I see you writin’ on my wall, why you wanna do that? (Do that)
My name’s tagged you already see that (See that)
The media wanna paint it all black and they do it right in my face
See I can’t sit back and let it all wash away (Wash away)
I worked too hard for it to be erased
Before you talk, I’ma finish what I gotta say
‘Cause I already put in time with all of my grindin’
All of my grindin’, you know I grind
Through all of this struggle, all of this struggle
Even through the pain, I still had to hustle
Man, I had to feed my family
And at the same time keep my sanity, oh, no
Man, I can’t let you do it
Graffiti you’re tryna spray (Spray, oh), spray on me (Me, oh)
Graffiti you’re tryna spray (Spray, oh), on my name (Oh-oh-oh)
Graffiti you’re tryna spray (Spray, oh), spray on me (Me, oh)
All the graffiti you’re tryna spray (Spray, oh), on my name (Oh-oh-oh)
But it’s already written on the wall
You can’t cover it up, you can’t cover it up (Whoa)
But it’s already written on the wall
You can’t cover it up, you can’t cover it up (Yeah, yeah)
Who got award shows rockin’ every time I hit the stage? (Time I hit the stage)
Even the haters went and bought a CD (CD)
Without my fans, I’m an empty spray can, and I just can’t paint a thing
Seems like the less I had the money (Money), the less I had the problems (Problems)
The more I got the money (Money), the more I got the problems, ayo
Let me clear my throat, gotta make sure you hear me go
‘Cause I already put in time (Oh) with all of my grindin’ (Oh)
All of my grindin’ (Oh), you know I grind (Oh)
Through all of this struggle, all of this struggle (Hey)
Even through the pain, I still had to hustle
Man, I had to feed my family (‘Ly)
And at the same time keep my sanity, oh, no
Man, I can’t let you do it
Graffiti you’re tryna spray (Spray, oh), spray on me (Me, oh)
Graffiti you’re tryna spray (Yeah, spray, oh), on my name (On my name, on my name, on my name, oh-oh-oh)
Graffiti you’re tryna spray (Spray, oh), spray on me (You’re tryna do it, oh)
All the graffiti you’re tryna spray (Spray, na, na, na, oh), on my name (Yeah, oh-oh-oh)
‘Cause it’s already written on the wall
You can’t cover it up, you can’t cover it up (Whoa)
‘Cause it’s already written on the wall
You can’t cover it up, you can’t cover it up (Baby)
It’s already done, ain’t gotta paint no more
With all this pain that I’ve endured
I know I was wrong for what I did (Oh)
And I made some mistakes ’cause I’m human (Oh)
I ain’t gon’ feed into the negative
I’ma keep grinding, oh, yeah (Oh-oh-oh)
But this graffiti, oh, oh, oh
‘Cause I already put in time with all of my grindin’
All of my grindin’, you know I grind
Through all of this struggle, all of this struggle
Even through the pain, I still had to hustle
Man, I had to feed my family
And at the same time keep my sanity, oh, no
Man, I can’t let you do it
Graffiti you’re tryna spray (Spray, oh), spray on me (Me, oh)
Graffiti you’re tryna spray (spray, oh), on my name (Oh-oh-oh)
Graffiti you’re tryna spray (Spray, oh), spray on me (Oh)
All the graffiti you’re tryna spray (Spray, oh), on my name (Oh-oh-oh)
You can’t cover it up, you can’t cover it up
You can’t cover it up, you can’t cover it up
Unpacking the Message of “Graffiti”
In “Graffiti,” Chris Brown uses the metaphor of graffiti to explore themes of reputation, perseverance, and resilience. The song reflects his confrontation with public scrutiny and attempts by others to “paint” over his achievements and character with negativity. Brown acknowledges both his struggles and mistakes, but he remains steadfast in his determination to rise above criticism. The chorus, with its repeated lines about graffiti being “already written on the wall,” emphasizes that his journey and identity cannot be erased or rewritten by external judgment.
Resilience Through Hardship
Throughout the track, Brown highlights the importance of hard work, family, and personal growth. He describes his relentless hustle and the sacrifices made to support his loved ones, all while fighting to keep his sanity intact. The lyrics underline a resolve to stay focused on his path, refusing to let negativity or past missteps define his legacy.
Song Credits
Artist: Chris Brown
Songwriters: Chris Brown, The Runners, Brian Kennedy
Release Year: 2009
Label: Jive Records