Shyheim is a rapper from Staten Island, and is a member of the Wu-Tang Kill… Read Full Bio ↴Shyheim is a rapper from Staten Island, and is a member of the Wu-Tang Killa Beez. He shot straight onto the scene with his debut Single On & On in 1993. A year later, only 14 years of age, he released his debut album, AKA The Rugged Child. Lyrically, he impressed rappers with a skill level that would make any hip-hop fan forget about his age altogether. As a native of Staten Island, NY, Shyheim even spent time living with Wu-Tang member Ghostface Killah. Shyheim released his second LP, The Lost Generation, in 1996. The acclaimed Manchild followed in 1999.

Discography:
AKA the Rugged Child (1994)
The Lost Generation (1996)
Manchild (1999)
The Greatest Story Never Told (2004)
Disrespectfully Speaking (2009)

Never Say Never
Shyheim Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

[Intro: Shyheim]
"And then.. and then.. and then.."
I miss y'all
"And then.. and then.. and then.."
I really loved y'all
Always will, never forget y'all
"And then you're gone.. After All These Years"

[Shyheim]
I woke up in the coffin, and started coughin'
I pushed the pine box top right the fuck open
Dirt surroundin' me, I dug 'til my nails was bleedin'
Six-feet up, I bust out the ground, now I'm breathin' (AHdH!)
Standin' on two feet in the middle of the cemetery
Where all my family and homeboys is buried
I hopped the gate but first I paid my respects
Ran up to a car mirror, bugged out when I reflect
No holes in my head, no holes in my chest
Is this "Life After Death"?
I thought for a sec', and I wondered
Checked my pocket I found a blunt
And a piece of paper with Tupac and Biggie's number
I called 'em and Big L picked up the phone
He said 'Freaky Tah here' I said 'Put my nigga on'
We called Pun on 3 way, Mausberg was with Eazy
I told 'em niggaz, 'Yo y'all live through me'
'And I'ma keep hip hop and bop in your memory'
One love y'all, rest in peace Aaliyah

[Chorus: samples]
"And then you're gone.. After All These Years"
"And then.. and then.. and then you're gone.. After All These Years"
"And then.. and then.. and then you're gone.. After All These Years
"I still need your love"
"And then.."

[Shyheim]
I smoked a blunt and bumped my album
It started to dwell, the rap game won't be the same without you L
I'ma mourn you and stay thuggin' 'til I join you
Wanted to snatch you out the casket when I saw you
Resting in peace-fully, just lying there in your blue Gucci wear
Rockin' ya Cardiers, I'm like 'Damn why they hit my man?'
Ready to air somethin' out like a fuckin' fan
My head I shook, signed my name in the book (uh-huh)
I ain't care who look (uh-huh), I dropped tears
Jumped in the truck, threw on Sam Cook
Every time I bounce a ball I'm walkin' through the park
I can't help it, I gotta think about Sandy Brock
Every time I get jig, I'ma think of Pooh
Everytime I think of Sax is when I argue
I think of Grandma a lot, I think of Grandpa a lot
I think of Twin a lot, aiyo I miss 'em a lot, for real

[Chorus]

[Shyheim]
The world'll keep movin' even when my heart stop
My niggaz won't let my spirit die on my block
Spray-paintin' my name on the wall with RIP on top
11/14 'til the day I drop
But I'm not leavin' without my crazy ass ways
Beautiful memories and cold rainy days
I swear, I wish that bullet was a blank
So before I thank my family and friends, I'd like to thank
My mom first of all, you my true best friend
Lord, I hope my Devil leads to her to help her pick up again
And I'd like to thank my fam, no-one compares to y'all
I'd like to thank my squad, I'd like to thank the Gods
Ton of y'all I say hello to my boo
I gotta thank 27, gotta thank the Wu
So my time is tickin' and I'm gaspin' for breath
Killah Kane "When You Come Home" you can keep the rest
Goodbye

[Chorus]

Overall Meaning

The song "The Greatest Story Never Told" by Shyheim is a heartfelt tribute to the late friends and family members of the rapper. The song tells a story of Shyheim waking up in a coffin and digging his way out of the ground to discover that he has been buried in a cemetery alongside his loved ones. As he reflects on the impact that those who have gone before him have had on his life, Shyheim shares his grief and love for them. He lights a blunt and plays his own album as he mourns for his friend Big L, and reminisces about the good times they shared together.

Throughout the song, Shyheim thanks and pays tribute to various people who have influenced his life, including Tupac, Biggie, Big L, Pun, Eazy, Aaliyah, Sandy Brock, Pooh, Sax, Grandma, Grandpa and Twin. As the song nears its end, Shyheim thanks his family, friends, and fans, as well as the Wu-Tang Clan, his squad, and Killah Kane for their influence and support throughout his life. The song ends on a poignant note, with Shyheim saying goodbye and preparing to join the ranks of the departed.

Line by Line Meaning

And then.. and then.. and then..
The repeated phrase signifies that the singer is reminiscing about the past.

I miss y'all
The singer expresses his longing for his loved ones that he has lost.

I really loved y'all Always will, never forget y'all And then you're gone.. After All These Years
The singer remembers his love for his lost ones and emphasizes that they will always be remembered even after years of their departure.

I woke up in the coffin, and started coughin' I pushed the pine box top right the fuck open Dirt surroundin' me, I dug 'til my nails was bleedin' Six-feet up, I bust out the ground, now I'm breathin' (AHdH!)
The artist wakes up in a coffin, pushes himself out of it, and digs out of the grave, showing his resilience and strength.

Standin' on two feet in the middle of the cemetery Where all my family and homeboys is buried I hopped the gate but first I paid my respects
The artist stands in the cemetery where his lost ones are buried, showing his respect for them.

Is this "Life After Death"? I thought for a sec', and I wondered Checked my pocket I found a blunt And a piece of paper with Tupac and Biggie's number
The singer questions whether he is experiencing 'Life after death.' He finds some comfort in the fact that he has possession of weed as well as the phone numbers of Biggie and Tupac.

My head I shook, signed my name in the book (uh-huh) I ain't care who look (uh-huh), I dropped tears Jumped in the truck, threw on Sam Cook
The singer signs his name in the book and doesn't care who is looking. He then experiences sadness and jumps into his truck to listen to music.

The world'll keep movin' even when my heart stop My niggaz won't let my spirit die on my block Spray-paintin' my name on the wall with RIP on top
The artist accepts that the world will continue to function after his death. However, he knows that his friends won't let his spirit die and will continue to honor him through their actions.

11/14 'til the day I drop But I'm not leavin' without my crazy ass ways Beautiful memories and cold rainy days
The artist expects that his friends will keep his memory alive even after his death. He hopes that they will continue to remember the good times he had with them.

And I'd like to thank my fam, no-one compares to y'all I'd like to thank my squad, I'd like to thank the Gods Ton of y'all I say hello to my boo I gotta thank 27, gotta thank the Wu
The artist expresses his gratitude towards his family, friends, and even the supernatural existence. He also sends a hello to someone special and thanks his supporters.

So my time is tickin' and I'm gaspin' for breath Killah Kane "When You Come Home" you can keep the rest Goodbye
The singer acknowledges that his time is near and knows that his friend Killah Kane will keep his memory alive. He says goodbye.

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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