56 Bars
T.I. Lyrics

One for the money, two for the show dog
I'm starting off this rap with rhyming words, but also referencing the famous children's rhyme. Money is the ultimate goal (one), and putting on a show (two) is the way to get it.

Three for the niggas hatin' on the low, y'all
I've got three references here - first I'm acknowledging the haters (since they can't wait for me to flop). Second, I'm saying that these haters are trying to hate on the low (slyly), but I see through their facade. Lastly, I'm using 'y'all' to refer to these haters as a group.

Know a picture worth a million words I'm a show y'all
I don't need to say much - I'll just show y'all that I'm the real deal.

Death before dishonor, a family before all
I value my loyalty and honor above all else, even if it means risking my life. My family (whether blood-related or through friendship) will always come first.

Without the braids I'm da closest thing to O-Dog
I'm referencing a character from the movie Menace II Society - O-Dog was known for his violent tendencies and braided hair. But, even without the braids, I am still the closest thing to that character because of my tough personality.

Minus the testimony, say it ain't so, homie!
I'm implying that someone is lying on me (with regards to what I've done in the past), but I'm denying it. I'm then saying 'say it ain't so, homie' as a plea or a challenge to anyone who might disagree.

Shorty like that, don't he?
I'm calling myself 'shorty' and implying that I'm hot (admiring my own looks or skills). The added question at the end is just rhetorical, as I don't expect anyone to disagree.

World hopped off my jock, I got him right back on it
I'm saying that people stopped paying attention to me, but I've managed to regain their attention (on my own).

Step back brush myself off, pick business back up, right where I lef' off
I'm saying I've taken a break (perhaps due to some obstacles or criticism), but I'm back now and ready to continue where I left off.

I can show my dope, that other guy just talk
I'm saying that I'm a man of action, whereas others just talk. I am capable of physically demonstrating that I'm the best without having to say so.

Where I live just as big as yo projects, dog
I'm saying that where I'm from, it's just as big (if not bigger) as the projects. I'm using this to demonstrate that I didn't necessarily grow up in poverty, and perhaps had a different upbringing than some of my peers.

Better check my swagga
I'm saying that my 'swagga' (style, attitude, confidence) is something others need to be aware of.

How I walk, how I talk, how I stack that cheddar
I'm saying that even the way I walk and talk is impressive. Plus, I'm making bank (and flaunting it).

What I drive, how I dress, nigga looks just better
I'm saying that even the way I dress and the car I drive are things that set me apart and make me better than the competition.

Hundred stacks on that nigga I'm just, better
I'm saying that I have money to burn, and that others simply can't compare.

Somebody better tell 'em man, they swag owe my swag everything
I'm saying that others have taken from (or have been influenced by) my style, without giving proper credit. My 'swag' is the original, and others can't compare.

Very plain to see you study me awful hard
I'm acknowledging that others are constantly watching me and studying my every move. This could be seen as either flattering or irritating to me.

To the point that my swag need a bodyguard
I'm saying that my 'swag' is so valuable (to others) that it requires protection (like a bodyguard).

I'd like to think to thank you cause uh y'all oughta be
I'm sarcastically thanking my competitors for constantly emulating me. However, I'm saying that they should be ashamed of themselves for being so unoriginal.

Havin' y'all swags sending mines an apology
I'm saying that others should be apologizing to me for stealing my style, rather than continuing to borrow from it.

A lot of little me's, I see, got beef
I'm saying that there are many people who are trying to be like me (imitators), but they have a problem with me (their inspiration).

But what's the possibility, stop, see, you not me
I'm saying that even if others acknowledge their similarities to me, they'll never be me. The 'stop, see' at the beginning of this line is like a command, telling others to accept that I am the original.

Hardly work for hella beams, step up to the guillotine
I'm saying that many others (especially imitators) aren't putting in the work, yet expect to be rewarded. I'm then saying that they should be beheaded or punished (metaphorically) for their laziness.

Get decapitated, don't see how half you rappas made it
I'm doubling down on the idea that many others in the rap game don't deserve the fame or success they have. I'm saying that I have no idea how they've managed to achieve their status.

Say good, bye to the fame and the fortune, say la vi
I'm saying that if you're not putting in the work (as previously mentioned), you should say goodbye to your fame and fortune (since it won't last). I'm using 'say la vie' (or 'c'est la vie'), which means 'such is life'.

What the game need with you, nigga? They got me
I'm saying that the rap game already has the best (me), so why would they need anyone else? I'm using this as a way to say that others can't compare.

I ride through the city so clean, seat really low, auto-mo
I'm saying that I drive around in style - my car is clean, and I like to sit low (to be more inconspicuous).

Billies, so pretty, but I'm illy tho
I'm saying that my money (billies, or billions) is neat, but that's not what makes me unique. I also have a lot of skill and talent (and I'm 'illy', which is slang for sick, awesome, or impressive).

No comparison, ain't a nigga mo' thorough than this gangsta American
I'm saying that others can't compare to me (there's no one quite like me). I'm also using this line to highlight my identity as a 'gangsta American', which is a reference to my background and personality (tough, uncompromising, and American).

Flow, dope or da heroin, king like Evalyn
I'm saying that my flow (rapping ability) is like dope or heroin - addictive, satisfying, and unmatched. I'm also referencing King EVELYN, who was a famous treetop hustler from California - I'm saying that I'm like him in terms of my rule over the game.

Champagne mayne, so deranged and belligerent
I'm saying that I like to celebrate (with champagne), but I'm also described as being crazy and reckless (or belligerent).

Ranked up there with Benjamin, who? Andre 3K, B.I.G., Jay-Z, U-G-K, Scarface, Machiavelli the great, Wayne, Common, Kanye and Lupe
I'm putting myself in the same company as some of the greatest rappers of all time - individuals who I consider to be the best in the game.

So fuck what you say
I don't care what others have to say (about me or my skills).

You welcome to ask who you made, bet they say as of today, I'm back on top like a toupee
I'm challenging others to ask who they've created (in terms of rappers or imitators) - they'll come to find that I'm the best. I'm also saying that I'm back on top again (like a toupee - which sits on top of one's head).

All objections overruled, it's overdue both high, and sober too, I'm so high up over you
I'm saying that I've overcome all of the complaints or objections people have had about me (as a rapper or a person). I'm also saying that I'm successful both while high (on drugs) and sober. Lastly, I'm indicating that I'm in a position of power and influence (up over you).

Same guy you see in the streets it's as fly as here in the booth
I'm saying that I'm the same person whether you see me on the street or in the recording studio - I always look and sound great.

So don't be surprised when you meet me to see that I'm really the truth
I'm implying that others might be surprised when they meet me in person because I'm as impressive (or even more so) in real life as I am on stage or on record.

Nigga, who want proof?
I'm saying that anyone who doubts my skills or abilities can ask for proof (which I'll readily deliver).

Must agree that shit idea, can't no one undo
I'm saying that my ideas are foolproof (can't be undone or changed), and that anyone who argues otherwise is just being dumb.

I stay on my one two, nigga who want to?
I'm saying that I stay on top of my game and have no challengers - anyone who thinks they're up to the task can ask (and be proven wrong).

Turn a brunch into a brawl, do what you goin' do
I'm saying that I'm always ready for a fight (or a challenge), and others are free to step up and try if they're brave enough.

I'm wired hot as a bitch and still, cool as a fridge and dear
I'm saying that my energy levels or moods fluctuate rapidly - I can go from being hot-tempered and intense, to calm and collected. I'm using 'dear' as a playful way to emphasize my point.

This year I'm on a mission dear, think that was something? Listen here
I'm saying that this year (whatever year it happens to be) I'm focused and determined (on achieving even more success). I'm also telling others to pay attention (by saying 'listen here'), since I have more to say.