Never Exaggerate Lyrics – Kodak Black

Never Exaggerate Lyrics Meaning

[Intro]
In the intro, Kodak Black is emphasizing his commitment to honesty and realism in his life and music. He’s highlighting how others might stretch the truth or exaggerate their lives (“put a 10 on a 2”), but he aims to be real and straightforward, showing a lack of pretense. His imagination is his escape, helping him handle the loneliness and challenges of prison. He sets a tone for the song by declaring his raw, unfiltered style, underscoring how he’s different from others who hide behind facades.

[Verse]
The verse dives deep into Kodak’s feelings of betrayal, isolation, and reflection on the tough relationships in his life. He’s frustrated by people who’ve taken from him without appreciation, seeing through their fake support. He doesn’t even get acknowledgment during the holidays, symbolizing how alone he feels even after trying to help others. The “beef with Santa” line humorously captures how everything, even holiday cheer, feels cold to him, hinting at the emotional toll of his lifestyle.

Kodak reflects on how his relationships have fallen apart—he’s lost both a significant other and close friends, and he struggles to find compassion from anyone due to his reputation as a “killer.” He’s shocked that someone close would rather see him suffer or fail than let him move on, pointing out jealousy’s impact on his relationships. Despite the hardships, he’s still praying and trying to connect with God, showing that he hasn’t entirely given up on hope or personal growth.

Paranoia becomes a key theme here, as he worries that people he once trusted might now be plotting against him. His street life experiences and time in prison have made him hyper-aware, though he’s realized that his past strength in the streets doesn’t always translate to surviving behind bars. Yet, Kodak feels confident in his reputation and loyalty to his Haitian roots, carrying pride and resilience no matter where he is.

The verse also touches on Kodak’s challenging upbringing, mentioning how his father’s absence led him to seek love and acceptance in the streets, which only led to more trouble. His bond with certain people, like Syc and Wiz, shows how they’ve gone through tough times together but have grown past it, achieving more stable success now (“now we Gucci”). Kodak’s honesty extends to even his romantic views, where he feels jaded by superficial relationships and finds it hard to respect those who seem self-centered.

By the end of the verse, he reflects on his appearance, money, and influence. Despite how others may perceive him or his looks, he’s proven himself by his success and clout. The reference to El Chapo hints at Kodak’s status in his community, likening himself more to the local “chicken man,” or neighborhood legend, rather than a global criminal. It’s a testament to his influence and singerity, cementing him as a true “boss” who can command respect and loyalty among his peers.

[Outro]
In the outro, Kodak reinforces his authenticity and dedication to being real in a world of pretenders. He acknowledges that others may hate him simply because of his background and success, but he’s not fooled by those who pretend to care. He sees through the “love” people show, recognizing it as a cover for underlying jealousy and resentment.