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.
Still
Saba Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Still can't believe this is all real
Still spinnin' for DMs
Still lovin' these hoes, I still don't really need them
I'm still, our life is like a film, set in a different realm
I'm still tryna decide how I feel
I'm still rough as a rider, I'm still right here beside you
I'm still tryna find a beat to
She say, "I gotta be still, yeah, I gotta be still"
Bare a cross right 'cause when life goin' right then they might wanna re-deal
I say, "I wanna be here, but I got moves to make"
There's so many people workin' for me nowadays
That I don't even know who I pay, okay
I'm still right here beside you, gettin' sick of the costume
What's the real world?
When you with me, you take off your cool
Admittedly, yeah, I do too
I know I'm more elusive, but her grip never get looser
And that's why I don't wan' lose her
Ridin' 'round two-ninety, windows down
I get reminded to slow down
I get a message, we up now
She go down with the boat now
I try to be profound, but you could get lost with me
I had to leave and put it on hold until you across from me again
Still missin' my lady, still smokin' like crazy
Still can't believe this is all real
Still spinnin' for DMs
Still lovin' these hoes, I still don't really need them
I'm still, our life is like a film, set in a different realm
I'm still tryna decide how I feel
I'm still rough as a rider, I'm still right here beside you
I'm still tryna find a beat to kill
High (High-high-high), high (High)
High (Just as still)
High (High-high-high), high (High)
High (Just as still)
High (High-high-high), high (High)
High (Uh-uh-uh, mm-mm)
I hope you still got, hope you still got
And you still got my hoodie
Still have my car, still have my wallet
Still in that pocket, hope you don't call it
Pullin' my card, still where your momma live
Right off Parker road it's-
Still be callin' to me, she love me still
Got a bond still, so what's fuckin' real?
Discussion still, if there's somethin' still
Love a women still, got my gun inside of the function
Still-iam Shakespeare, no eraser, I wrote this verse in stone
Sculped the horoscope, I'm morse code, still tapped in with your hoe (With your hoe)
Smino touch the soul (soul)
I change actually when I'm in the booth
I eat it like baba ghanoush
Right by the lanes and right by the goose
I'm really just still into you
Still missin' my lady, still smokin' like crazy
Still can't believe this is all real
Still spinnin' for DMs
Still lovin' these hoes, I still don't really need them
I'm still, our life is like a film, set in a different realm
I'm still tryna decide how I feel
I'm still rough as a rider, I'm still right here beside you
I'm still tryna find a beat to kill
My mother's house, the glue that kept the family together
There's nothin' like y'all
People moved out of the city and the compact got vacated
We were always no more than
A half an hour from the house
In the song "Still" by Saba, the lyrics express the artist's ongoing feelings and emotions towards his love interest and his current life situation. The repetition of the phrase "Still" emphasizes the persistence of these sentiments.
The first verse suggests that despite missing his lady and engaging in certain habits like smoking excessively, Saba is still grappling with the reality of his circumstances. He mentions spinning for direct messages (DMs), indicating a desire for attention and connection in the digital age. However, he recognizes that while he may still love the attention from other women, he doesn't necessarily need it. Saba compares their life to a film set in a different realm, implying a sense of escapism and the difficulty of truly understanding their relationship. He also mentions his struggle to find a beat to express himself, perhaps struggling to find the right artistic direction or mood for his music.
The second verse introduces the perspective of his love interest, who suggests that she needs to be still and bear her own cross. She acknowledges that when life is going well, others may try to interfere or manipulate the situation. Saba responds, expressing his desire to be present but also acknowledging the need to make moves and progress in his career. He highlights the complexity of his expanding team and the detachment from those who work for him. Despite feeling worn down by the facade or costume he puts on, he recognizes the genuineness of his relationship with her and how both of them let their guard down. The mention of riding in a car and getting a reminder to slow down suggests an internal struggle with the fast-paced nature of their lives.
The chorus is a repetition of the opening lines, emphasizing the artist's ongoing feelings and experiences. The word "high" is repeated multiple times, alluding to a sense of euphoria or being in an altered state, possibly connected to the relationship or his experiences.
In the bridge, Saba reflects on the tangible reminders of their relationship, such as his hoodie, car, and wallet that she still possesses. He hopes she won't discard them or cut ties with him. He references locations and calls back to memories they shared, illustrating the familiarity and nostalgia they hold. Saba delves into wordplay as he asserts his artistic abilities by comparing himself to Shakespeare and how his verses are engraved as if in stone. He also implies that he continues to be in touch with other women, but his focus remains on the one he loves.
The final verse reflects on the significance of Saba's mother's house as the glue that kept their family together. Even as people have moved away, he still cherishes the connection and closeness they shared. The mention of being no more than half an hour away from the house suggests that despite physical distance, the emotional ties remain strong.
Overall, "Still" explores the ongoing emotions and complexities of a relationship, expressing feelings of longing, confusion, and dedication while navigating the challenges of fame and personal growth.
Line by Line Meaning
Still missin' my lady, still smokin' like crazy
I am still longing for my significant other, and I am still smoking excessively.
Still can't believe this is all real
I am still struggling to accept the reality of my current situation.
Still spinnin' for DMs
I am still eagerly waiting for direct messages on social media.
Still lovin' these hoes, I still don't really need them
I still have affection for multiple women, but I realize that I don't truly depend on them.
I'm still, our life is like a film, set in a different realm
I am still living a life that feels like it belongs in a movie, but in a separate world from reality.
I'm still tryna decide how I feel
I am still in the process of determining my emotions and thoughts.
I'm still rough as a rider, I'm still right here beside you
I am still tough and unrefined like a street rider, and I am still faithfully by your side.
I'm still tryna find a beat to kill
I am still searching for a rhythm or musical composition to excel in.
She say, "I gotta be still, yeah, I gotta be still"
She says that she needs to remain calm and composed.
Bare a cross right 'cause when life goin' right then they might wanna re-deal
I have to carry the burden of responsibility since people may try to take advantage when things are going well.
I say, "I wanna be here, but I got moves to make"
I express my desire to stay, but I also acknowledge that I have important actions to take.
There's so many people workin' for me nowadays
I now have a large number of individuals working on my behalf.
That I don't even know who I pay, okay
I am not even aware of the individuals to whom I am giving monetary compensation.
I'm still right here beside you, gettin' sick of the costume
I am still present with you, but I am growing tired of pretending to be someone I am not.
What's the real world?
I question the true nature of reality.
When you with me, you take off your cool
When you are with me, you can let go of your facade and be yourself.
Admittedly, yeah, I do too
I confess that I also let go of my inhibitions and genuine self when I am with you.
I know I'm more elusive, but her grip never get looser
I am aware that I can be hard to grasp, but she continues to hold on tightly.
And that's why I don't wan' lose her
That is precisely why I don't want to let go of her.
Ridin' 'round two-ninety, windows down
Driving around at a speed of 290 kilometers per hour with the car windows open.
I get reminded to slow down
I am reminded to calm down and take things at a slower pace.
I get a message, we up now
I receive a message, indicating that we have achieved success or reached a higher level.
She go down with the boat now
She stands by my side and supports me through any difficulties or challenges.
I try to be profound, but you could get lost with me
I attempt to be deep and meaningful, but it is possible to become confused or overwhelmed in my presence.
I had to leave and put it on hold until you across from me again
I had to depart and suspend our relationship until the time when we can be face to face once more.
I hope you still got, hope you still got
I hope you still possess, I hope you still possess
And you still got my hoodie
And you still have my sweatshirt.
Still have my car, still have my wallet
You still have my car, you still have my wallet.
Still in that pocket, hope you don't call it
They are still in that location, I hope you do not make a phone call.
Pullin' my card, still where your momma live
Finding out my true intentions, I am still in the same place as your mother.
Right off Parker road it's-
Adjacent to Parker road, it is-
Still be callin' to me, she love me still
She continues to call me, she still loves me.
Got a bond still, so what's fuckin' real?
We still have a strong connection, so what is genuine or authentic?
Discussion still, if there's somethin' still
The conversation continues, if there is something that still exists.
Love a women still, got my gun inside of the function
I still appreciate women, and I carry a weapon at the event.
Still-iam Shakespeare, no eraser, I wrote this verse in stone
I am still like William Shakespeare, unafraid to leave my words permanently imprinted.
Sculped the horoscope, I'm morse code, still tapped in with your hoe (With your hoe)
I meticulously crafted the forecast of our future, I communicate in a secret language, and I am still connected with someone you are involved with.
Smino touch the soul (soul)
Smino deeply impacts and influences individuals.
I change actually when I'm in the booth
My true self emerges when I am in the recording studio.
I eat it like baba ghanoush
I consume the music or rap lyrics with great enthusiasm.
Right by the lanes and right by the goose
I am by the traffic lanes and adjacent to a bottle of Grey Goose vodka.
I'm really just still into you
I am genuinely and consistently attracted to you.
My mother's house, the glue that kept the family together
My mother's residence symbolizes the factor that held our family united.
There's nothin' like y'all
There is nothing comparable to the bond we share as a family.
People moved out of the city and the compact got vacated
Individuals relocated from the urban area, resulting in the emptying of residential buildings.
We were always no more than
We have never been further apart than
A half an hour from the house
A thirty-minute distance away from our home.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, PFIVE Entertainment Mexico, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Cherie L. Smith, Francisco Pimentel, Fred C. III Mosbey, Michael Patrick Turner, Sharal T. Churchill, Simone Sello
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@alexandravladescu5817
[Chorus: 6LACK]
Still missin' my lady, still smokin' like crazy
Still can't believe this is all real
Still spinnin' for DMs
Still lovin' these hoes, I still don't really need them
I'm still, our life is like a film, set in a different realm
I'm still tryna decide how I feel
I'm still rough as a rider, I'm still right here beside you
I'm still tryna find a beat to-
[Verse 1: Saba]
She say "I gotta be still, yeah, I gotta be still"
Bare a cross right 'cause when life goin' right then they might wanna re-deal
I say "I wanna be here", but I got moves to make
There's so many people workin' for me nowadays
That I don't even know who I pay, okay
I'm still right here beside you, gettin' sick of the costume
What's the real world?
When you with me, you take off your cool
Admittedly, yeah, I do too
I know I'm more illusive, but her grip never get looser
And that's why I don't wan' lose her
Ridin' 'round two-ninety, windows down
I get reminded to slow down
I get a message, we up now
She without [?]
I try to be profound, but you would get lost for me
I had to leave and put it on hold until you across for me again
[Chorus: 6LACK]
Still missin' my lady, still smokin' like crazy
Still can't believe this is all real
Still spinnin' for DMs
Still lovin' these hoes, I still don't really need them
I'm still, our life is like a film, set in a different realm
I'm still tryna decide how I feel
I'm still rough as a rider, I'm still right here beside you
I'm still tryna find a beat to kill
[Bridge: Smino]
High (High-high-high), high (High)
High (Just as still)
High (High-high-high), high (High)
High (Just as still)
High (High-high-high), high (High)
High
Uh-uh-uh, mm-mm
[Verse 2: Smino]
I hope you still got, hope you still got
And you still got my hoodie
Still have my car, still have my wallet
Still in that pocket, hope you don't call it
Pullin' my card, still where your momma live
Right off Parker road its [?]
Still be callin' to me, she love me still
Got a bond still, so what's fuckin' real?
Discussion still, if there's somethin' still
Love a women still, got my gun inside of the function
Still-iam Shakespeare, no eraser, I wrote this verse in stone
Sculped the horoscope, I'm morse code, still tapped in with your hoe (With your hoe)
Smino touch the soul (Soul)
I change actually when I'm in the booth
I eat it like baba ghanoush
Right by the lanes and right by the goose
I'm really just still into you
[Chorus: 6LACK]
Still missin' my lady, still smokin' like crazy
Still can't believe this is all real
Still spinnin' for DMs
Still lovin' these hoes, I still don't really need them
I'm still, our life is like a film, set in a different realm
I'm still tryna decide how I feel
I'm still rough as a rider, I'm still right here beside you
I'm still tryna find a beat to kill
[Outro]
My mother's house, the glue that kept the family together
There's nothin' like y'all
People moved out of the city and the compact got vacated
We were always loved more than ...
Half an hour from the house [?]
@SabaPIVOT
See you soon 🌿
http://sabapivot.com/tour
@ddfagioli
CAN'T WAIT.
@joeycraft_00
Mmmm. 👌🏽🖤📝
@runningwithniko
i wish you got the respect you deserve
@levipleitez5817
Would love to see you out here in Vegas - glad to see you keeping it up Saba. One love.
@therealbes
See us in Zurich✌️
@iabaca
Bought my first car last week... So this is how my journey starts... With a new saba album...
@drespraulding
Wholesome comment
@tjuroyares
Damn Enjoy that man
@swaythekid
W