DMX

Lyrics

[Intro]
Same old shit, dog, just a different day
It is not a fuckin' game (You know how niggas do, when we play, how we play)
A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do
If it's fuck me, nigga, you know it's fuck you

[Verse 1]
I kick it to shorty to try to help him understand (Uh)
Hit him with work, 'cause yo, that's my little man (Uh-huh)
He asked a few questions 'bout the game and I told him (Yeah)
So when he made a bad move, it was my place to scold him (A'ight)
Never told him nothin' wrong, kept it fair
Didn't listen, so I might as well have been talkin' to the air (Damn)
Everybody makes mistakes, a mistake is a'ight
But if it ain't, I'ma tell you straight, time to say goodnight
Nobody likes to be played, regardless of the relationship
But shorty's fuckin' up big time, I hate this shit
I'm caught in the middle of havin' love for a lil nigga
And knowin' what's expected of me as a real nigga (Damn)
My next move is crucial, what do I do?
How do I keep it real with shorty and my crew?
Didn't wanna kill him, so instead of puttin' the MAC on him
I did the only thing I could do, turn my back on him

[Chorus]
Here we go again
Same old shit, dog, just a different day
Here we go again
You know how niggas do, when we play, how we play
Here we go again
A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do
Here we go again
So if it's fuck me, nigga, then you know it's fuck you
[Verse 2]
Niggas that I fuck with wanna get him dead
But I'm cool with shorty's peoples, so I let him live
Under normal circumstances, he would be a marked man
But I hit him with a grand, just didn't shake his hand (Ooh)
Go about your business (Uh-huh), do what you gon' do (Uh)
Be what you gon' be, I wash my hands, I'm through (A'ight)
I can forgive, I just can't forget
You're on your own, little man, don't ask me for shit (No)
If you paid attention to what I taught you, then you good (Uh)
If I see you again, get it, understood?
Go 'head before I change my mind 'cause you know you should be dead
"I just wanted to say—," ah, go ahead
Instinct told me to kill him, but the savior is
I'm a good nigga, plus I owed his peeps a favor (Mmm)
But I also knew the decision I just made (Yeah)
Went against the rules of the game that we play (Damn)

[Chorus]
Here we go again
Same old shit, dog, just a different day
Here we go again
You know how niggas do, when we play, how we play
Here we go again
A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do
Here we go again
So if it's fuck me, nigga, then you know it's fuck you
[Verse 3]
I should've followed my first instinct 'cause I knew (Right)
Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do (True)
Now this nigga's fuckin' with the competition (What)
Ungrateful motherfucker, should've got him missin' (What)
This nigga got the nerve to take my kindness for a weakness
Gots to get back on some street shit so I can creep this
Rat, when I act, take one, set him up
Take two, get him there, take three, get him done
Wasn't hard for me to get him where I wanted him, confronted him
Bzzt, click, there was a bullet in one of them
Feelin' lucky? Click, looks like you are
Click-click-click, luck ain't goin' too far (Uh)
What you did was put on another pair of shoes
And they just happened to be too big
What you did was stupid (Damn), real fuckin' stupid (A'ight)
Well, shorty, I gave you a chance and what did you do?
Threw it back in my fuckin' face, so fuck you too (A'ight)

[Chorus]
Here we go again
Same old shit, dog, just a different day
Here we go again
You know how niggas do, when we play, how we play
Here we go again
A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do
Here we go again
So if it's fuck me, nigga, then you know it's fuck you
Here we go again
Same old shit, dog, just a different day
Here we go again
You know how niggas do, when we play, how we play
Here we go again
A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do
Here we go again
So if it's fuck me, nigga, then you know it's fuck you

Here We Go Again by DMX is a soulful and thought-provoking song that touches on the inner struggles of staying true to one's values and beliefs. The song has a distinct melody and DMX's powerful voice makes the listener feel deeply connected to the lyrics.

DMX has always been known for his uncompromising lyrics that reflect his harsh upbringing and struggles with addiction. Here We Go Again is no different as it dives into the emotional turmoil of standing up to one's beliefs.

About Here We Go Again

The song opens with DMX pondering the rules of the road, asking why it seems as if there are no rules at all. The metaphorical use of the road is clever as it is often used to represent the journey of life. DMX is questioning why it seems as if life has no guidelines or rules when it comes to living a righteous and fulfilling life.

As the song progresses, DMX reflects on how it's easy to know what you should do but it's not easy to act upon it. He talks about how he's already aware of what he should do, but his values and beliefs make it difficult to act against them. This is a very relatable message as we all have moments when we know what the right thing to do is, but our personal beliefs and values can sometimes get in the way of doing what we know is right.

The chorus of the song is powerful and emotive, driving home the message of the song. DMX repeats the lines "Here we go again" emphasizing the feeling of being stuck in a cycle of poor decision making and the constant battle between doing what is right and what is easy.

DMX also talks about the paradox that comes with making decisions based on personal values and beliefs. The song touches on the fact that sometimes doing the right thing doesn't always lead to short-term gains or immediate rewards. It takes courage and strength to stand up for what you believe in, and DMX highlights this message beautifully in the song.

The instrumental accompaniment of the song adds to the soulful and emotive mood of the lyrics. The use of the guitar and the drums accentuate the message of the song, adding a depth of emotion that brings the song to life.

Here We Go Again by DMX is one of those songs that stays with you long after you've heard it. The lyrics and music evoke a range of emotions that make the listener think deeply about their own values and beliefs. The importance of staying true to oneself and making decisions based on personal values and beliefs is a universal message that is relevant to everyone. DMX's talent for storytelling is on full display in this song, making it one of his most remarkable pieces of work and a classic in the world of rap and hip hop music.

• Release Date: December 21, 1999
• Artist: DMX