Doin’ My Thang
Zion I Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Now in a world full of pain, hard strugglin' stressed
The Buddha say your soul sufferin', I'm still here blessed
Just to breath, please believe I'm way out west
Oakland to be exact, where the pimps still rest
And the mean mugs and thugs that test your chest
It'd be so easy for me to be a pess-I-mist
But I'm still here rhyming', still chart climbing
Addicted to the game like I'm on cane vibin'
It's really all organic, so mamma don't panic
Your son ain't a crack fiend, even though I back lean
Hard on a verse til my shit sound clean
The mega lord mix board, sword with a sheen
Unseen in the night, while you sleep without light
I slave to the beat, twist it til it feel tight
Then take it to the sound proof booth with a mic
The only thing in life that always made me feel right
Some my people got high, sold they soul for spit
Some drink water fire, work to that brink
Some make hard love til it starts to sting
I stay rymin', doin' my thing
Some shorties get smart, givin' brain to kids
Some homies get live with their one night fling
Some even go to church, prayin' on they sin
I stay rymin', doin' my thing
In school I did cool, always got them grades
But I acted real bad so the teachers say:
What ya gonna do boy, you gotta go get paid
Man I be rymin', doin' my thing
And when I wrote they would joke that I wouldn't be shit
Caus we was rocking high fashion, all counterfeit
Tryin' to learn a new dance step, and feel legit
Get a girl with a booty, and real big tits
We was crazy home boy, my mind was warped
By a 40oz bottle, speakin' tales Too Short
What's my taste is yours, didn't know what for
Just wanna be a rapper, wanna go on tour
Hit hoochies in a hojo, life moves slowmo
Fast forward today, on planes doin' promo
MC to the heart, I'mma funk the jam
I coulda been a doctor, or psychologist
But it wouldn't make me happy, I chose to bust
Roll with gamblers and hustlers
Cats who grind all the time, drink and cuss
But there's something beautiful, it's right beneath my touch
It's hard to understand a certain kind of rush
That I get from my lifestyle, struggling trife style
Long way to go, happily I walk a long mile
I'll... be... coming to town
God gave me many blessings, I'mma spread 'em around




When you see us in the club I'mma break shit down
And I'll be rymin', doin' my thing

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Zion I's song "Doin' My Thang" speak to the struggles and hardships in life, but how the artist finds his own sense of purpose and meaning through music. The opening lines acknowledge the pain and stress in the world but declare the artist's gratitude and blessings for being able to breathe and be present in the moment. Despite the violence and challenges in his hometown of Oakland, the artist chooses to stay focused on his craft and creativity. In the second verse, the artist reflects on his past and how he could have easily fallen into negative behaviors but chose to pursue his passion for music. He also acknowledges the different paths people choose in life, but for him, rhyming and creating music is what makes him feel alive and fulfilled.


Overall, the song is about the artist's dedication to his craft and how it has helped him navigate the difficulties in life. He emphasizes that there is something beautiful in the struggle and the rush he gets from his lifestyle, even if it may not be understandable to others. The song also serves as a message of empowerment to those who may feel lost or uncertain about their purpose in life.


Line by Line Meaning

Now in a world full of pain, hard strugglin' stressed
In the midst of a world rife with suffering, difficulties, and anxiety,


The Buddha say your soul sufferin', I'm still here blessed
Despite Buddhism's teaching that all souls experience suffering, I remain fortunate and grateful for my blessings.


Just to breath, please believe I'm way out west
Simply existing and inhaling oxygen brings me joy, and I reside on the western side of the United States.


Oakland to be exact, where the pimps still rest
Oakland, California is my specific location, where pimps continue their illicit and immoral occupation.


And the mean mugs and thugs that test your chest
I encounter numerous individuals who intimidate and challenge me with their aggressive behavior.


It'd be so easy for me to be a pess-I-mist
Due to these struggles and hardships, it would be simple for me to become pessimistic and cynical.


But I'm still here rhyming', still chart climbing
Despite these challenges, I persevere by continuing to create and perform music that is gaining popularity.


Addicted to the game like I'm on cane vibin'
My passion for the music industry mirrors that of someone who is addicted to cocaine.


It's really all organic, so mamma don't panic
My music creation and success is completely natural and authentic, so my mother has no reason to worry about me being involved in illicit drug activity.


Your son ain't a crack fiend, even though I back lean
Despite my relaxation and leaning during my creative process, I am not a drug user or addict.


Hard on a verse til my shit sound clean
I work tirelessly on improving and polishing my lyrics so they are of the highest quality and clarity.


The mega lord mix board, sword with a sheen
Referring to my mixing equipment as a powerful weapon with a glistening shine.


Unseen in the night, while you sleep without light
While others are asleep and in darkness, I am working alone and unnoticed in the night.


I slave to the beat, twist it til it feel tight
I am devoted to the rhythm of the music and work diligently to perfect every aspect of it until it is flawless.


Then take it to the sound proof booth with a mic
After perfecting my music, I record it in a soundproof room with high-quality microphone equipment.


The only thing in life that always made me feel right
Music creation and performance is the only constant in my life that fulfills me and brings me happiness.


Some my people got high, sold they soul for spit
Some of the people I know have succumbed to drug addiction and compromised their morals for the sake of the music industry.


Some drink water fire, work to that brink
Others consume alcohol in excess and push themselves to the brink of exhaustion in order to be successful in their careers.


Some make hard love til it starts to sting
Other people engage in rough and painful sexual experiences in pursuit of fulfillment and satisfaction.


I stay rymin', doin' my thing
Despite the destructive tendencies of others, I remain committed to creating and performing music in my own unique way.


Some shorties get smart, givin' brain to kids
Some young women use their intellect and intelligence to manipulate and control young men by providing sexual favors.


Some homies get live with their one night fling
Some of my friends choose to engage in risky and short-lived sexual encounters.


Some even go to church, prayin' on they sin
Others attempt to reconcile their sinful actions by attending religious services and praying for forgiveness.


I stay rymin', doin' my thing
Despite the immoral actions of others, I remain true to myself and committed to my music career.


In school I did cool, always got them grades
During my academic career, I excelled and achieved good grades.


But I acted real bad so the teachers say:
However, my behavior and demeanor was often frowned upon by my teachers.


What ya gonna do boy, you gotta go get paid
Despite the criticism I faced, I acted in accordance with my own goals and aspirations, working to achieve success and financial stability.


Man I be rymin', doin' my thing
Even from a young age, I was dedicated to my music career, continuously creating and performing despite negative feedback from others.


And when I wrote they would joke that I wouldn't be shit
Despite my early passion and dedication to music, many people dismissed my aspirations and belittled my work.


Caus we was rocking high fashion, all counterfeit
My appearance and style at the time was often associated with fake, knock-off designer clothing.


Tryin' to learn a new dance step, and feel legit
I was attempting to improve my confidence and status through learning popular dance moves and fitting in with my peers.


Get a girl with a booty, and real big tits
My priorities at the time were largely focused on shallow and superficial qualities in potential romantic partners.


We was crazy home boy, my mind was warped
At that time, I was surrounded by individuals who encouraged reckless and risky behavior, and my own mind was affected negatively by it.


By a 40oz bottle, speakin' tales Too Short
I often drank 40-ounce bottles of alcohol and listened to music by Too Short, an artist whose lyrics frequently referenced drugs and sex.


What's my taste is yours, didn't know what for
I was unsure of my own musical preferences and often went along with my friends' tastes instead of developing my own unique style.


Just wanna be a rapper, wanna go on tour
Despite my struggles and insecurities, I remained focused on my goal of becoming a successful rapper and touring artist.


Hit hoochies in a hojo, life moves slowmo
I spent my time in cheap motels with women and lived a slow-paced and unfocused life.


Fast forward today, on planes doin' promo
Currently, I travel by airplane to promote my music career and have achieved a level of success and status that I once only dreamed of.


MC to the heart, I'mma funk the jam
My passion and love for music runs deep within me, and I strive to bring funk and energy to every performance.


I coulda been a doctor, or psychologist
Although I had the intelligence and abilities to pursue other careers, I chose to commit to my music career instead.


But it wouldn't make me happy, I chose to bust
Despite the financial stability and security that other careers could provide, remaining dedicated to my music career brings me the most fulfillment and happiness.


Roll with gamblers and hustlers
I associate with individuals who take risks and work hard to achieve success, often through illegal or unethical means.


Cats who grind all the time, drink and cuss
These individuals are constantly working hard and dedicating their time to their craft, while also engaging in heavy drinking and profanity.


But there's something beautiful, it's right beneath my touch
Despite the challenging individuals I associate with, I recognize a certain beauty and potential in the music industry and the people within it.


It's hard to understand a certain kind of rush
The excitement and thrill that comes from being successful in the music industry is difficult to describe and fully comprehend to those outside of it.


That I get from my lifestyle, struggling trife style
Even with the hardships and struggles that come with the music industry, the lifestyle is unique and fulfilling in its own way.


Long way to go, happily I walk a long mile
Despite how far I've progressed in my career, I recognize that I still have a long way to go and am content with the journey.


I'll... be... coming to town
I have upcoming performances in various locations.


God gave me many blessings, I'mma spread 'em around
I am grateful for the blessings and opportunities that have come my way, and aim to positively impact and share them with others.


When you see us in the club I'mma break shit down
During my performances, I aim to energize and engage the audience and give my all.


And I'll be rymin', doin' my thing
During my performances and in my career overall, I am dedicated to creating and performing music in my own unique and passionate way.




Writer(s): GAINES STEPHEN BRETT, ANDERSON ANTHONY W

Contributed by Vivian J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

Sheldon Arrindell

2018 still spinning this track in my car . One of the best album

bsommer

we still in here!

Steve Buchan

Been with these guys since mind over matter and love all of it

Andre Jeremiah

Love this beat... Been on my playlist for years....

Ben Ortega

forgot about this track until 2 days ago. Traveled to Utah and was on the slopes snowboarding when this came on. The feeling of gliding down the hill feeling this was something sublime. Appreciate life reminding me of this jewel.

Trai Arceneaux

i loved this song it was good i can't stop myself from listening to it

mykr0

love this tune, me and my girlfriend get down to this shit everytime we can't find anything else, always goes on!!! :D

graveyca

Truely amazing song!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hitman 1457

I wasn't even born when this came out but its better then 100% of the bs they got on the radio now. Damn shame rap degenerated from this

westcst2k7

this album is fucking awesome!

More Comments

More Versions