Waves by Joey Bada$$ Lyrics Meaning – Surfing the Sonic Seas of Aspiration and Reality
Lyrics
And I know the landlord fed up with our lies
So we pray to the Gods, the Jahs, and the Allahs
To keep us safe and watch our lives
Cause all we tryna do is do good
Put on my hood when I walk through hoods
Cause these niggas these days is loco
You’ll get it in ya vocals if you ain’t a local
Yeah, that’s why I’m tryna go global
Yeah, that’s why I’m tryna be a mogul
And I’m hopeful that me spittin it soulful will have me in the Daily Postal
Flying coastal eatin tofu
Like I told you I know niggas who trash rappin
Worried bout the trendin fashions rather than ascendin’ passion
They want me send em tracks but I just send em laughter
Right after I start laughin, they start askin “what happened?”
But back to the chapter
Momma told me follow dreams, should never have to ask her, to
So that’s what I do, became an MC master
Since then it’s been a disaster for you and your favorite rapper
Go ahead ask em “Who is Joey Bad?”
Watch em gasp, asthma, damn it’s so sad
He paused the chatter cause he know he rather back up
Than to admit the kid is hotter than magma
But fuck it, you gotta give credit where it’s due
Cause you ain’t gon’ like the karma when it’s set up on you
It can get you on your medical, fuck you up in the decimals
Or get you 2 to 3 for residue found it your retinue
And they told me not to be so complex
Dumb it down to accomplish articles in Complex
And The Source, alfredo of course
There I go again, steppin out of line, runnin’ off course
I heard reports that it’s like sexual intercourse
With your thoughts when I talk about the shoes in which I walk
For it is not faux, nor false that this kid from the north
Speaks with forced supports of reinforced assaults
I’m sure by now you can assume he never lost
Unless with some form of divorce, or a corpse
Born boss no days off, child labor
Let me see those in favor to spin that back like tornadoes
Yeah, but it’s far from over
Won’t stop til’ I meet Hova and my momma’s in a Rover
Til’ I’m an owner of the world’s finest motors
I blow like super novas in your daughter’s room on a poster
Known as history’s biggest musical composer
No disrespect to Bob Mar, but yeah, another stoner
Marijuana my odor, and when I get older
Hope my spermatozoa from my scrotum intercepts an ovum
Like 3 times, have 3 kids, I hope
Me & wife can show em not to make the same mistakes you know that we did
I hope they acknowledge the knowledge cause yeah, they ‘gon need it
Cause when my parents tried to tell me, I just wouldn’t receive it
Couldn’t believe it, ’til I saw with my own pupils
Felt bad when I learned that their advice was truly useful
But fuck it, only made us as human beings more mutual
Even though over time, my punishments they grew more crucial
Should use the word brutal, cause my parents mad strict
Hope one day I’ll attract the likes of even Madlib
Go gold on mad shit and hear my songs mastered
Until then, all I can do is imagine
Imagine
I’mma make it all happen
A dissection of Brooklyn’s prodigious MC, Joey Bada$$, and his lyrical craft can reveal art that is deeply inundated with meaning and yearning. The track ‘Waves’ from his beloved mixtape ‘1999’ sends ripples through the usual braggadocio of hip-hop, touching on themes of ambition, growth, and the harsh socio-economic realities that birthed his artistry.
The lyrics don’t just resonate; they vibrate, sending out ‘waves’ of wisdom beyond his years. As we dissect the layers embedded in the verses of this watershed moment in his career, the philosophical undercurrents paint Joey as the emblematic storyteller for his generation. Let’s ride the ‘Waves’ and decode its genius.
The Aspirational Tide: Dreaming Big in a World That Tells You to Shrink
Joey Bada$$ uses ‘Waves’ to challenge the idea that one’s beginnings must dictate their ends. Despite acknowledging the hardships faced by him and his mother, including a tense relationship with a landlord and making ends meet, he doesn’t lose sight of his large-scale aspirations.
His lyrics fiercely rebel against the notion of being pigeonholed by his present circumstances. Instead, he visualizes a future where his voice reaches global ears and positions himself as not just a player in the game of rap, but as a mogul, a master in the making. He doesn’t just dream of succeeding—he is planning for it.
Sidestepping the Mainstream Trap: Authenticity Over Conformity
In a world where trends often eclipse talent, Joey Bada$$ has no qualms about stepping away from the limelight to perfect his craft. He criticizes those who prioritize ‘trendin fashions’ over ‘ascendin’ passion,’ emphasizing the importance of authenticity in an artist’s life over temporary popularity or compliance just to be featured in ‘The Source’ or ‘Complex.’
His dedication to the integrity of his message is clear—rather than dumbing down his lyrics, he clings to their complexity and depth, likening his words to a sort of cognitive lovemaking — intense, intimate, and revelatory.
A Sonic Maelstrom: Joey’s Lyrical Power and Flow
With confidence and verbal dexterity, Joey likens his command of the mic to natural disasters and celestial phenomena—tornadoes and supernovas. He reminds us of the raw power of his music, a testament to the influence he intends to wield in the hip-hop sphere.
His articulation of words holds the force of ‘reinforced assaults,’ an assault on not just the ears and minds of listeners, but the entire industry status quo. It’s a clear exhibition of his undeniable talent and a warning to those who underestimate his potential.
Navigating Celestial Success: Beyond the Fame and Glory
This isn’t just a song about making it big. Joey looks to the stars, literally and figuratively, hoping to meet giants like Jay-Z, but his vision reaches further. He recognizes that material success—the ‘Rover’ and the ‘world’s finest motors’—represents just one aspect of personal achievement.
‘Waves’ offers a reflective contemplation on legacy, with Joey envisioning a future where he imparts wisdom to his offspring, avoiding his trials and forgiving his transgressions, painting a picture of a man who defines success on hardearned wisdom and impact.
The Heralded Homecoming: Joey’s Awakening to Life’s Lessons
The song acknowledges a coming-of-age through the introspective acknowledgment of his youthful rejection of parental wisdom. There’s a ruefulness edging Joey’s pride; he’s learned life’s lessons the hard way, through experience and consequence, not advice.
In recognizing the value of his parents’ guidance now seen in the rear-view mirror, ‘Waves’ captures a moment of maturity which is more about personal growth than external validation. It’s a stirring reminder of the universal journey towards self-realization, and Joey makes it personal.
