Chicago rapper/producer Saba first caught the attention of listeners as a frequent collaborator of Chance the Rapper. Saba's contributions to Chance songs like 2013's "Everybody's Something" and 2015's "Angels" showcased his range as both a rapper and vocalist and paved the way for his introspective debut studio album, Bucket List Project, in 2016. The loss of a close family member inspired 2018's Care for Me, a tragically beautiful album that explored death, mourning, and life after losing a loved one.
Saba (Tahj Malik Chandler) grew up on the West Side of Chicago, specifically within the Austin neighborhood, as part of a deeply musical family. That's also where he formed Pivot Gang, a group of longtime associates that has featured, among others, his brother Jerrel (aka Joseph Chilliams), cousin Walter Long (aka John Walt), Logan Yutters (aka MFn Melo), Frsh Waters, and DJ Damnage. Saba recorded several solo mixtapes -- his first were issued while he was an introverted high-schooler -- and gained traction with ComfortZone, a 2014 release inspired by his father's neo-soul recordings that capitalized on his contributions to awareness-raising tracks by fellow Chicagoans Chance the Rapper and Mick Jenkins. In 2015, Saba appeared as featured artist on several cuts, including Chance's "Angels," Jenkins' "Slumber," and Odd Couple's "What Kings Do." Additionally, he released the reflective Tink collaboration "Temporary," one of his most commercial songs to date.
In late 2016, Saba self-released the LP Bucket List Project, featuring artists like fellow Chicagoan rappers Noname and Twista. In February of 2017, Saba's cousin, mentor, and Pivot Gang collaborator Walter Long was violently murdered by a stranger. Saba reflected on the scars left by this horrible loss throughout his second album, CARE FOR ME, which was released in April of 2018. The vulnerable and emotionally complex album broke through with critics and took Saba's music to new audiences. He followed in November of that year with "Beautiful Smile," a collaborative single with Maryland rapper IDK.
Bucket List
Saba Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Skydiving, hoping my pilot land and my 'chute is good
And my show went well and my cheque about to go to the hood
If I die before I can make a change, 'least I made a tape
And I pray someday you're inspired by it and make your way, look
It's some legends gone so I'm paying homage, they paved the way
And them stars aligned, I know they be on, I bet they in space
I might buy a trailer, we taking this bitch across the states (Sab)
Sole heir to the booth, you can let the fans take a vote
Get the bread, then take a loaf
I just put the work in then take a load, off
Gotta butter bread like some toast
Wrote a bucket list and approached
Then they said that one, like my last one
And they been waiting since my last one and look what happened, yeah, ay
'Cause I meant it
If I doubt it, then I did it
If I caught it, then I dish it
How I started, how I finish
Show a hater, that impossible's what we major
I cross another one off that paper, cause I don't believe in that caper
Ay, I come from the bottom but a nigga feeling grateful
All I wanted faithful, swear I must got angels
I know that the sun'll come up any time the rain go
I been in the rain though, they said what I can't do
I come from the bottom but a nigga feeling grateful
All I wanted faithful, swear I must got angels
I know that the sun'll come up any time the rain go
I been in the rain though, they said what I can't do
(Huh)
I'm mountain climbing that's never seen on this part of town
Hot air balloon on my wedding day getting off the ground
If I'm back at school, shit I'll commute maybe try to dorm
Just wrote a book on how not to fit into social norms
I ain't never smoke, fuck it? Why not? Guess I'm trying pot
Might just say "fuck it", get my hair cut and say "bye to locks"
Yeah, yeah, this for all of my hood homies
Fuck, give in, it feel good don't it
Look at all the shit you accomplished
Heard money make the world go round
Thirsty for it, hope you don't drown
I believe it, do not doubt
Head high, no, not down
(Sab)
Yeah, thinking outside them squares
Whole world know what it is
Scratching off my bucket list
Ay, I come from the bottom but a nigga feeling grateful
All I wanted faithful, swear I must got angels
I know that the sun'll come up any time the rain go
I been in the rain though, they said what I can't do
I come from the bottom but a nigga feeling grateful
All I wanted faithful, swear I must got angels
I know that the sun'll come up any time the rain go
I been in the rain though, they said what I can't do
Oh
I got a gift to give
Just like this life we're living
Only a flash across the sky
Just an increment of time
What will you do with yours? Oh
I know what to do with mine
Even when the lights go out
Still they never die
Hmf, alright, I know you was gonna hit me up or whatever 'cause
I know you miss me You already know who this is
It's your ex or whatever
I ain't finna say my name for these thirsty ass b-
But I'm gon' give you my bucket list and it consists of
Being you motherf- best, finding a f- lead, whit cho ugly
In the song "Bucket List" by Saba, the rapper is listing out the things that he wants to do before he dies. He starts off by talking about skydiving and hoping his parachute works so that he can land safely. He then mentions that he hopes his show went well and that his check goes back to his community. Saba also pays homage to the legends before him who paved the way for his success. He talks about his aspirations to go on tour and buy a trailer, crossing things off his bucket list as he goes along.
The song is a reminder to focus on the things that truly matter in life – living with purpose and making a positive impact on others. Saba yearns for the world to remember him for the music that he created, and for his words to inspire others to follow their dreams. Ultimately, the rapper is grateful for the journey he has been on and continues to push forward, regardless of the challenges that come his way.
Line by Line Meaning
Skydiving, hoping my pilot land and my 'chute is good
I want to try skydiving, but only if it's done safely and successfully
And my show went well and my cheque about to go to the hood
I hope my performance and earnings can positively impact my community
If I die before I can make change, 'least I made a tape
If I pass away before I can create change, I hope my recorded music can leave a lasting impact
And I pray someday you're inspired by it and make your way, look
I hope my music inspires others to create change and make a positive difference
It's some legends gone so I'm paying homage, they paved the way
I recognize the trailblazers who came before me and want to honor their legacy
And them stars aligned, I know they be on, I bet they in space
When things seem to come together perfectly, it feels like the stars are aligned
I might buy a trailer, we taking this bitch across the states (Sab!)
I want to travel around the country and perform my music for new audiences
All aboard, it's just like the Green Line, we finally off the train
We're moving forward on this journey, just like a train on a new route
Sole heir to the booth, you can let the fans take a vote
As a solo artist, I want to involve my fans in the creative process
Get the bread, then take a loaf
After achieving success, it's important to enjoy the fruits of your labor
I just put the work in then take a load, off
After working hard, it's important to take a break and relax
Gotta butter bread like some toast
You have to work hard and hustle to achieve success and earn money
Wrote a bucket list and approached
I've created a list of things I want to achieve and am actively pursuing them
Then they said that one, like my last one
People are supportive of my goals and aspirations, just like they were for my previous achievements
And they been waiting since my last one and look what happened, yeah, ay
Fans and supporters are eagerly anticipating my next accomplishment
If I doubt it, then I did it
If I feel uncertain about achieving something, it probably means I've already done it
If I caught it, then I dish it
If I've experienced success, I want to share my knowledge and help others achieve the same
How I started, how I finish
It's important to reflect on my journey and stay true to my goals and values until the end
Show a hater, that impossible's what we major
I want to prove to those who doubt me that anything is possible with hard work and determination
I cross another one off that paper, coz I don't believe in that caper
I'm actively working towards achieving my goals instead of just talking about them
All I wanted fatal[?], swear I must got angel[s]
Despite experiencing challenges and setbacks, I feel lucky and grateful for my life
I know that the sun'll come up any time the rain go
Difficult times will pass and better days are ahead
I'm mountain climbing that's never seen on this part of town
I'm exploring new territories and taking on new challenges
Hot air balloon on my wedding day getting off the ground
I want my wedding to be an exciting and unique experience, perhaps involving a hot air balloon ride
If I'm back at school, shit I'll commute maybe try to dorm
If I decided to go back to school, I'd be willing to make sacrifices and try living on campus
Just wrote a book on how not to fit into social norms
I'm encouraging others to be their authentic selves and not conform to societal expectations
I ain't never smoke, fuck it? Why not? Guess I'm trying pot
I'm open to new experiences and willing to try things outside of my comfort zone
Might just say "fuck it", get my hair cut and say "bye to locks"
I feel empowered to make changes to my appearance and express myself in new ways
Heard money make the world go round
Money seems to be a driving force behind many people's decisions and actions
Thirsty for it, hope you don't drown
While money can be a powerful motivator, it's important to not let it consume you or become too important
Head high, no, not down
Regardless of challenges or setbacks, I remain confident and optimistic
Whole world know what it is
I'm making a name for myself and my achievements are becoming well-known
Scratching off my bucket list
I'm actively achieving my goals and crossing items off of my bucket list
I got a gift to give
I have talents and abilities that I want to share with the world
Just like this life we're living
Life is fleeting and we should make the most of our time here
Only a flash across the sky
Our lives are incredibly short in the grand scheme of things
Just an increment of time
We only have a small amount of time to make a positive impact
What will you do with yours? Oh
I urge others to think about how they want to spend their time and make a positive impact
I know what to do with mine
I'm actively pursuing my goals and striving to make a positive impact with my life
Even when the lights go out
Even during difficult times or moments of darkness, I remain driven and optimistic
Still they never die
My goals and aspirations will live on, even beyond my lifetime
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Tahj Malik Chandler
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@davidkantar5062
Skydiving, hoping my pilot land and my 'chute is good
And my show went well and my cheque about to go to the hood
If I die before I can make change, 'least I made a tape
And I pray someday you're inspired by it and make your way, look
It's some legends gone so I'm paying homage, they paved the way
And them stars aligned, I know they be on, I bet they in space
I might buy a trailer, we taking this bitch across the states (Sab!)
All aboard, it's just like the Green Line, we finally off the train
Sole heir to the booth, you can let the fans take a vote
Get the bread, then take a loaf
I just put the work in then take a load, off
Gotta butter bread like some toast
Wrote a bucket list and approached
Then they said that one, like my last one
And they been waiting since my last one and look what happened, yeah, ay
'Cause I meant it, if I doubt it, then I did it
If I caught it, then I dish it, how I started, how I finish
Show a hater, that impossible's what we major
I cross another one off that paper, 'causeI don't believe in that caper
Ay, I come from the bottom but a nigga feeling grateful
My life wasn't fatal, swear I must got angels
I know that the sun'll come up any time the rain go
I been in the rain though, they said what I can't do
I come from the bottom but a nigga feeling grateful
My life wasn't fatal, swear I must got angels
I know that the sun'll come up any time the rain go
I been in the rain though, they said what I can't do
(Huh!)
I'm mountain climbing that's never seen on this part of town
Hot air balloon on my wedding day getting off the ground
If I'm back at school, shit I'll commute maybe try to dorm
Just wrote a book on how not to fit into social norms
I ain't never smoke, fuck it? Why not? Guess I'm trying pot
Might just say, "Fuck it," get my hair cut and say bye to locks
Yeah, yeah, this for all of my hood homies
Fuck, give in, it feel good don't it
Look at all the shit you accomplished
Heard money make the world go round
Thirsty for it, hope you don't drown
I believe it, do not doubt
Head high, no, not down (Sab!)
Yeah, thinking outside them squares
Whole world know what it is
Scratching off my bucket list
Ay, I come from the bottom but a nigga feeling grateful
My life wasn't fatal, swear I must got angels
I know that the sun'll come up any time the rain go
I been in the rain though, they said what I can't do
I come from the bottom but a nigga feeling grateful
My life wasn't fatal, swear I must got angels
I know that the sun'll come up any time the rain go
I been in the rain though, they said what I can't do (Oh!)
[Matthew Santos:]
I got a gift to give
Just like this life we're living
Only a flash across the sky
Just an increment of time
What will you do with yours? Oh
I know what to do with mine
Even when the lights go out
Still they never die
Hmm, alright, I knew you was gonna hit me up or whatever 'cause I know you miss me. You already know who this is. It's your ex or whatever. I ain't finna' say my name for these thirsty ass b-(bleep) but I'm gon' give you my bucket list and it consists of beating your motherf-(bleep) ass, fina-fucking-lly, with your ugly ass
@simz2689
This song gives me so much hope that things will work out one day
@insk1617
They will. Just trust and keep working no matter what
@austinellois1455
💯
@xOrdealz
After listening to this project, you quickly become one of my favorite artists. Can't wait to see where the rest of your career takes you!
@waj6442
Ordealz SAME
@X.L.B1
Same
@boosay9255
same❤
@Murfydiba
Me too
@luken1843
You were a fan since day one, you deserved Care for me ❤️ Wish I had discovered him earlier
@Loceann
I love this song to death. Always on REPEAT!!