Caterpillar
Royce da 5'9" Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

You will not be able to stay home brotha
You will not be able to plug in, turn on and cop out
You will not be able to lose yourself on scag and skip out for beer during commercials
Because the revolution will not be televised

This right here for the number ones
Number ones here with your number one
You ain't number one, just another one
Now everybody sayin' that they number one

Ring the alarm, the caterpillar keeps firing
Oh, we in the war
Where butterflies keep dyin' (ah)

I'm a product of Parker, Lewis and Kubiak
If didn't do this, where in the fuck would you be at?
See there's a difference between us, what I spit hit arenas
You a drip from my penis, I eat lions and sip hyenas
You number one when it comes to slaughtered mics
I'm tryna be number one in my son and daughter life
Uh, all you niggas my lil' rapper babies
Y'all my children, y'all bit my shit and contracted rabies
Don't you grade me next to these rapper, baby, that's degrading
My style got so many different facets, I switch into so many different passions
I'm skippin' class to be fascinating
My pen is like Big Ben, this shit's just a classic waiting
Your favorite rapper come at me, I just decapitate him
Out here congratulating these has-beens who had their highs
These rappers only won their matches because they strategize
I'll bring adequate to these patterns and here's my battle cry

Ring the alarm, the caterpillar is firing
Oh, we in a war
Where butterflies keep dyin' (ah)

This right here for the number ones
Number ones here with your number one
You ain't number one, just another one
Now everybody sayin' that they number one

Kid think your number won't quit
Number one song, get your number one chick
Number one fly with your number one kick
When it's all done then your number gon' switch

Hold up, wait a minute
Guess what I'ma never do
Show so much respect to you
That I feel like we're friends, so now we no longer competitors
That could be the death of you
Never let someone who's not as smart as you gas you up
And tell you somethin' you never knew
Always stay professional
You always gon' make revenue
Don't let people next to you that don't want the best for you
It's completely normal to hold on to a regret or two
I do what I wanna do, they do what I let them do
Everything niggas be sayin' is a fuckin' lie
It's nothing I can say to you that is realer
Remember when you praisin' the butterfly
Don't you ever disrespect the fuckin' caterpillar

This right here for the number ones
Number ones here with your number one
You ain't number one, just another one
Now everybody sayin' that they number one

Kid think your number won't quit
Number one song, get your number one chick
Number one fly with your number one kick
When it's all done then your number gon' switch

You lookin at Atilla
The psychopathic killer, the caterpillar
Don't tell me when I'm supposed to rap until
Especially when your favorite rapper isn't even half as ill
A savage still, the tracks a banana peel, attack of the silverback gorilla
You're havin' a little trouble fathomin' this is actually happenin'
Like Anderson Silva when he snapped his shin in half
And then had shit hangin' by a flap of skin
After he tried to plant the shit back on the mat again
Pad to pen I'm batty like eyelids when they're blinkin' a lot
You copy me, but you're not
You can't be butterflies
My offspring's are just moths
If I see that thing, I'ma squash it and rip the wings of it off
So ring the alarm, pull the extinguishers off of the wall, set the sprinklers off
Like Jada Pinkett and Queen Latifah, 'til the shingles come off the roof
We'll shatter the ceilings
Slaughterhouse in the building, middle fingers aloft
Say what I think when I rhyme, in ink-pen I talk
And the language I speak is my mind
Kingpin and Penguin combined
Spit like it's King of the Dot
A singular thought I'd think I would help you distinguish
A brother from the cream of the crop
Wait a minute, hold up
Like a flash card
Damn dog, is that copyin', or payin' homage?
It's sad because dad taught you to rap as a damn toddler
My dad is your grandfather
I have to rehatch on you
Come back as black wasp
Half yellow jacket, you can't swat a
Sasquatch dancin' on top of a ant,
Trample it and stomp it, smash it and stand on it
Dammit, I can't stop it
The rap is a vag and I can't stop goin' in like a tampon in this bitch
It's is manslaughter
Stampin' out grasshoppers, you can't be no Rap Gods
In fact you're exact opposites
You make a wack song, and can't hold a candle
But even Daniel-san wax off, you jack-offs
Need to come to grips, like a hand job
The boom bap is back with an axe to mumble rap
Lumberjack with a hacksaw
Number one, but my pencils are number two 'cause that's all I do with 'em
Poop is my pseudonym
On the john like a prostitute when I droppin' a deuce and
When I'm producing them lyrical bowel movements
These beats are like my saloons
'Cause these bars always got my stools in 'em
And I don't need Metamucil to loosen them
Bitch it is real like I pooped Jerusalem




I'm 'bout to go spin another cocoon
And I'm cuttin' you from your mother's womb then I'm flushin' you

Overall Meaning

In Caterpillar, Royce Da 5'9" discusses the revolution and makes a statement about the state of rap. The song starts with an allusion to Gil Scott-Heron's famous poem, The Revolution Will Not Be Televised, stating that you will not be able to ignore the revolution. The lyrics also touch on rap's obsession with being the number one rapper and how the industry is full of copycats. Royce uses metaphors of a caterpillar and butterfly; he is the former, overlooked and sneered at, but he is also the one who is still alive, whilst other rappers (the butterflies) who are flourishing, are dying out. Royce boasts of his skills and how he is underrated, whilst mocking those who perceive themselves to be the best in the industry.


Line by Line Meaning

You will not be able to stay home brotha
You cannot avoid participating in the revolution


You will not be able to plug in, turn on and cop out
You cannot escape reality by distracting yourself


You will not be able to lose yourself on scag and skip out for beer during commercials
You cannot numb yourself with drugs and alcohol during moments of social change


Because the revolution will not be televised
The significant events of the revolution will not be broadcasted


This right here for the number ones
This is for the top artists


Number ones here with your number one
The top artists are together supporting each other


You ain't number one, just another one
You are not truly the best, just another artist


Now everybody sayin' that they number one
Everyone claims to be the top artist


Ring the alarm, the caterpillar keeps firing
The underdog is making a strong comeback


Oh, we in the war
We are currently facing a battle


Where butterflies keep dyin' (ah)
Talented artists are being overshadowed and ignored


I'm a product of Parker, Lewis and Kubiak
I am influenced by iconic figures in hip-hop


If didn't do this, where in the fuck would you be at?
Without my contribution, where would the industry be?


See there's a difference between us, what I spit hit arenas
I create impactful music that resonates with large audiences


You a drip from my penis, I eat lions and sip hyenas
You are insignificant compared to me, I conquer challenges effortlessly


You number one when it comes to slaughtered mics
You are skilled at dominating rap battles


I'm tryna be number one in my son and daughter life
I strive to be the best role model for my children


Uh, all you niggas my lil' rapper babies
All other rappers are like my children in comparison


Y'all my children, y'all bit my shit and contracted rabies
Other artists copy my style and suffer the consequences


Don't you grade me next to these rapper, baby, that's degrading
Do not compare me to inferior artists, it is disrespectful


My style got so many different facets, I switch into so many different passions
My artistic style is versatile, I explore various themes


I'm skippin' class to be fascinating
I prioritize creating captivating music over conforming to norms


My pen is like Big Ben, this shit's just a classic waiting
My writing is timeless and destined to become a classic


Your favorite rapper come at me, I just decapitate him
I effortlessly defeat any rapper who challenges me


Out here congratulating these has-beens who had their highs
Others celebrate past successes of irrelevant artists


These rappers only won their matches because they strategize
Other artists achieve success through calculated tactics


I'll bring adequate to these patterns and here's my battle cry
I will bring excellence to the rap industry and express my determination


Kid think your number won't quit
Arrogant individuals believe their success will never diminish


Number one song, get your number one chick
Having a hit song attracts the attention of desirable partners


Number one fly with your number one kick
Being on top means having the best style and fashion


When it's all done then your number gon' switch
Eventually, your popularity will decline


Hold up, wait a minute
Pause and pay attention


Guess what I'ma never do
I will never


Show so much respect to you
Give you excessive admiration


That I feel like we're friends, so now we no longer competitors
To the extent that I consider us friends, we are no longer rivals


That could be the death of you
That could harm your career


Never let someone who's not as smart as you gas you up
Do not allow less intelligent individuals to deceive you


And tell you somethin' you never knew
And present information that is not new to you


Always stay professional
Maintain a high level of integrity


You always gon' make revenue
You will always earn money


Don't let people next to you that don't want the best for you
Avoid surrounding yourself with people who have malicious intentions


It's completely normal to hold on to a regret or two
It is natural to have a few regrets in life


I do what I wanna do, they do what I let them do
I have control over my actions, they only do what I permit


Everything niggas be sayin' is a fuckin' lie
The statements made by others are all false


It's nothing I can say to you that is realer
I cannot provide you with anything more genuine


Remember when you praisin' the butterfly
When you admire successful artists


Don't you ever disrespect the fuckin' caterpillar
Do not underestimate or disrespect the underdog


You lookin at Atilla
You are facing a formidable opponent


The psychopathic killer, the caterpillar
The underdog is a dangerous and skilled artist


Don't tell me when I'm supposed to rap until
Do not dictate the duration of my rap performance


Especially when your favorite rapper isn't even half as ill
Especially when your preferred artist is far less talented


A savage still, the tracks a banana peel
I am still a ruthless and skilled rapper, the beats are easy to conquer


Attack of the silverback gorilla
A powerful and dominant force is attacking


You're havin' a little trouble fathomin' this is actually happenin'
You are struggling to comprehend the reality of the situation


Like Anderson Silva when he snapped his shin in half
Similar to the injury suffered by Anderson Silva


And then had shit hangin' by a flap of skin
And had his leg dangling by a small piece of tissue


After he tried to plant the shit back on the mat again
After attempting to continue fighting despite the injury


Pad to pen I'm batty like eyelids when they're blinkin' a lot
I am a little crazy when it comes to writing, like rapid blinking


You copy me, but you're not
You imitate me, but you lack authenticity


You can't be butterflies
You cannot be successful artists like me


My offspring's are just moths
Your careers are mediocre compared to mine


If I see that thing, I'ma squash it and rip the wings of it off
If I encounter competition, I will destroy it


So ring the alarm, pull the extinguishers off of the wall, set the sprinklers off
Prepare for a fierce battle, take action to stop the competition


Like Jada Pinkett and Queen Latifah, 'til the shingles come off the roof
Like in the movie Girls Trip, causing chaos and excitement


We'll shatter the ceilings
We will break the barriers and reach new heights


Slaughterhouse in the building, middle fingers aloft
The rap group Slaughterhouse is present, expressing defiance


Say what I think when I rhyme, in ink-pen I talk
I express my true thoughts and opinions through my lyrics


And the language I speak is my mind
The words I use reflect my thoughts and beliefs


Kingpin and Penguin combined
I possess the leadership and intelligence of a kingpin and a penguin


Spit like it's King of the Dot
I rap with the skill and confidence of a respected battle rapper


A singular thought I'd think I would help you distinguish
My unique ideas will help separate me from others


A brother from the cream of the crop
A talented artist among the best in the industry


Wait a minute, hold up
Pause and pay attention


Like a flash card
Quickly and directly


Damn dog, is that copyin', or payin' homage?
Is that imitation or a form of respect?


It's sad because dad taught you to rap as a damn toddler
It is disappointing that you learned to rap at a young age


My dad is your grandfather
My influence surpasses your lineage


I have to rehatch on you
I need to teach you a lesson


Come back as black wasp
Return as a powerful, intimidating force


Half yellow jacket, you can't swat a
Unpredictable and immune to attempts to suppress


Sasquatch dancin' on top of a ant
I am a massive presence dominating the small competition


Trample it and stomp it, smash it and stand on it
Crush and defeat the opposition, asserting dominance


Dammit, I can't stop it
I cannot control the intensity and skill of my rap


The rap is a vag and I can't stop goin' in like a tampon in this bitch
I cannot stop passionately and aggressively rapping


It's is manslaughter
My rap is deadly


Stampin' out grasshoppers, you can't be no Rap Gods
I am eliminating the weak competition, preventing them from becoming rap legends


In fact you're exact opposites
In reality, you are the complete opposite


You make a wack song, and can't hold a candle
You create mediocre music and do not compare to me


But even Daniel-san wax off, you jack-offs
But even beginners can defeat you, you idiots


Need to come to grips, like a hand job
You need to accept the reality and face the truth


The boom bap is back with an axe to mumble rap
Traditional hip-hop is making a comeback, overpowering mumble rap


Lumberjack with a hacksaw
I am a powerful force, ready to dismantle the competition


Number one, but my pencils are number two 'cause that's all I do with 'em
I may be a top artist, but I only use my pencils for writing


Poop is my pseudonym
I refer to my lyrics as 'poop' metaphorically


On the john like a prostitute when I droppin' a deuce and
In the bathroom, like a prostitute, when I am defecating


When I'm producing them lyrical bowel movements
When I am creating powerful and impactful lyrics


These beats are like my saloons
These instrumental tracks are my creative spaces


'Cause these bars always got my stools in 'em
Because my lyrics always contain my thoughts and emotions


And I don't need Metamucil to loosen them
I do not require any assistance to express myself


Bitch it is real like I pooped Jerusalem
My lyrics are authentic and impactful, like a significant event


I'm 'bout to go spin another cocoon
I am preparing myself for transformation and growth


And I'm cuttin' you from your mother's womb then I'm flushin' you
I am removing you from the music industry and disposing of you




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc., Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Clive Anthony Bright, Gil Scott-Heron, Larry Griffin, Marshall Mathers, Pierre Desrosiers, Ryan D Montgomery, Stuart Lowery, Winston Delano Riley

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@bob3007

Never let someone who's not as smart as you\

Gas you up, and tell you somethin' you never knew\

Don't let people next to you, that don't want the best for you\

It's completely normal to hold on to a regret or two\


Royce da 5'9 is under-appreciated talent-wise for sure; but not enough people talk about his character... The level and amount of wisdom Royce can put into his lyrics, while keeping his visceral lyricism and ice cold demeanor, while spitting battle-rapper type punches, is just... something else.... ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JO2o3rDg5hU )

Royce is without peers, on a level completely by himself... ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXi629ypSwY )



@theSededkhanli

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@IProvideLyrics1924

[Intro: Gil Scott-Heron]
You will not be able to stay home, brotha
You will not be able to plug in, turn on and cop out
You will not be able to lose yourself on skag and skip out for beer during commercials
Because the revolution will not be televised

[Chorus: King Green]
This right here for the number one
Number ones here with your number one
You ain't number one, just another one
Now everybody sayin' that they number one

[Post-Chorus: Royce Da 5'9"]
Ring the alarm, the caterpillar keeps firing
Ohh, we in the war, where butterflies keep dyin' (Ahh)

[Verse 1: Royce Da 5'9"]
I'm a product of Parker Lewis and Kubiak
If I didn't do this, where in the fuck would you be at?
See there's a difference between us, what I spit hit arenas
You a drip from my penis, I eat lions and sip hyenas
You number one when it come to slaughtering mics
I'm tryna be number one in my son and daughter life
Uhh, all you niggas my little rapper babies
Y'all my children, y'all bit my shit and contracted rabies
Don't you grade me next to these rappers, baby, that's degrading
My style got so many different facets
I switch into so many different passions
I'm skippin' class to be fascinatin'
My pen is like Big Ben, this shit's just a classic waiting
Your favorite rapper come at me, I just decapitate him
I hate congratulating these has-beens who had their highs
These rappers only won their matches because they strategize
I bring Attica to these patterns, and here's my battle cry

[Pre-Chorus: Royce Da 5'9"]
Ring the alarm, the caterpillar is firing
Ohh, we in the war, where butterflies keep dyin' (Ahh)

[Chorus: King Green]
This right here for the number one
Number ones here with your number one
You ain't number one, just another one
Now everybody sayin' that they number one
Kid think your number won't quit
Number one song, get your number one chick
Number one fly with your number one kick
When it's all done then your number gon' switch

[Verse 2: Royce Da 5'9"]
Hold up, wait a minute
Guess what I'ma never do? Show so much respect to you
That I feel like we're friends, so now we no longer competitors
That could be the death of you
Never let someone who's not as smart as you
Gas you up and tell you somethin' you never knew
Always stay professional, you always gon' make revenue
Don't let people next to you that don't want the best for you
It's completely normal to hold on to a regret or two
I do what I wanna do, they do what I let them do
Everything these niggas be sayin' is a fuckin' lie
It's nothing I can say to you that is realer
Remember when you praisin' the butterfly
Don't you ever disrespect the fuckin' caterpillar

[Chorus: King Green]
This right here for the number one
Number ones here with your number one
You ain't number one, just another one
Now everybody sayin' that they number one
Kid think your number won't quit
Number one song, get your number one chick
Number one fly with your number one kick
When it's all done then your number gon' switch

[Verse 3: Eminem & Royce Da 5'9"]
You're looking at Attila, the psychopathic killer, the caterpillar
Don't tell me when I'm supposed to rap until
Especially when your favorite rapper ain't even half as ill
A savage still, the track's a banana peel, attack of the silverback gorilla
You're havin' a little trouble fathomin' this is actually happenin'
Like Anderson Silva back when he snapped his shin in half
And then had the shit hangin' by a flap of skin
After he tried to plant the shit back on the mat again
Pad to pen I’m batty like eyelids when they're blinkin' a lot
You copy me, but you're not
You can't be butterflies, my offsprings are just moths
I see that thing I'ma squash it and rip the wings of it off
So ring the alarm, pull the extinguishers off of the wall
Set the sprinklers off like Jada Pinkett and Queen Latifah
'Till the shingles come off the roof we'll shout at the ceiling
Slaughterhouse in the building, middle fingers aloft
Say what I think when I rhyme, in ink-pen I talk
And the language I speak is my mind
Kingpin and Penguin combined
Spit like it's King of the Dot
A singular thought I think of will help you distinguish apart
The frauds from the cream of the crop
(Wait a minute) Hold up like a flashcard
Damn dawg, is that copyin' or payin' homage?
It's sad because dad taught you to rap as a damn toddler
My dad is your grandfather, I'll have to re-hatch on you
Come back as a black wasp, half yellow jacket, you can't swat a
Sasquatch dancing on top of an ant trample it and stomp it
Smash it and stand on it, dammit, I can't stop it
The rap is a vag' and I'm goin' in like a tampon in this bitch
It's a manslaughter
Stampin' out grasshoppers, you can't be no Rap Gods
In fact you're exact opposites, you make a wack song
And can't hold a candle but even Daniel-san whacks off
You jack-offs need to come to grips like a hand job
The boom bap is coming back with an axe to mumble rap
Lumberjack with a hacksaw
Number one, but my pencils are number twos
'Cause that's all I dos with 'em, poop is my pseudonym
On the john like a prostitute when I'm droppin' a deuce
And when I'm producing them lyrical bowel movements
These beats are like my saloons
'Cause these bars always got my stools in 'em
And I don't need Metamucil to loosen 'em
Bitch, shit is real like I pooped Jerusalem
I'm 'bout to go spin another cocoon
Then I'm cuttin' you from your mother's womb
Then I'm flushin' you!



@tonydegregorio4895

You lookin at Atilla
The psychopathic killer, the caterpillar
Don't tell me when I'm supposed to rap until
Especially when your favorite rapper isn't even half as ill
A savage still, the tracks a banana peel, attack of the silverback gorilla
You're havin' a little trouble fathomin' this is actually happenin'
Like Anderson Silva when he snapped his shin in half
And then had shit hangin' by a flap of skin
After he tried to plant the shit back on the mat again
Pad to pen I'm batty like eyelids when they're blinkin' a lot
You copy me, but you're not
You can't be butterflies
My offspring's are just moths
If I see that thing, I'ma squash it and rip the wings of it off
So ring the alarm, pull the extinguishers off of the wall, set the sprinklers off
Like Jada Pinkett and Queen Latifah, 'til the shingles come off the roof
We'll shatter the ceilings
Slaughterhouse in the building, middle fingers aloft
Say what I think when I rhyme, in ink-pen I talk
And the language I speak is my mind
Kingpin and Penguin combined
Spit like it's King of the Dot
A singular thought I'd think I would help you distinguish
A brother from the cream of the crop
Wait a minute, hold up
Like a flash card
Damn dog, is that copyin', or payin' homage?
It's sad because dad taught you to rap as a damn toddler
My dad is your grandfather
I have to rehatch on you
Come back as black wasp
Half yellow jacket, you can't swat a
Sasquatch dancin' on top of a ant,
Trample it and stomp it, smash it and stand on it
Dammit, I can't stop it
The rap is a vag and I can't stop goin' in like a tampon in this bitch
It's is manslaughter
Stampin' out grasshoppers, you can't be no Rap Gods
In fact you're exact opposites
You make a wack song, and can't hold a candle
But even Daniel-san wax off, you jack-offs
Need to come to grips, like a hand job
The boom bap is back with an axe to mumble rap
Lumberjack with a hacksaw
Number one, but my pencils are number two 'cause that's all I do with 'em
Poop is my pseudonym
On the john like a prostitute when I droppin' a deuce and
When I'm producing them lyrical bowel movements
These beats are like my saloons
'Cause these bars always got my stools in 'em
And I don't need Metamucil to loosen them
Bitch it is real like I pooped Jerusalem
I'm 'bout to go spin another cocoon
And I'm cuttin' you from your mother's womb then I'm flushin' you.



All comments from YouTube:

@VlogCreations

Royce first verse was so freakin good. Eminems flow was awesome here, reminded me of recovery/relapse flow

@owenbuttrick8409

Ross you a legend

@raginnova8167

Fuck outa here this his slaughterhouse royce is around flow. Relapse is miles above this

@tisssyyy

Ragin Nova Relapse is trash.

@topa9487

Ragin thought you were gonna say Relapse was miles below but pleasantly surprised :D

@legendary8694

Kurt Mac if you think relapse is trash I’m concerned you’re not 100% an em fan
Only true em fans like relapse and would take a Relapse 2

76 More Replies...

@ashleykirkman897

We need a new Bad Meets Evil album.

Royce & Eminem together are just peak.

@ChloefileFIN

My thoughts exactly. Hell: The Sequel is a hella dope album!

@gunotlucio

They make each other better

@masonridgewell8063

Royce definitely sounded much better on Hell The Sequel. @@gunotlucio

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