Broke As Fuck by Cordae Lyrics Meaning – Unpacking The Triumph Over Struggle
Lyrics
Daytrip took it to ten (hey)
I was broke as fuck, down up on my ass, had the lowest luck
Used to ride the bike up to the store, I need a Rover truck
A Bentley coupe, yeah, I’m wearin’ Prada, I like Fendi too
Grandma passed, had a heart attack, only 62
My cousin shot, got me paranoid, who to trust or not
Gave my brother 25 years, that really sucked a lot
Post-traumatic stress is building up, you niggas so dramatic
Fuck these other niggas, I’m the illest, I’m the coldest at it (yeah, uh)
Let me take you niggas back to a much simpler time
Picture yourself inside a vehicle, a ship in my mind
You’ll see some childhood memories mixed with the cells of a don
You’ll see the doctor smack my ass when I first fell out my mom
A Magic School Bus adventure trip inside my cerebral
Back when I told niggas I’ll make it, swear they didn’t believe him
Flashback to Brasstracks and we was playin’ “No Problems”
We was crankin’ all the classics from the spring to the autumn
And I said motherfuck, need a bad bitch with a tummy tuck
How I make a million from a dollar? It was dummy luck
Need a new Lam’, no sedan, fuck a Hummer truck
I’m aiming for the top, I’m steady climbing, fuck a runner-up
I was broke as fuck, down up on my ass, had the lowest luck
Used to ride the bike up to the store, I need a Rover truck
A Bentley coupe, yeah, I’m wearin’ Prada, I like Fendi too
Grandma passed, had a heart attack, only 62
My cousin shot, got me paranoid, who to trust or not
Gave my brother 25 years, that really sucked a lot
Post-traumatic stress is building up, you niggas so dramatic
Fuck these other niggas, I’m the illest, I’m the coldest at it, ay
Uh-huh (hey)
Yeah
Woo
Uh, yeah, uh
Mom and dad never had a damn thing, damn shame
Now I’m poppin’ champagne on a private jet, fuck an airplane
Order Bossa Nova, eating plantains
Presidential Rollie, fuck a campaign
Impeach, nigga, ten deep, nigga
Remember days we was wearin’ J’s
And a gold chain, only had three figures
So fortunate, proportionate
Lost Boy, nigga, no coordinates
Remember Christmas? We was giftless
Three foot tree, no ornaments
Pull my dick out, hoes swarmin’ it
Flow cold, nigga, no warmin’ it
Mama couldn’t afford AAU
So we couldn’t hoop, nigga, no tournaments
I remember days sippin’ lemonade
Ice cream truck gettin’ plenty paid
Candy lady had Jolly Ranchers
I don’t really have a lot of answers
I’m just searching for the same shit
Same niggas that I came with
Premonitions over reminiscing
Lamb’ truck how I lane switch (ah)
Cordae’s ‘Broke As Fuck’ is not just a track; it’s an autobiography set to a beat. Through his vivid storytelling and raw delivery, Cordae navigates the tumultuous journey from financial despair to prosperity. With each verse, listeners are invited into the intimate corners of his past and the relentless ambition that propelled him forward.
As the song unfolds, the rapper digs into the depths of his early life struggles, celebrating the hard-earned success that followed, while painting a reflective and at times, jarring narrative about life’s unpredictability. Through an exploration of this potent piece of music, one can dissect the layers of meaning wrapped up in this seemingly simple yet profoundly impactful hip-hop track.
A Rags-to-Riches Truth in Bars
The track kicks off with Cordae acknowledging his difficult beginnings, reinforced by the stark refrain, ‘I was broke as fuck.’ These straightforward words set the tone for the honesty that permeates the song. They resonate with anyone who’s ever felt the sting of financial insecurity.
‘Broke As Fuck’ serves as a canvas for Cordae to articulate a journey fraught with obstacles – from using an old bike for transportation, aspiring for luxury vehicles as symbols of success, to the deep-seated pain of family losses and the justice system’s impact on his brother’s life. His financial rise is juxtaposed with these harrowing experiences, painting a full picture of overcoming adversity.
The Bitter Pill of Wanting More
Cordae doesn’t just dwell on his past struggles. He steers the narrative towards his unquenched thirst for success and recognition. ‘Aiming for the top, I’m steady climbing, fuck a runner-up,’ he rhymes, indicating his refusal to settle for anything less than the best.
This relentless drive is a cornerstone of ‘Broke As Fuck,’ suggesting that his ambitions were the fire under his former hardships. It’s not just about the wealth but the acknowledgment of his efforts and the refusal to be overshadowed or underestimated by anyone.
Unwrapping the Hidden Meaning: A Deeper Dive
‘Broke As Fuck’ isn’t solely about financial struggles; it’s a multifaceted song underlining the impact of systemic issues. The reference to his brother’s 25-year sentence encapsulates the frustration and helplessness felt by many who see their loved ones swallowed by the criminal justice system.
He captures the essence of post-traumatic stress and paranoia, common amongst those who’ve experienced violent and traumatic circumstances. His words hold a mirror to societal issues- challenging listeners to see the world through the lens of empathy and understanding.
Raw Emotion in Every Line
Cordae’s reference to his late grandmother and his cousin’s shooting wrenches at the heartstrings, adding emotional depth to his narrative. The poignant mention, ‘Grandma passed, had a heart attack, only 62,’ serves as a stark reminder of life’s fragility and the personal losses that shape us.
His homage to the simplicity of childhood with ‘I remember days sippin’ lemonade, Ice cream truck gettin’ plenty paid’ layers the song with a bittersweet nostalgia that many can relate to, connecting with the innocence that once was before life’s complexities took hold.
Memorable Lines that Resonate with Listeners
Cordae leaves listeners with lines that echo long after the song ends. ‘Need a bad bitch with a tummy tuck, How I make a million from a dollar? It was dummy luck,’ offers a striking commentary on both the superficial aspirations fueled by fame and the role of fate in success.
Yet, it’s perhaps the closing thought – ‘Lamb’ truck how I lane switch’ – that encapsulates the song’s overarching message: the transition from past to present, from aspiring artist to accomplished musician, and indeed, from broke to not. It’s a testament to Cordae’s resolve, resilience, and, ultimately, his transformation.
