When a nigga lash out, wanna label me a thug
Well I’ma show you what it feel like
A nigga had to share a cloak and bath soap
My first time whippin’ crack, I ain’t get it right
I just hit twenty-seven, heard them legends die young
I don’t fuck with needles or crack pipes
But I put that on my kid, I’ma die for my young
Hopefully she’ll get the steps right
Remember wakin’ up at county
My attorney got whole list of assaults
Half are plea bargains, other half I paid off
And all the crimes I committed, I see the judge read it off
And all the police be crooked, and you can’t judge me at all
Ha, yeah
I see the nigga I wanna be in the mirror
And I didn’t love myself like I do now
Ooh yeah, they hate a nigga that’s fearless
Ha, they hate the freedom, yeah, they hate a nigga lifestyle
Oh-oh (Oh-oh)
Sick and tired of always bein’ fed up
You know diamonds only form from pressure
You’re expectin’ me to run for cover
But it’s bombs away tonight
Dance with the Devil, I’m playin’ with fire
Nothin’ gon’ change, nothin’ gon’ save me
I’m playin’ with fire
Ain’t no breakin’ these chains so why am I prayin’?
I’m playin’ with fire
All on my own, sittin’ here cryin’ for someone to take me
I got no hands on the wheel
Drivin’ while I’m intoxicated (Ayy)
Yeah, I just wanna brand new Royce, yeah (Skrrt)
I just wanna brand new Porsche, yeah (New Porsche)
I just want a Lambo’ with the horse, yeah (With the horse)
I just wanna dress you up you in Dior, yeah (In Dior)
I remember when I was poor, yeah (When I was poor)
Now I’m on my way to the Forbes, yeah (To the Forbes)
I don’t really like to import, yeah (Import)
Disappointers’ll be with me with the fork, yeah
Skrrt, skrrt
My brother, they whippin’
No, I want the Bentley truck (Ooh)
Can’t put a semi up
For Magic City up
Sleep with the semi up (Gang!)
They don’t fuck with me
I’m fuckin’ the city up (Ooh)
Ramen noodles, rockin’ food now
I’m doin’ shows up in Honolulu
I posted in the cut just like a boo-boo
My bitch from New Orleans but she don’t do voodoo
Oh-oh (Oh-oh)
Sick and tired of always bein’ fed up
You know diamonds only form from pressure
You’re expectin’ me to run for cover
But it’s bombs away tonight
Dance with the Devil, I’m playin’ with fire
Nothin’ gon’ change, nothin’ gon’ save me
I’m playin’ with fire
Ain’t no breakin’ these chains so why am I prayin’?
I’m playin’ with fire
All on my own, sittin’ here cryin’ for someone to take me
I got no hands on the wheel
Drivin’ while I’m intoxicated, hey
Unpacking the Fire: Confronting Struggles and Celebrating Survival
Chris Brown’s “Fire” is an unapologetic journey through hardship, resilience, and self-reflection. The lyrics paint a vivid portrait of a man shaped by adversity, from sharing basic necessities and facing legal battles to grappling with feelings of isolation and the pressure of street life. Brown’s candor about his struggles—”When a nigga lash out, wanna label me a thug”—highlights the societal judgments he faces, while his desire to provide for his loved ones becomes a recurring motivation. The chorus, “I’m playin’ with fire,” serves as a metaphor for living on the edge, acknowledging both the risks and the undeniable allure of his lifestyle. In the midst of chaos, Brown finds empowerment, recognizing his own worth and resilience, even when the world expects him to falter.
Song Credits
“Fire” is performed by Chris Brown. As of now, further songwriter details and release information have not been officially disclosed.