Notebook Lyrics – Lil Durk

Notebook Lyrics Meaning

[Intro]
The phrase “Aye, pull up Lam” is likely Lil Durk calling for someone to show up in a luxury car, a “Lamborghini” or “Lam” being short for it. It sets the tone for the song, suggesting a feeling of power and confidence.

[Verse]
Lil Durk starts by expressing his frustration with people who used to be close to him but are now distant. He feels tired of hearing apologies from those who’ve hurt him, especially when they miss his shows and don’t support his career. The line “missing my shows and meet and greets like ain’t an artist” reflects how people who claim to care are no longer there for him, even when he’s trying to build his career. The mention of “drügs to keep me above” suggests Durk uses substances to cope with the pressures of fame, yet he’s honest about it, admitting it without hiding.

He also addresses how others spread rumors about him, even though they know the truth. Durk points out that some people who once supported him now criticize his music, calling him “garbage,” but later show up at his shows acting as if they are still close friends, which feels fake to him.

The line “I check on my partner, on ’em before I’ma ever check on my followers” reveals Durk’s loyalty to his friends and partners, placing them above social media fame. He’s emphasizing that real connections matter more than online popularity.

He also hints at a s*xual relationship, describing how a woman has progressed from being a “throat goat” (a term for someone skilled at oral s*x) to someone who swallows, suggesting the relationship is more complicated and might have evolved.

Durk then calls out a specific person, saying they know who they are and what they did, referring to past betrayals or wrongdoings. He accuses them of being fake and disloyal, addressing the hypocrisy of people who call themselves friends but don’t show real support.

The following lines express a deep sense of betrayal, where Durk points out that this person wasn’t there for him when he lost everything, and when he needed help, they didn’t even call. Instead, they watched his life from a fake account, showing a lack of genuine care.

Durk talks about how his financial success now stands in stark contrast to how he was treated in the past. He mentions his large earnings, including forty million dollars, but highlights that he won’t sacrifice his true friends or values, no matter how much money he makes. Even when others want to see him fall or expect him to “hand out” money, he stays strong and holds onto his principles.

Durk reflects on past struggles, mentioning how he had to pay his own way through legal issues without asking for favors. He also calls out someone who asked for a home but only got something cheap and petty in return, emphasizing that he knows people’s true motives.

The next section reveals deeper feelings of betrayal, as Durk points out how someone called the police on their own friend, knowing it would result in serious consequences. Durk emphasizes loyalty here, suggesting that some people are willing to turn on their friends for personal gain, which he despises.

Durk also refers to his life as being full of tough situations, where he can’t afford to let his guard down. He relies on his instincts, referring to his ability to “walk and shoot,” showing how he’s always prepared for any danger.

Throughout the verse, he reflects on his upbringing in the “trenches,” and how his past has shaped him. He remembers the pain of losing someone and not being able to say goodbye. He deals with his hurt by pouring up a cup (likely drinking) and fasting, which may be a way of numbing the pain or seeking clarity.

He expresses frustration with the industry, feeling like it’s pushing him into unnecessary beefs with other people. Even though he’s signed to a label, which should ideally bring success and peace, he’s still caught up in drama. Durk mentions thinking about doing risky things, like transporting pounds of drügs on a jet, but ultimately decides against it because of the dangers and his fears related to the death of rapper Juice WRLD, hinting at the pressures and fears that come with the lifestyle.

Finally, the phrase “Put this in my notebook” could signify that this song is a reflection of his life and the lessons he’s learned, as if writing down his thoughts and experiences in a journal. He reinforces the raw and unfiltered nature of the song by saying it’s “no hook,” meaning it’s not commercial or designed to be catchy, but rather just a direct expression of his emotions and struggles.