In 'City Lights', Drake reflects on the profound journey from a small town to the sprawling urban landscape, exploring themes of contrast between wealth and poverty, personal struggles, and the harsh realities of social status. This introspective anthem speaks to the awakening of a young man who learns about the disparities of the world while striving for his place amidst the city's chaos.
Verse 1:
Came from a place where the stars shine bright,
Small town vibes, everything felt right.
But I packed my bags, hit the road for the night,
City lights calling, caught a glimpse of the hype.
Chorus:
Oh, moving to the city, opened my eyes,
Rich and the poor, living side by side.
Learned quick, life ain't no surprise,
Status and wealth, it’s how we ride.
Verse 2:
Saw the glam and the grit, the dreams and the fight,
Every corner I turned, felt the tears and delight.
Young man with a vision, but pockets were light,
While they cruised in the Benz, I was catching the bike.
Chorus:
Oh, moving to the city, opened my eyes,
Rich and the poor, living side by side.
Learned quick, life ain't no surprise,
Status and wealth, it’s how we ride.
Bridge:
Every day a lesson, every night a test,
Had to hustle hard, never settling for less.
While they sipped champagne, I was grinding for respect,
In a world full of gold, felt the cold in my chest.
Verse 3:
Friends turned to foes, it’s a game that we play,
But I keep my heart real, never lose my way.
Through the highs and the lows, every shade of gray,
I’ll make it to the top, come what may.
Chorus:
Oh, moving to the city, opened my eyes,
Rich and the poor, living side by side.
Learned quick, life ain't no surprise,
Status and wealth, it’s how we ride.
Outro:
So here’s to the journey, to the scars and the pride,
From a small town boy to the streets I abide.
In the city of dreams, where the truth can’t hide,
I rise from the ashes, I’ll take it in stride.
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Moving to the city from a small town changed my perspective on how big the world is. It was the first time I had ever seen so much poverty and so many riches in the same place. As a young man, I learned quickly how broken the world is. I learned that how you are treated is based on status and wealth. Everyone my age around me was already rich. I had to work for everything I had to get.
Drake