Review: "By Myself" by Lil Baby featuring Rod Wave and Rylo Rodriguez
"By Myself," a standout track from Lil Baby’s album WHAM, benefits from the unique contributions of featured artists Rod Wave and Rylo Rodriguez. While Lil Baby delivers his signature hard-hitting flow, it’s the soulful melodies of Rod Wave and Rylo’s reflective verses that truly elevate the song. Their dynamic additions infuse the track with an energy that feels both deeply personal and anthemic, making it one of the album's most compelling moments.
Lil Baby's Reflection on Success and Betrayal
Lil Baby’s verse delves into the struggles that accompany his rise to fame, touching on themes of betrayal, self-reliance, and perseverance. He candidly reflects on the people who turned their backs on him despite his success, notably in the lines “I got money, thought they'd be happy for me, they’d rather see me in shackles.” His acknowledgment of the loneliness that comes with fame is palpable, and the recurring motif of doing it “by myself” reinforces his determination to keep pushing forward, despite the obstacles.
Rod Wave's Emotional Contribution
Rod Wave’s soulful chorus offers a smooth, melodic contrast to Lil Baby’s more aggressive delivery. His emotionally charged vocals add depth to the song’s themes, particularly in the line “I couldn’t have did it by myself.” Rod Wave’s contribution brings a sense of vulnerability to the track, highlighting the idea that while success is individual, it often requires the support and guidance of others. This emotional undertone resonates strongly with listeners, adding a layer of introspection to the track.
Rylo Rodriguez's Gritty Perspective
Rylo Rodriguez’s verse complements Rod Wave’s emotional vulnerability with a raw and grounded perspective. He speaks to the hardships of street life, referencing his own experiences with the justice system and betrayal within his circle. Rylo’s gritty storytelling adds an important layer of realism to the track, juxtaposing Lil Baby’s reflective self-sufficiency. His vivid imagery, including lines about legal troubles and the cold reality of broken trust, further enriches the song’s narrative.
A Collaborative Success
“By Myself” is a prime example of Lil Baby’s ability to create a compelling track by allowing his collaborators to shine. The synergy between Lil Baby, Rod Wave, and Rylo Rodriguez makes this song stand out on WHAM. Each artist brings something unique to the table, whether it’s Lil Baby’s raw ambition, Rod Wave’s emotional depth, or Rylo’s hard-edged realism. Together, they craft a song that is reflective, impactful, and a testament to resilience in the face of adversity.
Listen to Lil Baby By Myself
Lil Baby By Myself Lyrics Meaning Explained
The meaning of "By Myself" by Lil Baby is a reflection on the artist's journey to success, highlighting the challenges, betrayals, and emotional struggles that accompany it. The song delves into themes of resilience, self-reliance, and the importance of loyalty, as Lil Baby expresses how he overcame obstacles on his own and navigated the hardships of life. Through his lyrics, he paints a vivid picture of rising from humble beginnings, dealing with betrayal from those he once trusted, and learning to rely on himself while remaining grateful for the support of his close family and friends. The song underscores the complexities of achieving success in a world where trust can be easily broken, and loyalty is a rare commodity.
[Intro: Lil Baby]
The intro is brief, setting a confident and reflective tone, with Lil Baby stating "Yeah" several times, followed by "Hmm-mm" and "Yeah, yeah," suggesting that he's mentally gearing up for the themes of the song—triumph and the journey to success.
[Verse 1: Lil Baby & Rod Wave]
Lil Baby begins by reflecting on the street hustle and his rise to success. He mentions having "pounds all on the counter" and being cautious by "watchin' the cameras" to illustrate the dangerous environment he’s navigating. He acknowledges the risks of his lifestyle, noting that life is like a gamble, and expresses disbelief that people who were once close to him turned their backs, leading to the downfall of his life. Despite achieving financial success, Lil Baby reveals a sense of betrayal, as "they’d rather see me in shackles" rather than supporting his growth.
He also discusses his journey from humble beginnings, recalling how he used to "work that kitchen cabinet" and “pay the block,” but now, he’s seeing success that was unimaginable to others, who "used to laugh at me." Now that he’s achieved fame and fortune, people are eager to be associated with him, grabbing at his success, even though they once laughed at him. Lil Baby expresses love for his grandmother, ensuring she gets whatever she wants from him, signaling the deep respect and gratitude he has for family. He warns about people pretending to be loyal, stating, "niggas actin' like they with you, turn your back, they'll put 'em on ya."
In a more introspective moment, Lil Baby reveals feeling like "the coldest nigga ever" due to the emotional toll of past betrayals. He mentions dealing with life's challenges alone, never breaking down, and working hard to support his incarcerated friends. He makes sure to pay their lawyer fees, trying to bring them home. The mention of a cousin who stood by him and helped him through tough times ("shoutout to my cousin, dog") reinforces the theme of loyalty. However, the verse also highlights the disappointment of a "brother" breaking the law, which deeply affected Lil Baby’s mindset.
[Chorus: Rod Wave]
Rod Wave’s chorus conveys a sense of gratitude for the money and success he has attained but also reflects a desire to maintain his success "forever." He acknowledges his struggles and how much he needed help along the way, especially from family ("shoutout to my cousin, dog"). Rod Wave underscores that he couldn’t have reached where he is without the support of others. The repetition of the phrase "I couldn't have did it by myself" expresses humility and the importance of shared effort.
[Verse 2: Rylo Rodriguez]
Rylo Rodriguez enters the song by describing his own experiences with the hustle. He mentions being involved in illegal activities like drug dealing, highlighting how they "built for it," and discusses the challenges of evading law enforcement ("duckin' the task force"). He shares a story about his brother who represented himself in court and managed to beat federal charges despite not having a lawyer, underscoring resilience in a corrupt system.
He also mentions his journey from having nothing ("zero to buy in fight night") to now being able to provide for his family ("take my mama from the projects to loadin' up a PJ"). However, Rylo expresses deep disappointment in the people around him. He speaks about a cousin who betrayed him by "snitching on a dead man," showing how trust has been broken in his circle. Rylo’s reflections reveal the cold reality of the streets, where betrayal and loyalty are often tested.
Rylo also touches on his relationships with his "opp" (enemies), noting that while they may have security, his allies in law enforcement ("12 I'm rockin' with") are his real protection. He tells a story about a situation involving thousands of dollars, and the constant hustle to avoid detection, whether it's through the law or federal authorities ("lucky the feds ain't tuned in"). The verse ends with Rylo commenting on a woman posting about drugs on her social media, hinting at the risks of such actions and how it all plays into the dangerous lifestyle they lead.
[Chorus: Rod Wave, Rod Wave & Rylo Rodriguez, Rylo Rodriguez]
The chorus repeats here, reinforcing the themes of gratitude and shared effort. The repeated line "I couldn't have did it by myself" serves to underline the importance of collective struggle and support. Both Rod Wave and Rylo emphasize how much they owe to others, especially family and loyal friends, as they continue their pursuit of success.
[Outro: Rod Wave, Rod Wave & Rylo Rodriguez]
The outro is a final reinforcement of the chorus, with Rod Wave and Rylo Rodriguez repeating that they couldn't have achieved their success alone. The outro serves as a closing reflection on the song's message about the importance of support, the loyalty of family, and the struggles faced on the path to success.
The lyrics of the song reflect themes of overcoming adversity, the emotional toll of betrayal, and the importance of loyalty and familial support. It paints a picture of the harsh realities of street life, success, and the personal struggles that come with it.
Lil Baby By Myself Lyrics
[Intro: Lil Baby]
Yeah
Yeah, mm, mm
Hmm-mm
Yeah, yeah
[Verse 1: Lil Baby & Rod Wave]
We got pounds all on the counter
In the spot, watchin' the cameras
I ain't never scared to take a risk, I know life is a gamble
Can't believe they turned they back on me
Now my life in shambles
I got money, thought they'd be happy for me
They'd rather see me in shackles
Startin' the gas, I can't go backwards
Fifty mill' a year my average
Used to work that kitchen cabinet
Payin' the block, they used laugh at me (Laugh at me)
Yeah, now I'm what they grab at (Yeah)
Back then, they would laugh at me (Yeah)
Now I'm who they grabbin'
My grandma, whatever she want from me
And she ain't get no help
Niggas actin' like they with you, turn your back, they'll put 'em on ya
Feel like the coldest nigga ever, I got permanent pneumonia
There was times I needed help, I had to do it on my own
I ain't cry, it made me strong
Fuck a nigga, I work my phone
They got jammed when we was younger
For fifteen years, D done been gone
I make sure I handle they lawyer fees
Determined to bring 'em home
They was hopin' they'd take me out
But I had made it through the storm
I'm like shoutout to my cousin, dog, he was right there and he had to call (Uh, I'm a country boy, don't wanna talk for long)
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Had to cut my brother off, I can't believe you broke the law (Niggas still sip codeine)
That shit really did somethin' to my head
[Chorus: Rod Wave]
Uh, okay
Got all of this money pilin', Lord, I wanna ball forever
You know I could really use Your help, yeah (Use Your help, yeah)
Thousand on a tractor-trailer, shoutout to my cousin, dog (Yeah)
I couldn't have did it by myself, yeah (Did it by myself, yeah)
Okay, time and time again, I gave you last chances
Love life in the end, at least my pack landed (Yeah)
Thousand on a tractor-trailer, shoutout to my cousin, dog
I couldn't have did it by myself, yeah (Did it by myself)
[Verse 2: Rylo Rodriguez]
Been off the pounds, we built for it, they touchin' the clearport
Lil' broski represented himself
He had beat the feds, he ain't have a lawyer
Soon as we touchin' the airport, we duckin' the task force
Bro said he can't wait 'til he see Alabama like Travis Barker
My opps got security, but the 12 I'm rockin' with be Travis Hunter
I had zero to buy in fight night, now I get lost, took my mama
From the projects to loadin' up a PJ, convicted felon
Since bro snitched on a dead man, he don't think it's tellin'
Can't believe my cousin, dog
Can't believe you took the stand
Can't believe my hood and I
Was a couple niggas, still shook his hand
Wanna make lil' Snoop a highlight tape, thank God he shook his hands
Had a thousand of 'em inside the trailer truck, he saw before they land
Soon as it touch down, hotel trap out of rooms
Shawty want me to pay to get her face beat, Metro Boomin
Postin' weed on her story, you lucky the feds ain't tuned in
Always actin' like you know shit, she ain't even stole shit
[Chorus: Rod Wave, Rod Wave & Rylo Rodriguez, Rylo Rodriguez]
Uh, okay
Got all of this money pilin', Lord, I wanna ball forever
You know I could really use Your help, yeah (Use Your help, yeah)
Thousand on a tractor-trailer, shoutout to my cousin, dog (Yeah)
I couldn't have did it by myself, yeah (Did it by myself, yeah)
Okay, time and time again, I gave you last chances
Love life in the end, at least my pack landed (Yeah)
Thousand on a tractor-trailer, shoutout to my cousin, dog
I couldn't have did it by myself, yeah (Shoutout to my cousin, dog, did it by myself, yeah)
[Outro: Rod Wave, Rod Wave & Rylo Rodriguez]
I couldn't have did it by myself, yeah, uh
I couldn't have did it by myself, yeah
I couldn't have did it by myself, yeah
I had some
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