Overtime

Album: single release only (2019)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Big Sean's first new solo material since 2017, "Overtime" explains the reasons for his hiatus. The Detroit rapper recounts that he didn't want to "take a break," but relationship problems initiated struggles with mental health, and he needed time out to re-examine certain aspects of his life.

    Broke my heart, broke my soul, don't cry for me though
    If you don't break nothing down then it's no room to grow


    The song's themes of heartbreak and development are likely connected with the ending of Sean's relationship with singer Jhené Aiko in late 2018. The pair had dated for two years and recorded an EP together under the moniker of Twenty88.
  • Sean later compares his own influence on his home city of Detroit to that of Eminem:

    Me and Em' knocked down doors for y'all that was locked once
    I know they may never get me, I still put on for the city like the Lions first round picked me


    Sean was the halftime entertainer during the Detroit Lions Thanksgiving game in 2015.
  • The energetic, thumping production by Hit-Boy, Key Wane, and the Tucker Brothers simulates a growing excitement as Sean looks forward to the next stage of his career.
  • Jay-Z gets a credit as the latter portion of the song features a sample of his 2002 track "Hovi Baby."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Psychedelic Lyrics

Psychedelic LyricsMusic Quiz

Whoa man! Do you know which band came up with these cosmic lyrics?

"Private Eyes" - The Story Behind the Song

"Private Eyes" - The Story Behind the SongSong Writing

How a goofy detective movie, a disenchanted director and an unlikely songwriter led to one of the biggest hits in pop history.

Adam Young of Owl City

Adam Young of Owl CitySongwriter Interviews

Is Owl City on a quest for another hit like "Fireflies?" Adam answers that question and explains the influences behind many others.

Alice Cooper

Alice CooperFact or Fiction

How well do you know this shock-rock harbinger who's been publicly executed hundreds of times?

Philip Cody

Philip CodySongwriter Interviews

A talented lyricist, Philip helped revive Neil Sedaka's career with the words to "Laughter In The Rain" and "Bad Blood."

Benny Mardones

Benny MardonesSongwriter Interviews

His song "Into The Night" is one of the most-played of all time. For Benny, it took him to hell and back.