“Champagne Poetry” is the opening track on Drake’s 2021 album ‘Certified Lover Boy.’ This track plays off on one of the many monikers of Drake–Champagne Papi. In essence, this is a rare “I am the GOAT” chant by Drake, asserting his dominance in the industry and what he had to sacrifice to get here.
‘Certified Lover Boy’ is the highly-anticipated sixth studio album by Drake, released on September 3, 2021. Drake talked about the album in July; “we aim for that head. We don’t aim to please. Certified Lover Boy on the way. And that’s for anyone in the way.” This is his follow-up project to his 2018 album ‘Scorpion.’
In “Champagne Poetry,” Drake seems to be talking about all the accomplishments he has had in his career. He has seen the highest of highs and has seen snakes come out of every corner. It is also interesting to see the writing credits on the song go to Lennon-McCartney, Paul McCartney, and Drake.
Listen to “Champagne Poetry” by Drake
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Drake “Champagne Poetry” Lyrics Meaning and Song Review
Drake starts off the album HOT!
Drizzy claims that he has been going even harder at it ever since the birth of his son Adonis Graham. But the harder he goes at it, the harder everyone wants to see him fail. Eminem predicted this in his last album ‘MTBMB.’
It’s the pretty boys versus the petty boys
Drake seemingly takes shots at some petty boys in the industry. He famously had a subtle feud with Kanye West on possible conflicting album release dates with Ye’s ‘DONDA.’ Drake took shots at Ye on his feature with Trippie Redd titled “Betrayal.” Kanye seemed to address this song with a threat, and Drake released an Instagram reel of him laughing manicly. We can clearly see the ‘petty’ feuds going on here.
Next, Drake shouts out his own record label OVO Sounds, and compliments the talent that has been signed on the label.
Lived so much for others don’t remember how I feel
Drake gets quite emotional next. He says that he has given so much of his time and efforts all his career, that he doesn’t even know what it feels like to take care of himself.
However, this work ethic has enabled him to navigate the minefield of a world/music industry with ease. He has lost friends through the process. He has gained fake friends through the process. But these are all necessary evils.
Under me I see all the people that claim they over me
And above me I see nobody
Casually, Drake drops that he is on top of the music game. Beneath him, he sees a lot of people who want to be like him and dethrone him. But above him, he sees nobody. Drake has no intentions of just letting his throne go. He says he will have to be dead and buried for them to take his #1 spot.
Drake also seems to shout out Future as one he could blindly trust; “I don’t have to second-guess nothing with no one I love.”
Drake opens up about keeping up with his family amidst the demands of the music game;
I haven’t been able to see my family for a while
That shit is wearing me out
It is a fine line between managing the work-life balance when one gets as high as Drake does.
On a more emotional note, Drake seems to blame himself for the divorce of his parents. Did the demands of his career weigh down on his parents as well?!
The pressure is weighing me down
Career is going great, but now the rest of me is fading slowly
Being on top of the game has its own perks and pitfalls. The pressure is immense to hold on to the throne. And he cannot take an L now. He has to do whatever it takes to retain his position. He has to sacrifice his personal time mostly and it is starting to weigh on him. Drizzy is hungry but he is not that hungry to forego his family for the Ws anymore.
Seen too many brothers get twenty-five from the boys
I’d rather see all of ’em get twenty-five from the Lord
Getting ‘twenty five to life’ is a prison sentence where 25 years are compulsory, but may be retained in prison up to a life sentence depending on receiving parole. Drake says he sees so many black people end up in prison for petty crimes referring to the injustice in the legal system. He would much rather see them get a sentence from Lord above.
Towards the latter part of the verse, Drake talks about all the hits he has been releasing but he gets no recognition at awards ceremonies. He also says it might be time to look another way other than for roses.
Let us hear what you think about this track in the comments below. Check out the complete lyrics on Genius.