Da' T.R.U.T.H. - Chasing Ghosts Lyrics
Lyrics
Chorus: Jasmine Tate
Yeah
I don't want no crown, no
It's gone weigh me down
It's gone weigh me down
It's gone weigh me...
Yeah
I don't want no crown, no
It's gone weigh me down
It's gone weigh me down...
Verse 1: Da' T.R.U.T.H.
Yeah
They tried to rush the album, I told them wait for it
It's too complicated homie, I'm brainstorming
Umbrellas in the air man, the inks pouring
A band of gorillas swing through the rain forest
They told me keep posting pics to stay relevant
I guess I'm addressing the pink elephant
White lines, blades on the glass, homie they chase ghosts
Night vision I seen it all through them yellow tints
I'm a cross between a millennial and an OG
The hunger still burning in me, homie I don't sleep
Lost boys breaking dawn when the suns low
Somebody's blood was already drawn, I ain't got to grow teeth
30's the new 20 that's what they say to me
I'm in my 40's I'm proud and I'm aging gracefully
Hip hop I knew for sure it was a global phenomenon
When sub-woofers was banging while I was touring through Ancient Greece
I never tried to be on it just happened for me
What does it mean to be on? I hate that category
Bright lights and tour buses not even half the story
That's why I feel bad for rappers that's chasing after glory
Dang
Bridge: Jasmine Tate
I don't want no crown, no
It's gone weigh me down
Verse 2: Da' T.R.U.T.H.
Yeah
See I grew up on cassette tape's
I guess I'm just as good as everybody except Drake
10 years under the microscope they spectate
Expectations high, that's how they gauge my success rate
Boi, it's been a shift in the paradigm
Yeah, this is not a sprint it's a marathon
It's a shame how the thought of losing steam in your career can make an artist feel terrified, dang
That's why we need God involved
Felt like New Year's Eve when I dropped the ball
Keep the shot close, crop the pic if the crowd is small
Cause I don't want my peers to think that any ground is lost
Boi, that's why I walked off of social media
Felt so good that's when my focus started speeding up
Not having that pressure on me man freed me up
Because I could get a million likes but it's never going to be enough
They just did a standing ovation for me
But these days I just want to talk the creation story
What's the difference between Gilgamesh and the real flood
People have such a hard time dealing with faded glory
Dang
Bridge: Jasmine Tate
I don't want no crown, no
It's gone weigh me down
Verse 3: Da' T.R.U.T.H.
Yeah
Strong foundation I can't deviate
Derek Minor told me that I am the Kobe in CHH
But if I'm watching everybody else
God could be doing great things with me that I won't appreciate
Boi, you run out of breath when you chase things
That's why am keeping the main thing the main thing
Cause if the focus ain't up and Jesus ain't first
You will go into a depression when the fame leaves
Boi, are you not entertained now?
I promise to God this is not a game now
Wale said if I don't get the fans that I'm looking for
I'm gonna pull the trigger and blow my brains out
Celebrity life is so glorified
Pictures with entertainers, high profile
But if all of that really meant anything
Then tell me why Robin Williams would hang himself from a door knob
Boi, four reality show offers, I turned them down
Calls to do major collabs, I turned them down
Not that I'll never do it, just don't want to blur the lines
Nobody chasing ghosts homie I'm on the job
Nobody chasing crowns boi I'm on the job
Chorus: Jasmine Tate
I don't want no crown, no
It's gone weigh me down
It's gone weigh me down
It's gone weigh me...
I don't want no crown, no
It's gone weigh me down
It's gone weigh me down...
Outro: Jasmine Tate
It's gone weigh me down, yeah
It's gone weigh me down, down, down...
It's gone weigh me down, yeah
Video
CHASING GHOSTS
Meaning & Inspiration
Da' T.R.U.T.H.'s 2020 single, "Chasing Ghosts," released as part of the project *CHASING GHOSTS - Single*, offers a profound and introspective look at the pressures and temptations within the music industry, particularly for artists of faith. The song is not merely a collection of rhymes; it's a candid declaration of priorities, a wrestling with worldly accolades versus eternal purpose. Jasmine Tate's chorus, lamenting that "It's gone weigh me down," serves as a powerful anchor, establishing the central theme: the burden of external validation and the pursuit of ephemeral glory. Da' T.R.U.T.H. navigates this theme with a keen awareness of the industry's allure, contrasting his journey with the prevalent mindset of chasing fame and relevance.
The narrative unfolds as Da' T.R.U.T.H. addresses the industry's expectation to constantly "post pics to stay relevant" and the superficiality of chasing popularity. He likens this pursuit to chasing ghosts, ephemeral illusions that ultimately offer no lasting substance. He speaks of being a "cross between a millennial and an OG," reflecting a generational awareness of these pressures but rooted in an older wisdom. This wisdom is evident when he contrasts the transient nature of being "on" with the true meaning of success, recognizing that the bright lights and tour buses are merely surface-level experiences. He feels for rappers who are "chasing after glory," a sentiment that echoes the biblical admonition in Matthew 6:19-20, which urges believers to "lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, not on earth." The song critiques a culture that prioritizes fleeting recognition over enduring impact, a pursuit that can indeed "weigh one down."
Verse two deepens this reflection by acknowledging the shifts in the industry's landscape and the immense pressure artists face. Da' T.R.U.T.H. recognizes the marathon nature of a career, contrasting it with the often frantic pace of modern industry demands. He candidly admits to feeling terrified by the thought of losing steam, a relatable human experience amplified by the constant scrutiny. This is where his reliance on faith becomes paramount. The line, "That's why we need God involved," is pivotal, highlighting that true sustenance and perspective come from a divine source, not from the applause of men. His decision to step away from social media underscores this, recognizing that external validation, even a million likes, is ultimately insufficient. He finds freedom in focusing on "the creation story," a testament to his desire to honor God rather than seek personal elevation, a principle found in 1 Corinthians 10:31: "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
The final verse solidifies Da' T.R.U.T.H.'s commitment to his foundational principles, referencing a compliment from Derek Minor comparing him to Kobe Bryant in Christian hip-hop. However, he immediately pivots, understanding that looking to others for benchmarks can prevent him from appreciating what God is doing in his own life. He emphasizes the importance of keeping "the main thing the main thing," which for him is clearly Christ. He warns that without this central focus, a departure from fame can lead to depression, a stark reality illustrated by his reference to Robin Williams' tragic end. This powerful example serves as a sobering reminder that worldly success offers no immunity from profound internal struggles. Da' T.R.U.T.H.'s refusal of reality shows and major collaborations further demonstrates his dedication to maintaining clarity and purpose, "nobody chasing ghosts homie I'm on the job." This resolve aligns with Galatians 6:9, which encourages us not to "become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." "Chasing Ghosts" is an encouragement to anchor one's worth not in the fleeting accolades of the world, but in the enduring truth of faith, a pursuit that promises no such heavy burden.