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.
one way or every n***a with a budget
Saba Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's a one way street though
It's a round trip when we fly
Never one way, one way
New crib by the seaside
On the one way street though
It's a million ways to get by
Never one way, one way
Need a million after taxes, I might spend the shit on fashion
All this flexin' made me stronger, feel like Tony in a mansion
My baby mama lookin' she could've won a pageant
I'm not vegan, we been eatin', kick my feet up and get fatter
Sit all day and I play Madden and my mattress California
My address California, when I can't find my controller
I'm like "Fuck it," buy another, it ain't nothin', I got money
We all splurgin' on this dumb shit, 'cause we careless and we youngins
Every nigga with a budget takin' care at least ten buddies
What you need, you know I cover
It's a one way street though
It's a round trip when we fly
Never one way, one way
New crib by the seaside
On the one way street though
It's a million ways to get by
Never one way, one way
I'ma order pasta that I cannot properly pronounce
Keep my doors open 'case a nigga pop up on my couch
Went from couldn't afford it to a nigga coppin' without counting
None my checks been voidin' since a nigga got me an accountant
Send my mama a quick thousand and we crashed them open houses
All the rappers and Tarzana, in the valley, Calabasas
All my niggas wanna crash here, and my woman friends is ratchet
All the neighbors lookin' at us, lookin' different than they family
A Black man with the baggies, so my people in my paddy
Know I got it if you ask me
It's a one way street though
It's a round trip when we fly
Never one way, one way
New crib by the seaside
On the one way street though
There's a million ways to get by
Never one way, one way
Saba's "One Way" is a song that can be interpreted in many ways, with themes revolving around the pursuit of success, the pressures of fame, and the struggles of Black individuals to navigate a society that is often hostile towards them. The first verse of the song speaks to the desire for peace, and the fear of losing one's life in the process of achieving success. The artist highlights the struggles that come with the pursuit of success, emphasizing the fact that although there are many paths to get there, it is often a one-way road that is hard to navigate.
The second verse speaks to the trappings of fame, with the artist discussing the excesses that come with success, such as spending money on fashion, and engaging in other forms of carelessness. Despite these trappings, the artist emphasizes the importance of giving back to one's community and supporting those around you, especially those who have helped you achieve success.
The chorus is where the main theme of the song is emphasized, with the artist highlighting the fact that success is often not a one-way street, but rather a round-trip journey, with many ups and downs along the way. This is further emphasized by the line "there's a million ways to get by", which speaks to the fact that although success may seem like a one-way journey at times, there are many paths to achieving it.
Line by Line Meaning
Want the peace, but don't wanna die
I desire a peaceful life, but I am too scared to risk death to achieve it.
It's a one way street though
The path to success is difficult and there is no turning back once we begin.
It's a round trip when we fly
Although it seems like a one way journey towards success, we will return back to our starting point in some way or another.
Never one way, one way
Success is never a straightforward journey, and there are always alternate routes to achieve it.
New crib by the seaside
I have recently acquired a new home located by the beach.
On the one way street though
Even though my success was not a direct path, I still made it to my new home by the seaside.
It's a million ways to get by
There are countless ways to achieve success and get through life's challenges.
Need a million after taxes, I might spend the shit on fashion
After taxes, I require a million dollars, and I may spend it frivolously on clothing and accessories.
All this flexin' made me stronger, feel like Tony in a mansion
Showing off my real and perceived wealth has made me feel more confident, like Tony (Montana) did in his mansion in the movie Scarface.
My baby mama lookin' she could've won a pageant
The mother of my child is very attractive and could have easily won a beauty pageant.
I'm not vegan, we been eatin', kick my feet up and get fatter
I am not a vegan and have been eating whatever I want, leading to weight gain.
Sit all day and I play Madden and my mattress California
I spend my days sitting and playing video games, while my comfortable mattress is located in California.
My address California, when I can't find my controller
My home address is in California, and when I cannot find my video game controller, I can simply buy a new one without worry.
I'm like "Fuck it," buy another, it ain't nothin', I got money
I do not hesitate to buy a new controller because I have plenty of money and it does not matter to me.
We all splurgin' on this dumb shit, 'cause we careless and we youngins
All of us are spending recklessly, engaging in foolish purchases because we are young and carefree.
Every nigga with a budget takin' care at least ten buddies
People on a budget still take care of their friends and help support them financially.
What you need, you know I cover
If you need something, you know that I will cover for you and provide support.
I'ma order pasta that I cannot properly pronounce
I will order expensive pasta dishes that I cannot properly pronounce to flaunt my wealth and status.
Keep my doors open 'case a nigga pop up on my couch
My doors are always open in case a friend needs a place to stay or crash for the night.
Went from couldn't afford it to a nigga coppin' without counting
I used to not be able to afford certain things, but now I can buy them effortlessly without counting my money and worrying about the cost.
None my checks been voidin' since a nigga got me an accountant
Since I got an accountant, all of my checks have been valid and I have been handling my finances responsibly.
Send my mama a quick thousand and we crashed them open houses
I sent my mother $1,000 and we went to visit newly built houses for sale and open houses for demonstration purposes.
All the rappers and Tarzana, in the valley, Calabasas
Many rappers reside in Tarzana and the surrounding areas in the San Fernando Valley of California, such as Calabasas.
All my niggas wanna crash here, and my woman friends is ratchet
My friends all want to come and stay at my home, and some of my female friends are wild and unruly.
All the neighbors lookin' at us, lookin' different than they family
The neighbors are all looking at us and treating us differently because we do not conform to their idea of a typical family.
A Black man with the baggies, so my people in my paddy
As a Black man wearing expensive clothing, I look out for my people and will travel in my Porsche Panamera to show off my success.
Know I got it if you ask me
If you need anything, you know that I can provide it and have the means to do so.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Tahj Chandler
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Saba Pivot
See you soon 🌿
http://sabapivot.com/tour
Marv P
That’s a one way street tho ✍🏾🎤🔥
Olwethu myeza
Damn bro, no south africa
DreDay
This def has a "getting ready for your day vibe". I can hear this being played in the opening of a movie. As the main character is getting ready for their day.
Vivid the Owl Hoarder
The intro plays as he gets dressed then it goes into the opening credits with a sort of tour of the city in like a cool artistic style. Maybe its an animated movie in a similar style to Spiderverse
NeverKnowsBest
Def do
Ondre Kundalini
Facts lol 😂💯💯💯
Hanzo
Saba you definitely mastered your sound 🔥no matter if this album does crazy numbers or you get the respect you deserve as a once in a lifetime artist by the mainstream audience or not just know you did your thing and we are super thankful for it.Your a huge inspiration for independent artists man keep doing your thing PIVOTTTTT
Sam Gathirwa
Pivot
Shumunya Cho
Liking the way this flows. It's like riding a skateboard throughout downtown New York, with your headphone volume set to the max. ( you can't lie though, this does sound like skateboard music )