Meaning of We Been On by Lil Wayne

In Lil Wayne's song "We Been On," the overall theme revolves around the extravagant and luxurious lifestyle of the artists. The lyrics boast about their wealth, fame, and success, depicting a life filled with high-end cars, expensive watches, and exotic trips to private islands. Amidst the flashy braggadocio, there are several standout lyrics that, when examined closely, reveal unexpected and imaginative themes.The opening lines, "It ain't nothin but cigars, audemars / Got so many foreigns, you need a passport to walk in my garage," paint a picture of extreme opulence and excess. These lyrics highlight the overarching theme of material wealth and show off the artists' collections of luxury cars and expensive watches. However, underneath the surface, this emphasis on material possessions also touches upon the ephemeral nature of these luxuries. While cigars and fancy watches may bring temporary joy, they ultimately demonstrate the fleeting nature of material possessions.Another interesting lyric that delves into a deeper theme is, "From them red cups to them gold bottles, livin' on islands, caked up." These lines symbolize the journey from humble beginnings to unimaginable wealth and success. The transition from red solo cups, typically associated with college parties, to gold bottles represents the transformation from a carefree mindset to one of extravagant indulgence. Likewise, the mention of living on islands alludes to a life of isolation and detachment from the rest of the world. It suggests that the pursuit of wealth can lead to a disconnect from reality and the true essence of life.Further into the song, the line, "Stuntin' on niggas and taking their broads," explores themes of dominance, conquest, and objectification. While initially highlighting the artists' ability to overshadow and outshine their peers, this lyric also raises questions about the dynamics of power and relationships. It taps into the stereotype of using material wealth as a means to attract and possess women, ultimately commenting on the transient nature of such relationships built on superficiality.The song's refrain, "Okay, you know that we be in the club all night, throwin' up this money," focuses on the wild and excessive partying lifestyle associated with wealth and fame. However, beyond the surface level celebration, this lyric reveals the artists' desperate need for constant validation and recognition. It implies that their sense of self-worth and purpose relies heavily on external approval and the ability to flaunt their wealth publicly.In the final verse, Lil Wayne's lyrics, "I can't fuck with broke hoes, T-shirt white as yayo / I say fuck nigga don't say nothin, fuck nigga don't say nada," showcase the artists' preference for a higher social class and their disregard for those less fortunate. While these lyrics may seem dismissive and divisive at first, they ultimately shed light on the artists' deeply rooted insecurities and fear of falling back into poverty. The use of derogatory language also reflects a defense mechanism, protecting themselves from any potential criticism or judgment.Overall, "We Been On" presents an extravagant lifestyle wrapped in the trappings of wealth, fame, and success. However, beneath the veneer of material possessions and partying, the song delves into themes of the fleeting nature of wealth, the detachment from reality it can bring, objectification, the need for validation, and the fear of returning to a lesser social status. By exploring these unexpected and imaginative themes, Lil Wayne offers listeners a deeper glimpse into the complexities and contradictions hidden within the glamorous facade of the rich and famous.