And I’m like Jordan wearin’ 45
I told you I was comin’ back
And every time they tried to push me out
I told you I was comin’ back (Huh)
45, 45, goin’ back like I ain’t leave
45, 45, I been nice since 23
Ballin’ hard, ballin’ hard, swear I need a referee
I can see the jealousy, the haters always mad at me, I know
Now why you get me goin’? Why you get me goin’? (Goin’)
Knowin’ they can’t stop a nigga
But I know they know and they already know it
Yeah, I know I’m on but I’ll still off a nigga (Whoa)
Before we even talkin’, what’s your offer, nigga? (Whoa)
Make sure the bank account is looking proper, nigga (Woo!)
Make sure my niggas eatin’ steak and lobster, nigga
We hustle hard, you hardly hustle, that’s your problem, nigga
Question us and we can solve it, what’s your problem, nigga? (Woo!)
Funny how these busters turn to Prima Donna niggas (Whoa)
My whole team, my whole team
Yeah, we lookin’ like the Bulls in ’92 and ’93, yeah
My whole team, my whole team
Yeah, you know it’s OHB, 45
And I’m like Jordan wearin’ 45
Yeah, I told you I was comin’ back (Back)
And every time they tried to push me out (I told you)
I told you I was comin’ back (Back, huh)
45, 45, goin’ back like I ain’t leave
45, 45, I been nice since 23
Ballin’ hard, ballin’ hard, swear I need a referee
I can see the jealousy, the haters always mad at me, I know
Now why they keep me goin’? Why they keep me goin’?
Knowin’ they can’t stop a nigga
They quick to try and put my shit out in the open
Yeah, it’s cool, I ain’t forgot it, nigga, no
Now these famous bitches started blowin’ up my line again
Basic bitches callin’ ’cause they bank accounts is minusin’, no
Money ain’t a problem, we got commas, boy (Whoa)
If you don’t want these problems, save the drama, boy (No)
Fame for the real ones, shut the roster boy (Whoa)
And my niggas still gon’ eat that steak and lobster, boy, so go
My whole team, my whole team
Now we lookin’ like the Bulls in ’92 and ’93, yeah
My whole team, my whole team
Yeah, we lookin’ hard to beat
And I’m like Jordan wearin’ 45 (I told you I was comin’ back)
I told you I was comin’ back
And every time they tried to push me out (Me out)
I told you I was comin’ back (Back, huh)
45, 45, goin’ back like I ain’t leave (Huh, oh)
45, 45, I been nice since 23
Ballin’ hard, ballin’ hard, swear I need a referee
I can see the jealousy, the haters always mad at me, I know
I’ma spend a 100 racks in A.O.D.
You know they suckin’ dick if they in V.I.P.
Told the waitress to roll up, bitch, forget the drinks
All this money in the air, the pussy follow me
A .45 on my side, I’m ’bout to drive
Trap jumpin’ out the jam, think I can fly
45, 23, bounce
Money I’m countin’, wanna be like Mike
And I’m like Jordan wearin’ 45
I told you I was comin’ back
And every time they tried to push me out
I told you I was comin’ back (Huh)
45, 45, goin’ back like I ain’t leave
45, 45, I been nice since 23
Ballin’ hard, ballin’ hard, swear I need a referee
I can see the jealousy, the haters always mad at me, I know
Chris Brown’s Triumphant Return: Lyric Analysis of “45”
In “45,” Chris Brown draws a powerful parallel between his own resilience and the legendary comeback of Michael Jordan, who famously returned to basketball wearing the number 45. The lyrics pulse with themes of perseverance, confidence, and a relentless drive to succeed in the face of adversity. References to “23” and “45” not only nod to Jordan’s career but also highlight Brown’s own journey—emphasizing that setbacks are temporary and comebacks are inevitable. The song is laced with braggadocio and vivid imagery, celebrating success, loyalty to his crew, and the spoils of hard work. Brown’s wordplay cleverly mixes basketball metaphors with references to overcoming jealousy and opposition, painting a picture of an artist who refuses to be sidelined.
Song Credits
- Artist: Chris Brown
- Release Year: 2023
- Label: RCA Records
- Songwriters: Chris Brown