Dreams and Nightmares is a song by American rapper Meek Mill, released as the intro trail of his first showing studio album, “Dreams and Nightmares,” on October 30, 2012. The tail, produced by Tone the Beat Bully, has become one of Meek Mill’s most iconic songs, celebrated for its energetic structure and vivid storytelling.
The song opens with a slow, thoughtful piano-driven section where Meek Mill raps about his dream and fight, present his rise from the streets of Philadelphia to achieving success in the rap industry. Midway through, the beat strongly shifts to a more assertive tone, and Meek’s consignment intensifies, symbolizing his triumphant breakthrough despite numerous challenges and affliction.
“Dreams and Nightmares” gained widespread acclaim for its raw emotion and authenticity, reverberate deeply with listeners and becoming an anthem for perseverance. Over the years, it has been hugged by sports teams, particularly in Philadelphia, further glueing its status as a cultural staple. The song’s effect was highlighted during the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl LII victory celebration in 2018, where it was prominently featured, reflecting the team’s underdog spirit and determination.
Meek Mill’s “Dreams and Nightmares” remains a testament to his journey and resilience, marking a significant moment in his career and in contemporary rap music.
Lyrics
Ain’t this what they’ve been waitin’ for?
You ready? Uh, uh
I used to pray for times like this, to rhyme like this
So I had to grind like that to shine like this
In a matter of time I spent on some locked-up shit
In the back of the paddy wagon, cuffs locked on wrists
Seen my dreams unfold, nightmares come true
It was time to marry the game and I said, “Yeah, I do.”
If you want it, you gotta see it with a clear-eyed view
Got a shorty, she tryna bless me like I said achoo
Like a nigga sneezed, nigga please, ‘fore them triggers squeeze
I’m gettin’ cream, never let them hoes get in between
Of what we started, lil’ nigga but I’m lion-hearted
They love me when I was stuck and they hated when I departed
I go and get it regardless, draw it like I’m a artist
No crawlin’, went straight to walkin’, with foreigns in my garages
All foreign bitches ménagin’, fuckin’, suckin’ and swallowin’
Anything for a dollar, they tell me get ’em, I got ’em
I did it without a album
I did shit with Mariah
Lil’ nigga, I’m on fire
Icy as a hockey rink, Philly nigga, I’m flyer
When I bought the Rolls-Royce they thought it was leased
Then I bought that new Ferrari, hater, rest in peace
Hater, rest in peace, rest in peace to the parking lot
Phantom so big, can’t even fit in the parking spot
You ain’t talkin’ ’bout my niggas, then what you talkin’ ’bout?
Gangstas move in silence, nigga, and I don’t talk a lot
I don’t say a word, I don’t say a word
Was on my grind and now I got what I deserve, fuck nigga
Hold up, wait a minute, y’all thought I was finished?
When I bought that Aston Martin, y’all thought it was rented?
Flexin’ on these niggas, I’m like Popeye on his spinach
Double M, yeah, that’s my team, Rozay the captain, I’m lieutenant
I’m the type to count a million cash then grind like I’m broke
That Lambo my new bitch, she don’t ride like my Ghost
I’m ridin’ around my city with my hand strapped on my toast
‘Cause these niggas want me dead and I gotta make it back home
‘Cause my mama need that bill money, my son need some milk
These niggas tryna take my life, they fuck around, get killed
You fuck around, you fuck around, you fuck around, get smoked
‘Cause these Philly niggas I brought with me don’t fuck around, no joke, no
All I know is murder, when it come to me
I got young niggas that’s rollin’, I got niggas throwin’ B’s
I done did the DOA’s, I done did the KOD’s
Every time I’m in that bitch, I get to throwin’ 30 G’s
But now I’m hangin’ out that drop head, I’m ridin’ down on Collins
They let my nigga Ern back home, that young nigga be wildin’
We young niggas, we mobbin’, like Batman and we’re robbin’
This two-door Maybach with my seat all reclinin’
I’m like, “Real nigga, what up? Real nigga, what up?”
If you ain’t about that murder game, then pussy nigga, shut up
If you diss me in your raps I’ll get yo’ pussy-ass stuck up
When you touchdown in my hood, no that tour life ain’t good
Catch me down in MIA at that Heat game on wood
With that Puma life on my feet like that little engine I could
Boy, I slide down on your block, bike on 12 o’clock
And they be throwin’ deuces on the same nigga they watch
And I’m the king of my city ’cause I’m still callin’ them shots
And these lames talkin’ that bullshit the same niggas that flopped
I’m the same nigga from Berks Street with them nappy braids, that lock
The same nigga that came up and I had to wait for my spot
And these niggas hatin’ on me, hoes waitin’ on me
Still on that hood shit, my Rolls-Royce on E
They gon’ remember me, I say remember me
So much money, have yo’ friends turn in yo’ enemies
And when there’s beef I turn my enemies to memories
With them bricks they go for 40, ain’t no 10 a key
Hold up, broke nigga turned rich, love the game like Mitch
And if I leave, you think them pretty hoes gon’ still suck my dick?
It was somethin’ about that Rollie when it first touched my wrist
Had me feelin’ like that dope boy when he first touched that brick
I’m gone
Woo