Nothing to Prove Breakdown – KR$NA | Yours Truly

Nothing to Prove Breakdown

[Verse 1]

Shayad main pasand aaj tumhe, shayad main hunga kal nahi
Shayad main zinda aaj par shayad main hunga kal nahi
Shayad hain himmat aaj par shayad kal hoga dam nahi
Is taj ka zimmedar main aur layak hunga main kal bhi

1. English Translation^[1]: “Maybe you like me today, maybe I won’t be here tomorrow; Maybe I’m alive today, but maybe I won’t be tomorrow; Maybe there’s courage today, but maybe tomorrow there won’t be strength”
   • KR$NA acknowledges that public favour and even his physical presence or courage might be temporary.
2. English Translation: “I am responsible for this crown and I will be worthy of it tomorrow too“.
   • However, he strongly asserts his commitment to his craft and his enduring worthiness of his success, regardless of these fleeting circumstances.

Is dhundle mahol mein dikhta hain mujhe saaf (saaf)
It’s only me, myself jo tikta hain mere saath (Yeah)
Yahan bikta hain sirf jhooth, aur dikhta hai sabko paap
Par aaj bhi ye sama kaapta jab likhta hai mera haath (Yeah)

• English Translation^[2]: “In this blurry environment, I see clearly (clearly) It’s only me, myself who sticks with me (Yeah) Here, only lies are sold, and everyone sees sin But even today, this atmosphere trembles when my hand writes (Yeah)”
  • He states that even in a “blurry environment,” he sees things clearly, emphasising his ability to navigate the complexities and falsehoods around him. He asserts that he can only truly count on himself, underscoring his independence and trust in his judgment.
  • KR$NA then critiques the prevalent dishonesty in the industry, where “only lies are sold, and everyone sees sin.” Despite this corruption, he confidently declares the powerful impact of his authentic words, noting that the “atmosphere trembles when his hand writes.”

What’s beef to a rapper that felt defeated by life? (Life)
Baaki bachchon ka khel hain, it’s officially fisher prize (Yeah)
The official prize is up, it’s twenty five for life (Life)
And I still got these bars, I’m doin’ 25 to life (Yeah)

• English Translation: “What’s beef to a rapper that felt defeated by life? (Life) The rest is child’s play, it’s officially a Fisher prize (Yeah). The official prize is up, it’s twenty-five for life (Life), and I still got these bars, I’m doing 25 to life (Yeah)”
  • In this stanza, KR$NA dismisses petty rap rivalries (beef) by contrasting them with the far greater, more profound challenges he has already overcome in life. He views such conflicts as Child’s play, suggesting they are insignificant compared to his struggles.
  • He then plays on the legal term “25 to life,” implying that the real, ultimate “prize” he’s aiming for is a lifetime of success and impact, not fleeting disputes.
  • He asserts that he’s committed to his craft (“still got these bars”) for the long haul, effectively serving a “life sentence” in the world of rap.

I’ve been hot for five years, ab karun paanch saal aur (Yeah)
Darwaaze khole maine, aaye mere saath-saath aur (aur)
I just hung up on the devil, woh karein baar-baar call
Been livin’ life on the edge and brody, I might just fall (Might just)

1. English Translation: “I’ve been hot for five years, now I’ll do five more (Yeah) I opened doors, others came along with me (and) I just hung up on the devil, he keeps calling back Been living life on the edge and brody, I might just fall (Might just)”
   • This stanza reflects KR$NA’s sustained success and influence, alongside the constant pressures and risks that come with it. He asserts his longevity in the game, confidently declaring an intention to continue his reign for another five years after already dominating for five. He highlights his role as a pioneer, having “opened doors” for others to follow in his footsteps. However, this success isn’t without its challenges
   • He speaks of constantly rejecting negative influences or temptations (“hung up on the devil”) that persistently try to pull him away. The final line reveals a candid vulnerability, acknowledging that despite his achievements, he’s “living life on the edge” and recognises the ever-present possibility of a setback or fall.
2. “Darwaaze khole maine, aaye mere saath-saath aur (aur)”
   • English Translation: “I opened the doors, and others came along with me”
   • You can see a similar line written by Raftaar on the song Bus Down, “Chali teri reel kyunki phaatak maine khola”. Both artists are essentially saying, “They paved the Way”. The “gate” symbolises the entry point, the opportunity, or the mainstream acceptance into the industry, especially for new-age rapper.

Jab bhi aata wapas toh karte ye saare panic
Main jaanta they can’t stand it, the way I’m causin’ this damage
Poochhe “chahiye AP? Chahiye Rollie? Chahiye Patek?”
Main bolun inko “la teeno” jaise launde Hispanic

1. English Translation: “Whenever I come back, they all panic. I know they can’t stand it, the way I’m causing this damage. They ask ‘Do you want an AP? Do you want a Rollie? Do you want a Patek?’ I tell them ‘bring all three’ like Hispanic kids”
   • This stanza powerfully conveys KR$NA’s dominant presence and the unsettling effect he has on his rivals. He notes that his returns (likely with new music or activity) cause “panic” among his competitors, who “can’t stand” the immense “damage” he inflicts through his impact.
   • The lyrics then shift to a common industry trope: being offered luxury items like expensive watches (Audemars Piguet, Rolex, Patek Philippe). KR$NA’s response, however, is a confident and assertive “bring all three,” showcasing his unimpressed demeanour and bold demands – he isn’t swayed by singular luxuries; he expects everything, projecting an image of undeniable success and power.
2. “Main bolun inko “la-teeno” jaise launde Hispanic”
   • “Hispanic” generally refers to people who speak Spanish or are descended from Spanish-speaking populations
   • “La teeno” Word Play on:
     • Hindi meaning “bring all three (of them).
     • “Latino” refers to people who are from or descended from people from Latin America.

Bole time is money, toh ghadi pe daalu laakhon
Aur bina drop kare bhi survive karun main saalon
Kya mujhko milegi bharpaai is struggle ki? Sawaal woh
The price is jacked up, the Benz white jaise Harlow

• English Translation: “They say time is money, so I put lakhs on a watch and I survive for years even without dropping (new music). Will I get recompense for this struggle? That’s the question. The price is jacked up, the Benz is white like Harlow”
  • Overall Meaning:
    • This stanza highlights KR$NA’s financial success and established status, while also touching on the deeper questions of his journey. He interprets the idiom “time is money” by investing “lakhs” (hundreds of thousands) into a watch, showcasing his wealth and how he values his time.
    • He then asserts his significant industry standing by stating he can remain relevant and financially stable for years without releasing new music, signifying a level of success few achieve. Amidst these declarations of triumph, he poses a reflective question about whether his arduous “struggle” will truly be compensated.
    • The stanza concludes with a confident flex: “The price is jacked up,” indicating his high value, and a vivid image of his “white Benz like Harlow,” drawing a direct comparison to American rapper Jack Harlow and his opulent lifestyle.

Aaj bhi kuchh zimmedari sar pe yahan mere (Yeah)
That cash come and go, jaise kharche yahan mere (Yeah)
Been gone for so long phir bhi charche yahan mere
But they tryna cross me, jaise church hain yahan mere (Yeah)

• English Translation: “Even today, I have some responsibilities on my head here (Yeah) That cash comes and goes, just like my expenses here (Yeah) Been gone for so long, yet my discussions/fame are still here But they’re trying to cross me, as if churches are here for me (Yeah)”
  • This stanza highlights KR$NA’s ongoing burdens and enduring relevance, while also addressing the betrayal he faces. He acknowledges that despite his success, he still carries significant “responsibilities.” He maintains a realistic view of wealth, noting that “cash comes and goes” as quickly as his expenses accumulate. Importantly, he points out his lasting impact, even when he’s been “gone for so long,” his fame and discussions about him persist.
• Double entendre: “But they tryna cross me, jaise church hain yahan mere (Yeah)”
  • “They’re trying to cross me”, meaning to betray or undermine him
  • Playing on the word “cross” and linking it to “churches” to imply that he’s being targeted or metaphorically “crucified” by his detractors.
• This stanza’s flow and rhymes are inspired by his track “Dum Hai” that goes like:
  • “Aaj bhi na koi jyaada, kharche hai mere Kuch zimmedariyan, sar pe hai mere Aur mujh se toh fans saare sad te hai tere Kyuki youtube par ab charche hai mere”
    

This for my fam, for the fans, for the real guys
Zindagi badal di meri bina kare realize
Time hota mushkil, the ones that always stayed by
Jab mere liye ladte but never met me in real life

• English Translation: “This for my fam, for the fans, for the real guys. My life changed without me even realising it. When times were difficult, the ones who always stayed by. When they fought for me, but never met me in real life”
  • In this stanza, KR$NA expresses profound gratitude and dedication to his core support system. He explicitly dedicates his work to his family, loyal fans, and genuine supporters. He reflects on the immense transformation in his life changed without him even realising it, highlighting how quickly his circumstances shifted due to his career. The most poignant part of the stanza acknowledges those who stood by him during “difficult times,” specifically appreciating his dedicated fans who “fought for him” online or from afar, even if they have “never met him in real life.” This demonstrates a deep connection to his audience and a recognition of their crucial, often unseen, support.

Tumhara abhaari main, I’m yours truly
It ain’t a cause to me, I’m sippin’ that Don Juli
Tumhara bhai main, I’m yours truly
Chalna hai zaroori, hain manzil mein abhi doori (Let’s go)

• English Translation: “I am grateful to you, I’m yours truly. It isn’t a burden to me, I’m sipping that Don Juli (Don Julio). I’m your brother, I’m yours truly. It’s necessary to keep going, the destination is still far (Let’s go)”
  • In these concluding lines, KR$NA reinforces his sincere gratitude and personal connection with his audience. He expresses his indebtedness to them, declaring himself “yours truly” and emphasising a bond of brotherhood (“I’m your brother”). He clarifies that this connection and the work involved are not a “burden” to him; instead, he’s enjoying the fruits of his labour by “sipping that Don Juli(o),” a luxury tequila, symbolising his success and contentment. Despite his achievements, the stanza ends with a forward-looking statement, reminding everyone that the journey is “necessary to keep going” and that the ultimate “destination is still far,” maintaining a humble yet determined outlook on his career path.
    

[Verse 2]

You know I keep it hunnid, I don’t fold ever
Mera mind on my money, I’m a go-getter
Dekhe rainy days, haan, dekha maine cold weather
Focus bas ek cheez pe, woh tha makin’ more cheddar

• English Translation: “You know I keep it 100% real, I don’t fold ever. My mind is on my money, I’m a go-getter. I’ve seen rainy days, yes, I’ve seen cold weather. Focus on just one thing, which was making more money”
  • This stanza firmly establishes KR$NA’s unwavering integrity and relentless drive for financial success. He asserts his authenticity, stating he always keeps it “100% real” and “never folds” under pressure. His ambition is clear: his “mind is on his money,” signifying his focus as a “go-getter.” He acknowledges overcoming past hardships, having seen “rainy days” and “cold weather,” metaphors for tough times. Despite these challenges, his singular and consistent objective has always been to “make more cheddar” (money), highlighting his pragmatic and success-oriented mindset.
• Double entendre: “Focus bas ek cheez pe, woh tha makin’ more cheddar”
  • “Bas ek cheez pe” means just on one thing, “Makin’ more cheddar” is slang for making more money.
  • Wordplay on Cheez,
    • Cheese: A type of dairy product, and Cheddar Cheese is a type of cheese
    • Cheez: Hindi meaning of “Things”

I’ve been on the road three weeks in a row
Karun smile in my shows, but I’m really missin’ home
Just wanted you to know, kabhi-kabhi I’m alone
Kabhi-kabhi with the bros, kabhi-kabhi in the zone, yeah

• English Translation: “I’ve been on the road three weeks in a row. I smile in my shows, but I’m missing home. Just wanted you to know, sometimes I’m alone. Sometimes with the bros, sometimes in the zone, yeah”
  • This stanza reveals KR$NA’s vulnerability and the personal toll of his career. He describes the demanding reality of being “on the road” – constantly touring and performing for weeks on end. Despite projecting a happy image during his shows, he candidly admits to “really missing home.” He directly shares with the listener the isolation that can come with fame, sometimes feeling “alone,” while other times he’s either “with the bros” (his close circle) or deeply engrossed “in the zone” of his creative process. This offers a raw, human perspective on the sacrifices behind the glamorous facade of a successful artist’s life.

Let the beat ride, I let the beat ride
Main tha posted on the corner, jaise street signs
Let the beat ride, I let the beat ride
Jahan se aaya wahan pe dikhte nahi hain peace signs

• English Translation: “Let the beat ride, I let the beat ride. I was posted on the corner, like a street signs. Let the beat ride, I let the beat rid.e Where I came from, you don’t see peace signs”
  • This stanza highlights KR$NA’s deep connection to his music and his humble, often harsh, origins in Kashmir. The repeated phrase “Let the beat ride” emphasises his immersion in the rhythm and flow of his craft.
  • He then uses the powerful imagery of being “posted on the corner, like street signs,” suggesting he was a constant and visible presence in his community or starting point.
  • The stark contrast emerges in the final line, “Where I came from, you don’t see peace signs.” This refers to his background in Kashmir, a region known for its historical conflict and unrest. It underscores the difficult realities of his upbringing and the journey he’s undertaken from an environment lacking peace to his current position.

I do whatever I choose
Aur aaj bhi main ladu, jaise nothin’ to lose
And I’m outside, maanu main kyon?
You can hate me if you want
I got nothing to prove

• English Translation: “I do whatever I choose. And even today, I fight like I have nothing to lose. And I’m outside,  why should I listen?. You can hate me if you want, I’ve got nothing to prove”
  • This concluding stanza serves as KR$NA’s ultimate declaration of unwavering independence and self-assurance. He asserts his complete autonomy, stating he “does whatever he chooses,” highlighting his defiance of external expectations. He maintains a fierce, unyielding spirit, fighting “like he has nothing to lose,” indicating that success hasn’t dulled his hunger or his resolve. The line “And I’m outside, why should I believe/obey?” emphasises his position beyond conventional norms and criticisms; he’s charting his path.
  • Ultimately, the stanza culminates in the powerful title line, “You can hate me if you want, I got nothing to prove.” This dismisses all detractors and their opinions, as KR$NA’s achievements and self-worth are entirely self-validated.

Summary of “Nothing to Prove” Lyrics

The lyrics of “Nothing to Prove” by KR$NA explore themes of self-identity, resilience, and determination in the face of adversity. The artist reflects on the uncertainty of life, questioning his relevance and strength while asserting his individuality amidst a deceptive world. He expresses pride in his accomplishments and commitment to personal growth, acknowledging the struggles he’s faced and the responsibilities he bears.The second verse emphasizes his relentless pursuit of success despite feeling lonely on the road. He maintains a confident demeanor, asserting that he has “nothing to prove” to his detractors. The outro questions the validity of critics who claim entitlement to his success without understanding his journey. The song encapsulates a blend of introspection and defiance, highlighting the artist’s dedication to his craft and authenticity.

Nothing to Prove ‘Track Information’