Made in America
The Throne Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

[Frank Ocean]
Sweet King Martin
Sweet Queen Coretta
Sweet Brother Malcolm
Sweet Queen Betty
Sweet Mother Mary
Sweet Father Joseph, Sweet Jesus
We made it in America

Sweet Baby Jesus, oh sweet baby Jesus

[Verse 1 - Kanye West]
I told my mama I was on the come up
She said "you going to school I'll give you a summer"
Then she met NO ID and gave me his number
10 years later she driving a Hummer
Niggas hustle every day for a beat from Ye
What I do? Turn around gave them beats to Jay
And I'm rapping on the beat they was supposed to buy
I guess I'm getting high off my own supply
Downtown mixing fabrics trying to find the magic
Started a little blog just to get some traffic
Old folks'll tell you not to play in traffic
A million hits and the web crashes - damn!
South Park had them all laughing
Now all my niggas designing and we all swaggin'
Ignore the critics just to say we did it
This ain't no fashion show, motherfucker, we live it

[Hook]

[Verse 2 - Jay-Z]
I pledge allegiance to my Grandma
For that banana pudding, our piece of Americana
Our apple pie was supplied through Arm & Hammer
Straight out the kitchen, shh don't wake Nana!
Built a republic that still stands
I'm trying to lead a nation, leave to my little man's
Or my daughter, so I'm boiling this water
The scales was lopsided, I'm just restoring order
Hold up, here comes grandma, what's up YaYa?
What's that smell? Oh I'm just boiling some aqua
No papa, bad Santa
The streets raised me, pardon my bad manners
I got my liberty chopping grams up
Street justice, I pray God understand us

I pledge allegiance to all the scramblers
This is the Star Spangled Banner

Overall Meaning

The song "Made in America" by The Throne (Jay-Z and Kanye West) featuring Frank Ocean is an ode to the accomplishments and struggles of black Americans, highlighting historical figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Betty Shabazz. In the chorus, Frank Ocean sings about the achievements of these people, saying "Sweet King Martin, Sweet Queen Coretta, Sweet Brother Malcolm, Sweet Queen Betty, Sweet Mother Mary, Sweet Father Joseph, Sweet Jesus - We made it in America, Sweet Baby Jesus, oh sweet baby Jesus."

The first verse by Kanye West talks about his come-up in the music industry, starting from making beats for local rappers to producing for Jay-Z and eventually becoming a successful artist himself. He emphasizes his hard work and dedication, stating that he lives what he raps about instead of just putting on a show. He also mentions the power of the internet and how it can launch careers, as demonstrated by his own blog gaining a million hits.

In the second verse, Jay-Z pays homage to his grandma's cooking and the traditions that make up American culture, such as apple pie and banana pudding. He speaks about his desire to lead and make a positive impact in his daughter's life and the importance of restoring balance and order in his community. He acknowledges his past involvement in drug trafficking and how it shaped his perspective, but also expresses his pledge to those who have also hustled to survive.

Line by Line Meaning

Sweet King Martin
A tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. for his leadership in the civil rights movement

Sweet Queen Coretta
A tribute to Coretta Scott King for her support of Martin Luther King Jr. and her activism for civil rights

Sweet Brother Malcolm
A tribute to Malcolm X for his work as an activist and advocating for black nationalism

Sweet Queen Betty
A tribute to Betty Shabazz for her work as an activist and her advocacy for women and children

Sweet Mother Mary
A tribute to Mary, mother of Jesus, as a symbol of motherhood and love

Sweet Father Joseph, Sweet Jesus
A tribute to Joseph, husband of Mary and father figure to Jesus

We made it in America
Acknowledgement of the hardships faced by black Americans and recognition of their achievements

Sweet Baby Jesus, oh sweet baby Jesus
A continued tribute to Jesus as a symbol of hope and salvation

I told my mama I was on the come up
Kanye West informing his mother of his rising success

She said "you going to school I'll give you a summer"
Kanye's mother encouraging him to receive an education while offering him support during the summer months

Then she met NO ID and gave me his number
Kanye's mother introducing him to NO ID, a music producer who would help him start his career

10 years later she driving a Hummer
Kanye's success allowing his mother to obtain a luxury car

Niggas hustle every day for a beat from Ye
Kanye's reputation as a successful producer with high demand for his music

What I do? Turn around gave them beats to Jay
Kanye sharing his music with fellow rapper Jay-Z

And I'm rapping on the beat they was supposed to buy
Kanye using a beat that was initially intended for someone else's purchase

I guess I'm getting high off my own supply
Kanye finding satisfaction in his own work and creativity

Downtown mixing fabrics trying to find the magic
Kanye experimenting with different styles and techniques to create new music

Started a little blog just to get some traffic
Kanye using social media to promote his music and increase his fan base

Old folks'll tell you not to play in traffic
A warning to be careful and cautious when pursuing one's dreams and goals

A million hits and the web crashes - damn!
Kanye's online success resulting in high web traffic and website crashes

South Park had them all laughing
Kanye's public appearances and personality being satirized by the show South Park

Now all my niggas designing and we all swaggin'
Kanye and his team's fashion and style being recognized and appreciated in the industry

Ignore the critics just to say we did it
Kanye and his team's determination to succeed in their unique style despite critics and naysayers

This ain't no fashion show, motherfucker, we live it
Kanye's fashion and style being a genuine part of his personality and lifestyle

I pledge allegiance to my Grandma
Jay-Z's tribute to his grandmother as someone who has inspired and supported him

For that banana pudding, our piece of Americana
Jay-Z cherishing the small traditions and experiences that represent American culture

Our apple pie was supplied through Arm & Hammer
Jay-Z acknowledging the role of illegal drug trafficking in the African American community as a means of survival and financial gain

Straight out the kitchen, shh don't wake Nana!
Jay-Z referencing the importance of family traditions and experiences, specifically his grandmother's cooking

Built a republic that still stands
Acknowledgement of the American government and democracy

I'm trying to lead a nation, leave to my little man's
Jay-Z's desire to be a positive influence and role model for his children

Or my daughter, so I'm boiling this water
Jay-Z's focus on providing for and protecting his children, specifically during times of uncertainty and danger

The scales was lopsided, I'm just restoring order
Jay-Z's desire to create balance and equality within society

Hold up, here comes grandma, what's up YaYa?
Jay-Z referencing his grandmother and the importance of his family relationships

What's that smell? Oh I'm just boiling some aqua
Jay-Z cooking drugs as a means of financial gain

No papa, bad Santa
Jay-Z paying homage to the cultural icon of Santa Claus while also acknowledging the negative aspects of selling drugs

The streets raised me, pardon my bad manners
Jay-Z acknowledging the harsh realities of growing up in urban areas and the importance of surviving in those conditions

I got my liberty chopping grams up
Jay-Z referencing his success in the illegal drug trade and the financial freedom it provided him

Street justice, I pray God understand us
Jay-Z referencing the violent and unjust realities of inner-city life and the hope for redemption and forgiveness from a higher power

I pledge allegiance to all the scramblers
Jay-Z acknowledging the illegal drug trade as a means of survival for many people in poor areas

This is the Star Spangled Banner
A reference to the American national anthem

Contributed by Alaina M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS