MARLBORO Lyrics – Artie 5ive

MARLBORO Lyrics Meaning

[Intro]
In this intro, the artist is asking for a little more time to smoke and gather his thoughts. He’s looking for someone or something, probably in a tense or confrontational mood. There’s a clear rejection of fake trends or pretending, shown by the line about not doing a certain dance. Despite the struggles, he’s found something valuable deep down. He compares dealing with enemies to smoking a whole pack of Marlboros—quick, aggressive, and final.

[Strofa 1]
He starts off saying he doesn’t even like the coat he’s wearing, but it pays him well—showing how he sacrifices comfort for money. He talks about feeling rich and famous and even admits that it’s true now. But there’s danger in his life; he carries a weapon when alone because that’s just how it is in his world. Everything seems to be going according to a bigger plan he’s following. He describes shifting from the “Old World” to a “New” one, where he’s made so much money he doesn’t even count it anymore, and done so many bad things that he doesn’t even remember them all. He calls out fake people, saying it’s obvious who they are. He uses substances to forget, only remembering blurry flashes, like someone else’s girl bent over. He says people hate him even though he doesn’t know them, probably because they’re broke. Pride and ego have caused violence, and now people end up in the hospital. Money has made everyone crazy. He warns someone to leave before he catches up with them, and ends by asking God for forgiveness, recognizing that patience is a rare gift in the chaos he lives in.

[Ritornello]
Here, he repeats the idea of wanting to smoke more—both literally and metaphorically—to cope or maybe to prepare for action. He’s still searching for someone, and things are heating up. He makes it clear they’re in Milan, and he’s not into following trends or pretending. Even with all his problems, he’s found something valuable at rock bottom. Now that the moment’s right, he’s ready to take action, and he’s coming for his enemies just like lighting up another cigarette.

[Strofa 2]
He talks about carrying a gun, comparing it to playing with his own life—like every day is risky. He gambles big, even though he admits he’s not someone who plays games. He’s riding in something expensive and flashy, but it’s not as glamorous as it looks. He reflects on how people now hate others who look or act the same, showing how twisted things have gotten. It’s like a lost battle, a defeat that already happened. He reminds his “brother” that the world is small, like a marble, and people will cross the line until it vanishes. He keeps his distance from fake or clown-like behavior. As he’s gotten older, he’s learned who real friends are—and how many aren’t. He admits his wrongdoings to a “Father,” maybe a priest or maybe just a way to talk about guilt. He’s caught up by cops, holding warm alcohol. The only ones around him are brave and respected by the older generation. When people get shot, it’s almost routine. He paints a harsh picture of life—crack smoke in the house, a bad smell in the stairwell, and violent nerves that make him unload bullets into a wooden crate out of pure tension.

[Ritornello]
Once again, he’s asking for a smoke and a moment, maybe to calm down or to gear up for what’s next. He’s still in Milan, reminding us that this isn’t about showing off or playing around. The problems are deep, but through the struggle, he’s found his version of gold. The signal’s clear now—meaning the moment’s right—and just like before, he’s ready to take down his enemies like lighting up a pack of Marlboros.