“6 Man” is a song by Canadian rapper Drake, from his mixtape “If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late”, released in 2015. The song quickly became a fan favorite and garnered critical acclaim. However, many listeners were left wondering about the meaning behind the lyrics. In this article, we will explore the deeper meanings and the inspiration behind the song.
Verse One: Drake’s Struggle With Fame
The opening line of “6 Man” sets the tone for the entire song, “Boomin’ out in South Gwinnett like Lou Will,” a reference to Lou Williams, a professional basketball player from Georgia. Drake is comparing himself to Williams, who is known for his success off the bench, despite not being a starter. Drake is using this analogy to show that even though he has achieved great success, he still feels like an underdog. He feels like he has to work harder than anyone else to stay on top.
Drake goes on to say, “I just heard they need you out in Houston,” which is a reference to Drake’s growing fame and popularity. He is acknowledging that success comes with a price. He feels like he is needed everywhere and has to constantly juggle his personal life and career.
Chorus: The Value Of Friends
In the chorus of “6 Man,” Drake emphasizes the importance of having a close circle of friends. “I’m not tryna make no song, these are just the facts,” he raps, highlighting the authenticity of his message. The lyrics are about his friends who have supported him since the beginning of his career. He realizes that his friends are a crucial part of his success.
Verse Two: The Dark Side Of Success
The second verse of “6 Man” is about the dark side of success. Drake raps, “I don’t wanna hear about this ever again/Not even when she tell ’em that they better as friends,” referring to the constant rumors about his personal life. He feels like his success has put a target on his back and that people are constantly trying to bring him down.
Drake also says, “And if they try and slow me down I’ll tell them all to go to hell,” showing that he is determined to keep moving forward despite any obstacles. He is aware of the risks of fame and success, but he is also confident that he can overcome any challenges that come his way.
Bridge: The Importance Of Staying Humble
In the bridge of “6 Man,” Drake raps, “I be with my team, you be with your kids,” showing that he values his team and the work they do together. He also says, “If I didn’t have you, I would have nobody,” demonstrating his appreciation for his friends and collaborators.
The bridge is also about staying humble despite achieving success. Drake raps, “Even when the kid was broke, I still put on for the city like my shirt off,” showing that he has always been committed to his hometown of Toronto, even before he made it big. He is reminding himself and his listeners to stay true to their roots and not forget where they came from.
FAQs
1. What does “6 Man” mean?
“6 Man” is a reference to Lou Williams, a professional basketball player who is known for his success off the bench despite not being a starter. Drake is using this analogy to show that even though he has achieved great success, he still feels like an underdog.
2. Why is the song called “6 Man”?
The song is called “6 Man” because Drake is comparing himself to Lou Williams, who wears the number 6 jersey for his basketball team.
3. What is the song about?
The song is about Drake’s struggle with fame, the value of friends, the dark side of success, and the importance of staying humble.
4. What inspired Drake to write “6 Man”?
Drake has not specifically stated what inspired him to write “6 Man,” but many speculate that his own experiences in the music industry and with fame, success, and personal relationships were the main inspirations.
5. What is the message of “6 Man”?
The message of “6 Man” is to stay true to yourself, value your friends, and stay humble even in the face of success and fame.
6. What is the significance of Lou Williams in the song?
Lou Williams is significant in the song as a symbol of success off the bench. Drake is comparing himself to Williams to show that even though he has achieved great success, he still feels like an underdog.
7. What does the bridge of “6 Man” mean?
The bridge of “6 Man” is about the importance of staying humble and valuing your team and collaborators. Drake demonstrates his appreciation for his friends and hometown, and reminds himself and his listeners to stay true to their roots.
8. What is the significance of Toronto in the song?
Toronto is significant in the song as Drake’s hometown. He refers to himself as the “6 God,” a nod to Toronto’s area code and a symbol of his roots and identity.
9. What is the dark side of success that Drake mentions in the song?
The dark side of success that Drake mentions in the song is the constant scrutiny and rumors about his personal life. He feels like success has put a target on his back and that people are constantly trying to bring him down.
10. What is the main theme of “6 Man”?
The main theme of “6 Man” is the struggle with fame and success, the value of friends, and the importance of staying humble.
11. What is the chorus of “6 Man” about?
The chorus of “6 Man” is about the importance of having a close circle of friends. Drake emphasizes that his friends have supported him since the beginning of his career, and that they are a crucial part of his success.
12. What is the overall meaning of “6 Man”?
The overall meaning of “6 Man” is that success comes with a price, and that staying true to oneself and valuing friends and collaborators is crucial for achieving sustained success and avoiding burnout.
