“By Your Side” is a song by the American rapper and singer Rod Wave. It first came out on YouTube on November 14, 2021, and later became available on other platforms on November 22. This song serves as the main single for Rod Wave’s fourth studio album, “Beautiful Mind,” which was released in 2022.
In this song, Rod Wave explores a new phase in his life and reflects on the changes that have occurred in the nine months since he released his third album, “SoulFly.” The chorus of the song also includes a reference to the Plain White T’s song “Hey There Delilah” from 2006.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the meaning behind the lyrics of “By Your Side.”
Table of Contents
“By Your Side” Lyrics Meaning
[Intro]
Pipe that shit up, TnT
Where the fuck is Rod Wave?
Hey
In the “Intro” of the song, Rod Wave is addressing someone named TnT and expressing his desire to locate himself, wondering where he is at the moment.
[Verse]
It’s November, where the fuck is Rod Wave?
Young nigga way outta state
Fucked up, gettin’ over pain
Look how far a nigga came
You remember I ain’t had a thing
Fucked up, walkin’ through the rain
At the top of the game, should’ve seen the niggas I was tryna bring
It’s crazy the way these niggas change
Tell the city girl chill, you know baby mama know the deal
She know I could beat that pussy
Okay, let’s switch the subject
Notice that both of my wrists is flooded
I been grindin’ so hard, gеttin’ to this money
I been working like I know the drought is coming
Monday to Monday, Sunday to Sunday, you know I’m street running
Okay, my daddy was a gangstеr, what the fuck that made me?
Niggas claiming that it’s love dawg but it can’t be
Know I fell in love with guns by the age of thirteen
And my pocket rocket on me, homie don’t reach
Fuck dying in my Cuban link, I’m living in my Richard Millie
I just finished my tour, what a wonderful feeling
I got inside my bag and got out my feelings
I’m out my feelings
In the verse, Rod Wave talks about his current situation in November and how it contrasts with his past.
He mentions being far from his hometown, likely on tour or away for work, as he raps, “It’s November, where the fuck is Rod Wave? Young nigga way outta state.”
He reflects on the pain he has experienced and how he has managed to move past it. In the lines, “You remember I ain’t had a thing, Fucked up, walkin’ through the rain,” Rod celebrates the progress he has made in this life, acknowledging that he once had very little but has now come a long way.
The lines “I been grindin’ so hard, getting to this money, I been working like I know the drought is coming, Monday to Monday, Sunday to Sunday, you know I’m street running” suggest that Rod Wave has been working tirelessly as if he anticipates a period of financial hardship or scarcity in the future (the “drought”). “Street running” suggests he is actively engaged in street-level activities to earn money, possibly referring to his music career or other ventures.
The following lines “Okay, my daddy was a gangster, what the heck that made me?”suggests Rod Wave’s reflection on his upbringing and the influence his father, who was involved in criminal activities (“gangster”), may have had on him.
In the line “Niggas claiming that it’s love dawg but it can’t be,” Rod Wave is expressing doubt about the authenticity of the love or loyalty he receives from others.
Because of his family issues, Rod Wave was exposed to firearms at an early age, as evident in the lines, “Know I fell in love with guns by the age of thirteen, And my pocket rocket on me, homie don’t reach”
Rod reveals that he is carrying a concealed firearm, referred to as a “pocket rocket,” which is likely a small, easily concealable handgun. He then issues a warning to someone (“homie”) not to reach for anything, which is a cautionary message to avoid any sudden or threatening movements, as he is prepared to defend himself if necessary.
The lines “Fuck dying in my Cuban link, I’m living in my Richard Millie” expresses a shift in Rod Wave’s priorities and mindset regarding material possessions.
A Cuban link is a type of thick, heavy gold chain or necklace. The phrase “dying in my Cuban link” suggests that Rod Wave doesn’t want to risk his life or put himself in danger over material possessions like jewelry, particularly something as flashy as a Cuban link.
Richard Millie is a high-end luxury watch brand known for its expensive and prestigious timepieces. By saying he’s “living in” his Richard Millie, Rod Wave is highlighting that he values the experiences and life he can enjoy rather than being overly concerned about displaying wealth through flashy jewelry.
The final lines “I just finished my tour, what a wonderful feeling, I got inside my bag and got out my feelings” describe a sense of his accomplishment and emotional release that Rod Wave experiences after completing a tour.
In these lines, “getting inside my bag” is a slang phrase that means he is focusing on his work and his career. “Getting out my feelings” implies that Rod Wave is using his work and music as a way to process and express his emotions.
[Chorus]
Hey there everybody, what’s it like in your city?
I’m a thousand miles away but look, tonight you look so pretty
Yes you do, oh
Times Square couldn’t shine as bright as you
I swear, it’s true
Look, look
Hey there everybody, don’t you worry about the distance
I’m right here if you get lonely
Give this song another listen, close your eyes
Uh, listen to my voice, it’s my disguise
By your, your side
By your side
By your side, yeah, yeah
Watching you close
In the chorus, Rod Wave is addressing someone, possibly a loved one, and expressing his feelings.
He describes being physically distant but emotionally connected to this person, comparing her beauty to the bright lights of Times Square.
Despite the separation, he reassures them that he’s there for her if she ever feels lonely and suggests that she listens to his song as a way to feel closer. The mention of “it’s my disguise” suggests that through his music, he can reveal his true self to her.
Deeper Meaning Behind “By Your Side”
“By Your Side” is a song where Rod Wave shares updates about his life. He tells his fans what he’s been up to during his break from music, like completing his tour and working hard to earn money.
In the song, Rod Wave talks about his experiences and feelings as he deals with success and personal growth while being away from someone important to him.
At the beginning of the song, he expresses a strong desire and a feeling of searching, showing that he’s trying to find himself and his place in the world.
He also looks back on how much he’s achieved in his career, acknowledging the difficulties he’s faced, as expressed in the lines “Look how far a nigga came, You remember I ain’t had a thing, Fucked up, walkin’ through the rain.”
In the chorus, Rod Wave expresses his deep longing to be close to someone he cares about. He compares her beauty to the bright lights of Times Square, showing how much she means to him. He sings, “I’m a thousand miles away but look, tonight you look so pretty, Yes you do, oh Times Square couldn’t shine as bright as you.”
Even though they are physically apart, he reassures her that he’s emotionally available, as evident in the lines, “Hey there everybody, don’t you worry about the distance, I’m right here if you get lonely.” He encourages her to listen to his music to bridge the gap between them, as he sings, “Uh, listen to my voice, it’s my disguise.”
Ultimately, the song is titled “By Your Side” because it reflects Rod Wave’s desire to be there for someone emotionally, even when they’re physically apart. It conveys a sense of loyalty, reassurance, and a willingness to provide comfort and companionship to the person he cares about.
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