Run This Town
by JAŸ-Z
Summary
"Run This Town" is about power, success, and the confidence that comes from overcoming challenges. Jay-Z, Rihanna, and Kanye West share their journeys and ambitions while declaring their dominance in the rap game.
Full Analysis
The song has a strong theme of ambition and resilience. It's about rising to the top and owning your success. The artists aren't just celebrating their achievements; they're also highlighting the struggles and risks that come with it. They want listeners to understand that life’s a game, and they’re playing to win. The repeated question of who will "run this town" reinforces their determination to be on top.
Verse 1
We are, yeah, I said it, we are
This is Roc Nation, pledge your allegiance
Get your fatigues on, all black everything
Black cards, black cars, all black everything
In this opening verse, Jay-Z sets the tone by establishing a sense of unity and loyalty. He invites listeners to join his movement, Roc Nation. The imagery of "all black everything" suggests power and exclusivity, making it clear that he’s serious about success. He’s ready to go to battle for what he wants, and he’s calling on his crew to do the same.
Chorus
Life's a game, but it's not fair
I break the rules, so I don't care
So I keep doin' my own thang
The chorus hits hard with its message. Life can be unpredictable, and rules often don't favor everyone. By saying he breaks the rules, Jay-Z expresses defiance and independence. He’s committed to his path, no matter the obstacles. This attitude is inspiring, encouraging listeners to keep pushing forward.
Verse 2
We are, yeah, I said it: we are
You can call me Caesar in a dark Caesar
Please follow the leader, so Eric B we are
In this verse, Jay-Z continues to affirm his leadership. The reference to Caesar suggests he sees himself as a ruler in the rap game. He’s confident in his position and invites others to follow him. The mention of Eric B shows respect for hip-hop legends, linking his success to the history of the genre. He’s proud of where he came from, yet aims to elevate his status even further.
Chorus
Life's a game, but it's not fair
I break the rules, so I don't care
So I keep doin' my own thang
Repeating the chorus reinforces its core message. It serves as a rallying cry for those feeling the weight of life’s unfairness. It reminds everyone to take control and carve their own paths. This repetition also strengthens the song's energy and drive.
Verse 3
It's crazy how you can go from bein' Joe Blow
To everybody on your dick, no homo
I bought my whole family whips, no Volvos
Here, Jay-Z and Kanye West reflect on their rise to fame. They acknowledge the drastic change in their lives, going from ordinary to extraordinary. The line about buying whips for his family shows how success has allowed them to give back. They’re not just celebrating their achievements; they’re also aware of the journey that brought them here.
Outro
Hey, hey (Yeah, yeah)
Hey, hey (What’s up?)
Hey, hey
Hey, we gon' run this town tonight
The outro wraps up the song on a high note. It’s a chant that reinforces the message of triumph. The repeated "hey" creates a sense of unity and excitement. It leaves listeners feeling motivated and empowered, ready to take on the world.
Closing Thoughts
"Run This Town" is more than just a song; it's an anthem for anyone chasing their dreams. Jay-Z, Rihanna, and Kanye West share their stories of struggle and success while encouraging listeners to embrace their own journeys. The song’s energy and powerful lyrics make it a standout track that motivates and inspires.
Full Lyrics
▼
Feel it comin' in the air (Yeah)
Hear the screams from everywhere (Yeah)
I'm addicted to the thrill (I'm ready)
It's a dangerous love affair (What's up? Come on)
Can't be scared when it goes down
Got a problem, tell me now (What's up?)
Only thing that's on my mind (What's up?)
Is who's gon' run this town tonight (Ah, what's up?)
Is who's gon' run this town tonight (Yeah, what's up? Yeah)
We gon' run this town
[Verse 1: Jay Z]
We are, yeah, I said it, we are
This is Roc Nation, pledge your allegiance
Get your fatigues on, all black everything
Black cards, black cars, all black everything
And our girls are blackbirds ridin' with they Dillingers
I get more in depth if you boys really real enough
This is La Familia, I'll explain later
But for now, let me get back to this paper
I'm a couple bands down and I'm tryin' to get back
I gave Doug a grip and lost a flip for five stacks
Yeah, I'm talkin' 5 comma, 6 zeros, dot zero, here Doug
Back to runnin' circles round niggas, now we squared up
Hold up
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[Chorus: Rihanna & Jay Z]
Life's a game, but it's not fair (Yeah)
I break the rules, so I don't care (Uh-huh)
So I keep doin' my own thang
Walkin' tall against the rain (What's up?)
Victory's within the mile
Almost there, don't give up now (What's up?)
Only thing that's on my mind (What's up?)
Is who's gon' run this town tonight (Uh, yeah)
Hey, hey, hey, hey (What's up?)
Who's gon' run this town tonight?
[Verse 2: Jay Z]
We are, yeah, I said it: we are
You can call me Caesar in a dark Caesar
Please follow the leader, so Eric B we are
Microphone fiend, this the return of the god
Peace, God, ah ah, it ain't no nobody fresher
I'm in Maison, ah, Martin Margiela
On the table, screamin', "Fuck the other side, they jealous"
We got a banquette full of broads, they got a table full of fellas
Yeah, and they ain't spendin' no cake
They should throw their hand in 'cause they ain't got no spades
Yeah, my whole team got dough
So my banquette is lookin' like Millionaires' Row
[Chorus: Rihanna]
Life's a game, but it's not fair
I break the rules, so I don't care
So I keep doin' my own thang
Walkin' tall against the rain
Victory's within the mile
Almost there, don’t give up now
Only thing that's on my mind
Is who's gon' run this town tonight
Hey, hey, hey, hey
Who's gon' run this town tonight?
[Verse 3: Kanye West & Jay-Z]
It's crazy how you can go from bein' Joe Blow
To everybody on your dick, no homo
I bought my whole family whips, no Volvos
Next time I'm in church, please, no photos
Police escorts, everybody passports
This the life that everybody ask for
This the fast life, we are on a crash course
What you think I rap for, to push a fuckin' RAV4?
But I know that if I stay stunting
All these girls only gon' want one thing
I can spend my whole life Good Will Hunting
Only good gon' come is this good when I'm cumming
She got a ass that'll swallow up a G-string
And up top, uh, two bee stings
And I'm beasting off the Riesling
And my nigga just made it out the precinct
We give a damn about the drama that your dude bring
I'm just tryin' to change the color on your mood ring
Reebok, baby, you need to try some new things
Have you ever had shoes without shoe strings?
"What's that, Ye?" "Baby, these heels"
"Is that a May— what?!" "Baby, these wheels"
You trippin' when you ain't sippin', have a refill
You feelin' like you runnin', huh? Now you know how we feel (What’s up?)
[Outro: Jay Z & Rihanna]
Hey, hey (Yeah, yeah)
Hey, hey (What’s up?)
Hey, hey
Hey, we gon' run this town tonight
What’s up?
