From The Ground
Rising from Adversity: Danny Brown & Kelela's Inspirational Journey
Lyrics
8 balls wit a safety pin
Reference to drug quantity with a makeshift holder
I deserve the finer things
Feeling deserving of luxury or high-quality things
Told myself back then
Reflecting on a past mindset
When I used to ride a Schwinn
Recalling a humble past using a Schwinn bike
Now I'm on a tour bus
Transition from humble beginnings to touring
Going places I ain't never been
Experiencing new places due to success
Wrote my rhymes down on a paper bag
Origin of writing lyrics on a humble material
That was way back
Reminiscing about past practices
Having dreams of a Cadillac
Desiring a Cadillac, symbolizing success
Dog, I had to bounce back
Recovering from adversity or setbacks
Locked a nigga up
Expressing frustration or injustice of being incarcerated
Why they do me like that?
Questioning unfair treatment
Now I'm on the Jack in the county
Personal experience in county jail
Asking mommy for some money
Recounting financial struggles with family
Swear to God she'd do anything for me
Highlighting a strong familial bond
Now we out the hood and the nightmare is us going back
Fear of reverting to a difficult past
So I won't go to sleep 'til I finish that
Determination to secure success before resting
Cousin of death anyway
Acknowledging mortality or risk
Now I see better day
Seeing improvement in life
And I ain't tryna miss a minute, second hour
Embracing every moment and time
Living on borrowed time
Living in the present, not worrying about the future
Can't think about tomorrow
Focus on seizing the day
'Cause it's about today
Assertion of others desiring one's position
And you know you wanna take my place
Embracing the challenge and opportunity
Let's get it
Readiness and determination
You turn around, and now I'm winning
Transition to success despite odds
I built it up, from the ground
Self-built success from humble beginnings
You stay asleep, I'm gonna get it
Contrast between action and inaction
I built it up, from the ground
Reiteration of self-made success
Now tell me, would you sacrifice your dreams?
Questioning commitment to ambitions
What it takes if you want anything
Highlighting dedication required for success
Got me missing sleep 'cause my mind on the beat
Struggle to balance passion and rest
So while I'm counting bars y'all be counting sheep
Working hard while others relax
No cheat sheet, get it out the mud
Building success from challenging circumstances
Get it how you live, why I'm out here in the field
Adapting to circumstances to survive
My nigga wake up, wipe the cold out your eyes
Encouragement to face reality
It's a cold, cold world but even hotter when you die
Acknowledging challenges in life
So no try to do, what about you?
Encouragement to take initiative
Work off, well met, do the same thing too
Shared effort towards success
A lot locked up wishing they was like you
Others admiring one's position
Got a letter from my nigga saying he be out in June
Anticipation of a friend's release from prison
Been down for a minute and every since sentence
Impact of a friend's absence
Things ain't been the same so I'm missing my nigga
Reflecting on personal growth
Staring at the ceiling thinking how far I came
Appreciation of progress made
Was trapped in the storm but I made it out the rain
Surviving a difficult period
You turn around, and now I'm winning
Continued success despite challenges
I built it up, from the ground
Reiteration of self-built success
You stay asleep, I'm gonna get it
Contrast between action and inaction
I built it up, from the ground
Reiteration of self-made
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