Tunnel Vision by Kodak Black Lyrics Meaning – Decoding the Drive and Defiance in the Rap Anthem
Lyrics
(Southside)
(Ayy, lil’ Metro on that beat)
Lil’ Kodak, they don’t like to see you winnin’
They wanna see you in the penitentiary
I need me a lil’ baby who gon’ listen
Girl, I don’t wanna be the one you iggin’
My mama told me, “Boy, make a decision”
Right now I gotta keep a tunnel vision
I need me a lil’ baby who gon’ listen
Girl, I don’t wanna be the one you iggin’
Lil’ Kodak, they don’t like to see you winnin’
They wanna see you in the penitentiary
I need me a lil’ baby who gon’ listen
Girl, I don’t wanna be the one you iggin’
My mama told me, “Boy, make a decision”
Right now I gotta keep a tunnel vision
They sendin’ all my homies on a mission
And I ain’t tryna miss out on these millions
I jumped up out the Wraith, Kodak bought a Wraith
I get any girl I want, any girl I want
She want me to save the day, but I ain’t got a cape
She wanna see me everyday, she wanna be my bae
That money make me cum, it make me fornicate, uh
I’m the shit, I need some toilet pap-er
Follow my player rules, then we gon’ be okay
On the real, I need a bih’ who gon’ cooperate
Lil’ Kodak, they don’t like to see you winnin’
They wanna see you in the penitentiary
I need me a lil’ baby who gon’ listen
Girl, I don’t wanna be the one you iggin’
My mama told me, “Boy, make a decision”
Right now I gotta keep a tunnel vision
I need me a lil’ baby who gon’ listen
Girl, I don’t wanna be the one you iggin’
Lil’ Kodak, they don’t like to see you winnin’
They wanna see you in the penitentiary
I need me a lil’ baby who gon’ listen
Girl, I don’t wanna be the one you iggin’
My mama told me, “Boy, make a decision”
Right now I gotta keep a tunnel vision
They sendin’ all my homies on a mission
And I ain’t tryna miss out on these millions
I told you niggas I’m gon’ be that fuckin’ nigga
Everything be good until you doin’ better than ’em
They wanna see a nigga shot or see me in the system
All you niggas out here poison like snake venom
Codeine in my liver, rockin’ Balenciaga denim
I’m booted even when I’m sober, I don’t need a jigga
They sendin’ all my niggas on a fuckin’ journey
I told that baby to come over ’cause I’m fuckin’ horny
My mama told me, “Kill these niggas, son, keep it goin'”
I’m thug to the bone, but I’m still her baby boy
Lil’ Kodak, boy they hate to see you in a foreign
They miss when you was in that ‘Yota kickin’ doors
Lil’ Kodak, they don’t like to see you winnin’
They wanna see you in the penitentiary
I need me a lil’ baby who gon’ listen
Girl, I don’t wanna be the one you iggin’
My mama told me, “Boy, make a decision”
Right now I gotta keep a tunnel vision
I need me a lil’ baby who gon’ listen
Girl, I don’t wanna be the one you iggin’
Lil’ Kodak, they don’t like to see you winnin’
They wanna see you in the penitentiary
I need me a lil’ baby who gon’ listen
Girl, I don’t wanna be the one you iggin’
My mama told me, “Boy, make a decision”
Right now I gotta keep a tunnel vision
They sendin’ all my homies on a mission
And I ain’t tryna miss out on these millions
Kodak Black’s relentless rhythm and raw verses in ‘Tunnel Vision’ paints a potent portrait of the rapper’s life, dissecting each line to tap into the heart of his struggle. As listeners, we are invited to traverse the claustrophobic corridors of Black’s experiences, navigating themes of success, systemic oppression, and the sheer will to overcome.
The track pulsates with an urgency, a declaration of inner conflict and external barriers, signaling Black’s refusal to surrender his dreams. Through incisive storytelling and indelible hooks, ‘Tunnel Vision’ serves as both a personal manifesto and a wider commentary on the tribulations faced by many emerging from marginalized communities.
Defeating Doubters: The Anthem of Triumph
The hook of ‘Tunnel Vision’ resonates with an assertiveness that’s both fierce and nuanced; as Black reiterates ‘lil’ Kodak, they don’t like to see you winnin’,’ he isn’t just speaking for himself. He embodies the voice of those constantly under the scrutiny of a society that often equates their success with illegitimacy. Every verse challenges these assumptions, elevating his personal achievements as victories over the societal expectation of failure.
‘They wanna see you in the penitentiary’ – the line isn’t shrouded in metaphor but is rather a piercing reminder of the reality for many young black men in America. The criminal justice system looms large in the narrative, making the song an anthem of resilience against the forces that aim to subdue progress.
Not Just a Love Song – An Ode to Loyalty
Interspersed within the fabric of defiance, ‘Tunnel Vision’ weaves the earnest desire for a ‘lil’ baby who gon’ listen.’ Beyond the potential veneer of a romantic interest, this longing for a companion serves as a deeper metaphor for the yearning for genuine support – a confidant amidst chaos, a steady presence in a capricious world.
The recurring plea to be heard is a powerful resonance in the silence that often greets the marginalized and misunderstood. Here, Kodak is not just singing about escapism through romance or connection, but rather emphasizing the importance of understanding and solidarity in the face of his – and by extension, his community’s – adversities.
The Visceral Need for Success – ‘And I ain’t tryna miss out on these millions’
The drive for financial prosperity is a palpable undercurrent in ‘Tunnel Vision.’ This isn’t merely a pursuit of materialism for flamboyance; it is the pursuit of stability and the power it brings – freedom from systemic constraints, validation of hard work, and the ability to uplift oneself and one’s family.
When Black raps ‘I ain’t tryna miss out on these millions,’ he is rebuking the fate often written for him by society at large. His lyrics dismantle the myth that achievement is only reserved for those born into affluence and underscore the legitimacy of his ambition.
Underneath the Beats: Unearthing the Song’s Hidden Meanings
At first pass, the stark beats and sharp lyrics can cloak the more surreal elements of ‘Tunnel Vision.’ Verses such as ‘Codeine in my liver, rockin’ Balenciaga denim’ can at once be seen as braggadocio or a darker introspection into the coping mechanisms adopted by those in constant battle with their reality.
‘My mama told me, ‘Kill these niggas, son, keep it goin” goes beyond a call for competition in the music arena. The maternal exhortation explores the theme of parental expectations, the desire for one’s child to transcend adversity, and the relentless pursuit of greatness even in the face of enormous odds.
Dissecting the Seminal Lines: ‘My mama told me, Boy, make a decision’
Much of ‘Tunnel Vision’ pivots on this pivotal lyric. It’s a mandate for self-determination, an urging to take the reins of one’s destiny amidst a maelstrom of external pressures. The repetition of this line is a testament to Kodak Black’s adherence to his personal choices, despite the very real possibility of missteps leading to incarceration or worse.
It’s a reminder that the only path to true autonomy is through focus and perseverance – a message that resonates universally, regardless of the listener’s background. It’s a clarion call to eschew distractions, embrace challenges, and forge onwards with unwavering ‘tunnel vision.’
