Even though I-
On my way, on my way, on my way down
On my way, on my way, on my way down
You were the one that was trying to keep me way down
But like the sun, know you know I found my way back 'round
They tell me I should fix my grill 'cause I got money now
I ain't gon' sit around and front like I ain't thought about it
A perfect smile is more appealing but it's funny how
My shit is crooked look at how far I done got without it
I keep my twisted grill, just to show them kids it's real
We ain't picture perfect but we worth the picture still
I got smart, I got rich, and I got bitches still
And they all look like my eyebrows, thick as hell
Love yourself, girl, or nobody will
Though you a woman I don't know how you deal
With all the pressure to look impressive and go out in heels
I feel for you
Killing yourself to find a man that'll kill for you
You wake up, put makeup on
Stare in the mirror but it's clear that you can't face what's wrong
No need to fix what God already put his paint brush on
Your roommate yelling, "Why you gotta take so long?"
What it's like to have a crooked smile
On my way, on my way, on my way down
On my way, on my way, on my way down (This crooked smile)
You were the one that was trying to keep me way down
But like the sun, know you know I found my way back 'round
To all the women with the flaws, know it's hard my darlin'
You wonder why you're lonely and your man's not callin'
You keep fallin' victim 'cause you're insecure
And when I tell you that you're beautiful you can't be sure
'Cause he don't seem to want you back
And it's got you askin'
So all you see is what you lackin' not what you packin'
Take it from a man that loves what you got
And baby girl you're a star, don't let 'em tell you you're not
Now is it real? Eyebrows, fingernails, hair
Is it real? if it's not, girl you don't care
'Cause what's real is something that the eyes can't see
That the hands can't touch
That them broads can't be, and that's you
Never let 'em see you frown
And if you need a friend to pick you up, I'll be around
And we can ride with the windows down, the music loud
I can tell you ain't laughed in a while
But I wanna see that crooked smile
On my way, on my way, on my way down
On my way, on my way, on my way down
You were the one that was trying to keep me way down
But like the sun, know you know I found my way back 'round
Crooked smile, we could style on 'em (Back 'round)
Crooked smile, we could style on 'em
You're the one that was tryin' to keep me way down
But like the sun, I know you know I found my way back 'round
We don't look nothing like the people on the screen
You know them movie stars, picture perfect beauty queens
But we got dreams and we got the right to chase 'em
Look at the nation
That's a crooked smile braces couldn't even straighten
Seem like half the race is either on probation, or in jail
Wonder why we inhale, 'cause we in hell already
I asked if my skin pale, would I then sell like Eminem or Adele?
But one more time for the 'Ville
And fuck all of that beef shit, nigga let's make a mill'
Hey officer man, we don't want nobody getting killed
Just open up that cell, let my brother out of jail
I got money for the bail now and well now
If you askin' will I tell now? Ayy, hell nah
I ain't snitchin' 'cause
Man, they get them niggas stitches now
If you was around, then you wouldn't need a witness now
How you like this crooked smile?
On my way, on my way, on my way down
On my way, on my way, on my way down (That crooked smile)
You were the one that was trying to keep me way down
But like the sun, know you know I found my way back 'round
Crooked smile, we could style on 'em (Back 'round)
Crooked smile, we could style on 'em
You were the one that was trying to keep me way down
But like the sun, know you know I found my way back 'round
La-la, la-la, la-la-la
La-la, la-la, la-la-la
La-la, la-la, la-la-la
La-la, la-la, la-la-la
On my way, on my way, on my way down
On my way, on my way, on my way down
You were the one that was trying to keep me way down
But like the sun, know you know I found my way back 'round
Back 'round
You were the one that was trying to keep me way down
But like the sun, know you know I found my way back 'round
Back 'round
You were the one that was trying to keep me way down
But like the sun, know you know I found my way back 'round
'Round
About This Song
"Crooked Smile" is a deeply introspective track that uses J. Cole's imperfect teeth as a metaphor for self-acceptance and authentic success in the face of societal pressure to conform. The song explores the tension between staying true to oneself and the expectations that come with fame and wealth, as Cole reflects on advice to "fix his grill" now that he has money. Rather than a simple story about dental work, the track becomes a meditation on how flaws and imperfections can be sources of strength and identity, challenging conventional standards of beauty and success. The TLC-sampled hook adds a soulful, nostalgic quality that reinforces themes of resilience and finding one's way back to authenticity after being pushed down. Musically, the production blends smooth, melodic elements with Cole's conversational flow, creating an intimate atmosphere that feels like a personal confession. The song resonated with listeners because it addressed universal struggles with self-image and the pressure to change oneself for external validation. Cole's vulnerability in discussing something as personal as his appearance while connecting it to broader themes of integrity and self-worth struck a chord with fans who appreciated his refusal to conform to rap's often materialistic standards. The track ultimately celebrates the beauty in imperfection and the power of embracing what makes you different, making it one of Cole's most emotionally resonant and relatable songs.
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