Music has always been a part of my life, since my teen days when computers were not as advanced as it is nowadays, my computer would be filled with my best tracks. Every morning and evening, before and after school my computer would become my best friend. Every opportunity I get I would blast my music and listen to every lyric attentively. This is where my love for music grew, does not matter the genre, as long as I am able to listen to music, I am filled with joy.
Some people listen to music because of how profound the lyrics are, other simply just listen because of the beat, artists have found many unique ways over the years to master the art of telling their life stories via the lyrics they express in their songs. By the point their songs reach the listener, one can only but appreciate and applaud the artists for the talent, work and creative efforts they put in every song. How do artists even find the right words and the right rhythm to express words? I personally feels its all hard work and dedication!
I found myself this morning revisiting old songs I used to listen to. During my high school years one artist I used listen to a lot was Lil Wayne. Every song Lil Wayne released I added on my computer playlist. I would sing along to every song and studied how carefully he put words together. Since then Lil Wayne has shown how skilled he is at rapping, many people still today believe he is the greatest rapper of all time. He has a unique way with words, his output in his songs is clear evidence that he is skilled with words and punchlines. Over the years he has shown how versatile and an impactful artist he is.
Every song that he released I would sing along, his lyrics became like second nature to me, even today I can still sing along to all his songs.
Upon listening to his old tracks this morning I stumbled across a song he released in 2007. As soon as the song started my body jumped in excitement to hear the song again after many years. The song he released in 2007 was “Something you forgotten” a song he wrote and tribute to his mom. When I heard the lyrics for the first time again after many years, it reminded me again why Lil wayne is one of the best rappers alive. Below I will briefly elaborate on the lyrics and why this song is one of my favourite songs of Lil Wayne.
[Hook]
I’ve Been Lonely
I’ve Been Waiting For You
I’m Pretending
And Thats All I Can Do
(Thats All I Can Do Mama)
The Love I’m Sending Ain’t Making It Through To Your Heart
(I Hope You Hear Me)
Lil Wayne says he feels lonely and that he has been waiting for his mom. He admits that he’s been pretending to be strong lately, however deep inside he is struggling. The love he is trying to give his mom doesn’t seem to fully reach her heart, this shows that he sometimes feels unseen or misunderstood.
[Verse 1]
Since I’ve Lost You, I’m Lost Too
Nigga Feelin’ Like He At The Bottom Like A Horseshoe
Sorry For The Trouble That I Put You And Your Heart Through
God Knows That I’d Do Anything For A Part 2, Or To,
Be Prayin’ For The Day you Come Back To Me, Sayin’ That You Forgive Me
Give Me Another Chance, I’m Needin’ It Like A Kidney
I Don’t Wanna Advance, Give Me Back Her Hands
Give Me Back Her Touch, I Don’t Ask For Much
But I F**ked Up, I Know I F**ked Up, I Admit I F**ked Up
But Everybody F**k Up, Now This Other Nigga Luck Up
Tellin’ Me And My click Don’t Give A F**k
Cuz A We From New Orleans, She Was From Georgia
She Was My Down Chick, I Was Her Soldier
I Was Her Gangster, She Was My Shoulder
You Were The Pistol To My Holster.. Bang
He compares loosing her guidance in his life and her love to being lost himself, since he no longer has her guidance in his life he feels lost without her guidance. He apologizes for causing heart ache through some of the mistakes he made while growing up, and he wishes that if he had a chance to rewind some of his mistakes, that having a another chance will allow him to make things right with her. he admits he F**k Up, however that everyone makes mistakes, but through his upbringing she was his strength and support, the shoulder he can lean on, however at the same time he saw himself as her protector. In the end he ends of that she was the pistol to his holster, emphasising how close she is and was to him and that he couldn’t live without her by his side.
[Hook]
You’ve Been Hiding, Never Letting It Show
Always Trying, To Keep It Under Control
(I See You Hidin’ It Mama)
You Got It Down, And Your Well On Your Way To The Top
(Keep Doin’ Your Thing)
But There Is Something You Forgot
Lil Wayne is saying his mother hides her struggles and tries to stay strong, never showing how much she goes through. He admires her strength and sees that she is successful and moving forward in life. At the same time, he reminds her that in all her progress, she may have forgotten about him and the bond they once shared.
[Verse 2]
You Forgot About The House, You Forgot About The Ring
I Remember Everything, I Just Wanna Hear You Sing
I Remember The Love, Right After The Fights
You Can’t Tell Me You Don’t Remember Those Nites
And If I Would Cry, You Would Cry Twice
To Me You Are The Brightest Star Under The Sunlight
See Take Away My Title, Take Away My Stripes
You Give Me Back My Girl And You Give Me Back My Life
Give Me Back My Girl And You Give Me Back My Life
See This Is Just A Nightmare, So I Blink Twice
Open Up My Eyes Hopin’ She’d Be In My Sight
I Remember The Time, I Wish I Could Bring It Back
What She Mean To Me, Is What I Mean To Rap
Lil Wayne recalls the memories he shared with his mother, from the house and ring to the love they still had even after fights. He shows how deeply connected they were, saying that if he cried, she cried even more, and he compares her to the brightest star in his life. He admits that losing her bond to him feels like a nightmare and that she means as much to him as his entire career in rap, showing her irreplaceable value
[Hook]
You’ve Been Hiding, Never Letting It Show
Always Trying
(I See You Hidin’ It Mama)
To Keep It Under Control
(But I Know You Know)
You Got It Down
(I Know You Do)
And Your Well On Your Way To The Top
(I Wish You And Yours Nothing But Happiness Shawty)
Once again Lil Wayne is saying his mother hides her struggles and tries to stay strong, never showing how much she goes through. He admires her strength and sees that she is successful and moving forward in life. At the same time, he reminds her that in all her progress, she may have forgotten about him and the bond they once shared.
[Verse 3]
But I Hope You Haven’t Forgot Me Up In The Livin’ Room Watchin’ Sportscenter
You Were Cookin’ Dinner, I Was A Sinner, But The Lord Is A Forgiver
You Know They Say If You Pray, Then You Can Get Your Blessings Ordered And Delivered
And Your Boyfriend Is Not Like Me
Ma’ You Even Went And Got A Teardrop Like Me
I Remember We Would Sit At Home All Day
You Called Me Butter, I Called You Babe
My Momma Asked About You, My Partners Did Too
I Know Your Daughter Will Be So Amazing Like You
And I Know You Probably Wish You Never Met Me, And I Just Wish You Never Forget Me
And Let Me Say, Please Don’t Worry About The Women I Have Been With
No Engagement Can Amount To Your Friendship
And I Hope That Nigga Know He Got A Queen, And All I Can Do Is Dream… Damn
Wayne reflects on simple family memories, like watching TV while his mother cooked, and admits he was a sinner but hopes God forgives him. He recalls their closeness through nicknames and family connections, showing how much she shaped his life and how proud he is of her. At the same time, he fears she regrets knowing him, yet he begs her not to forget him, admitting no other relationship can replace her and that he can only dream of having her back.
[Hook]
I’ve Been Lonely
I’ve Been Waiting For You
I’m Pretending, And Thats All I Can Do
The Love I’m Sending Ain’t Making It Through To Your Heart
Lil Wayne says he feels lonely and that he has been waiting for his mom. He admits that he’s been pretending to be strong lately, however deep inside he is struggling. The love he is trying to give his mom doesn’t seem to fully reach her heart, this shows that he sometimes feels unseen or misunderstood.
Listening to the song while having the lyrics in front of you does help one to clearly see what Lil Wayne is saying in this song. I admire the fact that he dedicated this song to his mom. Often mom’s play a significant role in our life and there are no words to thank them how much they mean to us, the role they play in our upbringing. I love this song as it captures perfect love between a son and his mom, no matter how renowned and famous Lil Wayne might be, dedicating and including his mom in his success is a love that no money or fame can buy. If you love this song and the briefly explanation to every verse and lyrics feel free to check the following songs as well: Busta 929 Nompumelelo ft Almighty & Mgiftoz English Lyrics
