Keep'n It Real
Shaggy Lyrics

Uh- that's right
Opening remark, acknowledging the importance of what's to come

Reality check
A reminder to stay grounded and aware of the real world

You know what I mean
Asking for understanding and agreement from the listener

Street life's eh
Commenting on the difficulty and harshness of life in the streets

Scorpion yeah uh
Referencing the zodiac sign, implying determination and strength

When I was young
Reflecting on the past

I use to dream of being rich
Desiring wealth and luxury

Have a lot of houses and cars
Wanting excess and material possessions

Couldn't know which one was which
Having too much to keep track of

And finding me a chick and getting hitched
Searching for a significant other and getting married

Living the fairy tale life perfect without a ditch
Imagining a perfect life without any trouble or problems

You think that this would bring me happiness
Realizing that material possessions and a perfect life may not bring true happiness

If at the end of every rainbow there was a treasure chest
A metaphor for the expectation of reward and the disappointment of not finding it

Sometimes having more is really less
Having too much can be overwhelming and unsatisfying

So take a look inside yourself
Encouraging introspection and self-reflection

You'll realize you're really blessed
Understanding and appreciating what one has

No matter how you're sad and blue
Feeling down and depressed

There's always someone who has it worse than you
Putting things into perspective and realizing that things could be worse

Sometimes you gotta pay your dues
Acknowledging that hard work and struggle may be necessary

So don't worry just push on through
Encouraging perseverance and resilience

Keep'n it real
Staying true to oneself and reality

Gotta big up all my peoples who be working on the future
Giving recognition to those working to better themselves and their future

Though they know they gotta struggle
Acknowledging the difficulty of working towards a better future

To all my homies working on the 9 to 5
Referring to those working typical jobs to make ends meet

And doing right to keep themselves up out of trouble
Working hard to avoid getting into any negative situations

Although sometimes I know it seems impossible
Understanding the feeling of hopelessness in difficult situations

There ain't no need in drowning in your sorrows
Encouraging a positive outlook on life despite hardships

If things are as bad as they can be
Acknowledging when things are at their worst

You can be sure there'll be a brighter tomorrow
Having hope for a better future

And I forgot to have myself the house, the mansion, and the Benz
No longer desiring excessive material possessions

I'm not the type of brother who be making mad ends
Not interested in accumulating excess wealth

I got myself a girl but we be kickin' it as friends
Being content with a non-romantic relationship

Is not enough for me now that depends
Desiring more than just friendship

Again- not everthing you want is everything you really need
Realizing that what one wants may not be necessary or beneficial

The standard of society is modevated by greed
Recognizing the influence of greed in societal expectations

Are you prepared to follow
Asking if the listener is willing to conform to societal norms

Tell me are you prepared to lead
Encouraging independence and leadership

So persevere and you'll succeed
Reassuring that persistence and hard work will pay off

*Hook*
Transition to the chorus of the song

All the harsh realities
Acknowledging the difficulties of life

Appears to come in twos and threes
Suggesting that difficulty often comes in recurring patterns

Don't worry 'cause
Reassuring the listener

There'll be a better day
Having hope for the future

One thing I can promise you
Making a guarantee to the listener

Just keep on keeping on
Encouraging persistence and resilience

I swear to you
Making a solemn oath

There's gonna be a brighter day
Believing in a positive future

Back in the days
Reflecting on the past

Have a lot of houses and cars
Referencing previous desires for excess wealth

If at the end of every rainbow there was a treasure chest
Reusing a metaphor for unfulfilled expectations

So take a look inside yourself
Reinforcing the importance of introspection

That's right, see me, yeah
Asserting the credibility and insight of the artist

Give thanks fa wha you have, ya know
Encouraging gratitude for what one has

And when you think that its bad
Addressing negative thoughts and emotions

There's always somebody that's worse
Putting things into perspective

Know what I'm sayin'
Asking if the listener understands

Give Jah blessing, see me
Wishing the best for the listener

Wa-wa, Wa-wa
Closing the song with a vocalization