How I Grew Up Lyrics – Lil Zay Osama

How I Grew Up Lyrics Meaning

[Intro]
In the intro, Lil Zay Osama sets the tone for the track by expressing his excitement about the song. He confidently declares that it’s going to be a hit, or “banger,” thanks to the DJ’s beat. This brief segment is all about building anticipation and asserting that this track is going to make a big impact.

[Chorus: Lil Zay Osama]
In the chorus, Lil Zay Osama reflects on his tough upbringing. He describes a life of crime and poverty, where he and his crew had to rob and fight just to get by. His family viewed him and his friends as troublemakers because of their criminal activities. Growing up without a father meant the streets became his teacher, turning him into a “savage” as he learned to navigate a dangerous environment. He got accustomed to violence, ditching school to engage in criminal acts. The phrase “smoke an opp” refers to engaging in violent confrontations with rivals. Now that he’s rich and famous, he sees a stark contrast between his past and present. The chorus emphasizes how his success has brought him recognition and respect, though people didn’t know or appreciate him when he was struggling. It’s a reflection on how far he’s come and the change in how people perceive him now that he’s made it big.

[Verse 1: Lil Zay Osama]
In the first verse, Lil Zay Osama delves into the gritty details of his upbringing. He recalls how difficult it was to sleep on hard floors and the chaotic environment of his home. The verse paints a picture of a rough lifestyle, where he and his friends tried to find some enjoyment despite their harsh conditions. They set traps around the house to catch mice, reflecting their struggle with poverty. He describes his home as a “trap house,” a place where illegal activities were a part of daily life. He would let people into the house secretly, including his girlfriend, and was involved in various criminal activities. The mention of “Blow 30S, I back out” indicates a readiness to defend himself with firearms. The verse highlights his authenticity, stating that he lives out the life he raps about. As he gained fame and wealth, he noticed how people who once ignored him now seek his attention. This part of the song underscores his rise from difficult circumstances to success, showing the contrast between his past struggles and his current status.

[Chorus: Lil Zay Osama]
In this repeated chorus, Lil Zay Osama reiterates his past experiences of hardship. He emphasizes that his criminal activities and the tough life were necessary due to extreme poverty. The chorus serves as a reminder of how his family saw him as a troublemaker and how growing up without his father led him to become tough and resilient. He recounts how he became accustomed to violence and criminal behavior as a way of life. Now that he’s successful, there’s a noticeable change in how people view him. They now recognize and respect him, whereas before, they did not acknowledge his struggles or potential. This chorus ties back to his journey, showing the significant transformation from his troubled past to his current success and the shift in people’s perceptions.

[Verse 2: Polo G]
In Polo G’s verse, he continues the theme of overcoming adversity but adds his own perspective. He reflects on his past mistakes and the importance of being cautious about who you trust. The verse describes his life as one of struggle and violence, where he had to deal with betrayal and loss. He contrasts his past with his present by mentioning his luxurious all-white car and designer clothes, signifying his success. Despite this, he remains haunted by the memories of violence and the loss of friends. He talks about using drug money to buy expensive items and laments that his block hasn’t improved much. Polo G describes the streets as untrustworthy, where showing too much love can lead to betrayal. The verse also touches on his feelings of detachment from both heaven and hell, emphasizing his loyalty to his crew and the tough environment from which he came. He remembers the days of stepping on broken shells and wearing the same clothes, highlighting his rise from poverty to success. The verse underscores the duality of his experiences—how he’s achieved wealth and recognition but remains grounded in the harsh realities of his past.