Lights Please by J. Cole Lyrics Meaning – Illuminating the Darkness of Reality
Lyrics
She gave a nigga mad brain, something like The Wiz
But you see the sad thing fuckin’ with her is
Is the chick ain’t even have brains, dummy like a bitch
So I tried to show her about the world and about just who we really are
And where we’ve come and how we still have to go really far
Like “baby, look at how we live broke on the boulevard”
But all she ever want me to do is unhook her bra
Then all I really want is for her to go down low
Before you know it, she wet enough to get drowned slow
And all that deep shit I was previously down for
Replaced by freak shit I am currently down for
You see I peeped it, pussy is power
That proud feeling we get knowin’ that pussy is ours
And how it feels to feel that feeling
You feeling when you be drillin’ that shit
Got her sayin’ you be killin’ that shit
And all the pain the world cause she be healin’ that shit
And naw that ain’t your girl, dog, but you be feelin’ that chick
And you just wanna tell her everything she might need
But in the meantime it’s lights please
Lights please
Lights please
Turn off the lights,
For now everything just seems so right,
And how you make the darkness seem so bright,
I’m feeling like things gon’ be alright
Lights please
Lights please
Turn off the lights,
For now everything just seems so right,
And how you make the darkness seem so bright,
I’m feeling like things gon’ be alright
So now we in the hotel, mirrors on the ceiling
She say she wanna blow Ls, I hear her and I’m willin’
But every time I smoke, well, a nigga mind gone
So that every word I spoke, well, I’m tryin’ to put her on
But she couldn’t hear me
I told her all about how we been living a lie
And that they love to see us all go to prison or die
Like “baby, look at how they show us on the TV screen”
But all she ever want me to do is unzip her jeans
Then all I really want is for her to get on top
Before you know it, she workin’, jerkin’ it nonstop
And all that next shit I was previously talkin’
Is now that wet shit that I’m currently lost in
And while that sweat drip, I am reminded
All the times my brother told me that pussy is blindin’
I’m findin’, the more I grow, the more y’all seem to stay the same
Don’t even know the rules but yet y’all tryin’ to play the game
And ain’t it shameful, how niggas blame hoes for givin’ birth
To a baby that took two to make, coward nigga you a fake
How you gonna look in your son’s face and turn your back
Then go start another family, dawg, what type of shit is that?
She said it’s okay, rub my head and told me to relax
Laid a nigga down proper, like she was recording tracks
Said “I know you wanna change the world but for the night please
Just reach over and hit the lights please”
Lights please
Lights please
Turn off the lights,
For now everything just seems so right,
And how you make the darkness seem so bright,
I’m feeling like things gon’ be alright
Lights please
Lights please
Turn off the lights,
For now everything just seems so right,
And how you make the darkness seem so bright,
I’m feeling like things gon’ be alright
Lights please
Lights please
Lights please
Lights please
Turn off the lights
Lights please
In the ever-evolving landscape of hip-hop, J. Cole stands out as a storyteller who chooses to weave narratives that do more than scratch the surface of catchy beats and braggadocio. ‘Lights Please,’ a deep cut that has resonated with fans since its release, serves as a testament to Cole’s intricate lyricism and his ability to tackle larger societal issues while chronicling personal experiences.
This piece isn’t just about deciphering the lyrics—it’s about unearthing the profound messages embedded within the wordplay and metaphors Cole masterfully employs. We delve into the juxtaposition of light and darkness, the battle between carnal desires and intellectual pursuits, and the social commentary that makes ‘Lights Please’ a standout track in his discography.
Intertwined Lust and Consciousness
At first glance, ‘Lights Please’ may come across as another sexual rendezvous turned rap song, but J. Cole embeds a vivid critique of superficial distractions versus meaningful enlightenment. Through his interaction with a woman more interested in physical intimacy than intellectual conversation, Cole confronts the persistent choice between the carnal and the cerebral.
The song’s repeated cycle of sexual escapades and failed attempts at deeper connection represents the broader societal issue where momentary pleasures are often prioritized over substantial progress. This dichotomy reflects not only personal relationships but also the dynamic between media distractions and significant world problems.
A Glance into the Cultural Mirror
It is impossible to ignore the poignant commentary woven into ‘Lights Please’ surrounding the representation of black lives in media and the systemic oppression faced by black communities. J. Cole doesn’t shy away from illuminating the lie ‘we been living,’ pointing fingers at the glamorization of incarceration and death prevalent in some hip-hop narratives and mainstream media.
The track challenges listeners to consider the impact of these harmful stereotypes and the desensitization towards the real plight of many—a struggle between the perception painted by the ‘TV screen’ and the harsh realities often left unaddressed.
The Hidden Meaning: Dimming the ‘Lights’ to See Clearly
‘Lights Please’ does more than tell a story; it invites the audience to ponder why we often turn off the lights to indulge in escapism. The title itself suggests an intimacy with darkness and an avoidance of the light which symbolizes truth and awareness.
By requesting to turn off the lights, J. Cole metaphorically addresses our tendency to shun the light of knowledge in favor of a darkness that obscures our challenges and responsibilities. Within this shadow, temporary solace is found, though it ultimately leaves us blind to the necessary change.
The Power, the Blame, and the Responsibility
J. Cole’s narrative is punctuated by an exploration of power dynamics in relationships—the acknowledgment of ‘pussy is power’ and the consequential ‘proud feeling’ reflects not only individual relationships but also the misogynistic undertones that often permeate society.
Moreover, the lyrics take a turn towards accountability, critiquing men who shirk their responsibilities, both paternal and ethical. Cole calls out such behavior as ‘shameful’ and emphasizes the need for real, present change rather than perpetuating cycles of neglect and irresponsibility.
Memorable Lines that Cut Through the Dark
J. Cole’s ability to encapsulate complex emotions and societal critiques within a few bars is evident throughout ‘Lights Please.’ Lines like ‘And how you make the darkness seem so bright’ linger with listeners for their duality—painting his companion both as an illuminating force and a willing participant in mutual delusion.
These memorable snippets offer a glimpse into J. Cole’s state of mind, caught between inherent desires and the pursuit of something greater, offering a contemplative refrain that is both hopeful and grounding, suggesting that despite the obstacles, ‘things gon’ be alright.’
