Verse 1
On the move through the masses
Love sweep through the streets dodge hits
Like Cassius Clay
And I can't let this break me (Yeah)
Took a hit now we back
Let it roll this is take 3
Didn't see now it's clear every picture you get HD (Yeah)
I'm really from the bottom so many of His people
Lost they life to get the knowledge in the streets
Laying bodies tryna live my only option
I know He got us
Tears in my eyes when I see my life
If I'm being honest I barely sleep at night
On the front line when I know it's right
I pray they see the light
Chorus
On the move through the masses
Love sweep through the streets dodge hits
Like Cassius Clay
And I look to the greatest
(don't stop, won't stop, threw shots)
But we made it
(don't stop, won't stop, threw shots)
And I look to the greatest
(don't stop, won't stop, threw shots)
But we made it
(don't stop, won't stop, threw shots, but we)
Verse 2
Fell down on 7 but get up at 8
It's hard to judge a shade when my God great (You know it)
We gon' make it through is my mind state
It's gon' take love to meet like a blind date
Finally on the up down to move in love
Never not enough shout out to D Minor
Leader in the clutch say they names
We gon' rise know it's up
Chorus
On the move through the masses
Love sweep through the streets dodge hits
Like Cassius Clay
And I look to the greatest (You know it)
(don't stop, won't stop, threw shots)
But we made it
(don't stop, won't stop, threw shots)
And I look to the greatest
(don't stop, won't stop, threw shots)
But we made it (You know it)
(don't stop, won't stop, threw shots, but we)
The Greatest
The Greatest Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
The song "The Greatest" by YBL unfolds as a narrative of perseverance and faith amidst struggle. The opening verses paint a picture of navigating challenging environments, likening the necessary agility to dodging hits like Cassius Clay. There is an acknowledgment of setbacks, describing a process of recovering from being "hit" and returning to the effort, framed as "take 3." This journey is depicted as originating from humble beginnings ("really from the bottom"), marked by the tragic loss of others seeking knowledge or simply trying to survive in difficult circumstances. The lyrics convey the emotional toll of this reality, expressing tears and restless nights while maintaining a stance on the "front line" for what is deemed right and holding onto the hope that others will find clarity or "see the light."
Central to the song's message is the reliance on a higher power. The assertion that "He got us" and the declaration that "my God great" underline a spiritual foundation for navigating adversity. This perspective frames resilience not just as personal strength but as being upheld by faith. The chorus reinforces this outlook, repeatedly stating "And I look to the greatest," which, in the context of the preceding lines about God, appears to refer to this divine source of strength. The interjected phrases like "(don't stop, won't stop, threw shots) But we made it" serve as affirmations of endurance and eventual triumph despite facing opposition or challenges, highlighting the outcome of perseverance guided by faith.
The second verse continues the theme of resilience, using the image of falling and immediately rising again ("Fell down on 7 but get up at 8"). It suggests that judgment or perspective ("hard to judge a shade") is less important when one's faith is strong ("my God great"). The core belief "We gon' make it through is my mind state" encapsulates the determined mindset driving the narrative. The concept of "love" is introduced as a unifying force necessary for connection and progress ("It's gon' take love to meet like a blind date," "down to move in love"). Mentioning figures like D Minor and speaking to the necessity of remembering those lost ("say they names") further grounds the song in community and collective memory, emphasizing that the rise ("We gon' rise know it's up") is potentially a shared journey, empowered by faith and love. The song, overall, delivers a powerful message of overcoming hardship through unwavering faith, determined effort, and the supportive role of love and community.
