Swagger and Revitalization
"Crocodile Tearz" opens with a surprising sense of swagger. Horns and piano establish a foundation of determination, a backdrop for J. Cole's claim of feeling revitalized and ready for confrontation. He employs his characteristic wordplay with the "Benjamin Button" line, signaling renewed ambition and unwavering confidence in his abilities. This sets the stage for the track's central focus: the bitterness of betrayal and the insidious nature of false support.
Betrayal and Reckoning
A stripped-back beat with a punctuating kick drum amplifies the intensity of Cole's verses. He speaks directly, highlighting a dynamic where loyalty is demanded but not reciprocated. The line "I can't remember the time you gave me something" cuts to the core of a one-sided relationship. This potent image aligns with the concept of insincere "crocodile tears."
Escalation and Defiance
Midway through the track, the addition of sharp hi-hats intensifies the song's energy. "Crocodile Tearz" escalates from introspective disappointment to a near battle cry. This evolution suggests the song could be Cole's defiant response, a declaration that he recognizes hypocrisy and refuses to tolerate those who exploit him. The track becomes a testament to his growth and determination, fueled by the bitter lessons of the past.
A Track for the "Might Delete Later" Era
Overall, "Crocodile Tearz" exemplifies the bold, confrontational energy that seems to permeate Cole's "Might Delete Later" era. It's a raw and pointed address of betrayal, highlighting the rapper's newfound determination to cut ties with those who only offer false support.
Listen to J Cole Crocodile Tearz
J Cole Crocodile Tearz Lyrics Meaning
The meaning of "Crocodile Tearz" by J. Cole revolves around his assertion of dominance in the hip-hop world. Through the song, Cole reflects on his journey to success, confidently proclaiming his superiority over his peers and emphasizing the transactional nature of many relationships within the industry. He addresses his critics, dismisses comparisons to newcomers, and highlights his financial success and strategic mindset. The chorus underscores his frustration with individuals who only reach out to him when they need something, contrasting genuine support with opportunistic behavior. Overall, the song serves as a declaration of Cole's resilience, success, and refusal to compromise his integrity for superficial gains.
First Verse Meaning
In the first verse, Cole addresses his critics who doubted him, stating that he's far from finished and hungrier than ever. He dismisses any comparisons to newcomers, emphasizing his superior skill and experience. Cole boasts about his financial success and ability to quickly calculate numbers, suggesting that he's keenly aware of his worth and the value of his contributions to the industry.
The Fall Off Link
He references his upcoming album, "The Fall Off," likening its release to Jay-Z dropping "Reasonable Doubt," implying that it will be a monumental moment in his career. Cole reflects on his roots in the South, where survival instincts are paramount, and asserts his dominance over his peers.
The Chorus Meaning
The chorus reinforces the theme of people reaching out to Cole only when they need something from him, highlighting the transactional nature of some relationships in the industry. Cole expresses his frustration with this dynamic, emphasizing that true love and support shouldn't come with a price tag.
The Second Verse Meaning
In the second verse, Cole continues to assert his dominance, likening himself to royalty and the greatest of all time (G.O.A.T). He dismisses those who try to downgrade him, emphasizing his astronomical success and stature in the industry. He critiques shallow relationships and materialistic attitudes, asserting his integrity and authenticity.
Crocodile Tearz serves as a declaration of J. Cole's status as a hip-hop powerhouse, highlighting his resilience, success, and unwillingness to compromise his values for superficial gains.
J Cole Crocodile Tearz Lyircs
[Intro]
Uh
Yeah
Turn it all up
Powered up
I'm powered up
I'm powered up
I'm powered up
It's powered up
[Verse 1]
Yeah, said I was finished but I'm on another two summers
Hall of famer, hungrier than all the newcomers
Niggas swear they compare, but the truth humble
They get fucked one twelve, you couldn't do numbers
Hey, tell the label I got A's all throughout math
That mean I'm keen on the numbers and I count fast
You know it's money that you owe me, niggas phony
And I'm Joaquin Phoenix, walk the line, I'm about cash
Benjamin Button gettin' younger as the hours pass
Should do the Freshman cover twice, I'm never outclassed
It's not a rap nigga breathin' that could outlast
The Fall Off is like Hov droppin' Reasonable Doubt last
We from the South where we learn all about stashin'
Where niggas prone to shoot first and run they mouth last
And if you run your mouth, bitch, you goin' out sad
Whole clique gettin' slid on, you a mouse pad
I'm the one that niggas fear on the lowski
Heard 'em talkin' like we peers but they grossly
Mistaken and it's blatant
Crocodile tears, niggas know I'm on a tier that they don't see
My dogs only shed tears in emojis
We in another hemisphere splittin' proceeds
How dare a nigga rub his hands on this trophy?
I vividly remember who was there
[Chorus]
Niggas hit my line when they want somethin'
That's a dub, it ain't love if it cost somethin'
Niggas hit my phone up when they need somethin'
I can't recall a time when you gave me somethin'
Chopped off the top, nigga, I achieved somethin'
Drop down, bitch, let me see somethin'
Niggas hit my phone up when they need somethin'
I can't recall a time when you gave me somethin'
[Verse 2]
March 16 in the fuckin' teen summit
The boys kiss ring when they see the king come in
They know I run things like the police comin'
Yes, sir, it's me, not two, not three
The uno, G-O-A-T, I need my fee, fuck kudos
G4 at least, these flights ain't cheap as you know
They sound faded, they downgraded, they Pluto
I'm bigger than Mars, this nigga a star, I'm Bruno
I'm the one they call when they want a song to a funeral
Can't fuck with broads, what y'all niggas on? Hoes Communal
I'm sendin' flawed niggas to the Lord, hm
And you know it
Two six, truth spit, I'm a poet
I move slick on 'em so they got no clue where I be, uh
Do it look like I fool with IG, bitch?
She got too many followers
Word 'round the Ville, she a real deal swallower
Niggas bite their hands, so my heart turn hollower
Talkin' bout "Holla," nah, nigga, I ain't callin' ya
[Chorus]
Niggas hit my line when they want somethin'
That's a dub, that ain't love if it cost somethin'
Niggas hit my phone up when they need somethin'
I can't recall a time when you gave me somethin'
Chopped off the top, nigga, I achieved somethin'
Drop down, bitch, let me see somethin'
Niggas hit my phone up when they need somethin'
I can't recall a time when you gave me somethin'