Pardon Me Lyrics – Joey Bada$$

Pardon Me Lyrics Meaning

[Intro]
Joey Bada$$ is announcing his return, repping New York City, and setting the tone for a powerful comeback.

[Chorus]
Joey sees himself as a one-man army, standing strong against his rivals. He references Marcus Garvey, a Black leader who fought for empowerment, implying people tried to erase him but failed. Now that he’s back, he wants respect, setting high standards like a Harley, symbolizing dominance and power.

[Verse 1]
Joey starts off with confidence, brushing off past struggles and proving he’s stronger. He calls himself a soldier, saying he’s raised the bar and shaken off any doubts. When he talks about shots ringing, he’s referring both to his lyrics and possibly real-life battles, making an impact like a powerful gun.

He took a break, but people thinking he’d fade away were wrong. Now, he’s calling out to a higher power, ready for whatever comes next. The Air Force line could mean people are waiting for his next move, but instead of just responding, he goes all in—when he takes a shot, he makes sure it counts.

Comparing his flow to aerosol and fire, he means his words are explosive and dangerous. He calls himself “Joe Stallone,” referencing Sylvester Stallone’s action-packed Rambo character, meaning he’s coming back with force. He describes himself as smooth yet dangerous, wearing stylish suits but still being ruthless.

Joey doesn’t need to be polite—he expresses dominance by sticking his middle finger out of the limo. He’s in control lyrically, making his competition feel stuck like a game of limbo. He plays chess, not checkers, showing he strategizes carefully. He warns his enemies to be ready because he’s prepared for war, both in music and in life.

[Chorus]
Joey repeats his message of being a lone warrior. Despite people trying to count him out, like Garvey’s opposition, he’s here and wants acknowledgment. He’s set a new level of excellence that others can’t reach. By saying “pardon me,” he’s being both sarcastic and demanding respect, showing that he doesn’t need permission to dominate. The repetition reinforces his resilience—no matter who doubts him, he’s still standing strong. His high standards make him untouchable, just like a powerful Harley motorcycle, representing speed, status, and control.

[Verse 2]
Joey sets a dark, intense mood, comparing his impact to a violent work of art. He references Marina Abramović, an artist known for using her own body in shocking performances, suggesting his music is raw and emotionally intense. He also compares himself to legendary painters Michelangelo and Van Gogh, meaning his lyrics are masterpieces, but with a dangerous edge.

The “black van” line suggests a drive-by, symbolizing destruction—he’s coming for his enemies. He’s painting with blood, meaning his words cut deep and leave lasting effects. He doesn’t care about his competition’s campaigns or public image because his influence is far greater.

He questions how many opponents he has to take down, but he’s ready for battle. The “smoke” reference means he’s welcoming any challenge, eager for lyrical combat. His competitors want his spot, but he’s already set up for success, ready to put them in their place. He calls them out for weak rhymes, saying they aren’t even worth his time. The final lines emphasize that if he attacks, he doesn’t hesitate—but if they attack him, they just make him more famous.

[Chorus]
Joey repeats the chorus to reinforce his dominance. He still sees himself as a powerful force, unmatched and unshaken by rivals. He calls back to Marcus Garvey again, comparing himself to a leader who was unfairly targeted but still made history. He demands recognition now that he’s back, brushing off any doubts. Setting the bar high means he’s operating at a level others can’t touch. The phrase “pardon my back” is a way of saying he’s leaving his competitors behind, focusing on his own success. He’s in control, making sure no one can ignore his presence.

[Outro]
Joey wraps up by emphasizing that this was just a warm-up, calling it “practice” and “light work.” He demands respect and tells people to check his history—he’s always been about this life. He references 2025, showing he’s looking ahead and still a major player. “Pardon my back” means he’s moving forward, leaving doubters behind.