Tough Lyrics – Quavo ft. Lana Del Rey

[Verse 1]
Quavo invites listeners to join him on a journey, likening the experience to the powerful beats of an 808 drum in Atlanta. He reflects on his struggles, describing how difficult it was to find love and success. The imagery of crawling through the mud highlights the depths of his challenges. Despite these hardships, he emphasizes the achievement of overcoming them, standing strong like a diamond in the rough. The verse underscores the idea that enduring through tough times makes one shine brighter.

[Pre-Chorus]
This section highlights the importance of supporting loved ones through pain and difficulty. Quavo emphasizes the bond of family, whether right or wrong, and the necessity of staying together through tough times. He acknowledges that hardships are not a choice but something that must be endured.

[Verse 2]
Lana Del Rey brings a nostalgic tone, asking the listener to share their hardships. She uses the metaphor of a nickel on strings of a Gibson guitar to illustrate the idea of making the best out of difficult situations. The verse touches on cultural elements, like the drawl in speech and songs sung by mothers, which convey truth and resilience. She suggests that being born tough is part of one's heritage and upbringing.

[Bridge]
The bridge emphasizes that toughness is not a choice but a necessity. Lana Del Rey and Quavo acknowledge that while one might not want to face hardships, they are unavoidable. The rhetorical question about what to do highlights the inevitability of enduring and pushing through tough times.

[Outro]
The outro offers an invitation to experience Quavo's world, specifically the Nawf (North Atlanta), a place that has shaped his toughness. The casual conversation suggests that toughness is part of everyday life and a shared experience.

[Popular Phrases Explained]

1. "Tough like the scuff on a pair of old leather boots" - This phrase compares toughness to the wear and tear on leather boots, symbolizing durability and resilience.

2. "Blue-collar, red-dirt attitude" - Refers to the hardworking and rugged mentality often found in manual labor and rural communities.

3. "Like a .38 made out of brass" - A .38 caliber gun made of brass symbolizes strength and reliability.

4. "Tough like the stuff in your grandpa's glass" - Suggests that toughness is a trait passed down from previous generations, like an old family recipe.

5. "Cut like a diamond shinin' in the rough" - Describes someone who stands out and shines despite difficult circumstances.

6. "808s beatin' in the trunk in Atlanta" - Refers to the powerful bass beats typical in Atlanta's hip-hop scene, symbolizing strength and impact.

7. "Crawlin' through the mud" - Illustrates going through very tough times and difficult situations.

8. "Nickel on strings and your good old Gibson guitar" - Using simple and old-fashioned tools to create something beautiful, symbolizing making the best out of what you have.

9. "Like the songs that your momma sing to you" - Refers to comforting and truthful songs passed down through family, emphasizing the importance of heritage.

10. "You wanna come to the Nawf?" - An invitation to experience the tough environment of North Atlanta, which has shaped Quavo's character. ...Read Less