055 Lyrics – Westside Gunn

055 Lyrics Meaning

[Stove God Cooks (Verse )]
The opening lines repeat “Praise Fly, praise Stove, praise both,” setting the tone of the song. “Fly” refers to Westside Gunn, while “Stove” represents Stove God Cooks and the street hustle, particularly the drug trade. It’s about respecting both the artistry and the grind that got them here.

When Stove God says, *”I pray you see the way I’m living, that’s hope,”* he’s saying his success should inspire others. He went from the streets to luxury, driving Rolls-Royces and Maybachs, wearing big chains and bracelets. These symbols of wealth are not just flexes but proof that making it out of a tough life is possible.

In the next section, he makes it clear that this success isn’t new—he and his people have been making money for a long time. He references *”Sly was talking like us when he was in the feds,”* meaning their lifestyle is so influential that even people in prison talk about it. When he mentions *”big Pootie going up to see unc’ and me and West,”* he’s painting a picture of loyalty and family, where people stay connected even through struggles.

Lines like *”A real b!tch by your side, that’s hope”* highlight the importance of loyalty in relationships. The following imagery—*”rough waters holding on the boat, she gon’ swim for us both”*—shows that in hard times, having someone who won’t abandon you is crucial.

Then, he brings in darker memories: *”My eyes still closed, I can smell crack smoke / Eyes closed, I can still smell gun smoke.”* Even though he’s rich now, the past still haunts him. He’s seen and lived through the drug game and violence, and it’s not something he can easily forget.

By the end, he emphasizes his financial growth, saying *”Before I had my run, that sh!t really looked like bread to me / Now what y’all call money ain’t even no bread to me.”* He used to think small amounts were a lot, but now he’s making so much that what others call wealth doesn’t impress him.

Finally, he talks about the freedom that success brings—*”Last-minute flights to places you will never see,”* but with fame and money comes scrutiny, as TSA questions him when he lands. The final line *”Can I live?”* is a rhetorical question—despite all he’s achieved, people still doubt or try to stop him.

[Westside Gunn (Verse )]
Westside Gunn’s verse continues the luxury and street themes but in his signature fashion-focused, gritty storytelling style. He starts by mentioning high-end brands—Plain Jane (a simple but expensive Rolex), rose gold jewelry, Balenciaga sunglasses, and Louis Vuitton—showing his taste for luxury.

He also brings up his roots, referencing Buffalo’s East Side and comparing it to Vietnam, implying it’s a dangerous and war-like place. His line about *”all my shooters got one job”* reinforces that he’s surrounded by people who are ready for action.

Gunn then switches to flexing again, mentioning high fashion, cars, and fast living. He talks about Sly still being locked up, emphasizing that not everyone gets to enjoy the success he has. The verse ends on a grim note—*”The square is three ounces short, now his son dead,”* a brutal reminder of how deadly the drug game can be.

[Chorus (Stove God Cooks – )]
The chorus brings the song back to its central theme: praising success and where they came from. “Praise Fly” (Westside Gunn) and “Praise Stove” (Stove God Cooks) means recognizing their journey and achievements. They see themselves as symbols of hope—if they made it, others can too.

Lines about hopping out of Rolls-Royces and Maybachs reinforce this idea. These expensive cars represent freedom from struggle. Similarly, big chains and bracelets are more than jewelry; they symbolize the rewards of hard work and perseverance.

The repetition of *”Praise Fly, praise Stove”* is almost like a mantra. It’s about respecting the grind, the sacrifices, and the journey from hardship to success. They want people to see their lifestyle and be inspired, not just by their wealth but by the proof that transformation is possible.

[Outro ]
The outro is a reflective moment, telling listeners to appreciate the beauty in the music and the life experiences it represents. The speaker believes the song’s sound and message feel like heaven—meaning it brings joy, inspiration, and a sense of achievement. It’s a reminder that success can be experienced on Earth, not just after death.