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.
World in My Hands
Saba Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The world in my hands
The world in my hands
The world in my hands
The world in my hands
The world in my hands
The world in my hands
The world in my hands
The world in my palm like it's pomade
Cheering like they got pom poms on
And I'll document it, put it on page
Flipped it on 'em, I swanton bombed
And she say that she saw me on prime time
Stock going up draft combine
I don't wanna hear about the bullshit
I could write a full book
How you only keep it real sometimes
Sometimes I wonder what my life would be like
If I didn't try
To take my whole life
And put it in writing
And put it on wax
To play while you drive
I was on the bus with it
Just went to Manhattan on a bus ticket
Y'all still did everything but listen
Now they tryna sign
Like a petition
Submission
How I got the game in a choke hold
Knew my day would come, it was foretold
I've been focusing on keeping my balance
Like I had a couple drinks in the cupholder
I ain't worried 'bout you boys moving backwards
Just the forward
3 Man weave just the forwards
Justified
Side by side
Juxtaposed
Jumping out
Just to show you
The world in my hands
The world in my hands
The world in my hands
The world in my hands
The world in my hands
The world in my hands
The world in my hands
The world in my hands
They trafficking, they dont got crossing guards
We hope to die, we just cross our hearts
Reader's digest, I got food for thought
From where they keep pack like they move alot
I was a diamond in the rough
But rough was more literal
Now I kill with the literary
Just drop it on 'em like litterers
I just put my life in some literature
Like literally
I can't hold it
I feel all of it
The police targeted
Like I'm shoppin'
Want my albums posthumous
No fraudulent
Gas like flatulence
Hoe I feel fabulous
I'm fathering
All these styles I hit
Then they copy it
You know I ain't worried 'bout that tho'
Look how they react when I'm back home
I could turn a trap to a castle
Still yellin' bitch mob task force
In my vans
Mobbin' through France
Got my name up on my jersey with the world in my hands
The world in my hands
The world in my hands
The world in my hands
The world in my hands
The world in my hands
The world in my hands
The world in my hands
The world in my hands
Daydreamin' it's real when we wake up
Gave my all but can't say I gave up
They wonder what these dreams are made of
My beautiful dark twisted fanta-leaf
Burn like the pain when you see me grow
Yeah yeah it's that same old negro
Crazy how now this weed shit legal
Bro mane passion was the profit
Got to moving trees
Like the breeze
Only two p's deep for
Judge slammed the gaval and he gone
Good man need a lil more just to feed his people
Screaming reparations
'Til my respiration meet the expiration
No ain't no rush lil bitch
I got patience
Doctor the blunt
Goddamn me I'm waiting
With the wind in my hand
Grinning like damn
Fresh linen
Lining flicking like Tiana Trump damn
A-town stomp Fuck Trump
St Lou taught me never front, stunt
Dave Mirra bring it bike on 'em
They been feeling dead
Dripping life on 'em
On your head
Turn to lice on 'em
Come to bread
Need a high quota
On a quest for my lil niggas
Gotta get 'em back
Turn the Phife on 'em
The world in my hands
The world in my hands
The world in my hands
The world in my hands
The world in my hands
The world in my hands
The world in my hands
The world in my hands
Daydreamin' is real when we wake up
Gave my all but can't say I gave up
They wonder what these dreams are made of
The song "World in My Hands" by Saba reflects on his successful career in the music industry and how it has given him control over his life and the world around him. Saba starts the song by repeating the line "The world in my hands" which reflects on his success and how it has given him the power to navigate the world around him. He mentions how he was able to document his successes, how he ignored "the bullshit" and focused on his dreams, and how he focused on keeping his balance despite having "a couple of drinks in the cup holder".
Saba then goes on to talk about how his success has led to people trying to emulate him, and how he is not worried about their attempts to move backwards rather than forwards. He also talks about the challenges he faces as a Black man in the music industry, with the police targeting him and threatening his life. Despite this, Saba remains focused on his passion and remains patient to achieve his dreams.
Throughout the song, Saba reflects on the reality of chasing his dreams, and how he gave his all to get where he is today. The lyrics highlight his resilience and perseverance, despite the challenges he has faced.
Line by Line Meaning
The world in my hands
I have complete control over the world and everything in it.
The world in my palm like it's pomade
I hold the world in the same way one holds a jar of pomade, with a firm grip and a sense of power.
Cheering like they got pom poms on
People are enthusiastically supporting me, like cheerleaders waving pom poms.
And I'll document it, put it on page
I will record my achievements and experiences and share them with others, like writing them on a page.
Flipped it on 'em, I swanton bombed
I surprised and amazed others with my actions, comparing it to a professional wrestling move called a Swanton Bomb.
And she say that she saw me on prime time
Someone claims to have seen me on a popular television show during a prime viewing time.
Stock going up draft combine
My value and popularity are increasing, similar to a stock that rises during a draft combine event.
I don't wanna hear about the bullshit
I have no interest in listening to or dealing with unnecessary or irrelevant information.
I could write a full book
I have so much to say and so many experiences to share that it could fill an entire book.
How you only keep it real sometimes
It is questioned how genuine and authentic someone is when they only display honesty and authenticity occasionally.
Sometimes I wonder what my life would be like
There are moments when I contemplate how different my life would be if certain circumstances or choices were altered.
If I didn't try
If I didn't put in effort or attempt to pursue my goals and dreams.
To take my whole life
To share and express my entire life story and experiences.
And put it in writing
To convey my life through the act of writing.
And put it on wax
To publicly release and share my life story and experiences through music.
To play while you drive
To create music that can be enjoyed while someone is driving, providing a soundtrack to their journey.
I was on the bus with it
I was carrying and pursuing my dreams while traveling on a bus, symbolizing the dedication and determination to succeed.
Just went to Manhattan on a bus ticket
I traveled to Manhattan using only a bus ticket, highlighting my resourcefulness and ability to achieve my goals despite limited means.
Y'all still did everything but listen
Despite my efforts, others have disregarded and ignored my message or music.
Now they tryna sign
Now others are attempting to secure a contract or agreement with me, recognizing my talent and potential.
Like a petition
Their attempts to sign me are comparable to the process of gathering signatures on a petition, showing widespread support and demand.
Submission
The act of submitting or yielding to the pressure or influence of others.
How I got the game in a choke hold
I have gained significant control and dominance over the music industry, like having a game in a chokehold.
Knew my day would come, it was foretold
I always had a feeling or belief that my moment of success and recognition would eventually arrive, as if it were predicted or foreseen.
I've been focusing on keeping my balance
I have been prioritizing and working towards maintaining stability and equilibrium in my life and career.
Like I had a couple drinks in the cupholder
Similar to how one tries to keep their balance while driving with a couple of drinks in the cupholder, I am metaphorically maintaining my stability amidst challenges and distractions.
I ain't worried 'bout you boys moving backwards
I am not concerned or bothered by others who are regressing or failing to progress in their lives or careers.
Just the forward
I am solely focused on moving forward and making progress in my own endeavors.
3 Man weave just the forwards
A reference to a basketball drill called a 3 man weave, in which only the forwards participate, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and collaboration.
Justified
Validated or proven to be right or reasonable.
Side by side
Standing or working closely together, often in support of each other.
Juxtaposed
Contrasted or placed together in order to highlight their differences.
Jumping out
Making a bold and attention-grabbing move, metaphorically 'jumping out' of the ordinary or expected.
Just to show you
I am doing something solely to demonstrate or prove a point to you.
They trafficking, they dont got crossing guards
Others are engaged in illegal activities or deceitful behavior, without anyone to protect or prevent them from doing so.
We hope to die, we just cross our hearts
We make promises or express commitment with utmost sincerity, as if swearing on our hearts.
Reader's digest, I got food for thought
Similar to the condensed and insightful nature of Reader's Digest, I have meaningful and thought-provoking ideas to offer.
From where they keep pack like they move a lot
Referring to a place where people engage in frequent illegal activities, often involving the transportation or distribution of drugs.
I was a diamond in the rough
I possessed great potential or talent, but was initially unrecognized or undervalued.
But rough was more literal
The term 'rough' not only describes my situation, but it also refers to a difficult or challenging environment.
Now I kill with the literary
Now I excel and achieve success through my writing or literary abilities.
Just drop it on 'em like litterers
I confidently and boldly release my work or message onto others, likening it to dropping litter.
I just put my life in some literature
I express and share my life experiences and stories through my literary works.
Like literally
To emphasize that my statements or descriptions are not figurative, but rather true and accurate.
I can't hold it
I am overwhelmed or unable to contain or control my emotions or expressions.
I feel all of it
I experience and sense every aspect or dimension of the situation or moment.
The police targeted
Law enforcement specifically singled me out for attention, scrutiny, or harassment.
Like I'm shoppin'
Similar to how one is closely observed or followed while shopping, I am subjected to intense surveillance or scrutiny.
Want my albums posthumous
Others desire or anticipate the release of my albums after my death.
No fraudulent
I am genuine, authentic, and real, without any deceit or fraudulent behavior.
Gas like flatulence
I possess incredible energy, charisma, or talent, comparable to the release of gas like flatulence.
Hoe I feel fabulous
I feel amazing, confident, and wonderful, dismissing any negative opinions or attitudes from others.
I'm fathering
I am responsible for or leading the way in creating and developing various styles or trends.
All these styles I hit
I successfully embody and excel in various artistic styles and genres.
Then they copy it
Others imitate or try to replicate my unique style or approach.
You know I ain't worried 'bout that tho'
You are aware that I do not concern myself or allow myself to be bothered by such matters.
Look how they react when I'm back home
Observe the intense and enthusiastic response or reception I receive from others when I return to my hometown.
I could turn a trap to a castle
I have the ability and skill to transform a negative and challenging environment or situation into something positive and admirable.
Still yellin' bitch mob task force
I continue to proudly represent the 'Bitch Mob,' a term associated with my crew or movement, emphasizing our strength and unity.
In my vans
While wearing my Vans shoes, symbolizing my identity and individuality.
Mobbin' through France
I confidently and fearlessly move through France, disregarding any obstacles or opposition.
Got my name up on my jersey with the world in my hands
I proudly display my name on my jersey while holding the world in my hands, signifying my success and influence on a global scale.
Daydreamin' it's real when we wake up
The dreams and aspirations we have while daydreaming become a reality when we are fully awake and actively pursuing them.
Gave my all but can't say I gave up
I have dedicated all my efforts and resources towards achieving my goals, and I can proudly say that I never gave up or quit.
They wonder what these dreams are made of
Others are curious and intrigued to know the exact nature or components of my dreams, questioning their origin or source.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: TAHJ MALIK CHANDLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Malade mantal
[Hook: Saba]
The world in my hands, the world in my hands
The world in my hands, the world in my hands
The world in my hands, the world in my hands
The world in my hands, the world in my hands
[Verse 1: Saba]
The world in my palm like it's pomade
Cheering like they got pom poms on
And I document it, put it on page
Flipped it on em, I swanton bombed
And she say that she saw me on prime time
Stock going up draft combine
I don't wanna hear about the bullshit, I could write a full book
How you only keep it real sometimes
Sometimes I wonder what my life would be like if I didn't try to take my whole life and put it in writing
Put it on wax to play while you drive
I was on the bus with it
Just went to Manhattan on a bus ticket
Y'all still did everything but listen
Now they tryna sign like a petition, submission
How I got the game in a choke hold
Knew my day would come, it was foretold
I've been focusing on keeping my balance
Like I had a couple drinks in the cup-holder
I ain't worried bout your boys moving backwards
Just the forward, 3 Man weave just the forwards
Justified, side by side, juxtaposed, jumping out
Just to show you
[Hook: Saba]
The world in my hands, the world in my hands
(oh oh oh, oh oh, oh oh, oh oh, oh oh)
The world in my hands, the world in my hands
The world in my hands, the world in my hands
(oh oh oh, oh oh, oh oh)
The world in my hands, the world in my hands
[Verse 2: Saba]
Hey! Look, they trafficking, they don't got crossing guards
We hope to die, we just cross our hearts
Reader's digest, I got food for thought
From where they keep pack like they move a lot
I was a diamond in the rough but rough was more literal
Now I kill with the literary, just drop it on em like litterers
I just put my life in some literature...like literally!
I can't hold it, I feel all of it
The police targeted, like I'm shoppin
Want my albums posthumous, no fraudulent
Gas like flatulence, hoe I feel fabulous
I'm fathering all these styles I hit, then they copy it
You know I ain't worried bout that though (about that though)
Look how they react when I'm back home (when I'm back home)
I could turn the trap to a castle (to a castle)
Still yellin' bitch mob task force (hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey)
In my vans, mobbin' through France
Got my name up on my jersey with the world in my hands
[Hook: Saba]
The world in my hands, the world in my hands
(oh oh oh, oh oh, oh oh, oh oh, oh oh)
The world in my hands, the world in my hands
The world in my hands, the world in my hands
(oh oh oh, oh oh, oh oh)
The world in my hands, the world in my hands
[Bridge: LeGit & Saba]
Daydreamin' its real when we wake up
Gave my all but can't say I gave up
They wonder what these dreams are made of
(Oh oh oh, oh oh, oh oh)
[Verse 3: Smino]
My beautiful dark twisted fanta-leaf
Burn like the pain when you see me grow
Yeah yeah it's that same old negro
Crazy how now this weed shit legal
Bro mainpassion was the profit
Got to moving trees, like the breeze, only two-piece default
Judge slammed the gavel and he gone
Good man need a lil' more tryna feed his people
Screaming reparations, 'till my respiration meet the expiration, uh
No ain't no rush lil' bitch, I got patience
Doctor the blunt, goddamn me I'm waiting
With the wind in my hand, ay, grinning like damn
Fresh linen, lining flicking like Teanna Trump damn, ay
A town stomp Fuck Trump, chunk
St. Lou taught me never front, stunt
Dave Mirra bring it bike on em, they been feeling dead dripping life on em
On your...head, turn to lice on em
Come to...bread, need a high quota
On a...quest for my lil' niggas
Gotta get 'em back, turn the Phife on em
[Hook: Saba]
The world in my hands, the world in my hands
(oh oh oh, oh oh, oh oh, oh oh, oh oh)
The world in my hands, the world in my hands
The world in my hands, the world in my hands
(oh oh oh, oh oh, oh oh)
The world in my hands, the world in my hands
[Bridge: LeGit & Saba]
Daydreamin' its real when we wake up
Gave my all but can't say I gave up
They wonder what these dreams are made of
(Oh oh oh, oh oh, oh oh)
Adam Mullan
The world in my hands, the world in my hands
The world in my hands, the world in my hands
The world in my hands, the world in my hands
The world in my hands, the world in my hands
The world in my palm like it's pomade
Cheering like they got pom poms on
And I document it, put it on page
Flipped it on em, I swanton bombed
And she say that she saw me on prime time
Stock going up draft combine
I don't wanna hear about the bullshit, I could write a full book how you only keep it real sometimes
Sometimes I wonder what my life would be like if I didn't try to take my whole life and put it in writing
Put it on wax to play while you drive
I was on the bus with it
Just went to Manhattan on a bus ticket
Y'all still did everything but listen, now they tryna sign like a petition, submission
How I got the game in a choke hold
Knew my day would come, it was foretold
I've been focusing on keeping my balance, like I had a couple drinks in the cup-holder
I ain't worried bout your boys moving backwards
Just the forward, 3 Man weave just the forwards
Justified, side by side, juxtaposed, jumping out, just to show you the...
The world in my hands, the world in my hands
(oh oh oh, oh oh, oh oh, oh oh, oh oh)
The world in my hands, the world in my hands
The world in my hands, the world in my hands
(oh oh oh, oh oh, oh oh)
The world in my hands, the world in my hands
Hey!
Look, they trafficking, they don't got crossing guards
We hope to die, we just cross our hearts
Reader's digest, I got food for thought
From where they keep pack like they move a lot
I was a diamond in the rough but rough was more literal
Now I kill with the literary, just drop it on em like litterers
I just put my life in some literature...like literally!
I can't hold it, I feel all of it
The police targeted, like I'm shoppin
Want my albums posthumous, no fraudulent
Gas like flatulence, hoe I feel fabulous
I'm fathering...all these styles I hit, then they copy it
You know I ain't worried bout that though (about that though)
Look how they react when I'm back home (when I'm back home)
I could turn a trap to a castle (to a castle)
Still yellin' bitch mob task force (hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey)
In my vans, mobbin' through France
Got my name up on my jersey with the world in my hands
The world in my hands, the world in my hands
(oh oh oh, oh oh, oh oh, oh oh, oh oh)
The world in my hands, the world in my hands
The world in my hands, the world in my hands
(oh oh oh, oh oh, oh oh)
The world in my hands, the world in my hands
Daydreamin' its real when we wake up
Gave my all but can't say I gave up
They wonder what these dreams are made of
(Oh oh oh, oh oh, oh oh)
My beautiful dark twisted fanta-leaf
Burn like the pain when you see me grow
Yeah yeah it's that same old negro
Crazy how now this weed shit legal
Bro mainpassion was the profit
Got to moving trees, like the breeze, only two-piece default
Judge slammed the gavel and he gone
Good man need a lil' more tryna feed his people
Screaming reparations, 'till my respiration meet the expiration, uh
No ain't no rush lil' bitch, I got patience
Doctor the blunt, goddamn me I'm waiting
With the wind in my hand, ay, grinning like damn
Fresh linen, lining flicking like Teanna Trump damn, ay
A town stomp Fuck Trump, chunk
St. Lou taught me never front, stunt
Dave Mirra bring it bike on em, they been feeling dead dripping life on em
On your...head, turn to lice on em
Come to...bread, need a high quota
On a...quest for my lil' niggas
Gotta get 'em back, turn the Phife on em
The world in my hands, the world in my hands
(oh oh oh, oh oh, oh oh, oh oh, oh oh)
The world in my hands, the world in my hands
The world in my hands, the world in my hands
(oh oh oh, oh oh, oh oh)
The world in my hands, the world in my hands
Daydreamin' its real when we wake up
Gave my all but can't say I gave up
They wonder what these dreams are made of
(Oh oh oh, oh oh, oh oh)
Emm Lopez
Saba is like a hidden Jewel, very rare and stellar in the rap industry. 🤘
drumastar
Smino is always so dope
LUKI
Right
Karumity
True
Heat96
One of the best rappers from Chicago
Axel Duh
ShowTime him and chance
Edward Silva
AXEL- DUCKY chance is whatever now. He used to be great
Sir-Jae James
Alex Wiley, Kembe X, NoName and Mick Jenkins as well
Dyzzi From DivSel
Sir-Jae James and people like Joey Purp, Vic Mensa, Supa Bwe, Calez, Brandun Deshay, Towkio, etc. i love my city.
Heat96
Dyzzi 773 G Herbo is good too