Tales
ScHoolboy Q Lyrics

Ha ha, ha, ha, ha-ha, ha ha, ha
This line is a playful laughter that sets the tone for the song, indicating that Schoolboy Q is about to share his personal stories and experiences.

Tell you all about it, from mopeds to dope heads
Schoolboy Q is going to share his experiences ranging from riding mopeds to dealing with drug addicts.

Tell you all about it, pops livin' and still dead
He will reveal the story of his father who is alive but mentally absent or not truly living.

Tell you all about it, rag blue but bleed red
He will talk about the struggles and hardships he has faced, despite appearing tough on the outside.

Tell you all about it, TV done got us all
Schoolboy Q will discuss how television and media have influenced and impacted society as a whole.

Tell you all about it
He reiterates his intention to share his stories and experiences with the listeners.

Ha, ha ha, ha ha, ha, ha, haa
This is another burst of laughter, emphasizing the forthcoming personal and insightful revelations.

Who that N-word in that candy glow?
He questions the identity of the person who appears flashy and shining, possibly referring to someone who presents a false image or facade.

Who that kid with no drive but at the park?
Schoolboy Q wonders about a person who lacks ambition or motivation but spends time at the park, suggesting a lack of direction in life.

You niggas tag it on walls, we spray the cars, uh
He contrasts between those who engage in graffiti on walls versus those who commit more serious and risky criminal acts by spraying cars.

Nigga, you that dude behind tape, surrounded art, uh
He addresses individuals who are more passive and involved in admiring art from a distance, rather than actively participating or creating it.

Drive the jet, I found my arch, uh
Schoolboy Q has found his passion or purpose in life, symbolized by 'driving the jet,' suggesting he has found his trajectory or direction.

Before Instagram, we gram first the month (yeah)
He reminisces about a time before Instagram when they would take pictures and share them at the beginning of each month.

Before the gates on our block, we in the front (uh, yeah)
He recalls the times before gates were installed in their neighborhood, allowing them to freely access and be at the forefront of everything happening.

Before I called you my friend, we shot the ones
He explains that they used to fight or physically confront each other before considering someone a true friend.

Stress smoke in my blunt, I need the funds (uh, yeah)
Schoolboy Q turns to smoking marijuana to cope with stress, but acknowledges the need for money and financial stability.

I could've went D1, but like, I wasn't with it
He reflects on the opportunity he had to play at the Division 1 level in sports but admits that he wasn't interested or committed enough to pursue it.

My SATs and grades was high enough, but I wasn't with it
Despite having good scores and grades, he lacked the motivation or desire to fully dedicate himself to academics.

I couldn't bring my dogs with me so I wasn't with it
He couldn't bring his close friends or 'dogs' with him on his journey, which made him reluctant to pursue certain opportunities.

With the biscuit off the counter, me and Floyd get to dumping
He and his gun 'Floyd' take action, potentially resorting to violence or defending themselves in a dangerous situation.

Not a drop of blood in us but can't say we ain't cousins
Despite not being biologically related, there is a strong bond and sense of loyalty between the group of friends.

Was on the thizz all week, I think I'm finally recovin'
He reveals that he has been consuming ecstasy or 'thizz' for an extended period but believes he is now recovering from its effects.

Now, tell your body (huh)
He challenges or provokes the listener to pay attention and fully immerse themselves in his narrative.

And I'll tell you
He reaffirms his commitment to sharing his personal stories and experiences.

(My feelings, my demons)
He will delve into his emotions and battles with inner demons.

(I'm living, I'm dreaming)
Schoolboy Q will discuss both his reality and aspirations in life.

And I'll tell you 'bout it
He reiterates that he will openly and honestly share his experiences and perspectives.

(I've found it, I've tried it)
He has discovered something and experimented with it, possibly referring to drugs or certain lifestyles.

(I felt it, my fire)
He has experienced intense emotions and has a burning passion within him.

How many tears am I gon' shed 'fore I go? (uh)
He questions how much more pain and sadness he will endure before his eventual departure or death.

The pigs been known us my heart been skipping
The police or authorities are familiar with his group, causing his heart to race anxiously in their presence.

I lost religion, my nine ain't perfect
He has strayed away from religion and his gun, the 'nine,' is not flawless or reliable enough.

A star is born, sometimes a drive-by needed
He sees himself as a rising star, but acknowledges that in certain situations, resorting to violent acts like a drive-by shooting may be necessary.

My baby mama paid the bills, I ain't have shit on the smoke
His child's mother takes care of the financial responsibilities while he prioritizes spending money on drugs or smoking.

The homies tell me I'ma burden but never threw me a rope
His friends consider him a burden, but they have never provided him with support or a way out of his difficult circumstances.

They left me hanging on the corner, my whole life in my stash
His friends abandoned him in a dangerous situation, leaving him dealing with the consequences of his actions and relying solely on his hidden stash of drugs.

One more strike, I'm with the lifers, split the fifty in half
He acknowledges that if he commits one more serious crime, he will face lifelong imprisonment and shares the consequences of dividing the money equally among gang members.

I watch a nigga lose his life right in front of his kids
He witnessed the tragic death of a man in the presence of his children, highlighting the brutal reality and impact of violence.

We keep the cycle back and forth, the demons smother our gifts
He describes the repetitive and destructive cycle his community faces, where their potential and talents are suppressed by the influence of their inner demons.

They put percentages in front of us, wouldn't give us a chance
The system or society assigns value or places limitations on them based on statistics or percentages, denying them opportunities for growth and success.

The only way that we'll see 30 'less we live in the can
He expresses the belief that only through incarceration can they possibly survive and reach the age of 30, implying that death is a common outcome in his community.

Probably miss my mom funeral, my daughter a hoe
He anticipates the likelihood of not being present at his mother's funeral and feels regret that his daughter might grow up in unfavorable circumstances or engage in negative behaviors.

Because the man of the house ain't the man no more
He acknowledges the absence of a strong male figure or role model in his family, which has led to a breakdown in traditional family dynamics.

And the bitch I call my girl, she done found my dope
He refers to his partner as a derogatory term and reveals that she discovered his drugs, potentially causing problems in their relationship.

I sent her in a deep depression 'til her pulse went ghost
He caused his partner to sink into a severe state of sadness or despair, to the point where she felt emotionally dead or disconnected.

And I just sit and watch from hell as the pyro grow
He observes from his turbulent and destructive life as others indulge in chaos and destructive behavior, symbolized by 'the pyro,' representing fire or destruction.

So long, stuck behind the fire tryna clown my flow
He feels trapped in his current circumstances and struggles to break free and gain recognition for his rap skills, believing that his talent is underestimated or mocked.

I'll tell you 'bout it (wooo)
He reiterates his commitment to sharing his stories and experiences, reinforcing the forthcoming revelations.