The song “Tombstone” is by the American rapper Rod Wave. It came out on March 23, 2021, as the second single from his third album called “SoulFly” (2021). The song was made by Jai Beats, Saucii, and Eighty8. It’s Rod Wave’s most popular song, reaching number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The song is all about Rod Wave’s path to fame and his upbringing, along with the consequences of being involved in street life. In the chorus, Rod Wave mentions people who talk negatively about him and his desire to be remembered as one of the most genuine rappers even after his passing.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the meaning behind the lyrics.
Table of Contents
“Tombstone” Lyrics Meaning
[Intro]
Damn, this motherfucker too crazy, Saucii
Let that shit ride, Eighty8
When the shit over, it’s over
I don’t know what’s after or, you know
In the intro of the song, Rod Wave is expressing his excitement and enthusiasm about the music.
He acknowledges that the song has intense content, and he’s unsure about what comes after it.
The line “Damn, this motherfucker too crazy” means he’s impressed by the song and finds it really good.
“Saucii” is likely a reference to someone involved in making the song, possibly a producer or collaborator.
“Let that shit ride, Eighty8” suggests that they should continue with the music, indicating a desire to keep the momentum and energy going in the song.
“Eighty8” is likely another reference to someone involved in the production or creation of the song.
[Verse]
I keep my gun in my drawers, ducking the sad news (Oh yeah)
My phone say seven missed calls, I know it’s bad news
This life had left me so scarred, I’m knowing that’s true
Remember times got so hard, I got it tattoed (So hard)
I ain’t did no shows but made some bread (Yeah)
I gotta keep the family fed (Yeah, yeah)
Look, just talked to pops about the feds
I ain’t gon’ lie, he had me scarеd, uh
I feel ’em coming, nigga (Yeah)
I’ll keep on running, nigga (Yeah)
If wе go down bad, keep it a hundred, nigga
My girl all in my ear screaming, “Spend some time”
I promise I’ll be here when I can get some time
Right now, I got to get what’s mine (For sure)
I’ll be thuggin’ ’til the end of time
And fuck these niggas ’cause they lame
Since they love saying my name
Make sure you write the truest in the motherfucking game
In the verse, Rod Wave reflects on various aspects of his life and thoughts.
In the beginning line “I keep my gun in my drawers, ducking the sad news,” He mentions keeping his gun in his pants, indicating he’s cautious and prepared for trouble.
Rod acknowledges seeing missed calls on his phone, which he knows will bring bad news, showing a sense of anticipation and anxiety.
He talks about the scars from his life experiences, singing, “This life had left me so scarred, I’m knowing that’s true.”
In the following line “I ain’t did no shows but made some bread,” Rod mentions making money even without live shows and feeling the responsibility to provide for his family.
He talks about a conversation with his father regarding the authorities (the feds), which left him feeling scared, as evident in the line “Just talked to pops about the feds, I ain’t gon’ lie, he had me scarred, uh.”
His girlfriend wants him to spend time with her, but he’s focused on his hustle, promising to be there when he can. He sings, “My girl all in my ear screaming, ‘Spend some time.'”
Rod emphasizes his commitment to continue hustling until the end of time.
He also mentions ignoring people who talk negatively about him and asks for his legacy to be acknowledged as one of the “truest” in the game, as expressed in the lines “And fuck these niggas ’cause they lame, Make sure you write the truest in the motherfucking game.”
[Chorus]
On my tombstone when they bury me
By the river, they will carry me
Finally, I’ll be resting in peace
Finally, finally
I’ll get to fly away, somewhere, someday
Fuck these niggas ’cause they lame
Since they love saying my name (Yeah)
Make sure you write the truest in the game
On my tombstone when they bury me (Yeah)
By the river, they will carry me (Yeah)
Finally, I’ll be resting in peace (Oh yeah)
Finally, finally, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
In the Chorus, Rod Wave mentions his tombstone, implying thoughts about his legacy and what people will remember about him after he’s gone.
Rod talks about being carried by the river, suggesting a sense of peaceful rest or release.
In the line “Finally, I’ll be resting in peace,” he expresses a longing to finally be at peace, possibly indicating that he’s faced challenges and struggles in his life.
He wishes to fly away someday, which could symbolize a desire for freedom or escape from his current circumstances, as expressed in the line “I’ll get to fly away, somewhere, someday.”
Rod repeats the idea of ignoring those who speak negatively about him, emphasizing the importance of being remembered as authentic and true in the music industry. He sings, “Since they love saying my name (Yeah), Make sure you write the truest in the game.”
[Outro]
(You know what I’m saying, I don’t really know what I’m saying, I don’t know what’s after this shit)
Finally, finally (Everybody think they know but fuck it, I sleep on the floor)
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah (This shit comes with a lot, it’s a lot of pressure, I’m a young nigga though)
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
On my tombstone when they bury me (Believe that man, I’m a hustler)
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, on my tombstone when they bury me, yeah oh
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, finally I’ll be resting in peace
Finally, finally, on my tombstone when they bury me
By the river, they will carry me, I’ll be resting in peace
Finally, finally, yeah
In the Outro, Rod Wave mentions that he’s unsure about what he’s saying, indicating a sense of confusion or uncertainty about his current state or future. He sings, “You know what I’m saying, I don’t really know what I’m saying, I don’t know what’s after this shit.”
In the lines “This shit comes with a lot, it’s a lot of pressure, I’m a young nigga though,” Rod talks about the challenges that come with his life, hinting at the pressures and difficulties he faces as a young person in the music industry.
He exposes the fact that he sleeps on the floor, suggesting a humble or modest lifestyle despite his success. He sings, “Everybody think they know but fuck it, I sleep on the floor.”
Rod acknowledges that his career comes with a lot of pressure but reaffirms his identity as a hustler, declaring, “Believe that man, I’m a hustler.”
Deeper Meaning Behind “Tombstone”
“Tombstone” reflects Rod Wave’s introspective thoughts about his life, his legacy, and his desire to be remembered as a true and authentic artist.
In the lyrics, Rod Wave talks about his gritty upbringing and the harsh realities of street life, portraying the struggles he has faced. He touches on the consequences of these experiences, acknowledging the scars they’ve left on him both emotionally and physically.
The use of the word “tombstone” in the chorus is symbolic and serves as a metaphor for his thoughts about his legacy and how he’ll be remembered after his passing.
The song’s title “Tombstone” represents Rod Wave’s contemplation of his own mortality and what he leaves behind in the world. It reflects his desire for authenticity and recognition as a genuine artist even after he’s no longer around, as evident in the line “On my tombstone when they bury me (Believe that man, I’m a hustler).”
The mention of being carried by the river in the chorus could further symbolize a peaceful and final resting place, underscoring his yearning for peace and tranquility, as he sings, “By the river, they will carry me, I’ll be resting in peace, Finally, finally, yeah.”
Jacob Carter is a lyricist. He created the lyrics writing course to teach people how to analyze and write lyrics. He graduated from the University of Oxford with a degree in English Literature, so he’s skilled at playing with words.
He’s also an amateur guitarist, which means he knows music and melody very well. With this background, he’s a great lyricist you can rely on to learn writing lyrics.