Lights Out
Royce Da 5′9″ Lyrics

Rock city nigga
Royce Da 5'9" is representing Detroit, also called "Rock City".

Mic's up, lights out (Lights out, lights out)
Royce is ready to perform and shut down the competition.

You think I call myself King just 'cause I want love
Royce is not calling himself king to be praised, but because he exudes power and control.

Like it's easy to blow a whole city that once was
Royce is acknowledging the difficulty of maintaining a successful career in his hometown of Detroit.

It wouldn't even be a midwest without Bone Thugs
Royce credits Bone Thugs-n-Harmony for their contribution to the midwest hip hop scene.

Try to knock me off my square, nigga I won't budge
Royce is determined to stay focused and not let anyone bring him down.

Born from broke, I speak in a street for coins
Royce came from humble beginnings and raps to make a living.

I keep heat in a jeep, you can't beat Detroit
Royce is warning others that Detroit is a tough city, and he is well-equipped to handle any situation.

Try that strong arm shit and you get buried alive
Royce is not intimidated by those who try to use force against him, and will retaliate with full force.

All y'all niggas is big, but none y'all is ready to die
Although others may act tough, they are not truly ready to face death.

It's a freak mind game we play when we smart
Being intelligent and strategic is necessary in the rap game.

You say it's a art, blame nothin' you say in your heart
Royce believes that rap is an art form and that one should be true to themselves in their lyrics.

It's a sixth sense that real niggas got
Real people have an intuition and understanding of their surroundings.

Yo, we know, just know, if you a hoe, or not
Royce can tell who is fake and who is real.

If I could filter out the game, I would
Royce wishes he could distinguish between those who are truly genuine and those who are not.

I'll speak niggas name, I'ma bet they got the same opinions about me
Royce is not afraid to speak his mind and believes that others have similar opinions of him.

It's like a two way street, with two cars racin' each other
The rap game is like a competition between two individuals or groups.

On the right track and goin' the wrong way on the other
One can be successful in their career, but fail in other aspects of their life.

Yeah Mic's up, lights out (Lights out, light out)
Royce is still ready to perform and dominate.

Real niggas on the prowl
Royce is referring to himself and others who are genuine and authentic.

Still drink if it ain't mines
Royce and his crew will still drink, even if they aren't the ones who paid for it.

Real niggas throw up drinks like gang signs
Drinking is a symbol of unity and camaraderie among Royce and other real people.

Yeah, I robbed a nigga before, but do that make me a thug?
Royce has committed theft in the past, but he does not identify as a "thug".

Was stupid and young Things niggas can do with a gun
Royce acknowledges his mistakes as a youth and the danger that comes with firearm possession.

You never put fear in my heart
Royce is not intimidated by those who try to scare him.

Talkin' all loud and obnoxious What most of you do when you pop shit
Others often talk big and loud to seem tough, even if they are not.

I'm payin' the price now, 'cause it cost to shine
Royce is aware of the money and sacrifice it takes to be successful.

And whoever thought that I lost it done lost his mind, nigga
Royce denies any claims of him losing his skill or talent.

Look into the eyes of this nigga before you judge him
Royce urges others to not make assumptions about him based on his appearance or reputation.

You better be prepared to die for this nigga before you love him
Royce values loyalty and believes that one should be willing to die for him if they truly love him.

My shit is real, 'cause I'm the realest
Royce's music is authentic because he himself is genuine.

So fuck Ill, you can be the illest
Royce is not concerned with being recognized as the best, as he knows he is real regardless.

See how many real niggaz feel it
Royce is confident that other authentic individuals will understand and resonate with his music.

I don't ever plan to go back to the streets, it's cold
Royce is aware of the harsh realities of street life and does not want to return to it.

Back to work with a mother fuckin' week in a hole
Royce is committed to his work, even if it means long hours and little rest.

Lost with blind motivation, I ain't a thug
Royce struggles with direction in his work, but does not consider himself a "thug".

I'd rather be Royce five-apostrophe, nine-quotation
Royce would rather be recognized for his real name than a label or title.

So how you love that nigga, the game done changed
Royce recognizes that the rap game has evolved and adapted over the years.

You got a problem on your hands and this a nigga with brains
Royce is warning others that he is smart and strategic, and should not be underestimated.

Mic's up, lights out (Lights out, light out)
Royce is concluding the song by reiterating that he is ready to perform and shut down his competition.

Real niggas on the prowl
Royce is emphasizing his authenticity and surrounding himself with others who are genuine.

Still drink if it ain't mines
Royce and his crew will still enjoy themselves, even if they didn't purchase the drinks.

Real niggas throw up drinks like gang signs
Drinking is a sign of unity and camaraderie among Royce and other real individuals.