Intro: Lathan Warlick
Listen
Verse 1: Lathan Warlick
Too many people thought I would never get far
And never supported the show (Dang)
And one of my teachers pulled me out of my class
To tell me my grades were low (Wow)
I never do good when people all in my lil' personal space
Invadin' it though (Haha)
That's when I knew that I had to get out and go get it
'Cause they weren't gon' do it no more (Ah, ah, ah)
Took off jet fast, now I'm on they tails
Don't tell 'em that school is out (But)
But all my partners with me, stayed out the city
And showed 'em a different lil' route (Real)
"Ain't got a problem with sinnin', I love me some Jesus"
Yeah, that came out of my mouth
Now let 'em country girls and outlaws
Come straight out of the South (Eh, eh, eh, eh)
Chorus: Lathan Warlick
(Yeah, I done came a long way)
Let me take you back and show you where I'm from (Uh, uh, where I'm from)
(I done came a long way)
Was down bad and they told me I was done (Yeah, yeah, yeah, see, I was done)
(I done came a long way)
Now I'm hardly home and always on the run (Yeah, yeah, on the run)
(I can say I came a long way)
And I can say that it was hard for me (Yeah, for me)
Let me take you back and show you where I'm from (Uh, uh, where I'm from)
(I done came a long way)
Was down bad and they told me I was done (Yeah, yeah, yeah, I was done)
(I done came a long way)
Now I'm hardly home and always on the run (Yeah, yeah, on the run)
(I can say I came a long way)
And I can say that it was hard for me
Verse 2: KB
Yeah
The hooligans, new again, flowin' in, movin' souls
Need no Xans, need no 'Grams, only IG when I roll
I just post up with the dawgs, change your life wit' a bop
What I'm on so Le Bron, He still the King, do my flops
Ayy, K to the second, the rapper, the reverend
This rapper's a weapon of God
Ayy, man wit' a message, you want a request
And I pull up like grippin' the balls
Ayy, KB and Lathan, don't get it mistaken
The fame that we gain is a walk
Ayy, we give our glory to God
But our story all for you and put it in song, boy
Chorus: Lathan Warlick
(Yeah, I done came a long way)
Let me take you back and show you where I'm from (Uh, uh, where I'm from)
(I done came a long way)
Was down bad and they told me I was done (Yeah, yeah, yeah, see, I was done)
(I done came a long way)
Now I'm hardly home and always on the run (Yeah, yeah, on the run)
(I can say I came a long way)
And I can say that it was hard for me (Yeah, for me)
Let me take you back and show you where I'm from (Uh, uh, where I'm from)
(I done came a long way)
Was down bad and they told me I was done (Yeah, yeah, yeah, I was done)
(I done came a long way)
Now I'm hardly home and always on the run (Yeah, yeah, on the run)
(I can say I came a long way)
And I can say that it was hard for me
Outro: Lathan Warlick
(Yeah, I done came a long way) Uh, uh
(I done came a long way) Yeah, yeah
(I done came a long way) Hah, hah
(I can say I came a long way) No, no, no, it was hard for me
Ha, ha, ha, no (I done came a long way)
No, eh, eh, no (I done came a long way)
No, eh, eh, no
I can say I came a long way, a long way
Lathan Warlick - Long Way [feat. KB] (Official Audio)
Long Way Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
"Long Way" by Lathan Warlick featuring KB is a compelling track released in 2022 that serves as a powerful declaration of perseverance and growth. The song immediately establishes a narrative of defying low expectations and overcoming early challenges. Lathan Warlick opens the track reflecting on those who doubted his potential, recalling moments of academic struggle and the discomfort of having his personal space invaded, which fueled his determination to leave and forge his own path. This initial section sets the stage for the "jet fast" journey away from limitations, highlighting loyalty to his partners who also chose a different route than staying within the confines of their original city. He speaks candidly about his faith, proclaiming "Ain't got a problem with sinnin', I love me some Jesus," while also representing his Southern roots and identity, blending these elements authentically.
The core message is amplified by the chorus, delivered by Lathan Warlick, which acts as the anchor of the song's narrative. The repeated assertion, "Yeah, I done came a long way," grounds the listener in the artists' past realities. It directly addresses the humble beginnings ("where I'm from") and the difficult periods when they were "down bad" and dismissed by others ("they told me I was done"). The current state of being constantly active ("hardly home and always on the run") is presented not as a complaint, but as evidence of the progress made. Crucially, the chorus emphasizes the difficulty of this journey, stating, "And I can say that it was hard for me," acknowledging the struggle inherent in overcoming adversity and achieving success.
KB joins on the second verse, bringing his distinctive voice and perspective to the theme of progression and purpose. He describes a vibrant, spirit-filled energy ("The hooligans, new again, flowin' in, movin' souls"), contrasting it with common coping mechanisms ("Need no Xans, need no 'Grams"). KB frames his art and presence as tools for positive influence ("change your life wit' a bop"), referencing his faith as the ultimate source of power and guidance ("He still the King, do my flops"). He explicitly identifies himself as both an artist and a man on a mission ("rapper, the reverend," "weapon of God," "man wit' a message"), attributing the fame and recognition gained not to personal achievement alone, but as a purposeful journey guided by faith ("the fame that we gain is a walk"). Together with Lathan, they make it clear that while their personal stories are shared through song, the ultimate credit and honor for their journey belong to a higher power ("Ayy, we give our glory to God").
Collectively, "Long Way" functions as both a personal testimony and an inspirational anthem. The song effectively conveys the arduous nature of defying expectations, navigating challenges, and staying true to one's identity and faith. It celebrates the distance traveled from a place of doubt and limited opportunity to one of purpose and impact. The transparency about past difficulties, combined with the declaration of present success and faith, makes the song relatable to anyone who has faced opposition or setbacks.
The song's themes of overcoming adversity, perseverance, and attributing success to God's work resonate deeply with biblical principles. The idea of running a race or journey despite hardship is a frequent metaphor found in scripture (such as in Hebrews 12:1-3 or Philippians 3:13-14, though not directly quoted), encouraging believers to press forward. The explicit statement "we give our glory to God" directly aligns with the scriptural call to attribute honor and praise to the divine source of strength and success (as seen in passages like Psalm 115:1 or 1 Corinthians 1:31). Through this collaboration, Lathan Warlick and KB deliver a message that is not only a reflection of their personal "long way" but also an encouragement for listeners to acknowledge their own journeys and the power that enables them to overcome. The track stands as an uplifting declaration of faith, resilience, and the ultimate source of strength behind the "long way" traveled.
