How To Be The Man
Riff Raff Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Show you how to be the man, how to be the boss
How to come through with seven coats of the gloss
Show you how to be the man, show you how to be the man
Show you how to be the man, how to be the boss
How to buy the car, how to buy the house
Show you how to be the man, show you how to be the man

Uh back in eight grade, banana berry wrist
Teacher wanna tell me be realistic
That bitch tryna tell me be realistic?
I pull up 5 years later in a drop top six
Butterscotch twist, cheek-checklin' lipstick
Might be in a movie, with Barry Sanders
Might be Adam Sandler, and my cup is pink panther
High School, I-I-I was on the news
Fist full of jewels looks like a swimming pool
Aqua-shock start, glow in the dark shark
Mark my words, I don't need acceptance
I'm catching interceptions on you innocent pedestrians, (touchdown)
Suckers keep on flexin', I'm bringing out the rice
Jody shaking dice watching Miami Vice, syrup in my slice
That's a given, now I'm the man but I'm crawling like a kitten
Teach him

Show you how to be the man, how to be the boss
How to come through with seven coats of the gloss
Show you how to be the man, show you how to be the man
Show you how to be the man, how to be the boss
How to buy the car, how to buy the house
Show you how to be the man, show you how to be the man

Packin' my luggage, push get to shoving
Show Jody loving when I'm flipping candy pumpkin
Might hit the club and it's the white Danny Glover
Rap game Uncle Ben pulling rice out the oven
Now I'm Julius Caesar in Versace wife beater
Would go on vacation but my whole life's a weekend
Whole a lotta money, all bills paid
Next pay day I'm buying 3 or 4 chains
Now I'm picture perfect, shoulda been a surfer
Aww shit look who it is, it's the white Eddie Murphy
Big balling, no stopping
Trunk steady knockin', floatin' through the sky
M-M-Mary Poppins

Show you how to be the man, how to be the boss
How to come through with seven coats of the gloss
Show you how to be the man, show you how to be the man
Show you how to be the man, how to be the boss
How to buy the car, how to buy the house
Show you how to be the man, show you how to be the man

Show you how to be the man, how to be the boss
How to come through with seven coats of the gloss
Show you how to be the man, show you how to be the man
Show you how to be the man, how to be the boss




How to buy the car, how to buy the house
Show you how to be the man, show you how to be the man

Overall Meaning

In "How to Be the Man," Riff Raff is a guide to achieving a certain level of success and presenting oneself as a "boss." He details how to attain material possessions such as a car and a house, and how to attain a level of prestige and recognition. Riff Raff clearly exudes an air of confidence in the lyrics, portraying himself as someone who has risen above the expectations of his teacher and is now reaping the rewards of his hard work.


In the first half of the song, Riff Raff describes the successful life he has achieved, detailing the cars he owns, including a drop-top six, and multiple pieces of jewelry that sparkle like a swimming pool. He also alludes to celebrities by mentioning Barry Sanders and Adam Sandler, indicating that he perceives himself as being at their level.


The second half of the song is more boastful, with Riff Raff talking about his wealth and how he feels he is unstoppable. He raps about his luxurious designer clothing and his ability to buy multiple chains with each paycheck. The line "it's the white Eddie Murphy" emphasizes his Hollywood connections and success.


Overall, the song is about Riff Raff's message to his listeners: that they can achieve similar levels of success and become the "boss" in their own lives. He portrays himself as a role model for rising above expectations and achieving big goals.


Line by Line Meaning

Show you how to be the man, how to be the boss
Teaching you how to exude confidence and take charge in any situation


How to come through with seven coats of the gloss
Demonstrating how to present yourself impeccably, with a perfect combination of style and substance


Show you how to be the man, show you how to be the man
Reinforcing the idea that anyone can embody success and authority with the right mindset and guidance


How to buy the car, how to buy the house
Providing advice on how to make significant investments in one's life, such as purchasing a car or home


Uh back in eight grade, banana berry wrist
Reflecting on past experiences growing up and realizing that one's potential is not limited by what others say or think


Teacher wanna tell me be realistic
Acknowledging the doubt and skepticism of others but choosing to ignore it and pursue one's own dreams


That bitch tryna tell me be realistic?
Expressing disdain for those who try to limit or discourage others' aspirations


I pull up 5 years later in a drop top six
Reveling in the success and status that one has achieved through hard work and perseverance


Butterscotch twist, cheek-checklin' lipstick
Describing one's attention to detail and ability to make an impression in every situation


Might be in a movie, with Barry Sanders
Fantasizing about achieving fame and recognition in various fields, including entertainment and sports


Might be Adam Sandler, and my cup is pink panther
Referencing famous actors and describing enjoying a luxurious and extravagant lifestyle


High School, I-I-I was on the news
Recalling past achievements and accomplishments, particularly in high school when one began to make a name for themselves


Fist full of jewels looks like a swimming pool
Boasting about the wealth and material possessions that have been acquired through successful endeavors


Aqua-shock start, glow in the dark shark
Using creative and imaginative language to describe one's own unique style and presence


Mark my words, I don't need acceptance
Asserting independence and self-confidence, emphasizing that one doesn't require validation or approval from others


I'm catching interceptions on you innocent pedestrians, (touchdown)
Metaphorically comparing oneself to a professional athlete, implying that one is always on top of their game and able to outsmart others


Suckers keep on flexin', I'm bringing out the rice
Calling out the efforts of others to show off or prove themselves, while demonstrating that one can achieve more quietly and efficiently


Jody shaking dice watching Miami Vice, syrup in my slice
Painting a picture of a lavish lifestyle that includes gambling and indulging in luxuries like syrup on food


That's a given, now I'm the man but I'm crawling like a kitten
Acknowledging that one has achieved a level of success, but still recognizing the importance of humility and continuing to work hard


Packin' my luggage, push get to shoving
Preparing to take off on another adventure or pursue another opportunity


Show Jody loving when I'm flipping candy pumpkin
Continuing to enjoy the good life and shower those around oneself with gifts and appreciation


Might hit the club and it's the white Danny Glover
Speculating about being recognized and celebrated in public, and being likened to famous celebrities


Rap game Uncle Ben pulling rice out the oven
Using wordplay and humor to express one's success as a rapper, likening it to the classic Uncle Ben's rice brand


Now I'm Julius Caesar in Versace wife beater
Comparing oneself to historical figures and dressing extravagantly to celebrate and display one's success


Would go on vacation but my whole life's a weekend
Reflecting on the feeling of constant excitement and celebration that comes with being successful and famous


Whole a lotta money, all bills paid
Describing the financial success that comes with hard work and dedication


Next pay day I'm buying 3 or 4 chains
Indicating additional wealth and status goals that will soon be achieved


Now I'm picture perfect, shoulda been a surfer
Feeling confident in one's appearance and likening it to a mode of living that is carefree and relaxed


Aww shit look who it is, it's the white Eddie Murphy
Receiving recognition and admiration, and being compared to a famous comedian and actor


Big balling, no stopping
Celebrating the success and freedom that come with financial independence


Trunk steady knockin', floatin' through the sky
Boasting about one's luxurious and expensive car, and the thrill of having such a mode of transportation at one's disposal


M-M-Mary Poppins
Using wordplay and humor to express a sense of floating or soaring, like the famous character from the movie Mary Poppins




Lyrics © WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC
Written by: DIJON ISAIAH MCFARLANE, HORST SIMCO

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

MiamiChicken

"I'm catching interceptions on you innocent pedestrians"
That shit goes so hard

Cactus Hands

I think it takes a certain level of intelligence to really appreciate this guy. No joke. He really gets the balance between having fun and not taking yourself too seriously but taking what you do seriously, your craft. Respecting yourself, expressing your individuality and not paying attention to judgement from others. He's one of those people who dissolves boundaries.

Martey Cornog

I'm Glad you get that too. I would write out a long post agreeing with you....but you summed it up perfect! Keep on enjoying friend.... I know I will!!!

Martey Cornog

And just to let ya' know....Cactus Hands is an interesting moniker.....though if I had actual cactus hands I'd have a prickled prod!!! Anyway great observation about Mr. Raff, you hit the nail on the head there! Riff Raff is in a fun and strange category all his own!

Jim Tree

Yup exactly. Riff is funny as fuck

TheWholeSystemisFckd

Doesn't matter what aspect of life or what little niche someone is into, I like being around people who have a vision in mind and like to put in work. Those are usually the types of people you can trust. Remember, if you have a friend that has a tendency to spend a lot of time just talking shit about other people, make no mistake. He's talking shit about you too when you aint around

meerjungfrau bube

problem is that 90% of the people try to make this. and it doesnt work at all.

16 More Replies...

Gummy

Riff Raff doesn't take himself too seriously unlike some people. he likes to have fun and make music and be silly. Some people need to chill and realize that not everything is a life or death situation

Jason Marshall

Hey man I don't think he is an ill liricist but he makes me laugh, he is playing a clown show, he is a clown, he is doing his job well, he makes me laugh more power to him! Lol

Eddie Billybanjo

Kurt Morrison

More Comments

More Versions