Not for the Radio
Tinie Tempah Lyrics

Yeah, yeah
Introducing the song with a casual and confident tone

They may not play this on the radio
Acknowledging that the song's content may not be suitable for mainstream radio

So I'm gonna make damn sure
Asserting one's intent to ensure the song's authenticity, regardless of its popularity

This is the realest shit I ever wrote
Stating that the song is a genuine representation of one's thoughts and feelings

So hear my spirit roar
Urging the audience to listen closely and pay attention to the passionate delivery

Roar free, in myself
Encouraging oneself to express freely and confidently through music

Through my melody
Using music as a means of conveying one's message and emotions

Kill this thug, it's a felony
Metaphorically defeating one's inner demons and negative thoughts as a criminal act

I'll make sure you remember me
Promising to leave a lasting impression and impact on the audience

Uh, climb new heights and I break new grounds
Aspiring to achieve greater success and surpass previous accomplishments

Got a new crib and you can't come round
Asserting one's newfound wealth and success, making it inaccessible to others

This year haters gonna big me up
Expecting that even the critics will acknowledge one's achievements and positive qualities

This year no one's gonna hold me down
Determined to overcome obstacles and not let anyone hinder one's progress

Yeah, I'm the shit, yo word to my bowels
Confidently asserting one's greatness and using humor to emphasize it

I don't wear snapbacks, yo I wear crowns
Choosing to wear more luxurious and prestigious items to symbolize one's status

Price as rich if I wasn't this blick
Reflecting on how one's wealth and success might be different if they weren't black

Price as big if I wasn't this proud
Acknowledging that one's self-confidence and pride is a crucial component of their success

Yeah, eight years sittin' on top
Reflecting on the length of time one has been successful

Yeah, I been there, done that, had that what
Implying that one has achieved and experienced many things over their career

'Fore I did rap, had two, two jobs
Revealing that one had to work hard before achieving success in music

Hip-hop, Grime and then I went pop
Detailing the different genres and sounds that one has explored over their career

Trade your life for my life, let's swap
Challenging someone to consider whether they could handle the pressure and challenges of one's life

Go clean in my dad's old shop with a mop
Reminiscing about one's humble beginnings and previous jobs

Where a man knew if a guy was gettin' money on the ends
Describing the environment of one's past job and how people communicated and interacted

When he used to wear Lyle & Scott
Detailing a specific brand of clothing that was popular in one's past environment

Used to love hoes, now I want bae
Reflecting on how one's priorities and desires have changed over time

Used to want dough, now I want change
Desiring more than just wealth and material possessions, but meaningful and positive impact

Used to be wilder, now I'm more tame
Reflecting on past behaviors and personality traits, acknowledging how they've changed over time

Used to be crazy, now I'm insane
Highlighting one's unique personality and embracing it, even if it may be considered unconventional

Talkin' to the mirror like, "How did I get this vain?"
Reflecting on one's vanity and questioning how it came about

TBT '07 and eight
Referencing a specific period in the past

Me and Rich like how we gonna get this played
Discussing how to promote and get their music heard

I was like, mate, uh
Recalling a conversation with someone, using casual language

This is the realest shit I ever wrote (that I ever wrote)
Repeating the song's title and emphasizing its authenticity

I think she in love with a married man
Describing a complicated and potentially harmful relationship situation

I fell in love with a married chick
Admitting to having romantic feelings for someone who is already in a committed relationship

Sometimes I drive to a random place
Describing a spontaneous decision to go on a road trip or explore somewhere new

Sometimes I'm scared of not havin' shit
Expressing fear and anxiety about losing one's success and wealth

Sometimes I fear I might lose it all
Describing a common fear that people in high-pressure situations may have

It's such a crazy world, law of averages
Reflecting on the unpredictable and chaotic nature of the world, and how things tend to balance out over time

I don't know how Drizzy manages
Acknowledging the difficulty of maintaining success in the music industry, even for someone as successful as Drake

I don't know how Jigga manages
Describing the struggles of maintaining a successful career and personal life, even for someone as legendary as Jay-Z

Nearly fell apart in the first year
Recalling a difficult period early on in one's career when they struggled to adapt and succeed

Didn't think that I can handle it
Admitting doubt and uncertainty during a difficult time

Wu-Tang Clan, Gravel Pit
Referencing a popular song by the Wu-Tang Clan

Whip smelling like we sellin' cannabis
Humorously describing the smell of one's car

Who in the fuck do they think they are?
Expressing a defiant attitude towards those who doubt or criticize one's success

Hope they don't think I'm some any guy
Aspiring to stand out and not be just another generic artist

Hope they don't think I'ma let it slide
Asserting that one will not tolerate disrespect or dismissiveness

I got every single line memorized
Showing confidence in one's abilities and preparation

Love letter to the city, city, city
Expressing love and appreciation for one's hometown or city

Love letter to my city
Repeating the previous line and emphasizing the personal connection

Thank you for fuckin' with me
Grateful for the support and encouragement received from fans

I know the mayor, I know the nitties
Claiming to have connections to both high-level officials and regular citizens, emphasizing one's influence and social status

Lost some pagans but I gained the masses
Acknowledging the loss of some old friends or associates, but gaining wider popularity and acceptance

Wrote my will before I made a classic
Reflecting on the potential consequences of one's success and the importance of planning ahead

Take a pill and let it change to magic
Metaphorically describing the transformation or euphoria that can come from taking drugs

Fuck whoever tryna hate on Patrick
Directly addressing and dismissing those who criticize or disrespect one's name or brand

We bring the stars out
Claiming to attract and associate with high-profile individuals and celebrities

We bring the whole Geordie Shore cast out
Humorously implying that one's influence extends even to the cast of a popular reality TV show

Got the mandem, up in Bizarre, wow
Possible reference to a nightclub or venue where one is popular and influential

I'm in Val d'Isère, I'm in France now
Name-dropping a popular ski resort in France, emphasizing one's international travels and experiences

I ain't even tryna gloat
Dismissing the notion that one is bragging or showing off, possibly in response to criticisms of being too boastful

We the only black boys skiin' on slopes
Highlighting one's uniqueness and breaking stereotypes by engaging in a sport that may not be associated with black people

Where's the Rizla and the roach?
Humorously referring to smoking accessories, while also emphasizing one's relaxed and enjoyable lifestyle

Ace boy with the carpet and the rope, uh
Possible reference to owning or enjoying luxury items, using humor to emphasize it

Said you'll remember
Repeating the earlier promise to leave a lasting impression on the audience

Always gon' remember, always gon' remember
Repeating the line and emphasizing that the impact will last forever

Price as big if I wasn't this proud, yeah
Repeating a line from earlier in the song, possibly to end on a confident and proud note