Robert Rihmeek Williams, known professionally as Meek Mill, is an American rapper, songwriter, and activist born in Philadelphia.

He rose to fame through his raw, energetic battle rap style and “Dreams and Nightmares” mixtape series.

Meek Mill has become known both for his music and his advocacy for criminal justice reform, drawing from his own experiences with the legal system.

He’s a chart-topping artist who has released multiple successful albums, including “Dreams Worth More Than Money” and “Championships.”

About The Song

“Dreams and Nightmares” serves as the opening track on Meek Mill’s debut studio album of the same name. The song was recorded in September 2012 at the Ocean Sky Hotel in Miami during the album’s final sessions. 

The track has gained significant acclaim for portraying Meek Mill’s rise from challenging circumstances to success. It has become an anthem in various circles, notably Philadelphia’s sports culture. 

Dreams And Nightmares Lyrics By Meek Mill

Part I: “Dreams”

Intro

Ain’t this what they’ve been waitin’ for?
You ready? Uh, uh

Verse

I used to pray for times like this, to rhyme like this
So I had to
Grind like that to shine like this, in a matter of
Time I spent on some locked-up shit, in the back of the
Paddy wagon, cuffs locked on wrists
Seen my dreams unfold, nightmares come true
It was time to marry the game and I said, “Yeah, I do”
If you want it, you gotta see it with a clear-eyed view
Got shorty, she tryna bless me like I said “achoo”
Like a nigga sneezed, nigga, please, ‘fore them triggers squeeze
I’m gettin’ cream, never let them hoes get in between of what we started
Lil’ nigga, but I’m lion-hearted
They love me when I was stuck and they hated when I departed
I go and get it regardless, draw it like I’m an artist
No crawlin’, went straight to walkin’, with foreigns in my garages
All foreign bitches ménagin’, fuckin’, suckin’ and swallowin’
Anything for a dollar, they tell me get ’em, I got ’em
I did it without a album
I did shit with Mariah
Lil’ nigga, I’m on fire
Icy as a hockey rink, Philly nigga, I’m flyer
When I bought the Rolls Royce they thought it was leased
Then I bought that new Ferrari, hater, rest in peace
Hater, rest in peace, rest in peace to the parking lot
Phantom so big, can’t even fit in the parking spot
You ain’t talkin’ ’bout my niggas, then what you talkin’ ’bout?
Gangstas move in silence, nigga, and I don’t talk a lot
I don’t say a word, I don’t say a word
Was on my grind and now I got what I deserve, fuck nigga (Ah)
Maybach Music

Part II: “Nightmares”

Verse

Hold up, wait a minute (Minute), y’all thought I was finished? (Woah)
When I bought that Aston Martin, y’all thought it was rented? (Yeah)
Flexin’ on these niggas, I’m like Popeye on his spinach
Double M, yeah, that’s my team, Rozay the captain, I’m lieutenant
I’m the type to count a million cash then grind like I’m broke
That Lambo’ my new bitch, she don’t ride like my Ghost
I’m ridin’ around my city with my hand strapped to my toast
‘Cause these niggas want me dead and I gotta make it back home
‘Cause my mama need that bill money, my son need some milk
These niggas try take my life, they fuck around, get killed
You fuck around, you fuck around, you fuck around, get smoked
‘Cause these Philly niggas I brought with me don’t fuck around, no joke, no
All I know is murder, when it come to me
I got young niggas that’s rollin’, I got niggas throwin’ B’s
I done did the DOA’s, I done did the KOD’s
Every time I’m in that bitch, I get to throwin’ thirty G’s
But now I’m hangin’ out that drop head, I’m ridin’ down on Collins (Skrrt)
They let my nigga Ern back home, that young nigga be wildin’ (Let’s go)
We young niggas, we mobbin’ (Mobbin’), like Batman and we’re robbin’ (Woah)
This two-door Maybach with my seat all reclinin’
I’m like, “Real nigga, what up? Real nigga, what up?”
If you ain’t about that murder game, then pussy nigga, shut up (What?)
If you diss me in your raps, I’ll get yo’ pussy-ass stuck up
When you touchdown in my hood, no, that tour life ain’t good
Catch me down in MIA at that Heat game on wood
With that Puma life on my feet, like that lil’ engine, I could
Boy, I slide down on your block (Block), bike on 12 o’clock (Rah)
And they be throwin’ deuces on the same nigga they watch (Meek Milly)
And I’m the king of my city ’cause I’m still callin’ them shots
And these lames talkin’ that bullshit the same niggas that flopped
I’m the same nigga from Berks Street with them nappy braids, that loc’
The same nigga that came up and I had to wait for my spot
And these niggas hatin’ on me (Me), hoes waitin’ on me (Me)
Still on that hood shit, my Rolls-Royce on E
They gon’ remember me, I say remember me
So much money, have yo’ friends turn in yo’ enemies
And when there’s beef, I turn my enemies to memories
With them bricks, they go for forty, ain’t no ten a key
Hold up, broke nigga turned rich (Rich), love the game like Mitch (Mitch)
And if I leave, you think them pretty hoes gon’ still suck my dick?
It was somethin’ ’bout that Rollie when it first touched my wrist
Had me feelin’ like that dope boy when he first touched that brick
I’m gone
Haha

Outro

Woo

Live Performance Of Dreams And Nightmares By Meek Mill

The live performances of “Dreams and Nightmares” by Meek Mill are legendary, known for their high energy and emotional intensity. One of the most iconic performances took place during the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl LII celebration in 2018. The team used the track as their entrance song, making it an anthem for resilience and triumph.

Meek’s live delivery of the song often involves dramatic pauses to let the crowd chant the lyrics, especially the famous transition from the introspective beginning to the explosive second half. The song’s uplifting theme of overcoming struggles resonates deeply with fans, turning his concerts into electrifying, communal experiences.

Performances at festivals like Made in America and Rolling Loud have further cemented this track as a staple in Meek’s live sets, with fans singing along word-for-word.

Check out rapper and activist Meek Mill, who performs “Dreams and Nightmares” at Global Citizen Live in New York City’s Central Park. 

Similar Songs Like Dreams And Nightmares By Meek Mill

• Intro (Wins & Losses) – Another powerful intro track that showcases Meek Mill’s signature storytelling style and energy.

• Trauma – A deep, reflective track that highlights Meek’s struggles and perseverance.

• 1942 Flows – A fan-favorite, blending Meek’s raw lyrics with soulful production.

• Respect the Game – Touches on themes of loyalty, success, and the street code.

• Price – A heartfelt track reflecting on the cost of fame and success.

• Oodles O’ Noodles Babies – A track about Meek’s challenging upbringing and social issues.

• Lord Knows (feat. Tory Lanez) – High-energy track featuring powerful lyrics and orchestral production.

• Cold Hearted II – A follow-up to his earlier track, reflecting on betrayal and loyalty.

• Save Me – An emotional track about pain, regret, and asking for redemption.

• We Ball (feat. Young Thug) – A tribute to fallen friends and overcoming adversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has This Track Received Any Certifications?

Yes, “Dreams and Nightmares” is certified 4× Platinum by the RIAA.

Who Produced “Dreams and Nightmares (Intro)” By Meek Mill?

It was produced by Tone the Beat Bully.

Who Wrote “Dreams and Nightmares (Intro)” by Meek Mill?

It was written by Robert Rihmeek Williams (Meek Mill) and Maurice Jordan.