How've you been
Rising from Struggles: Oldmannwilly's Journey in 'How've You Been'
Lyrics
God first
Expression of prioritizing religious beliefs.
Yeah
Agreement or affirmation.
Yeah
-Ever since I got up in my bag, they say I'm out of pocket
People criticize me for being focused on my success (bag) and think I'm going too far.
Ever since I kept shit to myself, that's when I started poppin
My popularity increased when I started keeping my problems private.
Only time I didn't put in work is when I wasn't locked in
I only succeeded when I was fully committed (locked in).
Only time I got my shit together, when I thought I lost it
Regained control of my life when it seemed lost.
I got niggas that I kept afloat, but then they tried to drown me
Helped others, but they turned against me.
You don't keep it solid with your people, get the fuck around me
Emphasizing loyalty, disassociating from those who betray.
Shorty said I got a big ego like I'm Robert Downey
Reference to having confidence, possibly being compared to Robert Downey Jr.
Diamond in the rough, I told her, baby, just be glad you found me
Acknowledging one's value despite challenges.
Now I'm in the city, I'm out here, I'm makin' moves
Active in the city, making progress.
I'm either picture paintin' or cookin' up in a stu'
Engaged in creative activities or music production.
I know a shorty that posts thirst traps on IG like breaking news
Observing someone on social media seeking attention.
And puts private location, but I recognize the pool
Recognizing someone's location from social media posts.
It's crazy, couple years ago, I dropped up out of school
Reflecting on leaving school a few years ago.
Momma shed tears like, baby, what you gon' do
Mother's concern about life choices.
I shed some tears too, but she ain't know I played it cool
Handling challenges calmly without revealing emotions.
They say you never know well my nigga, I'm livin' proof
Personal proof that one can overcome challenges.
I'm forever grateful, say a prayer before I eat a meal
Expressing gratitude before meals.
Got a check from MLB, I ain't even had a touch the field
Received a payment from MLB without playing in a game.
No matter situations, all my niggas know I keep it real
Consistently truthful and genuine in various situations.
Have meetings with A and R's, I'm talkin' like I sign the deals
Having discussions with A&R representatives as if having signed a record deal.
Got niggas who follow me, you'd think would be ahead of me
People following but not surpassing in achievements.
I did business with LinkedIn, I ain't never had a resume
Engaging in business without a formal background.
Oh shit, I mean resume, I feel like this my destiny
Playing on the word "resume" to express a sense of destiny.
They ask me how it happened, but we both know who's been blessin' me
Recognizing blessings in life.
No matter what you pay me, I'm still feelin' like I'm underpaid
Feeling undervalued despite financial compensation.
They say millions would change me, well, I guess that's why I haven't changed yet
Not allowing wealth to change personal values.
I know people got it made, I ain't got it made yet
Acknowledging challenges despite external perceptions.
I feel like I've been a dog, I just ain't out the cage yet
Feeling confined but not yet free.
You claimin' you a dog too, but all you do is play fetch
Criticizing others claiming toughness but only engaging in trivial activities.
You can't talk about no struggle, you ain't felt no pain yet
Challenging others to speak about real hardships.
I know a shorty that done told me that she wanna wait till marriage
Encountering someone wanting to wait for marriage.
So if you lookin' through my phone, I got her saved as safe sex
Keeping contact information discreet to respect privacy.
She just asked me how I been
Responding to someone's inquiry about well-being.
Shit, how you been
Returning the question about the other person's well-being.
How you been
Reiteration of asking about the other person's well-being.
Let's get married
Playfully suggesting marriage as a response.
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