Lil Durk’s All My Life featuring J. Cole is a powerful anthem about overcoming struggles and striving for success. The lyrics reflect on the hardships both artists have faced, from poverty to violence, while emphasizing resilience and determination.
Lil Durk opens up about his journey, balancing fame with personal pain, while J. Cole delivers a poignant verse about staying true to oneself. The song’s lyrics highlight themes of perseverance, sacrifice, and growth, resonating deeply with listeners.
With its heartfelt message and raw emotion, All My Life stands as a testament to their hustle and legacy in the music industry.
Lil Durk All My Life Ft J Cole Lyrics
Lyrics
Durkio Told Me He Been On Some Positive Shit, Yeah, Yeah
Lately, I Just Wanna Show Up And Body Some Shit, Yeah, Yeah
Always Been A Lil’ Mathematician, Lately It’s Cash I’m Gettin’
Got Me Losing’ Count Of These Bags, I’ve Been Movin’ Too Fast
Hard Times Don’t Last, ‘member When Cops Harassed
Talkin’ Out My Ass, Boy, You Ain’t Shit But A Bitch With A Badge
Summary
Lil Durk reflects on his growth and recent focus on positivity while still acknowledging his past struggles. He highlights his success, counting cash and moving fast, but also recalls harder times, like dealing with police harassment. The lyrics blend themes of progress, hustle, and resilience, showing his journey from adversity to triumph.
Lyrics
All My Life (All My Life)
They Been Tryin’ To Keep Me Down (They Been Tryin’ To Keep Me Down)
All This Time (All This Time)
Never Thought I Would Make It Out (Never Thought I’d Make It Out)
They Couldn’t Break Me, They Couldn’t Break Me (No, No)
They Couldn’t Take Me, They Couldn’t Take Me (No)
All My Life (All My Life)
They Been Tryin’ To Keep Me Down (They Been Tryin’ To Keep Me Down)
Summary
All My Life by Lil Durk emphasize his resilience and triumph over adversity. Despite constant efforts to hold him back, he persevered and defied the odds, refusing to be broken or taken down. The repetition of “All My Life” and “They Been Tryin’ To Keep Me Down” underscores his lifelong struggle and ultimate victory, showcasing themes of perseverance, strength, and defiance.
Lyrics
I Decided I Had To Finish, But The Media Called Me A Menace
I Done Sat With The Mayor And Politicians, I’m Tryna Change The Image
You Can’t Blame My Past No More, I Come From The Trenches
Some Said I’d Never Be A Superstar, But I Know I’m Different (No, No, No)
Summary
Lil Durk reflects on his journey to redefine his image and rise above his past. Despite being labeled a menace by the media, he’s working to create change, even collaborating with leaders like mayors and politicians.
Coming from the trenches, he defies expectations, proving his determination and uniqueness as he transforms into a superstar. The lyrics highlight his growth, resilience, and commitment to breaking stereotypes.
Lyrics
I’m The Voice, But The System Ain’t Give Me A Choice
Know Some People That’s Still On Deploy
I Know A Felon Who Tryna Get Foid
Child Support Your Only Support
For A Visit, I’m Going’ Through Courts
Went To Jail, They Was Chained’ Me Up
And You Know That I’m Famous As Fuck
See How You Gon’ Joke About Stimulus?
Summary
Lil Durk addresses systemic struggles and personal challenges faced by himself and others in his community. He speaks on being the voice for the voiceless, yet feeling trapped by a system that offers no real choices. He highlights issues like felons trying to rebuild their
lives, the burden of child support, and the harsh realities of incarceration, even for someone famous. The mention of stimulus jokes underscores the disconnect between systemic struggles and those who mock them, emphasizing themes of injustice, resilience, and advocacy.
Lyrics
But They Really Had Came In The Clutch
I Know Some Kids Wanna Hurt They Self
Stop Tryna Take Drugs, I Refer To Myself
Tryna Better Myself, Tryna Better My Health But
Summary
Lil Durk reflects on personal growth and the struggles faced by those around him. He acknowledges the support that came through in tough times, but also highlights the pain of seeing young people battle self-harm and drug use.
By referencing his own journey to better himself and improve his health, he encourages others to do the same. The lyrics touch on themes of self-improvement, mental health, and resilience, offering a message of hope and perseverance.
Lyrics
All My Life (All My Life)
They Been Tryin’ To Keep Me Down (They Been Tryin’ To Keep Me Down)
All This Time (All This Time)
Never Thought I Would Make It Out (Never Thought I’d Make It Out)
They Couldn’t Break Me, They Couldn’t Break Me (No, No)
They Couldn’t Take Me, They Couldn’t Take Me (No)
All My Life (All My Life)
They Been Tryin’ To Keep Me Down (They Been Tryin’ To Keep Me Down) (Yeah)
Summary
All My Life by Lil Durk emphasize his resilience and determination to overcome constant challenges. Despite efforts to hold him back, he refused to be broken or defeated, defying the odds and rising above adversity.
The repetition of “All My Life” and “They Been Tryin’ To Keep Me Down” reinforces his lifelong struggle and ultimate triumph, showcasing themes of perseverance, strength, and defiance. It’s a powerful anthem of survival and success against all odds.
Lyrics
First-Generation Ghetto Nigga
Cole World, Hello Niggas
Made It Out The City With My Head On Straight
Niggas Keep Shootin’ Up The Lead Out
Young Jordan Peele, Gotta Get Out
’cause The Shit That I Spit Out
Is A Cheat Code Like I’m Facin’ A Rico, How A Nigga Put A Hit Out
And Another One, And, And Another One
I Got Like A Hundred Of ’em
Summary
J. Cole reflects on his journey as a first-generation success story, rising from the ghetto with his integrity intact. He critiques the violence plaguing his community, referencing shootings and the need to escape, likening himself to Jordan Peele seeking freedom.
His lyrical skill is compared to a cheat code, showcasing his ability to navigate challenges, even under pressure like a RICO case. The repetition of “another one” highlights his relentless hustle and the weight of his experiences, emphasizing themes of survival, talent, and ambition.
Lyrics
Bout To Lap Niggas So They Think They Ahead Of Me, But I’m Really In Front Of Them
Now Some Of Them Fumblin’ They Bags
Fuckin’ Up The Little Crumbs That They Had
A Reminder To Humble Yourself, This Shit Could Be Gone In An Instant
Me, I’m Running’ Long Distance
Summary
J. Cole reflects on his steady rise and the importance of staying humble and focused. He acknowledges that while others may appear ahead, he’s actually leading the race, comparing his journey to a long-distance run. He criticizes those who waste opportunities, fumbling their bags, and reminds listeners that success can vanish in an instant.
The lyrics emphasize themes of perseverance, humility, and the value of staying grounded despite achievements. It’s a powerful message about patience and self-awareness in the pursuit of greatness.
Lyrics
I Be Stuck Between Maybe Retiring’
And Feeling’ Like I’m Just Not Hitting’ My Prime
These Days Seein’ Rappers Be Dying’
Way Before They Even Gettin’ They Shine
I Never Even Heard Of Lil’ Buddy
’til Somebody Murdered Lil’ Buddy
Now I’m On The Phone, Searchin’ Lil’ Buddy Name
Got To Playing’ His Tunes, All Day In My Room
Thinkin’, “Damn, This Shit Wicked, To Get They Names Buzzin’
Summary
J. Cole reflects on the fragility of life and the tragedy of young rappers losing their lives before reaching their potential. He wrestles with thoughts of retirement but also feels he hasn’t yet hit his prime.
The mention of Lil’ Buddy highlights how many artists only gain recognition after their deaths, a sobering reality in the rap industry. Cole’s introspection reveals a mix of frustration, grief, and a desire to honor those whose talent was cut short, emphasizing themes of legacy, mortality, and the cost of fame.
Lyrics
Some Niggas Just Gotta Go Lay In A Tomb
And Media Thirsty For Clicks, I Got A New Rule
If You Ain’t Never Posted A Rapper When He Was Alive
You Can’t Post About Him After He Get Hit
It’s Simple, It’s The Principle
On Any Tempo, I’m Invincible
Don’t Even Rap, I Just Vent To You
I Rather That Than An Interview
Summary
J. Cole critiques the media’s exploitation of rappers’ deaths, calling out their hypocrisy for only highlighting artists after they’re gone. He sets a new rule: if they didn’t support the artist while alive, they shouldn’t profit from their death.
Cole also asserts his confidence, claiming he’s invincible on any beat, and prefers to express himself through music rather than interviews. The lyrics emphasize themes of integrity, authenticity, and the importance of principles in an industry often driven by sensationalism.
Lyrics
Fuck ’em All Like I’m Goin’ Through A Ho Phase
Young Nigga Shoot Out The Whip Like Road Rage
I Pray All Of My Dawgs Stay So Paid
And The Only Thing That Kill ’em Is Old Age
Summary
J. Cole delivers a bold and defiant message, expressing his disregard for negativity and his focus on success. He uses vivid imagery, comparing his determination to road rage, and prays for his friends’ prosperity, hoping they live long enough to die of old age.
The lyrics reflect themes of loyalty, ambition, and a desire for longevity in a world filled with danger and distractions. It’s a mix of grit, hope, and unapologetic confidence.
Lyrics
All My Life (All My Life)
They Been Tryin’ To Keep Me Down (They Been Tryin’ To Keep Me Down)
All This Time (All This Time)
Never Thought I Would Make It Out (Never Thought I’d Make It Out)
They Couldn’t Break Me, They Couldn’t Break Me (No, No)
They Couldn’t Take Me, They Couldn’t Take Me (No)
All My Life (All My Life)
They Been Tryin’ To Keep Me Down (They Been Tryin’ To Keep Me Down)
Summary
All My Life by Lil Durk and J. Cole are a powerful declaration of resilience and triumph. Despite constant efforts to hold him back, Durk emphasizes that no one could break him or take him down.
The repetition of “All My Life” and “They Been Tryin’ To Keep Me Down” highlights his lifelong struggle and ultimate victory, showcasing themes of perseverance, strength, and defiance. It’s an anthem of overcoming adversity and rising above challenges, celebrating the journey from struggle to success.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of All My Life by Lil Durk and J. Cole?
The main theme is resilience and overcoming adversity to achieve success.
Who are the artists featured in All My Life?
The song features Lil Durk and J. Cole.
What does the repetition of “They Been Tryin’ To Keep Me Down” signify?
It signifies the constant struggles and challenges faced throughout life.
How does the song inspire listeners?
It inspires through its message of perseverance and refusing to be broken by hardships.
What makes All My Life stand out in hip-hop?
Its raw emotion, powerful lyrics, and collaboration between two influential artists make it stand out.
Conclusion
All My Life by Lil Durk and J. Cole is a powerful anthem of resilience and triumph over adversity. Through raw lyrics and emotional depth, the song highlights the struggles of rising above challenges and staying unbroken.
It’s a celebration of perseverance, strength, and the journey from hardship to success, resonating deeply with listeners. This collaboration stands as a testament to the power of music to inspire and uplift.

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