Champion by Kanye West - Lyrics and Translation

VERSE

Champion

Kanye West

Champion

Song byKanye West

in AlbumGraduation

(Did you realize

That you are a champion?

Yeah right)

Yes I did, so I packed it up and brought it back to the crib

Just a lil' somethin' show you how we live

E'r'body want it but it ain't that serious

That's that shit

So if you gon' do it, do it just like this

(Did you realize

That you are a champion?

Yeah right)

You don't see just how wild the crowd is?

You don't see just how fly my style is?

I don't see why I need a stylist

When I shop so much I can speak Italian

I don't know I just wanted better for my kids

And I ain't sayin' we was from the projects

But everytime I want it, layaway or a deposit

My dad'll say "when you see clothes close ya eyelids"

We was sorta like Will Smith and his son

In the movie I ain't talkin' 'bout the rich ones

'Cause every summer he'll get some

Brand new hare-brained scheme to get rich from

And I don't know what he did for dough

But he'd sent me back to school wit' a new wardrobe and hey!

(Did you realize

That you are a champion?

Yeah right)

I think he did, when he packed it up and brought it back to the crib

Just a lil' somethin' show you how we live

E'r'thing I wanted man it seemed so serious

That's that shit

So if you gon' do it, do it just like this

(Did you realize

That you are a champion?

Yeah right)

When it feel like livin's harder than dyin'

For me givin' up's way harder than tryin'

Lauryn Hill say her heart was in Zion

I wish her heart still was in rhymin'

'Cause who the kids gon' listen to? Huh?

I guess me if it isn't you

Last week I paid a visit to the institute

They got the crop out keepin' kids in the school

I guess I'll clean up my act like Prince'll do

If not for the pleasure, least for the principle

They got the CD then got to see me drop gems

Like I dropped out of P.E.

They used to feel invisible

Now they know they invincible

(Did you realize

That you are a champion?

Yeah right)

This is the story of a champion

Rounders in the mob and they pop the guns

Stand up stand up! Here he comes

Tell me what it takes to be number one?

This is the story of a champion

Rounders in the mob and they pop the guns

Stand up stand up! Here he comes

Tell me what it takes to be number one?

(Did you realize

That you are a champion?

Yeah right)

Yes I did, so I packed it up and brought it back to the crib

Just a lil' somethin' show you how we live

E'r'body want it but it ain't that serious

That's that shit

So if you gon' do it, do it just like this

(Did you realize

That you are a champion?

Yeah right)

LanguageEnglish

Translated byAllen Morningstar

About this Song

Champion by Kanye West is an introspective hip-hop track that delves into themes of perseverance, gratitude, and self-empowerment. The song reflects Kanye's journey to success, acknowledging both his struggles and triumphs. He touches upon the influence of his family, particularly his father, in shaping his determined mindset. A poignant moment is when Kanye questions whether he would have achieved greatness without his hardships, highlighting the role of adversity in personal growth.