UP by Cardi B Lyrics Meaning – Decoding the Anthem of Unapologetic Confidence
Lyrics
(This is fire) look
Once upon a time man, I heard that I was ugly
Came from a bitch, who nigga wanna fuck on me
I said my face bomb, ass tight
Racks stack up Shaq height
Jewelry on me, flashlight
I been lit since last night
Hit him with that good good
Make a nigga act right
Broke boys don’t deserve no pussy
(I know that’s right)
Big bag bussin’ out the Bentley Bentayga
Man, Balenciaga Bardi back and all these bitches fucked
It’s big bags bussin’ out the Bentley Bentayga
Man, Birkin bag Bardi back and all you bitches fucked
If it’s up, then it’s up, then it’s up, then it’s stuck
If it’s up, then it’s up, then it’s up, then it’s stuck huh
Up then it’s up, if it’s up, then it’s stuck
If it’s up, then it’s up, then it’s up, then it’s stuck huh
I could make the party hot
I could make your body rock
Bitches say they fucking with me
Chances are they probably not
If I had a dick you probably lick it like a lollipop
Hoes speaking Capanese hit ’em with karate chop
I’m forever popping shit
Pulling up and dropping shit
Gotta argue with him, ’cause a nigga love a toxic bitch
Niggas out here playing gotta make him understand
If ain’t no ring on my finger you ain’t going on my ‘Gram
I said my face bomb, ass tight
Racks stack up Shaq height
Jewelry on me, flashlight
I been lit since last night
Hit him with that good good
Make a nigga act right
Broke boys don’t deserve no pussy
(I know that’s right)
Big bag bussin’ out the Bentley Bentayga
Man, Balenciaga Bardi back and all these bitches fucked
It’s big bags bussin’ out the Bentley Bentayga
Man, Birkin bag Bardi back and all you bitches fucked
If it’s up, then it’s up, then it’s up, then it’s stuck
If it’s up, then it’s up, then it’s up, then it’s stuck, huh
Up then it’s up, if it’s up, then it’s stuck
If it’s up, then it’s up, then it’s up, then it’s stuck, huh
Bitches ain’t fucking with me now and I can see why
Dirty ass, dusty ass bitch, you got pink eye
Bitches want smoke until I bring it to they doorstep
Tell that bitch “That bad breath smell like horse sex”
Put it on him now, he will never be the same
Tatted on my ass ’cause I really like the pain
He nutted on my butt, I said “I’m glad that you came”
If that nigga had a twin, I would let ’em run a train
Big bag bussin’ out the Bentley Bentayga
Man, Balenciaga Bardi back and all these bitches fucked
It’s big bags bussin’ out the Bentley Bentayga
Man, Birkin bag Bardi back and all you bitches fucked
If it’s up, then it’s up, then it’s up, then it’s stuck
If it’s up, then it’s up, then it’s up, then it’s stuck, huh
Up then it’s up, if it’s up, then it’s stuck
If it’s up, then it’s up, then it’s up, then it’s stuck, huh
Gotta play it safe, huh, no face no case
In an era where hip-hop pulsates with bravado and bling, Cardi B’s ‘UP’ emerges as a brash and unapologetic ode to self-empowerment and sexual liberation. Through a kaleidoscope of slick beats and fiery lyrics, the Bronx-native cements her status as a relentless force in challenging societal norms and championing the female gaze.
But ‘UP’ isn’t just a track to blast on repeat; it’s a cultural statement that spells out Cardi’s manifesto. It’s a lyrical journey that delves into themes of body positivity, wealth, and dominance all wrapped in Cardi’s signature style that blends unfiltered honesty with a razor-sharp wit.
Glossy Beats and Gritty Realism: The Fabric of ‘UP’
Beneath the glossy production and infectious hooks, ‘UP’ serves as a backdrop for a more profound narrative about self-worth and individuality. Cardi juxtaposes her glamorous life with her tough upbringings, illustrating a phoenix-like rise from the ashes. It’s a reminder that her current success was earned, not granted.
By flaunting luxury brands and boasting of her financial accomplishments, Cardi simultaneously celebrates her success and side-eyes a society that often second-guesses women who own their sexuality and ambition with such clarity. The song dances on the line between being a club banger and a think piece anthem.
Boundary-Pushing Lyrics: A Cipher of Female Empowerment
Cardi’s lyrics often read like a feminist manifesto punched into verse. Take the line, ‘I said my face bomb, ass tight,’ which is less of a boast and more a powerful reclamation of her body image in a world saturated with male-defined standards of beauty.
The relentless repetition of ‘If it’s up, then it’s stuck’ becomes an emblem of persistence and determination – a woman who has ascended to great heights and refuses to be pulled down. It’s an assertion that once Cardi B claims her space, she’s immovable.
‘I Been Lit Since Last Night’: The Celebration of Continual Triumph
‘I been lit since last night’ might strike some as a throw-away party line, but it weaves a narrative of consistent brilliance and enduring success. Cardi isn’t just talking about a single evening of glory; she’s discussing a lifetime of shining in spite of detractors and doubters.
In this light, ‘UP’ becomes less about trivial night-out wins and more about a sustained celebration of breaking from the adversity of her past — from ‘ugly’ duckling to a swan who owns and flaunts her beauty without apology or restraint.
Unveiling the Hidden Meanings: From Personal Struggle to Public Anthem
A deeper look into Cardi’s verses reveals a layered tale of transformation and vindication. The track weaves the narrative of a woman who has faced criticism (‘Once upon a time, man, I heard that I was ugly’) and flip-turns it into a story of conquest and ownership of her narrative.
The hidden revelation in ‘UP’ lies in its nuance of personal struggle metamorphosing into an anthem that resonates with anyone who has fought to be seen, to be acknowledged, and to be respected on their terms. It speaks to the core of identity politics in the modern age.
Iconic Lines: ‘Broke Boys Don’t Deserve No Pussy’
Arguably the track’s most memorable line, ‘Broke boys don’t deserve no pussy,’ serves as more than a catchy hook—it’s a manifesto that extols financial independence and sets boundaries. It’s a repudiation of the idea that attention or affection can be garnered without respect or effort—financial or otherwise.
Cardi isn’t just barring the financially challenged; she’s making a broader statement about worthiness and the value of her time and company. It’s a line that champions self-respect and preaches an ethos of valuing oneself enough to demand the same in all interactions, romantic or platonic.
