In 'City Lights', Drake reflects on the transformative experience of moving from a small town to a bustling city. The song captures the duality of wealth and poverty, and the profound impact it has on a young man's perspective. With poignant lyrics, Drake delves into themes of status, struggle, and the harsh realities of life as he navigates his journey in a world that is both expansive and broken.
Verse 1:
I packed my bags, left my hometown behind,
Chasing dreams in the city, I was blind.
Skyscrapers and lights, they shined so bright,
But I didn't see the shadows creeping in the night.
Chorus:
City lights, they shine, but at what cost?
In the land of the free, so many dreams lost.
Riches and struggles, they blend in the same,
In this concrete jungle, nothing feels the same.
Verse 2:
Every street I walked, saw a different face,
Humbled by the hunger, I felt out of place.
My peers had it all, silver spoons in hand,
While I was grinding hard, just trying to stand.
Chorus:
City lights, they shine, but at what cost?
In the land of the free, so many dreams lost.
Riches and struggles, they blend in the same,
In this concrete jungle, nothing feels the same.
Bridge:
Learned that status matters, it cuts like a knife,
How you’re treated in this game, it defines your life.
I fought to be seen, to make my own way,
In a world so divided, where so many play.
Verse 3:
So I hustle, I grind, I’m building my throne,
With every step I take, I’m never alone.
My past is the fuel, my dreams keep me driven,
In this city of hope, I’m destined for livin’.
Chorus:
City lights, they shine, but at what cost?
In the land of the free, so many dreams lost.
Riches and struggles, they blend in the same,
In this concrete jungle, nothing feels the same.
Outro:
So here’s to the journey, the lessons I’ve learned,
From a small town boy, now the city’s my turn.
In the glow of the lights, I’m finding my way,
Through the highs and the lows, I live for today.
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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