologetic
Might have broke a heart or two but gave an honest effort
My nonchalant attitude is always fuck it
35 years of marriage and my momma left it
You shouldn't question if you ever stood a chance with him
The better question is did you enjoy the dance with him
(Yughh!) I'll probably never pull you chair out, bitch
You know this money grew your hair out, switch
All that shit I bought you wear out
Rich, and I'm the only one I care about
Place none above me, God don't like ugly
Hate me or love me, only he can judge me
Unpolished, unapologetic
Big willie with the blow, niggas, I am legend
School of hard knock, I attended
Selling hard rock, fuck who I offended
I was a goner, punished by karma
Called him tar baby now he's transcending genres
The 911 came with the ass shots
A toothless crackhead was the mascot
The owner of the key to that padlock
I'm Jordan vs Cavs for the last shot
I need all mine, reparations
We growin' poppy seeds on my 40 acres, Push!
Trouble world, trouble child
Trouble times destroyed my smile
No change of heart, no change of mind
You can take what's yours but you gon' leave what's mine
I'd rather die, than go home
I'd rather die, than go home
And I ain't leaving without my 40 acres
The song "40 Acres" by Pusha T talks about a world full of troubles where he had to struggle to survive. The first verse of the song speaks about how the tough times destroyed his smile and he does not want to share anything with others. He would rather die than go home empty-handed. The chorus of the song emphasizes his determination to leave with his 40 acres, which symbolize his share of the wealth and property.
In the second verse, Pusha talks about how he is unapologetic about his past life as a drug dealer and how he pushed it to the limit. He talks about how they searched for Tony's old cell to find any information that can help them in the drug business. Pusha's mother left her marriage of 35 years, and he made sure that the people close to him did not question his authority. He emphasizes that he does not care about anyone else and that he is the only one that matters.
The song portrays Pusha T's struggle within his life, where he had both good and bad experiences. Despite these experiences, he was determined to leave his past and move forward. He emphasizes his belief in God, who will judge him, and how he wants his share to move forward with his life.
Line by Line Meaning
Trouble world, trouble child
Growing up in a world of hardships and being a troubled child affected the author.
Trouble times destroyed my smile
The author's past experiences have left a lasting impact on him, preventing him from feeling joy.
No change of heart, no change of mind
The author remains true to his beliefs, regardless of any external factors.
You can take what's yours but you gon' leave what's mine
The author is willing to defend what he has worked hard for, even if it means risking his life.
I'd rather die, than go home
The author values his principles and beliefs more than his own personal safety.
And I ain't leaving without my 40 acres
The author will not back down until he has received the fair compensation he deserves.
Unpolished, unapologetic
The author is straightforward and unapologetic about who he is and his actions.
This cocaine cowboy pushed it to the limit
The author has lived dangerously and aggressively, pushing himself to the brink.
Money universal, that's the only language
The only thing that matters in this world is money, and it is the only language that everyone understands.
Old habits die hard
It is difficult to break bad habits, and they can stay with a person for a lifetime.
Much rather burns us, ashes to ashes
The author would rather die than be caught or snitch on his friends.
We gon' keep it tight, rip it out the plastic
The author and his associates will keep their drug operation under wraps and hidden from authorities.
You shouldn't question if you ever stood a chance with him
If you're with the author, you're with him for a reason, and you should not doubt your relationship with him.
The 911 came with the ass shots
The author's success is due to his illegal drug trafficking and the money it brings in.
I need all mine, reparations
The author is demanding compensation for the wrongs done to him and his ancestors.
We growin' poppy seeds on my 40 acres, Push!
The author will use his land and resources to continue his drug operation and fund his lifestyle.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: TERIUS NASH, WILLY LAMUR, TERRENCE THORNTON, RICARDO LAMARRE, T. NASH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind