Many Men by 21 Savage Lyrics Meaning – A Gritty Reflection of Survival and Strife in the Urban Maze
Lyrics
Ayy, ayy, ayy, ayy, ayy, ayy
I kept it silent the whole time (ayy)
I ain’t never, ever play both sides (ayy)
East side nigga ’bout gunfire (ayy)
Pull up in a van and the door slide (ayy)
We ain’t never throwin’ no white flag (straight up)
Gotta get smoked when the bros die (straight up)
They gon’ spin ’til the car hot (straight up)
Don’t call my phone ’til some more die
New Maybach, I don’t need no key
I was in the dirt, you ain’t believed in me
My attention span too short
To wait for pussy, you teasin’ me
Bad lil’ vibe, she pleasin’ me
Spend a whole M, yeah, easily
I get the cash and put it up fast
I think I got JB in me
Edge of the bed, she sit up (ayy)
Suckin’ on the it ’til she got hiccups (yeah)
Back in the day I did stickups (ayy)
Favorite hotbox was a pick up (yeah)
Say you want smoke, don’t pick us (21)
Face shot, now you can’t get up (21)
Count a lot gang, nigga, shut up (21)
We known for shootin’ shit the fuck up (21)
Hundred large in these Amiris, they all Crippy (blue)
I got vibes eatin’ Addys off ass and titties (loose)
When it’s smoke, we pull our stickies and they call the PD (pussy)
Many men wanna kill me, dawg, I feel like 50 (pussy)
I got small fries want my spot, tryna defeat me (pussy)
I got real model bitches tryna R&B me (pussy)
All that cap inside your raps, I ain’t even play your CD (21)
We don’t go back and forth on the internet, we put niggas on TV (big facts)
I got your bitch and her BB (big facts)
Hit her in the shower, Mimi (big facts)
Next day she tryna see me (straight up)
Told her I’m blind, Stevie (Stevie)
Nice girls can’t even keep me (never)
Need a bad girl like RiRi (yeah, yeah)
We don’t pump fake, we kill beef (21)
21 Savage, not Jeezy (pussy)
I got your bitch in New York (I do)
She in the heels on the coke (she is)
I pull it out of my pants (I did)
She put it right in her throat (she did)
Fish scales smellin’ like polish (you dig?)
They brought it right off the boat (you dig?)
Front door, back door king
I done probably robbed your bro (I did)
Come up with a plan, better huddle (21)
Left wrist lookin’ like a puddle (21)
When I’m in the street, it’s trouble (21)
That’s why I stay in my bubble (I do)
Brand new Rari so fast, when I stomp the pedal to the floor, it stutter (skrrt)
I ain’t use a rubber and I make M’s, that’s why I’m chasin’ this butter (on God)
Hundred large in these Amiris, they all Crippy (blue)
I got vibes eatin’ Addys off ass and titties (loose)
When it’s smoke, we pull our stickies and they call the PD (pussy)
Many men wanna kill me, dawg, I feel like 50 (pussy)
I got small fries want my spot, tryna defeat me (pussy)
I got real model bitches tryna R&B me (pussy)
All that cap inside your raps, I ain’t even play your CD (21)
We don’t go back and forth on the internet, we put niggas on TV (big facts)
When it’s smoke, we pull our stickies and they call the PD
Many men wanna kill me, dawg, I feel like 50
Many men wanna kill me, dawg, I feel like 50
Many men wanna kill me, dawg, I feel like 50
Many men wish death upon-
Many men wish death upon-
Many men wish death upon me
Blood in my eye, dawg, and I can’t see
I’m tryin’ to be what I’m destined to be
And niggas tryin’ to take my life away
“The evil man envies the good in others
What this means, is all hatred is really born from hatred itself
And can only serve to aid in one’s own destruction
This is the downfall of many men”
In the brooding, bass-heavy landscape of 21 Savage’s ‘Many Men’, there’s an undercurrent of menace mixed with an almost fatalistic acceptance of violence and ambition. The song isn’t just a recitation of street life; it’s a complex tableau of the rapper’s personal journey from the trenches to the pinnacle of success. Savage’s weary voice becomes the focal point of an introspective narrative, riddled with tales of loyalty, survival, and the specter of death looming large.
Beneath the surface of echoing snares and somber melodies rests a deep connection to a lineage of hip-hop that is confrontational and confessional. Savage’s references are as much a homage to his predecessors as they are a stark reminder of the cyclical nature of violence and retribution in the cutthroat environments that shaped him. The lyricism reveals layers, speaking on the fragility of life, the cost of success, and the relentless pursuit of respect.
The Haunting Echoes of 50 Cent’s Legacy
The track’s central motif, ‘Many men wish death upon me,’ is borrowed from 50 Cent’s 2003 hit ‘Many Men (Wish Death)’, and it serves as a haunting reminder of the perilous paths both artists have walked. For 21 Savage, it’s not just a catchy phrase but a real-life acknowledgement of the dangers that come with street credibility and fame. The song becomes an ode to those who’ve navigated the perils of inner-city life, eternally marked by the specter of violence.
Savage’s subtle tribute to 50 Cent illustrates the interconnectedness of hip-hop narratives, creating a generational bridge that allows listeners to explore the shared themes of adversity and resilience. These references stitch together the rich tapestry that defines the genre, and in echoing 50’s words, Savage paints himself as the modern bearer of this gritty tradition.
Unveiling the Venom: The Song’s Hidden Meaning
Beyond the bravado and explicit content, ‘Many Men’ carries a poignant lament about the cycle of retaliation and the dog-eat-dog mentality that is often glorified in the streets. 21 Savage doesn’t glorify his past; instead, he provides testimony to a life that has seen more than its fair share of trials and bloodshed. There is wisdom in his acknowledgment that the hatred which fuels vendettas is a self-consuming fire.
The lines concluding the song are particularly revelatory, speaking to a philosophical musing that suggests an understanding of how vengeance and envy can be self-destructive. ’The evil man envies the good in others’ isn’t just a throwaway line; it’s a window into Savage’s recognition of the futility in perpetuating a cycle of violence.
Loyalty over Everything: The Code of the Streets
At its core, ‘Many Men’ speaks to the code of absolute loyalty that governs the streets. ’I kept it silent the whole time,’ Savage states, asserting his personal dedication to a strict street ethos. This is more than just adherence to rules; it’s a way of life that Savage credits with having shaped him, and possibly as a source of the respect he commands within the industry.
The emphasis on loyalty is coupled with an unapologetic narrative of retaliation. ’Gotta get smoked when the bros die,’ is a chilling line that demonstrates an uncompromising stance on avenging fallen comrades. 21 Savage’s portrayal is unflinching, and it serves to highlight the depths of allegiance and the high stakes of survival in his world.
A Symphony of Success: Braggadocio Meets the Struggle
Flaunting success is a staple in hip-hop, but in ‘Many Men’, 21 Savage intertwines his financial achievements with his struggle. Verses about expensive cars and lavish expenditures are juxtaposed with memories of his rough beginnings, creating a narrative that celebrates his ascent without forgetting the past. ‘I was in the dirt, you ain’t believed in me’ isn’t just a remembrance but a rallying cry for all who are climbing out of adversity.
This duality exemplifies the genre’s obsession with authentic storytelling while highlighting the transformative power of perseverance. The money and glamour become symbols of victory, hard-earned through trials, talent, and an unwavering commitment to one’s vision.
Memorable Lines that Cut Deep
The potency of ’Many Men’ is in its candid moments, where 21 Savage’s lyrics cut to the quick. From ‘Hundred large in these Amiris, they all Crippy’ to ‘We don’t go back and forth on the internet, we put niggas on TV,’ Savage crafts lines that are memorable not just for their bravado but for their unfiltered honesty. Each verse serves as an affirmation of his street-certified reputation and his disdain for those who live a facade.
As a collection of thoughts and evocations, the lyrical quilt of ‘Many Men’ harbors wisdom and warnings, pride and pain. 21 Savage speaks a language nuanced with the street’s dialect, transferring his lived experiences into a mosaic of verses that resonate with a visceral intensity.
