Meaning and Lyrics of Canโt Tell Me Nothing by Kanye West
Song Lyrics meaning ofย Canโt Tell Me Nothing by Kanye West
About Kanye West
Kanye West, born in 1977, is a controversial yet influential figure in hip-hop and popular culture. Rising to fame as a producer for Roc-A-Fella Records, he crafted beats for Jay-Z and other artists before launching his own rap career.
His 2004 debut album, โThe College Dropout,โ showcased his unique production style and introspective lyrics, earning critical acclaim. Westโs subsequent releases, including โLate Registrationโ and โGraduation,โ solidified his status as a hip-hop innovator.
โCanโt Tell Me Nothing,โ from his 2007 album โGraduation,โ exemplifies Westโs braggadocious style and knack for catchy hooks. The trackโs booming bassline and defiant lyrics became anthemic, demonstrating his ability to craft radio-friendly hits while maintaining artistic integrity.
Westโs career has been marked by musical experimentation, from the auto-tune-heavy โ808s & Heartbreakโ to the abrasive sounds of โYeezus.โ His impact extends beyond music into fashion, with his Yeezy brand becoming a cultural phenomenon.
Despite his undeniable talent, Westโs public persona has often overshadowed his artistry, with controversial statements and erratic behavior frequently making headlines. Nevertheless, his influence on hip-hop and popular music remains undeniable, cementing his place as one of the most polarizing and significant artists of his generation.
His 2004 debut album, โThe College Dropout,โ showcased his unique production style and introspective lyrics, earning critical acclaim. Westโs subsequent releases, including โLate Registrationโ and โGraduation,โ solidified his status as a hip-hop innovator.
โCanโt Tell Me Nothing,โ from his 2007 album โGraduation,โ exemplifies Westโs braggadocious style and knack for catchy hooks. The trackโs booming bassline and defiant lyrics became anthemic, demonstrating his ability to craft radio-friendly hits while maintaining artistic integrity.
Westโs career has been marked by musical experimentation, from the auto-tune-heavy โ808s & Heartbreakโ to the abrasive sounds of โYeezus.โ His impact extends beyond music into fashion, with his Yeezy brand becoming a cultural phenomenon.
Despite his undeniable talent, Westโs public persona has often overshadowed his artistry, with controversial statements and erratic behavior frequently making headlines. Nevertheless, his influence on hip-hop and popular music remains undeniable, cementing his place as one of the most polarizing and significant artists of his generation.
Meaning of Can't Tell Me Nothing by Kanye West
โCanโt Tell Me Nothingโ by Kanye West is a reflective and defiant commentary on fame, success, and the pressures that come with it.
In the first verse, Kanye reflects on his rise to fame and fortune. He acknowledges the temptations and challenges that come with wealth, admitting to acting recklessly and feeling the constant pressure to prove himself. He contrasts his current lifestyle with his upbringing, suggesting that money and fame have changed him in ways he never anticipated.
The chorus, featuring Young Jeezy, emphasizes Kanyeโs determination and confidence in himself. The repeated refrain of โYou canโt tell me nothingโ serves as a declaration of independence and a refusal to be constrained by othersโ opinions or judgments.
In the second verse, Kanye further explores the theme of personal agency and self-determination. He asserts his autonomy and control over his own life choices, alluding to the struggles and sacrifices that come with fame. Kanye highlights the importance of staying true to oneself and not succumbing to societal expectations or pressures.
The third verse delves into themes of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. Kanye reflects on the challenges he has overcome and the importance of staying true to his values and beliefs in a world filled with distractions. He references the idea of staying faithful in a room full of temptations, suggesting that his success is rooted in his ability to navigate difficult situations with integrity.
Overall, โCanโt Tell Me Nothingโ is a complex and introspective track that delves into Kanye Westโs personal struggles, triumphs, and evolving sense of self in the midst of fame and fortune. The song serves as a reminder to stay true to oneself, remain resilient in the face of challenges, and maintain a strong sense of identity in the tumultuous world of celebrity.
In the first verse, Kanye reflects on his rise to fame and fortune. He acknowledges the temptations and challenges that come with wealth, admitting to acting recklessly and feeling the constant pressure to prove himself. He contrasts his current lifestyle with his upbringing, suggesting that money and fame have changed him in ways he never anticipated.
The chorus, featuring Young Jeezy, emphasizes Kanyeโs determination and confidence in himself. The repeated refrain of โYou canโt tell me nothingโ serves as a declaration of independence and a refusal to be constrained by othersโ opinions or judgments.
In the second verse, Kanye further explores the theme of personal agency and self-determination. He asserts his autonomy and control over his own life choices, alluding to the struggles and sacrifices that come with fame. Kanye highlights the importance of staying true to oneself and not succumbing to societal expectations or pressures.
The third verse delves into themes of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. Kanye reflects on the challenges he has overcome and the importance of staying true to his values and beliefs in a world filled with distractions. He references the idea of staying faithful in a room full of temptations, suggesting that his success is rooted in his ability to navigate difficult situations with integrity.
Overall, โCanโt Tell Me Nothingโ is a complex and introspective track that delves into Kanye Westโs personal struggles, triumphs, and evolving sense of self in the midst of fame and fortune. The song serves as a reminder to stay true to oneself, remain resilient in the face of challenges, and maintain a strong sense of identity in the tumultuous world of celebrity.
Lyrics of Can't Tell Me Nothing by Kanye West
Intro: Kanye West & Young Jeezy
La, la, la-la (Yeah)
Wait 'til I get my money right
Verse 1: Kanye West
I had a dream I could buy my way to Heaven
When I awoke, I spent that on a necklace
I told God I'd be back in a second
Man, it's so hard not to act reckless
To whom much is given, much is tested
Get arrested, guess until he get the message
I feel the pressure, under more scrutiny
And what I do? Act more stupidly
Bought more jewelry, more Louis V
My mama couldn't get through to me
The drama, people suing me
I'm on TV talking like it's just you and me
I'm just saying how I feel, man
I ain't one of the Cosbys, I ain't go to Hillman
I guess the money should've changed him
I guess I should've forgot where I came from
Chorus: Kanye West & Young Jeezy
La, la, la-la (Ayy!)
Wait 'til I get my money right
La, la, la-la (Yeah!)
Then you can't tell me nothing, right?
Excuse me, was you saying something?
Uh-uh, you can't tell me nothing (Yeah! Haha!)
You can't tell me nothing (Yeah! Yeah!)
Uh-uh, you can't tell me nothing (Yeah!)
Verse 2: Kanye West
Let up the suicide doors
This is my life, homie, you decide yours
I know that Jesus died for us
But I couldn't tell ya who decide wars
So I parallel double-parked that m**********r sideways
Old folks talking 'bout, "Back in my day"
But homie, this is my day
Class started two hours ago, oh, am I late?
No, I already graduated
And you can live through anything if Magic made it
They say I talk with so much emphasis
Ooh, they so sensitive
Don't ever fix your lips like collagen
And say something when you gon' end up apolog'ing
Let me know if it's a problem then
Aight, man, holla, then
Chorus: Kanye West & Young Jeezy
La, la, la-la
Wait 'til I get my money right
La, la, la-la (Yeah!)
Then you can't tell me nothing, right?
Excuse me, was you saying something?
Uh-uh, you can't tell me nothing
You can't tell me nothing
Uh-uh, you can't tell me nothing
Verse 3: Kanye West
Let the champagne splash, let that man get cash
Let that man get past
He don't even stop to get gas
If he can move through the rumors
He can drive off of fumes 'cause
How he move in a room full of no's?
How he stay faithful in a room full of hoes?
Must be the pharaohs, he in tune with his soul
So when he buried in a tomb full of gold
Treasure, what's your pleasure?
Life is aโuhโdepending how you dress her
So if the Devil wear Prada, Adam Eve wear nada
I'm in between, but way more fresher
With way less effort
'Cause when you try hard, that's when you die hard
Your homies looking like, "Why, God?"
When they reminisce over you, my God
Chorus: Kanye West & Young Jeezy
La, la, la-la
Wait 'til I get my money right
La, la, la-la
Then you can't tell me nothing, right?
Excuse me, was you saying something?
Uh-uh, you can't tell me nothing
You can't tell me nothing
Uh-uh, you can't tell me nothing
Outro: Kanye West & Young Jeezy
La, la, la la
Wait 'til I get my money right
La, la, la la
Then you can't tell me nothing, right?
(I'm serious, n***a, I got money)
Connie Mitchell vocalizing
Produced by DJ Toomp and Kanye West
La, la, la-la (Yeah)
Wait 'til I get my money right
Verse 1: Kanye West
I had a dream I could buy my way to Heaven
When I awoke, I spent that on a necklace
I told God I'd be back in a second
Man, it's so hard not to act reckless
To whom much is given, much is tested
Get arrested, guess until he get the message
I feel the pressure, under more scrutiny
And what I do? Act more stupidly
Bought more jewelry, more Louis V
My mama couldn't get through to me
The drama, people suing me
I'm on TV talking like it's just you and me
I'm just saying how I feel, man
I ain't one of the Cosbys, I ain't go to Hillman
I guess the money should've changed him
I guess I should've forgot where I came from
Chorus: Kanye West & Young Jeezy
La, la, la-la (Ayy!)
Wait 'til I get my money right
La, la, la-la (Yeah!)
Then you can't tell me nothing, right?
Excuse me, was you saying something?
Uh-uh, you can't tell me nothing (Yeah! Haha!)
You can't tell me nothing (Yeah! Yeah!)
Uh-uh, you can't tell me nothing (Yeah!)
Verse 2: Kanye West
Let up the suicide doors
This is my life, homie, you decide yours
I know that Jesus died for us
But I couldn't tell ya who decide wars
So I parallel double-parked that m**********r sideways
Old folks talking 'bout, "Back in my day"
But homie, this is my day
Class started two hours ago, oh, am I late?
No, I already graduated
And you can live through anything if Magic made it
They say I talk with so much emphasis
Ooh, they so sensitive
Don't ever fix your lips like collagen
And say something when you gon' end up apolog'ing
Let me know if it's a problem then
Aight, man, holla, then
Chorus: Kanye West & Young Jeezy
La, la, la-la
Wait 'til I get my money right
La, la, la-la (Yeah!)
Then you can't tell me nothing, right?
Excuse me, was you saying something?
Uh-uh, you can't tell me nothing
You can't tell me nothing
Uh-uh, you can't tell me nothing
Verse 3: Kanye West
Let the champagne splash, let that man get cash
Let that man get past
He don't even stop to get gas
If he can move through the rumors
He can drive off of fumes 'cause
How he move in a room full of no's?
How he stay faithful in a room full of hoes?
Must be the pharaohs, he in tune with his soul
So when he buried in a tomb full of gold
Treasure, what's your pleasure?
Life is aโuhโdepending how you dress her
So if the Devil wear Prada, Adam Eve wear nada
I'm in between, but way more fresher
With way less effort
'Cause when you try hard, that's when you die hard
Your homies looking like, "Why, God?"
When they reminisce over you, my God
Chorus: Kanye West & Young Jeezy
La, la, la-la
Wait 'til I get my money right
La, la, la-la
Then you can't tell me nothing, right?
Excuse me, was you saying something?
Uh-uh, you can't tell me nothing
You can't tell me nothing
Uh-uh, you can't tell me nothing
Outro: Kanye West & Young Jeezy
La, la, la la
Wait 'til I get my money right
La, la, la la
Then you can't tell me nothing, right?
(I'm serious, n***a, I got money)
Connie Mitchell vocalizing
Produced by DJ Toomp and Kanye West
Discography Kanye West
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2. KEYS TO MY LIFE
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6. HOODRAT
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3. Moon
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5. Off The Grid
6. Jail
7. Praise God
8. Come to Life
9. Believe What I Say
10. No Child Left Behind
11. Up From The Ashes
12. Remote Control pt 2
13. God Breathed
14. Lord I Need You
15. 24
16. Junya
17. Never Abandon Your Family
18. Donda
19. Keep My Spirit Alive
20. Jesus Lord pt 2
21. Heaven and Hell
22. Remote Control
23. Tell The Vision
24. Jonah
25. Pure Souls
26. Ok Ok
27. New Again
28. Jesus Lord
29. Ok Ok pt 2
30. Junya pt 2
31. Jail pt 2
32. Keep My Spirit Alive pt 2
Tracklist
Collapse
2. Hurricane
3. Moon
4. Life Of The Party (with Andrรฉ 3000)
5. Off The Grid
6. Jail
7. Praise God
8. Come to Life
9. Believe What I Say
10. No Child Left Behind
11. Up From The Ashes
12. Remote Control pt 2
13. God Breathed
14. Lord I Need You
15. 24
16. Junya
17. Never Abandon Your Family
18. Donda
19. Keep My Spirit Alive
20. Jesus Lord pt 2
21. Heaven and Hell
22. Remote Control
23. Tell The Vision
24. Jonah
25. Pure Souls
26. Ok Ok
27. New Again
28. Jesus Lord
29. Ok Ok pt 2
30. Junya pt 2
31. Jail pt 2
32. Keep My Spirit Alive pt 2
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Release: 2021-08-29
Label: Rock The World/IDJ/Kanye LP7
Popularity: ๐๐๐
1. Donda Chant
2. Jail
3. God Breathed
4. Off The Grid
5. Hurricane
6. Praise God
7. Jonah
8. Ok Ok
9. Junya
10. Believe What I Say
11. 24
12. Remote Control
13. Moon
14. Heaven and Hell
15. Donda
16. Keep My Spirit Alive
17. Jesus Lord
18. New Again
19. Tell The Vision
20. Lord I Need You
21. Pure Souls
22. Come to Life
23. No Child Left Behind
24. Jail pt 2
25. Ok Ok pt 2
26. Junya pt 2
27. Jesus Lord pt 2
Tracklist
Collapse
2. Jail
3. God Breathed
4. Off The Grid
5. Hurricane
6. Praise God
7. Jonah
8. Ok Ok
9. Junya
10. Believe What I Say
11. 24
12. Remote Control
13. Moon
14. Heaven and Hell
15. Donda
16. Keep My Spirit Alive
17. Jesus Lord
18. New Again
19. Tell The Vision
20. Lord I Need You
21. Pure Souls
22. Come to Life
23. No Child Left Behind
24. Jail pt 2
25. Ok Ok pt 2
26. Junya pt 2
27. Jesus Lord pt 2
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![](https://songminds.org/wp-content/uploads/artistpicture/Kanye-West-0528bfd2-13cb-438d-b73b-4ddb21eb649d.jpg)
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![](https://songminds.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/VULTURES-1_cover.jpg)
VULTURES 1
Release: 2024-02-09
Label: Ye
Popularity: ๐๐๐๐
1. STARS
2. KEYS TO MY LIFE
3. PAID
4. TALKING
5. BACK TO ME
6. HOODRAT
7. DO IT
8. PAPERWORK
9. BURN
10. FUK SUMN
11. VULTURES
12. CARNIVAL
13. BEG FORGIVENESS
14. GOOD (DONโT DIE)
15. PROBLEMATIC
16. KING
Tracklist
Collapse
2. KEYS TO MY LIFE
3. PAID
4. TALKING
5. BACK TO ME
6. HOODRAT
7. DO IT
8. PAPERWORK
9. BURN
10. FUK SUMN
11. VULTURES
12. CARNIVAL
13. BEG FORGIVENESS
14. GOOD (DONโT DIE)
15. PROBLEMATIC
16. KING
![](https://songminds.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Donda-Deluxe_cover.jpg)
Donda (Deluxe)
Release: 2021-11-14
Label: Ye
Popularity: ๐๐๐
1. Donda Chant
2. Hurricane
3. Moon
4. Life Of The Party (with Andrรฉ 3000)
5. Off The Grid
6. Jail
7. Praise God
8. Come to Life
9. Believe What I Say
10. No Child Left Behind
11. Up From The Ashes
12. Remote Control pt 2
13. God Breathed
14. Lord I Need You
15. 24
16. Junya
17. Never Abandon Your Family
18. Donda
19. Keep My Spirit Alive
20. Jesus Lord pt 2
21. Heaven and Hell
22. Remote Control
23. Tell The Vision
24. Jonah
25. Pure Souls
26. Ok Ok
27. New Again
28. Jesus Lord
29. Ok Ok pt 2
30. Junya pt 2
31. Jail pt 2
32. Keep My Spirit Alive pt 2
Tracklist
Collapse
2. Hurricane
3. Moon
4. Life Of The Party (with Andrรฉ 3000)
5. Off The Grid
6. Jail
7. Praise God
8. Come to Life
9. Believe What I Say
10. No Child Left Behind
11. Up From The Ashes
12. Remote Control pt 2
13. God Breathed
14. Lord I Need You
15. 24
16. Junya
17. Never Abandon Your Family
18. Donda
19. Keep My Spirit Alive
20. Jesus Lord pt 2
21. Heaven and Hell
22. Remote Control
23. Tell The Vision
24. Jonah
25. Pure Souls
26. Ok Ok
27. New Again
28. Jesus Lord
29. Ok Ok pt 2
30. Junya pt 2
31. Jail pt 2
32. Keep My Spirit Alive pt 2
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Donda
Release: 2021-08-29
Label: Rock The World/IDJ/Kanye LP7
Popularity: ๐๐๐๐
1. Donda Chant
2. Jail
3. God Breathed
4. Off The Grid
5. Hurricane
6. Praise God
7. Jonah
8. Ok Ok
9. Junya
10. Believe What I Say
11. 24
12. Remote Control
13. Moon
14. Heaven and Hell
15. Donda
16. Keep My Spirit Alive
17. Jesus Lord
18. New Again
19. Tell The Vision
20. Lord I Need You
21. Pure Souls
22. Come to Life
23. No Child Left Behind
24. Jail pt 2
25. Ok Ok pt 2
26. Junya pt 2
27. Jesus Lord pt 2
Tracklist
Collapse
2. Jail
3. God Breathed
4. Off The Grid
5. Hurricane
6. Praise God
7. Jonah
8. Ok Ok
9. Junya
10. Believe What I Say
11. 24
12. Remote Control
13. Moon
14. Heaven and Hell
15. Donda
16. Keep My Spirit Alive
17. Jesus Lord
18. New Again
19. Tell The Vision
20. Lord I Need You
21. Pure Souls
22. Come to Life
23. No Child Left Behind
24. Jail pt 2
25. Ok Ok pt 2
26. Junya pt 2
27. Jesus Lord pt 2