Kanye West

Lyrics

[Intro]
I want to see you work out for me, work out for me

[Chorus]
Ayy, we've got a good thing
Don’t know if I’ma see you again
But is that a good thing?
'Cause girl, I can’t be your man, no ma'am
I know what's on your brain
You probably hoped it never would end
Like, “Is it the real thing
Or is it just a one-night stand?”
Well then

[Bridge]
Let me see you get high, then go low
Now, girl, won't you drop that thing down to the floor?
I’m here for one night, how far will you go?
I wanna see you (Work out for me, work out for me)
High, then go low
Now, girl, won't you drop that thing down to the floor?
I’m here for one night, how far will you go?
I wanna see you (Work out for me, work out for me)

[Verse 1]
She like them boys with the big ol' chains
Ridin' around town in a big ol' Range
I knew her when I rocked big ol' jeans
Now the little nigga doin' big ol' thangs
Would you look at that? I came back for her
Just to give it to ya, like you asked for it
Man, that thing in them jeans too fat for her
Rebounds so I caught her off the backboard
I told her: “Baby girl, come here
Know I run the town even when I ain't from there.”
And I brag hardly, but just to show up at this party
I made what yo' nigga make in one year
That's unfair, but so is life, take a chance, roll the dice
Money can’t buy you love, 'cause it’s overpriced
Don’t overthink, just hope it's right
I’m only here for the night
[Chorus]
Ayy, we've got a good thing
Don’t know if I’ma see you again
But is that a good thing?
'Cause girl, I can’t be your man, no ma'am
I know what's on your brain
You probably hoped it never would end
Like, “Is it the real thing
Or is it just a one-night stand?”
Well then

[Bridge]
Let me see you get high, then go low
Now, girl, won't you drop that thing down to the floor?
I’m here for one night, how far will you go?
I wanna see you (Work out for me, work out for me)
High, then go low
Now, girl, won't you drop that thing down to the floor?
I’m here for one night, how far will you go?
I wanna see you (Work out for me, work out for me)

[Verse 2]
Carolina Blue kicks, fresh on the scene
Hottest nigga on the block
Damn, girl, you're mean
They be startin' shit, but it’s yo' world
On my Martin shit: “You go, girl!”
She bad and she know it
Some niggas save hoes, I’m not that heroic
Could you be my escort?
'Cause just like them two door Fords
Damn, they don’t make 'em like you no more
Cole World, real Cole World
Them boys cool—me, I’m on fire
Know what's on my mind
Tryna see what's on yours tonight, tonight, tonight
Move slow, 'cause you wanna live fast
Up late so you'll probably skip class
Life is a test so before the night pass, get right, get right
[Chorus]
Ayy, we've got a good thing
Don’t know if I’ma see you again
But is that a good thing?
'Cause girl, I can’t be your man, no ma'am
I know what's on your brain
You probably hoped it never would end
Like, “Is it the real thing
Or is it just a one-night stand?”
Well then (Cole World)

[Outro]
Straight up, now tell me
Do you really wanna love me forever? (Oh oh oh)
Or is it just a hit-and-run?
(Well, hey) Straight up, I tell ya
I just really wanna cut when we together (Oh oh oh)
Come here, girl, let's get it on!
(Work out for me)
Straight up, now tell me
Do you really wanna love me forever? (Oh oh oh)
Or is it just a hit-and-run?
Well straight up, I tell ya
I just really wanna cut when we together (Oh oh oh)
Come here, girl, let's get it on!
(Work out for me)

If you're a fan of J. Cole, you're probably familiar with his hit single "Work Out." Released as the second single off his debut album in 2011, this track quickly gained commercial success, reaching number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and achieving double platinum status. But despite its popularity, "Work Out" wasn't exactly well-received by Cole's core fanbase and even earned some criticism from legendary rapper Nas. So, what exactly is the story behind this controversial song?

About "Work Out"

After the relative disappointment of his previous single "Who Dat," J. Cole decided to take a different approach with "Work Out." The song was released on June 5th, 2011, three months prior to the release of his debut album. Interestingly, this date also marked the second-year anniversary of his critically acclaimed mixtape, "The Warm Up," adding an extra layer of significance to the release.

Although the song achieved great commercial success, it didn't sit well with Cole's core fans. Many felt that "Work Out" represented a departure from the introspective and lyrical style that had endeared him to his audience. The track took a more mainstream approach, incorporating a catchy melody and a sample from Kanye West's "The New Workout Plan."

Even Nas, one of the most respected figures in hip-hop, wasn't shy about expressing his dislike for "Work Out." In an interview, he revealed that he wasn't a fan of the track and criticized Cole's decision to sample Kanye West's "The New Workout Plan." This criticism likely further fueled the discontent of Cole's loyal fanbase.

Interestingly, despite the commercial success of "Work Out," J. Cole himself isn't particularly fond of the song. In an interview with Complex Magazine, he called it the worst song on Kanye West's album, "The College Dropout," from which it was sampled. This confession adds another layer of complexity to the song and raises questions about Cole's artistic intentions and the pressures of creating a commercially successful single.

One of the intriguing aspects of "Work Out" is its use of samples. In addition to Kanye West's "The New Workout Plan," the song also incorporates lyrics from Paula Abdul's "Straight Up" in the outro. This blending of different musical elements adds depth and complexity to the track, showcasing Cole's ability to craft a unique sound.

Despite the mixed reception and the artist's own reservations about the song, it's hard to deny the impact and success of "Work Out." The track's catchy melody and mainstream appeal propelled it up the charts, solidifying J. Cole's position as a rising star in the music industry. Its double platinum status is a testament to its popularity and enduring appeal.

In the end, "Work Out" stands as a controversial but undeniably successful single in J. Cole's discography. While it may have divided opinions and earned criticism from both fans and industry veterans, it remains a defining moment in the artist's career. Whether you love it or hate it, there's no denying the impact and lasting legacy of "Work Out."

• Release Date: June 15, 2011
• Artist: Kanye West