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.
MOST
Saba Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Snakes and a python, wrong with your haircut?
Hand on the bible
Stage with the light show, bed with the bedbugs
Check if the mic on
For the check that I sign on, tell me what I'm worth
Sleep when it's bedtime
Gave up the airtime, whole city graveyard
Most of these dudes played varsity ball
Now, most of these dogs in jail or they gone
Yeah, and most of me dogs call most women hoes
While most of the youth blamed most of the suits
Album got a deadline
Blog with a headline, always ahead line
Dapped in the Alpine
Whole city bedtime, most of us flatline
Most of us die young
Niggas been starvin', all of us diet
Ball with a ballpoint
Lie to the All-Knowing like he not all-knowing
Most of these dude don't wanna be thugs
But most of these news call most of us thugs
And most of these shooters be the boys in the blue
And most of these doors don't open and close
Ay, most these niggas starve for so long, get a plate and
Forget to thank God, they forgot to say grace, hey
Most people, they only want to be seen, hey
Most people, they only want to be seen, hey (uh, uh, you can)
Mark my word, where I'm from isn't safe (mark my word, where I'm from isn't safe)
I'ma stay up out the Lawn 'cause I don't want some snakes, hey
Most people, they were taught by the fake, hey
Most people, they only want to be seen, hey
Ridin' with a new scent, chain like a new noose
Cop in the rear-view, save all your two cents
Try and catch me like Mewtwo, they'll be happy to shoot you
Life not some sitcom
Streamin' on Hulu, there's no one to the rescue
No one to defend you
They know that I've been through
What most of 'em been through
Most of the youth in love with a gun
'Cause most of the young don't wanna be young
And most of these dogs don't love anymore
We know where they go, like we readin' a palm
Ay, most these niggas starve for so long, get a plate and
Forget to thank God, they forgot to say grace, hey
Most people, they only want to be seen, hey
Most people, they only want to be seen, hey (uh, uh, you can)
Mark my word, where I'm from isn't safe (mark my word, where I'm from isn't safe)
I'ma stay up out the Lawn 'cause I don't want some snakes, hey
Most people, they were taught by the fake, hey
Most people, they only want to be seen, hey
Yo, Chance The Rapper here
Uh, playin' drums
Learnin' how to play the drums
Has always been on my bucket list
Um, drummers just they get the
The song "MOST" by Saba emphasizes the harsh reality of life in his hometown, Chicago. Throughout the song, Saba talks about experiencing violence, poverty, and loss of hope for his city. The lyrics in the song have a cynical tone as Saba talks about the current state of his city and what it has done to its inhabitants. The line "Most of these dudes played varsity ball. Now, most of these dogs in jail or they gone" is a direct reference to the impacts that violence can have on young people who were once on the path to success. Most of the youth in Chicago are looking for a way out, but few have found it. Saba concludes the song with the statement "Most people, they only want to be seen," which serves as a representation of what it feels like to live in Chicago, where it is often thought that people only care about their image rather than the well-being of others.
The use of metaphors throughout the song also shows the complexity of the issues that Saba describes. The line "Chain like a new noose" is used to describe how being trapped in poverty can feel like a new kind of slavery. The line "Lie to the All-Knowing like he not all-knowing" expresses the frustration and hopelessness that many people feel towards religion and their ability to help in times of trouble.
Overall, "MOST" by Saba is a bleak commentary on the current state of Chicago. It is a powerful song that sheds light on the challenges that people in impoverished communities face daily.
Line by Line Meaning
Dance with the lights on
Embrace life to the fullest and enjoy every moment
Snakes and a python, wrong with your haircut?
Be cautious of those around you since they may not have your best interests at heart
Hand on the bible
Pledge to live a righteous and honest life
Stage with the light show, bed with the bedbugs
Life can be both glamorous and rough at the same time
Check if the mic on
Validate your worth and ensure your voice is heard
For the check that I sign on, tell me what I'm worth
Question the true value of money since it doesn't define your self-worth
Sleep when it's bedtime
Rest when you need to and take care of your body
Gave up the airtime, whole city graveyard
Sacrifice fame for what truly matters in life since success isn't everything
Most of these dudes played varsity ball
Many people have potential and talent, but not all use it wisely
Now, most of these dogs in jail or they gone
Some people end up in negative situations and don't learn from their mistakes
Yeah, and most of me dogs call most women hoes
People shouldn't judge or disrespect others based on gender
While most of the youth blamed most of the suits
There's often a divide between generations and their views on life
Album got a deadline
Pressure to meet expectations can be stressful and overwhelming
Blog with a headline, always ahead line
Stay ahead of the game and be a trendsetter
Dapped in the Alpine
Live in luxury and enjoy the finer things in life
Whole city bedtime, most of us flatline
Many people give up on life and don't strive to achieve their dreams
Most of us die young
Life is fleeting and some don't get to experience it to the fullest
Niggas been starvin', all of us diet
People may be hungry for success, but not everyone has the drive to achieve it
Ball with a ballpoint
Make wise decisions and choose your words carefully
Lie to the All-Knowing like he not all-knowing
It's foolish to lie to God or try to conceal the truth from Him
Most of these dude don't wanna be thugs
Some people don't really want to be seen as tough or aggressive
But most of these news call most of us thugs
The media may label people unfairly and promote stereotypes
And most of these shooters be the boys in the blue
Police officers may be responsible for acts of violence too
And most of these doors don't open and close
Opportunities may not always be available or easily accessible
Ay, most these niggas starve for so long, get a plate and
Some people aren't grateful for what they have and forget to appreciate it
Forget to thank God, they forgot to say grace, hey
People should be thankful for their blessings and always show gratitude
Most people, they only want to be seen, hey
Many seek attention and validation instead of true connection and purpose
Mark my word, where I'm from isn't safe
Some areas are dangerous and pose a threat to those living there
(Mark my word, where I'm from isn't safe)
Reinforcement of the previous statement
I'ma stay up out the Lawn
Avoid problematic situations and surroundings to stay safe
('Cause I don't want some snakes, hey)
Snakes may refer to dangerous people or negative situations
Most people, they were taught by the fake, hey
People may be misled by lies or inauthentic teachings
(Most who think they real, they were taught by the fake, hey)
Reinforcement of the previous statement
(Most these niggas hard, only want to be seen, 'een)
Reinforcement of the idea that people may act tough to seek attention
Ridin' with a new scent, chain like a new noose
Material possessions may be a trap and hold people back from true freedom
Cop in the rear-view, save all your two cents
Avoid trouble and don't engage in unnecessary conflicts
Try and catch me like Mewtwo, they'll be happy to shoot you
People may use violence or force to achieve their goals
Life not some sitcom
Life is serious and shouldn't be viewed as just entertainment
Streamin' on Hulu, there's no one to the rescue
Sometimes, people have to rely on themselves to solve their problems
No one to defend you
People may not have your back or offer support when you need it
They know that I've been through
Others may understand or empathize with your struggles and hardships
What most of 'em been through
Many people go through similar struggles and experiences in life
Most of the youth in love with a gun
Some young people are drawn to weapons and violence
('Cause most of the young don't wanna be young)
Being young may be viewed as a weakness or something to overcome
And most of these dogs don't love anymore
People may become hardened and lose their capacity to love and empathize
We know where they go, like we readin' a palm
Predictable outcomes may be discernible based on prior patterns and behavior
Yo, Chance The Rapper here
The artist Chance The Rapper introduces himself and speaks directly to the audience
(Uh, playin' drums)
Chance is playing the drums while he speaks
(Learnin' how to play the drums)
Chance is still developing his skills on the drums
(Has always been on my bucket list)
Playing the drums is something Chance has wanted to do for a long time
(Um, drummers just they get the girl)
Playing the drums may be attractive to some people or considered cool
Lyrics © Hipgnosis Songs Group
Written by: Tahj Malik Chandler
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@davidkantar5062
Dance with the lights on
Snakes and a python, wrong with your haircut?
Hand on the bible
Stage with the light show, bed with the bedbugs
Check if the mic on
For the check that I sign on, tell me what I'm worth
Sleep when it's bedtime
Gave up the airtime, whole city graveyard
[Hook 1]
Most of these dudes played varsity ball
Now, most of these dogs in jail or they gone
Yeah, and most of me dogs call most women hoes
While most of the youth blamed most of the suits
[Verse 2]
Album got a deadline
Blog with a headline, always ahead line
Dapped in the Alpine
Whole city bedtime, most of us flatline
Most of us die young
Niggas been starvin', all of us diet
Ball with a ballpoint
Lie to the All-Knowing like he not all-knowing
[Hook 2]
Most of these dude don't wanna be thugs
But most of these news call most of us thugs
And most of these shooters be the boys in the blue
And most of these doors don't open and close
[Post-Hook]
Ay, most these niggas starve for so long, get a plate and
Forget to thank God, they forgot to say grace, hey
Most people, they only want to be seen, hey
Most people, they only want to be seen, hey (uh, uh, you can)
Mark my word, where I'm from isn't safe
(Mark my word, where I'm from isn't safe)
I'ma stay up out the Lawn
'Cause I don't want some snakes, hey
(I'ma stay up out the Lawn
'Cause I don't want some snakes, hey)
Most people, they were taught by the fake, hey
(Most who think they real, they were taught by the fake, hey)
Most people, they only want to be seen, hey
(Most these niggas hard, only want to be seen, 'een)
[Verse 3]
Ridin' with a new scent, chain like a new noose
Cop in the rear-view, save all your two cents
Try and catch me like Mewtwo, they'll be happy to shoot you
Life not some sitcom
Streamin' on Hulu, there's no one to the rescue
No one to defend you
They know that I've been through
What most of 'em been through
[Hook 3]
Most of the youth in love with a gun
'Cause most of the young don't wanna be young
And most of these dogs don't love anymore
We know where they go, like we readin' a palm
[Post-Hook]
Ay, most these niggas starve for so long, get a plate and
Forget to thank God, they forgot to say grace, hey
Most people, they only want to be seen, hey
Most people, they only want to be seen, hey (uh, uh, you can)
Mark my word, where I'm from isn't safe
(Mark my word, where I'm from isn't safe)
I'ma stay up out the Lawn
'Cause I don't want some snakes, hey
(I'ma stay up out the Lawn
'Cause I don't want some snakes, hey)
Most people, they were taught by the fake, hey
(Most who think they real, they were taught by the fake, hey)
Most people, they only want to be seen, hey
(Most these, niggas hard, only want to be seen, 'een)
[Skit: Chance The Rapper]
Yo, Chance The Rapper here
Uh, playin' drums
Learnin' how to play the drums
Has always been on my bucket list
Um, drummers just...they get the girl
@1donmarquis132
Saba, I'm glad you picked up the mic bro. Timeless music. Stay rooted, you freeing a lot of minds from whatever situations they face...
@joegonzalez9383
Fr
@austinellois1455
🙏
@aidenparkhurst1191
MOST underrated Saba song🔥🔥
@sivuyileparkies2643
Love from South Africa 🌍. Stay hungry, don't change!!
@pitchblack5422
Represent
@bijlmer21
Fantastic project, this dude needs more exposure ASAP
@waj6442
Audio Phantom True
@davidbell1684
this song, this album. just inspiring
@kayshawn.
that's the perfect word for it bruh