Magnus Carlsen
The Game Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Tie on a bandana, then we lay him out
Fighting over two colors in the crayon box
It's no love
It's no love
Forty ounces in my cup, I'm poured up
We out here killin' each other, but so what?
Keep it up and there's gon' be no Crips and no Bloods
Nigga, take a look around, the crack game has slowed up
The government versus the people, now tell me
Who rules the world with only one desire?
I don't believe there's anything higher
Rather get it now than to read about the outcome
I'd rather have the crown, than a ribbon or medallion
And oh my days, I guess it's okay
If I lay up in the shade when my rent is in the mattress
But be at the course if I have to use patience
I'm shootin' a premature dream in the napkin
Battlin' the evils in the flesh that I'm wrapped in
Waitin' for my eagle, but the seagulls are distracting

What's happenin', niggas? Mm
What's happenin'? Mm
What's happenin'?
What's happenin'? Mm
What's happenin'?
Mm, yeah

What's happenin'? My nigga just died from AIDS
What's happenin'? Isis throwing grenades
What's happenin'? White boys shootin' up a church
What's happenin'? My nigga 2-2 just got some work
What's happenin'? You can get it if you got it, nigga
But I ain't got it, nigga, I'm just a solid nigga
Who run Compton, fuck bitches and flick Impala switches
Even if I was born blind, you niggas couldn't stop my vision
Right on time with mine thanks to them old Doc prescriptions
West side flourishin' again, this what 2Pac envisioned
Obama freein' lifers that was locked in prison
El Chapo said he ran the world and they forgot to listen
Not me, nigga, one split second, I say, "Fuck rap"
And if I ran into El Chapo, he had work as one his captains
And gave me a hunnid bricks and said "Migo, get it brackin'"
I walk into a Mexican Mafia meetin' like

What's happenin'? Pac's gone, Brenda's still got a baby
What's happenin'? Lost ones in the land of the crazy
What's happenin'? You can have a bad bitch in a Mercedes
But that don't make your basic ass Beyonce or Jay-Z
What's happenin'? Obama 'bout to move out the White House
What's happenin'? Couple hood niggas 'bout to roll them dice out
What's happenin'? Is you gon' let me use your EBT card, yeah
I wonder if I could slide it for commissary, yeah

Ain't it a shame? (Oh)
Another lost one runnin' again
You know I bust my thing for you
You do the same old thing that your brothers did before you (hey)
Planted your whole life under concrete in the soil (under concrete in the jungle)
Just a continuation, I wonder where you get your game from (get your, get your game from)
If I know anything, it's 'cause my old head taught me all alone
And it's a cold game, better get your coat, get your snow chains, man
It's a chess game full of kings and pawns
Black and white squares, just depends what side you on
(What side is you on?)
Is you on
(What side is you on?)
Do what you want
(What side is you on?)
Yeah
What you want?
(What side is you on?)
What you want?
(Hey, what you want? What you want?) What you want?
I want a red '64 Impala with them things on it

It's a blackout inside the abandoned crack house
Only thing from last night was dead bodies and glass pipes
That was the age four, and by the age ten
They opened up the caged doors and let the fuckin' beast out
Fuck my auntie couch, I'm 'bout to take the street route
And get my shit the gangsta way, 'cause I can't be no Steve Stoute
I'm too Nas for these niggas, I got a surprise for these niggas
Potato cooking on the barrel, I bring the fries to these niggas
Funeral hall, casket fit to the size of you niggas
Chrome .45, no lie, come say goodbye to you niggas
Sway got all the answers, Kanye lied to you niggas
I don't even wanna be in no top five with you niggas
I break ties with you niggas, then pay tithes for you niggas
Los Angeles king, I will no fly zone you niggas
Take a Caravan and Impalas and drive to you niggas
Close one and aim, Fetty Wap's eye to you niggas

Ain't it a shame? (Ain't it a shame, it a shame, oh, no)
Another lost one runnin' again
(You know I bust my thing for you)
You do the same old thing that your brothers did before you (same old, no)
Planted your whole life under concrete in the soil
Just a continuation, I wonder where you get your game from
If I know anything, it's 'cause my old head taught me all alone (can't forget about my old head)
And it's a cold game, better get your coat, get your snow chains, man (gotta get your snow chains)
It's a chess game full of kings and pawns (yeah)

All I ever wanted was to ride my '64 down 'Shaw




Uh, I'ma spit them verses for my niggas
Dreams coming true, don't it always paint a perfect picture

Overall Meaning

The opening lines of The Game's song Magnus Carlsen reflect on the violent nature of gang culture in America, in particular, the rivalry between the Bloods and Crips. With lyrics such as "fighting over two colors in the crayon box," it is clear that the theme of the song is centered on the need to eradicate the divide between the two factions. The lines "we out here killing each other, but so what? Keep it up and there's gon' be no Crips and no Bloods" suggest that violence can potentially lead to the extinction of these two powerful gangs. He also takes aim at the government, with "the government versus the people, now tell me who rules the world with only one desire?" hinting that the government is preoccupied with having complete control over society. The Game highlights the underlying issue of having outsiders exerting control over people leading to anarchy in society.


The song is a call to action, urging Crips and Bloods to put their differences aside and to work together to improve their respective communities. The Game declares that he’d rather have respect, power, and dominance within his own community, rather than have accolades that are superficial such as "a ribbon or medallion." The chorus "what's happening" touches on the many issues happening in the world such as the rise of ISIS, police brutality, prison reform and more. It also suggests that people should be aware of these occurrences, be knowledgeable and informed, and take necessary action to help put an end to these societal issues.


Line by Line Meaning

Tie on a bandana, then we lay him out
We mark our territory with a bandana and then engage in violence


Fighting over two colors in the crayon box
We're fighting over trivial differences


It's no love
There is no genuine care or affection


Forty ounces in my cup, I'm poured up
I'm heavily intoxicated


We out here killin' each other, but so what?
We're engaged in self-destructive behavior, but nobody seems to care


Keep it up and there's gon' be no Crips and no Bloods
If the violence continues, there will be no more gangs


Nigga, take a look around, the crack game has slowed up
The crack cocaine industry has declined


The government versus the people, now tell me Who rules the world with only one desire?
There is a power struggle between the government and the people, and both sides are driven by their own selfish motives


I don't believe there's anything higher
I don't believe in any higher authority or power


Rather get it now than to read about the outcome
I prefer immediate gratification over long-term planning


I'd rather have the crown, than a ribbon or medallion
I desire power and authority, rather than superficial recognition


And oh my days, I guess it's okay If I lay up in the shade when my rent is in the mattress
I find contentment in laziness when I have money stashed away


But be at the course if I have to use patience
I'm willing to put in effort and wait if necessary


I'm shootin' a premature dream in the napkin
I'm wasting my potential by not fully developing my dreams


Battlin' the evils in the flesh that I'm wrapped in
I'm struggling with my own personal demons


Waitin' for my eagle, but the seagulls are distracting
I'm waiting for my moment of success, but distractions are hindering me


What's happenin', niggas? Mm
What is going on, my friends?


What's happenin'? Mm
What is going on?


What's happenin'?
What is happening?


What's happenin'? Mm
What is going on?


What's happenin'?
What is happening?


Mm, yeah
Hmm, yes


What's happenin'? My nigga just died from AIDS
What is happening? My friend recently passed away from AIDS


What's happenin'? Isis throwing grenades
What is happening? ISIS is attacking with grenades


What's happenin'? White boys shootin' up a church
What is happening? White individuals are committing a mass shooting at a church


What's happenin'? My nigga 2-2 just got some work
What is happening? My friend 2-2 has acquired some drugs


What's happenin'? You can get it if you got it, nigga
What is happening? If you have the money, you can acquire it


But I ain't got it, nigga, I'm just a solid nigga
But I don't have the money, I'm just an honest individual


Who run Compton, fuck bitches and flick Impala switches
I am in charge of Compton, engaging in sexual activities and showing off my car's hydraulics


Even if I was born blind, you niggas couldn't stop my vision
Even if I lacked physical sight, you wouldn't be able to hinder my insight or ambition


Right on time with mine thanks to them old Doc prescriptions
I'm always punctual and on schedule, thanks to prescriptions from a reputable doctor


West side flourishin' again, this what 2Pac envisioned
The western side of LA is thriving once more, fulfilling 2Pac's vision


Obama freein' lifers that was locked in prison
Obama is releasing individuals who were serving life sentences in prison


El Chapo said he ran the world and they forgot to listen
El Chapo claimed he controlled the world, but people ignored him


Not me, nigga, one split second, I say, 'Fuck rap'
But not me, in an instant, I can disregard the music industry


And if I ran into El Chapo, he had work as one his captains
And if I encountered El Chapo, he would offer me a position in his drug operation


And gave me a hunnid bricks and said 'Migo, get it brackin'
He would provide me with a hundred kilograms of drugs and instruct me to take action


I walk into a Mexican Mafia meetin' like
I confidently enter a gathering of the Mexican Mafia


What's happenin'? Pac's gone, Brenda's still got a baby
What is happening? Pac is no longer alive, and Brenda is dealing with the responsibilities of being a young mother


What's happenin'? Lost ones in the land of the crazy
What is happening? We're losing individuals in this chaotic world


What's happenin'? You can have a bad bitch in a Mercedes
What is happening? You can possess an attractive woman in a Mercedes


But that don't make your basic ass Beyonce or Jay-Z
But having a superficially attractive partner doesn't make you comparable to Beyonce or Jay-Z


What's happenin'? Obama 'bout to move out the White House
What is happening? Obama is preparing to leave the White House


What's happenin'? Couple hood niggas 'bout to roll them dice out
What is happening? A few individuals from the neighborhood are about to engage in gambling


What's happenin'? Is you gon' let me use your EBT card, yeah
What is happening? Are you willing to let me use your EBT card?


I wonder if I could slide it for commissary, yeah
I'm contemplating if I can use it to purchase goods in prison


Ain't it a shame? (Oh) Another lost one runnin' again
Isn't it unfortunate? Another individual who has lost their way is on the run


You know I bust my thing for you
You know I put in the effort for you


You do the same old thing that your brothers did before you (hey)
You're repeating the same actions as your predecessors


Planted your whole life under concrete in the soil (under concrete in the jungle)
Your entire life has been spent in a harsh and unforgiving environment


Just a continuation, I wonder where you get your game from (get your, get your game from)
It's just an ongoing cycle, I wonder where you learned your ways


If I know anything, it's 'cause my old head taught me all alone
If I possess any knowledge, it's because an older individual taught me in solitude


And it's a cold game, better get your coat, get your snow chains, man
It's a harsh and unforgiving world, so prepare yourself


It's a chess game full of kings and pawns
It's a strategic game of power with both dominant figures and expendable pawns


Black and white squares, just depends what side you on (What side is you on?)
The game is played on a chessboard, and your position depends on which side you align with


Is you on (What side is you on?)
Which side are you on?


Do what you want (What side is you on?)
Do what you desire, but consider your allegiance


Yeah
Yes


What you want?
What do you desire?


(What side is you on?) What you want?
Which side are you on? What do you desire?


(Hey, what you want? What you want?) What you want?
Hey, what do you desire?


I want a red '64 Impala with them things on it
I desire a red 1964 Chevrolet Impala with customizations


It's a blackout inside the abandoned crack house
The abandoned crack house is in complete darkness


Only thing from last night was dead bodies and glass pipes
The only remnants from the previous night are lifeless bodies and drug paraphernalia


That was the age four, and by the age ten
This was my reality at the age of four, and it continued until I was ten


They opened up the caged doors and let the fuckin' beast out
They released me from confinement, allowing my wild and aggressive nature to roam free


Fuck my auntie couch, I'm 'bout to take the street route
I have no regard for my aunt's furniture, I'm about to embrace a life of crime


And get my shit the gangsta way, 'cause I can't be no Steve Stoute
I'm going to acquire what I need through criminal means, as I cannot become a successful entrepreneur like Steve Stoute


I'm too Nas for these niggas, I got a surprise for these niggas
I'm too talented and skilled for these individuals, I have something unexpected for them


Potato cooking on the barrel, I bring the fries to these niggas
I'm well-prepared for a gunfight, I'm bringing the heat to my adversaries


Funeral hall, casket fit to the size of you niggas
I'm ready for the funerals, the coffins will perfectly accommodate my deceased rivals


Chrome .45, no lie, come say goodbye to you niggas
I'm armed with a chrome .45 caliber handgun, and you will all bid farewell


Sway got all the answers, Kanye lied to you niggas
Sway has knowledge and truths, while Kanye West has deceived you all


I don't even wanna be in no top five with you niggas
I don't aspire to be among the top five artists with you individuals


I break ties with you niggas, then pay tithes for you niggas
I cut all connections with you individuals, then pay my dues on your behalf


Los Angeles king, I will no fly zone you niggas
I am the ruler of Los Angeles, I will restrict your movements


Take a Caravan and Impalas and drive to you niggas
I will take a fleet of vehicles and come to your location


Close one and aim, Fetty Wap's eye to you niggas
I will accurately aim and shoot, just like how Fetty Wap only has one eye


Ain't it a shame? (Ain't it a shame, it a shame, oh, no)
Isn't it unfortunate?


Another lost one runnin' again
Another individual who has lost their way is on the run


(You know I bust my thing for you)
(You know I put in the effort for you)


You do the same old thing that your brothers did before you (same old, no)
You're repeating the same actions as your predecessors


Planted your whole life under concrete in the soil
Your entire life has been spent in a harsh and unforgiving environment


Just a continuation, I wonder where you get your game from
It's just an ongoing cycle, I wonder where you learned your ways


If I know anything, it's 'cause my old head taught me all alone (can't forget about my old head)
If I possess any knowledge, it's because an older individual taught me in solitude


And it's a cold game, better get your coat, get your snow chains, man (gotta get your snow chains)
It's a harsh and unforgiving world, so prepare yourself


It's a chess game full of kings and pawns (yeah)
It's a strategic game of power with both dominant figures and expendable pawns


All I ever wanted was to ride my '64 down 'Shaw
My only desire was to cruise down 'Shaw in my 1964 Impala


Uh, I'ma spit them verses for my niggas
I'm going to rap these verses for my friends


Dreams coming true, don't it always paint a perfect picture
When dreams become reality, it often creates an ideal image




Lyrics Β© Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Jayceon Terrell Taylor, Uforo Ebong

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

tanatswa mataruse

Real Game fans know this been out for almost 6years. Album was amazing as shit

H Khan

6 years ? Damn man time flipping flies

Sly

And real fans know the original version with the with Stevie wonder's "Rocket love" sample was better

Ndumiso Ngcobo

This is what I play when I take my soul to church...

MegaManner

Naw theeizzz geemix did it for me idk how that happens tho some people like my most terrible recordings and hate what I think is my most magical idk how theeizzz be hannin

Oscar Bunga

@Sly fax

3 More Replies...

Z Nitty Topics

Legendary music still on Top of the game πŸ”₯

Simpll Sin

Love this album my dude! inspired to make some heat, got me inspired, Thank you!

Zo

This is a track on repeat. Sunset mode. Fireeee

504LadyOfMagic

Documentary 2 and 2.5 got my old ass through my first semester of college (Fall 2015) and beyond... Now I’m a proud HBCU grad #yeslawd

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