Meaning of "Tired" by Z-Ro

The lyrics of "Tired" by Z-Ro ft. Mýa delve into the emotional and mental state of the artist, expressing his fatigue and weariness. Z-Ro begins by lamenting his constant struggles, questioning when he will finally catch a break. He recognizes that even seeing another day is a luxury for him, as he feels like he's living on borrowed time. The uncertainty of life is evident as he contemplates the possibility of his next funeral being his own, highlighting the dark thoughts that plague him.

Z-Ro touches upon the disappointments he has faced, feeling like he's stuck in the same place despite his efforts. He metaphorically compares his progress to trying to hold on to his fade, a hairstyle that requires regular maintenance. He recalls being told that things would get better in the future, but now that it's later, he finds himself in the same stagnant position. Z-Ro expresses the frustration of constantly being pulled back down whenever he manages to make progress. He falls flat on his "fade," a representation of his hopes and dreams, and the helplessness he feels is visible to those around him.

The collaboration between Z-Ro and Mýa brings a sense of unity in the struggle. Together, they acknowledge that life is a constant battle, but winning individual battles doesn't guarantee victory in the war. Z-Ro finds solace in laughter, using it as a coping mechanism to keep from crying. The concept of good times becomes a distant memory for Z-Ro, leaving him wondering what they truly are.

Z-Ro reflects on his past experiences, using them to fuel his determination. He acknowledges that even if he fails, he shouldn't feel ashamed because he at least had the opportunity to try. He compares his performance to a star basketball player who excels but is not given the ball to take the game-winning shot. Z-Ro feels isolated and unsupported by those he considers his team, which evokes thoughts of giving up or resorting to desperate measures like robbing a bank.

However, Z-Ro quickly dismisses this idea as he knows it will lead him back to the cycle of prison. He accepts his status as a starter but clarifies that his wealth is only perceived; he struggles financially. Nevertheless, the presence of his daughter gives him motivation and reminds him to keep pushing forward.

Z-Ro and Mýa collectively emphasize the challenges they face being from the hood. Z-Ro alludes to the notion that many people try to bring him down because of his background, resulting in him frequently facing legal issues. He notes the insincerity of his so-called friends, who only approach him when they see him on TV. This makes him cautious, as he fears they may harm him even in his sleep. To protect himself, Z-Ro chooses to stay "sucker free," avoiding fake relationships.

Despite his weariness, Z-Ro emphasizes his self-reliance. He declares that he doesn't need anyone's help and can handle his struggles on his own. Through the repetition of the word "tired," Z-Ro conveys the exhaustion he feels, but he also affirms his determination to keep pushing forward.