Z-RO was born Joseph Wayne McVey IV in Houston's South Park neighborhood on January 19, 1977.[5] At age six his mother died, and he was shuttled from household to household in search of stability, eventually settling in the Ridgemont area, a middle-class suburb in Missouri City in Southwest Houston.[5] When Z-Ro reached his late teens he was unemployed and resorted to drug dealing and hustling on the streets.[5] According to Z-Ro, listening to the music of 2Pac, Geto Boys, Street Military, K-Rino and Klondike Kat inspired him to work harder for his goal of leaving the streets.[5] Z-Ro discovered his talent of freestyle rapping and after going through a couple of recording studios to make a demo,[5] the CEO of a local label discovered and signed him.
Z-Ro released his critically acclaimed Rap-a-Lot debut titled The Life of Joseph W. McVey.[5][6] The record was a huge success and helped expand Z-Ro's and Bobby Craig's fan base beyond the South.[5] In 2005, Z-Ro released Let the Truth Be Told, which was well received.[5] Z-Ro's 2006 album I'm Still Livin' was released while he was imprisoned for drug possession, to positive reviews.[7][8] It was called "a great album... powerful" but "relentlessly bleak" by The Village Voice[7] and "one of the best rap albums to come out of Houston" by the Houston Chronicle.[9] In 2010 he released the album titled Heroin, which was followed by an album titled Meth in 2011 and then Angel Dust in 2012.
Z-Ro released his first EP under The Mo City Don titled Tripolar on August 25, 2013 via One Deep Ent.[2] Z-Ro then followed up with The Crown in June 2014.[10] In February 2015, Z-Ro released his first proper studio album in three years, titled Melting the Crown.
In 2016, Z-Ro released Drankin & Drivin in August[11] and Legendary in November under his label One Deep Entertainment.
These Days
Z-Ro Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Seem like wherever I go the fake taking over like real ain't cool no more
And these days
Don't nobody show love
Instead of lending a helping hand they want to see blood
And these days
I know that god be so mad
Daughters disrespect their mothers like sons do their dads and these days
Uhh and these days seem like the definition of real done changed
Like today it's cool to drop salt on your partners name
It's cool to shake your homies hand but then go sex his dame
She pregnant and yo homie thinks it's his that's a damn shame
Seem like today it's cool to be gay cause these women be having more women than Joseph McVey
And it seems like none of my partners ain't partners no more they all enemies
Acting like they down with me I know they just pretend to be
Mama get beat by dad and you look just like your father so mama treat you bad
You feel like your something your parents wish they never had
That's the reason you out all night and never at the pad ready to whop somebodies ass
But that ain't the solution then you'll be like me and end up in an institution
No I don't know you I'm just trying to make a contribution
Hoping you don't end up on death row looking at execution, lethal injection, or electrocution
Or even worse somebody you disrespected comes and puts you in the dirt
I know if you can't get rid of tension living hurts
Just try to vent your frustration
Doing something that won't prepare you to ride in a hearse
It's easier said than done
Soon as you solve a problem your facing another one deal with one player hater and here another one come
Deserving the whole cake but end up with nothing but crumbs
I know you feel like your done but the devil is a lie
Trying to make you think he's down with you and god want you to die
Well tell me why he sent his son here to be crucified?
On a cross with a crown of thorns on his head and a spear on his side he hung, bleed and died
But it ain't gone ever change
Those of us that are hard headed gone end up in the flame
Worshiping idol gods like power and money, mayne
I did it myself but realized I had to change knowing my people won't do the same
And these days
Seem like where ever I go the fake taking over like real ain't cool no more
And these days don't nobody show love
Instead of lending a helping hand they want to see blood
And these days
I know that god be so mad
Daughters disrespect their mothers like sons do their dads
And these days
I just don't know what to do struggling
Just to make it homie what about youuuuuuu?
The lyrics to Z-Ro's song "These Days" depict his observations and frustrations with the current state of society. He laments how the definition of "real" seems to have changed and how fakeness seems to be prevailing over authenticity. It appears that people no longer show genuine love and instead, resort to violence to resolve conflicts. He also notes how disrespectful daughters have become to their mothers, reflecting a growing trend of generational divide and lack of reverence. The overall tone of the song is one of despair and hopelessness, as Z-Ro expresses his struggle to make it in life, questioning what can be done in such an environment.
The lyrics explore several societal themes such as betrayal, violence, disrespect, and the loss of values. The opening lines of the song highlight the prevalence of fake people in society, who have blurred the lines between real and fake. Additionally, the lyrics highlight the frequent occurrence of violent conflicts and how people fail to show love and support for one another. Z-Ro also touches on parental issues, including mothers being disrespected by their daughters and sons disrespecting their fathers. The lyrics suggest that the current generation lacks respect for their predecessors and that this cycle of disrespect is set to continue.
Overall, the lyrics to "These Days" are relevant to today's societal issues, highlighting the need to reclaim authenticity, respect for others, and values such as compassion and love.
Line by Line Meaning
And these days seem like the definition of real done changed
Nowadays, the meaning of the word 'real' has transformed.
Like today it's cool to drop salt on your partners name
It's popular to gossip and speak negatively about your friends.
It's cool to shake your homies hand but then go sex his dame
People pretend to be friends but then betray each other by sleeping with their partners.
Seem like today it's cool to be gay cause these women be having more women than Joseph McVey
Being gay is seen as trendy because women are in relationships with other women at a high rate.
And it seems like none of my partners ain't partners no more they all enemies
My friends have become my enemies, and I can't trust anyone anymore.
Acting like they down with me I know they just pretend to be
They pretend to support me, but I know it's all an act.
Mama get beat by dad and you look just like your father so mama treat you bad
Your mom mistreats you because you resemble your dad who abuses her.
That's the reason you out all night and never at the pad ready to whop somebodies ass
You're always out and ready to fight because you're angry at your parents' dysfunctional relationship.
But that ain't the solution then you'll be like me and end up in an institution
Fighting and violence isn't the answer; it will only lead to being institutionalized.
No I don't know you I'm just trying to make a contribution
Although we don't know each other, I'm sharing my advice to help you.
Hoping you don't end up on death row looking at execution, lethal injection, or electrocution
I hope you don't end up in prison and face the death penalty.
Or even worse somebody you disrespected comes and puts you in the dirt
Disrespecting others can lead to a violent outcome, even death.
Just try to vent your frustration
When you feel upset, try to express your feelings instead of resorting to violence.
Doing something that won't prepare you to ride in a hearse
Choose activities that won't lead you to an early grave.
It's easier said than done
I understand that it's hard to practice good behavior, even though it's the right thing to do.
Soon as you solve a problem your facing another one deal with one player hater and here another one come
You may solve one problem, but then another one arises, including dealing with negative people.
Deserving the whole cake but end up with nothing but crumbs
You deserve more than you're getting in life.
I know you feel like your done but the devil is a lie
Although you're feeling defeated, don't believe the lies that the devil tries to tell you.
Trying to make you think he's down with you and god want you to die
The devil tries to deceive you into thinking that God wants you dead.
Well tell me why he sent his son here to be crucified?
If God wanted you to die, why did He send His son to save us?
But it ain't gone ever change
Unfortunately, society's negative behaviors won't change anytime soon.
Those of us that are hard headed gone end up in the flame
People who refuse to heed advice will face negative consequences.
Worshiping idol gods like power and money, mayne
People chase after materialistic possessions like power and money.
I did it myself but realized I had to change knowing my people won't do the same
I used to worship materialistic things, but I realized I needed to change even though others around me may not.
And these days seem like wherever I go the fake taking over like real ain't cool no more
Fake people are everywhere, and it seems like it's not trendy to be genuine anymore.
And these days don't nobody show love
People aren't showing love or kindness towards each other nowadays.
Instead of lending a helping hand they want to see blood
People are more likely to want to hurt each other instead of provide assistance.
Daughters disrespect their mothers like sons do their dads
Both daughters and sons disrespect their parents in today's society.
I just don't know what to do struggling just to make it homie what about you?
I'm having a hard time, and I don't know what to do. How about you?
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kassner Associated Publishers Ltd
Written by: Benjamin Weaver, Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Jamie Norton, Mark Owen
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
John Sutterfield
ZRO is the most underrated rapper in history. He slays 99% of them out there. Real talk man. Much respect to ZRO and his success.
Steven Bennett
Facts man. 💯💯💯. This song kind of depresses me bc it's so true. I love this song tho anyways.
Cassandra Brumfield
It’s 2021 and I’m still rocking with ZRO THESE DAYS
Chris Lozano
2022!!
Ctrappa23
10/17/2022 real was here
Shane Smith
No wonder he isn't mainstream, he speaks about the truth of life.
Ryan B
+Shane Smith this was on the radio
Shane Smith
+Ryan B Which radio? Also, thank you for reminding me of this song. I love this song even more each time I listen to it.
Zachary Stone
amen
Rufus Barbados
+Shane Smith Friday's and Saturdays in Houston they jam this on they radio forgot what station tho