4 Raws

The song centers around themes of identity, transformation, and the gritty realities of street life. EsDeeKid paints a vivid picture of his journey from the rough edges of Liverpool to a life that now includes luxury and notoriety. The overall mood is bold and defiant, mixing bravado with a hint of vulnerability. It’s a celebration of rising from hardship, yet it also acknowledges the darker aspects of this lifestyle.

Verse 1

"Ayy
I'm four-man deep in this German
And I'm whippin' it round the suburban
Plod are on chase, gotta make the excursion
So I manage this shit like I'm Jürgen
Went from Henny to sippin' on bourbon
I've switched to a different person
Cut to the chase, now they call me the surgeon
All over the net, I'm a burden
I'm a warlord, kilos under the floorboards
Rammin' the whip through the store door
EsDeeKid, I'm from Mordor
I'm putting me name on the scoreboard
Pull up, I've gotten me sword drawn
I'm rotten, I'm sick when I pour fours
Every time I smoke, I light 4 Raws."

In the first verse, EsDeeKid sets the stage for his life of fast cars and reckless decisions. The mention of “four-man deep” suggests a crew mentality, emphasizing loyalty and camaraderie in a high-stakes lifestyle. The reference to police ("plod") chasing him adds tension and urgency, hinting at the thrill of living on the edge. The line about managing things “like I’m Jürgen” connects to a well-known figure, showing his confidence in handling chaotic situations. He talks about his shift from drinking Henny to bourbon, symbolizing a change in lifestyle and maturity. This verse builds a strong foundation for his identity as someone who has transformed from a past filled with challenges to a persona that's now larger than life.

Chorus

"I'm four-man deep in this German
And I'm whippin' it round the suburban
Plod are on chase, gotta make the excursion
So I manage this shit like I'm Jürgen
Went from Henny to sippin' on bourbon
I've switched to a different person
Cut to the chase, now they call me the surgeon
All over the net, I'm a burden."

The chorus repeats the main themes from the first verse, reinforcing the narrative of his life filled with excitement and danger. The repetition emphasizes the chaos of his existence and the constant chase he experiences. It highlights his transformation while also acknowledging that this new persona comes with its burdens, especially in the eyes of others. This gives the audience a sense of the pressures that accompany his lifestyle.

Verse 2

"I'm a scumbag
I was raised in Liverpool's slums, lad
I was broke, no joke, but I spun back
Now I sip this rum and I fund packs
I'm a dirty dog, I'm a young rat
Year 10, I was out, had to run cash
PayPal flip quids for a dumb tax
Catfish as a bitch for a dumb stack
I kept learning, kept lurking
Kept whipping round and working
Me pockets filled with twenty buds
And GBP, that's sterling."

In this verse, EsDeeKid reflects on his roots and the struggles that shaped him. Calling himself a “scumbag” suggests self-awareness about his past and the choices he’s made. He recounts his tough upbringing in Liverpool and how he had to hustle to survive, which adds depth to his character. The lines about flipping PayPal quids and running cash show the lengths he went to in order to make money. This part of the song highlights his determination and growth, transitioning from poverty to a more prosperous life. He continues to build on his identity as someone who’s not just a product of his environment but someone who actively worked to change his circumstances.

Chorus (Repeated)

"I'm four-man deep in this German
And I'm whippin' it round the suburban
Plod are on chase, gotta make the excursion
So I manage this shit like I'm Jürgen
Went from Henny to sippin' on bourbon
I've switched to a different person
Cut to the chase, now they call me the surgeon
All over the net, I'm a burden."

The repetition of the chorus reinforces the main themes of the song, maintaining the narrative's momentum. It serves as a reminder of his lifestyle, the dangers that come with it, and the transformation he's undergone.

Bridge

"I'm rolling round in spenny cars
Got heavy gas that I'm burning
I'm a rockstar with these rocks, la'
I could never beat these urges."

In the bridge, EsDeeKid embraces the luxury and thrill of his current life. The mention of "spenny cars" indicates wealth, while “heavy gas” suggests he’s living life to the fullest, indulging in excess. Calling himself a “rockstar” hints at fame and success, but the acknowledgment of his urges implies a constant battle between his desires and the consequences that come with them. This section highlights the duality of his existence, celebration and caution.

Closing Thoughts

"4 Raws" resonates with listeners because it captures the raw essence of street life, where success often comes with a price. EsDeeKid's journey from struggle to success is both relatable and aspirational, making his story compelling. The mix of bravado and vulnerability allows fans to connect deeply with his experiences, ensuring the song leaves a lasting impact. This blend of celebration and caution is what makes "4 Raws" memorable and culturally significant, reflecting the complexities of modern life.