Drake has a reputation for being sensitive and soft at times, but his lyrics having meaning, especially compared to a lot of rap music today. Drake is one of my favorite artists and his songs can be appreciated even by those who do not listen to rap. Drake can teach us a lot about love, compassion, and what it means to be happy. Although to truly appreciate these lyrics, it's best to listen to them sung in the context of the song, these lyrics can be appreciated on their own.
1. “Wish you would learn to love people and use things and not the other way around”
"Connect" - "Nothing Was The Same"
Drake wants the people in his life to be concerned about their connections with others rather than material objects. Being famous and surrounded by expensive things has shown Drake that it's not what ones surrounded by, but rather it's who one is surrounded by that matters.
2. “Jealousy is just love and hate at the same time”
"Over My Dead Body" - "Take Care"
We love what we can't have, but hate that we can't have it.
3. “Sweatpants, hair tied, chillin’ with no makeup on, that’s when you’re the prettiest, I hope that you don’t take it wrong”
"Best I Ever Had"
This is by far my favorite Drake quote from my favorite Drake Song. Drake appreciates most his girl's natural beauty without the makeup or the fancy dresses.
4. “ ‘Don’t ever take advice’ that was great advice”
"You & The 6" - "If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late"
Drake wants us to learn from our own experiences rather than merely trust the advice of others.
5. “Maybe we should try and help somebody or be somebody instead of being somebody that makes the news so everybody can tweet about it and then they start to R.I.P. about it and four weeks later nobody even speaks about it”
"6PM in New York" - "If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late"
On this track, Drake chooses to address recent violence against African Americans like the shooting of Trayvon Martin and the violence in Ferguson, Missouri. In my opinion, a lot of rap artists try to address these issues, but too often it comes off as being too political and sounds out of place. Drake addresses this smoothly and tastefully in this track 6PM in New York. Drakes message is that we need to take action rather than just talking about it with out Twitter followers or Facebook friends.
6. “You don’t worry about fitting in when you’re custom made”
"Views" - "Views"
Aww, Drake, you're so sweet.
7. “You ain’t gotta die to go to heaven”
"Underground Kings" - "Take Care"
Drake is telling us to make the must of our life here on Earth while we still have the time.
8. “Know yourself, know your worth”
"0 to 100"
Be in touch with who you are and know that you mean more to those close to you than you may believe.
9. "I never ever trip just peace, happiness, and love"
"Up All Night" - "Thank Me Later"
Try not to get caught up in the stress of life, but rather focus on these three things and you will find peace of mind.
10. “Nobody really likes us except for us”
"6 God" - "If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late"
Sometimes you won't be liked, but if you follow what you think is right, that doesn't matter as long as you are happy with yourself and your decisions.
Source: complex.com
