Welcome

Fort Minor's song "Welcome" is a powerful declaration of independence and self-reliance. The lyrics, delivered with a raw and unapologetic tone, reflect the artist's journey through the music industry and life. The opening lines set the stage for a narrative of perseverance, where the artist acknowledges past mistakes and the initial struggles of finding his voice. The phrase "kinda hit it and quit it and left ya’ll hanging" suggests a period of uncertainty and inconsistency, but also a passion that couldn't be contained.

The chorus is a bold statement of self-empowerment. Lines like "I don’t need their blessing now" and "Ain’t no way to shut me down" emphasize a rejection of external validation and a commitment to forging one's own path. This sentiment is reinforced by the repeated assertion that the artist was "never welcome," highlighting a sense of exclusion and the determination to succeed despite it. The defiance in these lines speaks to a broader theme of resilience and the refusal to conform to others' expectations.

In the second verse, the artist contrasts his values with those of others in the industry, who are depicted as chasing superficial success symbolized by "guns and a mouth full of gold." The artist's stance is clear: he doesn't judge others but remains steadfast in his own principles. The metaphor of the house he’s living in versus others just passing through underscores his sense of ownership and permanence in his craft. The closing lines of the song, with their repeated assertion of never being welcome, serve as a powerful reminder of the artist's journey from outsider to self-made success, driven by an unwavering belief in himself.