Hard Piano
Pusha T Lyrics


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Never trust a bitch who finds love in a camera
She will fuck you, then turn around and fuck a janitor
Set the parameters
You either with the pro ballers or the amateurs
I won't let you ruin my dreams or Harvey Weinstein the kid
Good morning, Matt Lauer, can I live?
Look at my new digs
The rooftop can host a paint and sip for like forty
The Warhols on my wall paint a war story
Had to find other ways to invest
'Cause you rappers found every way to ruin Pateks
It's a nightmare, yeah
I'm too rare amongst all of this pink hair, ooh
Still do the Fred Astaire on a brick
Tap tap, throw the phone if you hear it click
Art Baselin' the bezel
Your bustdown is bust down and don't match the metal
Lower level's where you settle at
I'm the pot callin' the kettle black
Where there's no brick peddles at
Between God and where the Devil's at
Had to double dutch and double back
Then hopscotch through where the trouble's at
Exactly what the game's been missin'
This fire burns hot as Hell's Kitchen, Push

Now that's how the team go, I'm back from Santo Domingo
That's where the kings go, down in Santo Domingo
Now that's how the team go, back from Santo Domingo
This for the sneaker hoarders and coke snorters
'Cause that's where the kings go, down in Santo Domingo
From Honda Accords to Grammy awards

I can blow a million dollars into dust (That's where the kings go)
Lord knows how many bottles I've done bust
Still runnin' through the models like I'm Puff
Confront my problems like I'm Ralo in the bluff
Pusha know these politics is paradox
Chillin' in a condo full of ready rock
My homie amputated but gon' stand for somethin'
I'm dyin' to find a way to get a Grammy from it (Maybach Music)
Watchin' my success for some is bittersweet
Always keep the sharpshooter's triggers tweaked
Diamonds drippin' on me, V in Tiffany's
All these K-9 units still sniffin' me
Ignorance versus the innocence
It's not the temperature for you in Timberlands
I keep the coldest flows on the hot seat
And you can spot my hoes by their car keys
Another episode full of atrocities
It's double M, baby, money monopolies (Maybach Music)
You scared to see my face in a fancy place
So I debate my case vs. a Nancy Grace
It's flesh and blood 'til I'm fresh as fuck
Still hands on, sucker, press your luck
Your money gone every other month
My money long so the treasure's tucked

Now that's how the team go, I'm back from Santo Domingo
That's where the kings go, down in Santo Domingo
Now that's how the team go, back from Santo Domingo




'Cause that's where the kings go, down in Santo Domingo
That's where the kings go

Overall Meaning

Pusha T's song Hard Piano, featuring Rick Ross, is a slow-burning, trap-influenced track from the rapper's third studio album, Daytona. Throughout the song, Pusha asserts his authority as a top-tier rapper, while also commenting on his wealth, success, and the state of the rap game. In the first verse, Pusha warns against trusting women who love the camera, as they will betray your trust, then connects it to the harsh reality of some women exploiting their sex appeal to advance their careers, even to the extent of sleeping with men in power. He asserts that he won't let anyone ruin his dreams and references Harvey Weinstein and Matt Lauer as examples of men whose dreams were ruined due to the scandals that engulfed them.


Pusha then talks about his new home, which has a rooftop that can host a paint and sip for forty people. He boasts of owning paintings by Warhol, which he believes tell his life story. He notes that he has found ways to invest his wealth but criticizes other rappers, who destroy their investments. Pusha asserts he is too rare amongst all the pink hair present, meaning that he is one of the few real involved in the rap game. He then compares himself to Fred Astaire, a legendary dancer known for his tap-dancing, stating that he still does his moves on a brick. The verse ends with him throwing his phone were he hears it click, indicating that he is aware of his privacy being at risk.


In the second verse, he showcases his affinity for luxury and recognizes the dangers that come with it, stating that he can blow a million dollars to dust. He boasts about his ability to attract women and his experience with them, akin to Puff Daddy, a legendary rapper and record producer. He further states he is not afraid of confront his problems, invoking the name of Ralo, a rapper from Atlanta, Georgia, who has been arrested multiple times for various drug-related offenses. Even with his numerous successes, Pusha is aware of the bitter truth that comes with it. He references his drug-dealing days when he refers to "cold flow[s] on the hot seat." He acknowledges that people are envious of him but says that his hands are still "on" and warns people not "press their luck."


Line by Line Meaning

Never trust a bitch who finds love in a camera
A cautionary statement about people who seek attention on social media, as they are often untrustworthy and will use people for their own gain.


She will fuck you, then turn around and fuck a janitor
The person mentioned in the previous line is likely to betray you and sleep with other people, even people of lower status.


Set the parameters
Establishing clear boundaries and expectations to avoid being taken advantage of.


You either with the pro ballers or the amateurs
There are people who are successful and those who are not, and one must choose which group they want to be part of.


I won't let you ruin my dreams or Harvey Weinstein the kid
Refusing to let someone else (like Harvey Weinstein) destroy one's career or future aspirations.


Good morning, Matt Lauer, can I live?
Referencing the #MeToo movement and calling out predatory behavior in the entertainment industry.


Look at my new digs
Showing off one's newfound wealth and success.


The rooftop can host a paint and sip for like forty
Boasting about the luxurious amenities of their new home, which can even host a party for a moderate-sized group of people.


The Warhols on my wall paint a war story
The expensive Warhol paintings on the walls represent their struggle and endurance through hard times to achieve success.


Had to find other ways to invest
Looking for alternative investment methods, as the typical methods (like buying expensive watches) have been ruined by other rappers.


'Cause you rappers found every way to ruin Pateks
Other rappers have tarnished the image of expensive watches (like Pateks) by flaunting them too much, making them appear unoriginal and overused.


It's a nightmare, yeah
Acknowledging that success can bring upon its own set of problems and challenges.


I'm too rare amongst all of this pink hair, ooh
Feeling out of place and unique in the current trend of colorful hair among some rappers.


Still do the Fred Astaire on a brick
A reference to drug dealing, comparing the smooth moves of Fred Astaire to their skill in handling illegal substances.


Tap tap, throw the phone if you hear it click
Being cautious and paranoid about technology, as they are involved in illegal activities that can be discovered if their phone is tapped.


Art Baselin' the bezel
Comparing the art exhibition 'Art Basel' to the high-end jewelry and watches, showing off their wealth and taste.


Your bustdown is bust down and don't match the metal
Criticizing someone's jewelry that looks cheap and does not match the material of other components, suggesting a lack of taste and class.


Lower level's where you settle at
Believing that only those with low aspirations and skills settle for lower levels of success.


I'm the pot callin' the kettle black
Admitting to being hypocritical in calling out others for their actions when they have done the same thing.


Where there's no brick peddles at
People who are successful and have 'made it' do not have to sell drugs or engage in illegal activity, implying that those who do are not truly successful.


Between God and where the Devil's at
Finding success requires a balancing act between moral and ethical considerations and the risk-taking and competitive nature of business (referred to here as God and the Devil, respectively).


Had to double dutch and double back
Having to maneuver and navigate through complicated situations and problems in order to succeed.


Then hopscotch through where the trouble's at
Continuing to navigate through trouble and obstacles on the path to success, using creativity and strategy to get through.


Exactly what the game's been missin'
Confidently asserting that their style and approach to the music industry is unique and valuable, and that it fills a gap in the market.


This fire burns hot as Hell's Kitchen, Push
Referring to their intense drive and passion for success, comparable to the heat of a kitchen in New York City's Hell's Kitchen neighborhood.


Now that's how the team go, I'm back from Santo Domingo
Returning from a luxury vacation in the Dominican Republic, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated from a break from the stresses of their career.


That's where the kings go, down in Santo Domingo
Referencing the luxurious lifestyle and wealth of the Dominican Republic's elite, and placing themselves within that group as successful musicians.


This for the sneaker hoarders and coke snorters
Referring to their audience and fans who are interested in fashion (specifically sneakers) and drug use (specifically cocaine).


'Cause that's where the kings go, down in Santo Domingo
Reiterating their status as successful and wealthy in the same way as the elite of the Dominican Republic.


From Honda Accords to Grammy awards
A reference to their past humble beginnings and their current success, discussing the journey from a regular car to the highest achievement in music (a Grammy award).


I can blow a million dollars into dust (That's where the kings go)
Acknowledging their extravagant spending and their ability to waste huge amounts of money without it damaging their wealth or success.


Lord knows how many bottles I've done bust
Celebrating their lifestyle of luxury and partying, spending large amounts of money on expensive champagne bottles.


Still runnin' through the models like I'm Puff
Tying their lifestyle and success to that of the notorious rapper and producer Sean 'Puff Daddy' Combs, who is also known for his lavish parties and relationships with models.


Confront my problems like I'm Ralo in the bluff
Acknowledging their ability to confront and solve problems head-on, comparing themselves to the rapper Ralo who is known for his involvement in street activities in Atlanta.


Pusha know these politics is paradox
Recognizing the irony and contradictions in the politics of the music industry and in being a successful artist.


Chillin' in a condo full of ready rock
Implying their involvement in drug dealing, and being comfortable and relaxed in a residence full of illegal substances.


My homie amputated but gon' stand for somethin'
Paying tribute to a friend who lost a limb in order to protect their crew and their business interests.


I'm dyin' to find a way to get a Grammy from it (Maybach Music)
Desiring the recognition and accolades that come with winning a Grammy award, and referencing their label (Maybach Music) which represents luxury and success.


Watchin' my success for some is bittersweet
Acknowledging that not everyone is happy for their success, and that some people may be envious or resentful of their accomplishments.


Always keep the sharpshooter's triggers tweaked
Being alert and prepared for potential threats and danger, in the same way a sharpshooter keeps their weapon ready to fire.


Diamonds drippin' on me, V in Tiffany's
Flaunting their expensive jewelry and designer clothing, specifically referencing the Tiffany's store and their diamond-encrusted watches or necklaces.


All these K-9 units still sniffin' me
Despite their success and wealth, they are still targeted by the police and drug-sniffing dogs due to their past involvement in drug-related activities.


Ignorance versus the innocence
Comparing their own knowledge and skills to those who are unaware or innocent in comparison, suggesting that the latter group is foolish or naive.


It's not the temperature for you in Timberlands
Implying that the other person is not used to or prepared for the cold or harsh realities of their world, and that their footwear (Timberland boots) is not suitable for it.


I keep the coldest flows on the hot seat
Generating hype around their music and rapping skills, claiming that their style is fresh and innovative and that they are under pressure to maintain their high status in the industry (the hot seat).


And you can spot my hoes by their car keys
Boasting about their ability to attract attractive women, suggesting that their luxury cars are a sign of their success and appeal to others.


Another episode full of atrocities
Reiterating their acknowledgement of the difficult and problematic aspects of their lifestyle and success.


It's double M, baby, money monopolies (Maybach Music)
Referencing their label (Maybach Music) and their focus on making and managing money, implying that their success depends on becoming a dominant force in the industry.


You scared to see my face in a fancy place
Boasting about their ability to be comfortable and respected in high-end, exclusive environments, and suggesting that others may be intimidated or envious of them in those spaces.


So I debate my case vs. a Nancy Grace
Referencing the TV personality Nancy Grace and implying that they are willing and able to defend themselves and their actions against criticism or accusations.


It's flesh and blood 'til I'm fresh as fuck
Reiterating that their success and status in the industry is dependent on their own capabilities and hard work, and that they will continue to work hard to maintain it.


Still hands on, sucker, press your luck
Being involved and active in every aspect of their career and success, and daring others to test or challenge them.


Your money gone every other month
Critiquing those who frivolously spend their money and do not have long-term stability or success.


My money long so the treasure's tucked
Boasting about their long-term and stable financial situation, and implying that they have invested their money well for the future.




Lyrics © Ultra Tunes, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Terrence Thornton, Tony Williams, Charles Wright, Kanye Omari West, William Leonard II Roberts

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@NatiGeneral

This record is a masterpiece.

@gunkmasterflex942

Only a few of us only know this... shame no one knows about this outstanding album

@erickondusky2606

🧢🧢🧢

@raylenoir

@@erickondusky2606 yet you're in the comments years after it dropped

@erickondusky2606

@@raylenoir yup lmfao

28 More Replies...

@bgoian

"The Warhols on my wall paint a war story" still gives chills to this day

@revolucionarioe2123

Sameeee. I repeat this part over and over again.

@joshuagregoire9504

Favorite line in the album

@alexludavertigo6926

Between God and where the devils@

@tarintino07

This song and album a classic for sure

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