Meaning of "Street Life" by Rick Ross

The lyrics of "Street Life" by Rick Ross delve into the glorification and allure of the street life. The chorus, sung by Lloyd, sets the tone by highlighting the materialistic aspects of this lifestyle, referring to money, cars, and women. It suggests that these elements are the driving force behind the narrator's choice to engage in this lifestyle.

Verse 1 portrays the narrator's determination and willingness to take risks to be a part of the street life. He describes waking up early, with desire shining in his eyes, and carrying a 4-5 gun that has the potential to cause great harm. Sitting at a table, the narrator is presented with an opportunity, hinted at by the word "take," but the specifics are left open-ended, suggesting a hidden world of underground endeavors. This implies that music and the street life hold a connection that may not be immediately apparent to outsiders.

In Verse 2, Rick Ross highlights his rise from humble beginnings to a position of power and success. He mentions being available all hours, just like a 24/7 diner (IHOP), emphasizing his constant dedication. Moving from the bottom to the skybox symbolizes his ascent to a luxurious lifestyle. He boasts about owning a penthouse and driving a 40-40, further demonstrating his wealth and status. The mention of having "forty on me" and "fifty grand in a band" reveals his excessive wealth and extravagant spending habits. These lines also suggest involvement in illegal activities, such as drug trafficking and making large sums of money from it. The reference to owning a bricklaying business alludes to his ability to construct a successful life from the ground up. Ross showcases his ability to turn seemingly ordinary objects into symbols of luxury and elegance.

Verse 3 delves further into the narrator's commitment to the street life, explicitly referencing selling drugs and engaging with multiple women. He portrays himself as a street-smart and resourceful individual who has distanced himself from family and conventional responsibilities. The line "This life and nothing will ever change that" suggests that the narrator has fully embraced the street life and is unlikely to leave it behind. The mention of lost friends and the dangers involved in this lifestyle shows a level of acceptance and numbness to the inevitable tragedies that come with it. He acknowledges that not all individuals involved in the street life are equal, as some achieve greater fame and status. The line "M-I-Yayo, boy, I buy them thangs" refers to Miami and the narrator's ability to acquire drugs there. The closing line, "It's like the people want me to come fly the plane," reveals the narrator's perception that people desire and expect him to take on a position of power and control.

Overall, the lyrics of "Street Life" by Rick Ross showcase the attraction and sense of ownership that come with being involved in the street life. The song glorifies materialism, risky behavior, and illicit activities, painting a picture of an individual who thrives in this environment and refuses to let go.