We Don't Care

Kanye West's song "We Don't Care" is a powerful commentary on the struggles and resilience of marginalized communities, particularly those in urban environments. The chorus sets the tone, highlighting the harsh reality of drug dealing as a means of survival and the defiance against societal expectations. The repeated line, "We wasn't supposed to make it past 25 but the joke's on you, we still alive," underscores a sense of triumph over adversity and a refusal to be defined by negative stereotypes.

In the first verse, Kanye reflects on his own upbringing and the lack of positive role models. He candidly admits that the only successful men he saw were drug dealers, which influenced his perception of success. The verse also touches on the systemic issues that force individuals into illegal activities, such as the lack of educational and economic opportunities. The line, "This dope money here is Lil Trey's scholarship," poignantly illustrates how drug money is often seen as a means to an end, a way to achieve what traditional avenues have failed to provide.

The second verse shifts focus to those working low-wage jobs who still find it necessary to hustle on the side to make ends meet. Kanye paints a vivid picture of the lengths people go to in order to survive, from selling bootleg tapes to claiming other people's children on their taxes. The verse also delves into the psychological toll of these struggles, with references to lottery tickets and dreams of a better life. The line, "The drug game bulimic, it's hard to get weight," metaphorically describes the instability and unpredictability of relying on illegal activities for income.

In the third verse, Kanye addresses the systemic failures that contribute to the cycle of poverty and crime. He criticizes the lack of after-school programs and the stigmatization of children in the education system. The verse also touches on the emotional and psychological impact of growing up in such an environment, with lines like, "Look at what's handed us, our fathers abandoned us." Despite these challenges, the recurring chorus serves as a rallying cry for resilience and defiance, encapsulating the spirit of those who refuse to be broken by their circumstances.