Away From Home Lyrics – Drake

English 9K October 6, 2023 Rollteam

"Away From Home" is a reflection on Drake's journey, from his early struggles to his rise in the music industry and the people who have been part of his life along the way. It explores themes of nostalgia, personal growth, and the meaning of home and friendship in the context of his evolving career and life experiences. Let's break down the meaning of each paragraph. ...Read More

Official Music Video

Away From Home Lyrics

[Intro: Drake]
(I-I-I—)
Ayy, what?
It's so, is it real?
Yeah, ayy

[Verse 1: Drake]
Give a f**k if they remember
I was in the cold, windows froze
I was sleeping in the whip tryna get a f**king grip
I remember
Didn't have no hoes tryna go
All these rappers lil' broed me, f**k, f**k
F**k 'em, I remember
Way before they had a f**king DM
I was whipping in the Ac' like that sh!t was European
I remember
I remember driving Holland Tunnel for a label meeting
Thinking 'bout more cake than a funnel
I remember
Now these n!ggas don't remember
I know Neeks remember, I know Jay remember
Chubbs'll make them boys remember
Dead broke, splitting pennies with my members
F**k a spread, we was splitting chicken tenders (I-I-I—)
'Member I was sleeping in the basement
Watching Tigger in the basement
I was tryna get a placement
I remember
Days in the East with the bros
Watching Tristan and Devoe while they running up the score
I remember
TT was headed to the league
I was sleeping up at Metalworks tryna plant a seed
I remember
Rolling through the city, getting beats
Always peeping out the streets 'cause I was beefing with the bleeks
I remember
I was tryna get a portion, tryna make a fortune
B-Town with Candy, I'm tryna be her boyfriend
3 AM at Y2, running off endorphins
Start adopting my brothers' beefs like a orphan
I was still on Rose when it's pouring and storming
This sh!t is not rewarding, I do not feel important
I wanna see some scratch from the sh!t that I'm recording
In Memphis smoking Blacks, tryna act like I enjoy them (I-I-I—)
Maurice François Girbaud what I'm sporting
And Mos Def gave me like a rap for performing
Crib I got now make me think of when I had to put some money on a mortgage

[Chorus: Drake]
This don't feel like home anymore
It's just wall, doors, and floors
That only I can afford
Remember when it used to mean more, mean more
I got money in the top drawer
That ain't much, but we not poor
You're mine and I'm yours
Like a broke couple, we don't wanna court, for sure

[Verse 2: Drake]
I remember pulling up at TAO, seeing Quincy Jones
N!gga talking to me like he proud
I remember
I remember Mike designed the owl
Then he sued the f**king guys, and he ducking until now
I remember (I-I-I—)
'Member Reesie staying at the house
Then she left me for my dawg like she never took the vow
I remember
My cousin Ryan fronted me a pound and I couldn't even flip it
Had to bring it back around
I remember
I remember printing up our T-shirts with Kyle
We in love with the same girl, beefing like a cow
I would pick them sh!ts up, n!gga wouldn't even smile
N!gga better crack a smile 'fore we do a n!gga foul
To keep it real, I wasn't really gangster 'til now
I was living on a cloud, I was quiet as a mouse
I was in the club getting lost in the crowd
Wasn't doing what I wanted to, I do what was allowed
I remember fighting over Monica with Jason
I remember only knowing Andre and Jason
I remember buying all the iceberg from Jason
That's three different Jasons, my life like The Matrix (I-I-I—)
Even got on 106 & Park with Replacement
My mama was my manager, my uncle was my agent
Dr. Dre'll send a n!gga home, that took patience
Four GRAMMY's to my name, a hundred nominations
Esperanza Spalding was getting all the praises
I'm tryna keep it humble, I'm tryna keep it gracious
Who give a f**k Michelle Obama put you on her playlist?
Then we never hear from you again like you was taken
Who the CEO of Universal? They mistaken
'Cause Google saying Lucian, but that just doesn't make sense
Who filling up the piggy bank? Who bringing home the bacon?
This sh!t don't come on vinyl, I'm still record-breaking
How could I forget? How could I forget?
I was on a Greyhound way before the jet
Buffalo, New York was like the furthest I could get
At the Walden Galleria tryna make the money stretch (I-I-I—)
Student Price Card and a Yorkdale connect
Whole time, Courtne Smith was keeping me in check
Try and find an inch of the city I ain't stepped in
If it's war, I'll lay my life down for the set then

[Outro: Drake]
Yeah!
And I put that sh!t on Mads and that n!gga was my best friend
Yeah
And I put that sh!t on Johnny Bling, that n!gga was my best friend
Right
And I put that sh!t on Richard, that n!gga was my best friend
Ayy, yeah
Broke his right hand, still took a fight with his left hand
I remember
I remember
Yeah!
I-I—

Away From Home Lyrics Meaning

[Intro]
The song begins with Drake expressing a sense of disbelief or wonder about his current situation, asking if it's real. This sets the tone for the introspective and reflective nature of the song.

[Verse 1]
In this verse, Drake reminisces about his past struggles and humble beginnings. He mentions being in challenging circumstances, including sleeping in his car and facing difficulties in the music industry. He reflects on how some of his fellow rappers didn't support him early in his career but remains determined to prove himself. Drake also recalls specific moments from his past, like driving to a label meeting and watching basketball games with friends. He mentions various people from his life, indicating that some remember his journey, while others may have forgotten.

[Chorus]
The chorus reflects on the idea of "home" and how it has changed for Drake over time. He acknowledges that his life has become more financially comfortable, but he longs for the deeper meaning and connection that home used to represent. Drake expresses a sense of nostalgia for the past when things meant more to him, and he had less money but more genuine relationships.

[Verse 2]
In the second verse, Drake continues to reminisce about different moments in his life. He mentions encounters with influential people like Quincy Jones and Mike, who designed the owl logo for his brand, OVO. Drake recalls personal relationships, both positive and negative, and the challenges he faced in his career. He mentions his early struggles with music, family members who supported him, and various people named Jason, indicating the complexities of his past experiences. Drake also reflects on his growth as an artist and his achievements, such as Grammy awards and nominations.

[Outro]
In the outro, Drake pays homage to several individuals who were important to him, emphasizing their significance as his best friends. He mentions people like Mads, Johnny Bling, and Richard. Drake also acknowledges the loyalty of his friends, even in difficult times, as he references someone who fought with a broken hand. This part of the song reflects the importance of friendships and the memories associated with them.

Overall, "Away From Home" is a reflective song in which Drake looks back on his struggles, successes, and the people who were part of his journey to stardom. It's a lyrical exploration of his growth and transformation in the music industry and life in general.