Meaning of "Life on the Street" by Keith Murray

The lyrics of "Life on the Street" by Keith Murray delve into the artist's experiences and reflections on his past life. The song begins with Murray reminiscing about his involvement in selling drugs on the streets, highlighting the desperation and poverty he faced. He mentions how his stomach often touched his back due to lack of food. Despite the hardships, he reveals his desire and passion for rap music, stating that all he really wanted to do was rap. Murray expresses his frustration at the industry, critiquing the success of mediocre rappers who sell millions of records while remaining lyrically inferior. He emphasizes that talent is more important than commercial success, asserting that even with immense talent, one may not achieve mainstream recognition. Murray touches upon his own struggles with the law, alluding to fights, court appearances, and the negative attention he received from the media and the public. However, he remains dedicated and resilient, rising above the challenges and staying true to his craft. The chorus reinforces the theme of the street life and the various roles one must play to survive in that environment. Murray emphasizes the power and struggle within the concrete jungle, where many individuals are trapped in a cycle of poverty and violence. He criticizes other rappers who try to make it on the mic without possessing any true skills. Murray questions their authenticity and challenges them to reflect on how it feels to lack talent. As the song progresses, Murray shares his personal journey of transformation, going from poverty and crime to living in luxury and making a living through rap music. He acknowledges that his story is well-known on the streets and invites those who doubt him to ask around for verification. Murray concludes by encouraging small rappers to unite for world peace and regain control of their communities from the violence and chaos that often accompany life on the streets.