Lil Durk is an outstanding rapper, singer, and songwriter known for his contributions to the drill music scene and his approach to storytelling.

His music often explores themes of hardship, loyalty, love, and loss, as well as the struggles of growing up in Chicago.

His lyrical style combines melodic flows with gritty, real-life experiences, making his work resonate with listeners from various backgrounds. 

About the Song

“All My Life” by Lil Durk featuring J. Cole is a powerful song about overcoming struggles and reflecting on success. It celebrates hard work, perseverance, and staying true to oneself despite challenges.

“All My Life” Lyrics by Lil Durk

Intro: J. Cole

Durkio told me he been on some positive shit, yeah, yeah
Lately, I just wanna show up and body some shit, yeah, yeah
Always been a lil’ mathematician, lately, it’s cash I’m gettin’
Got me losin’ count of these bags, I’ve been movin’ too fast
Hard times don’t last, ‘member when cops harassed
Talkin’ out my ass, boy, you ain’t shit but a bitch with a badge

Chorus: Choir & Lil Durk

All my life (All my life)
They been tryin’ to keep me down (They been tryna keep me down)
All this time (All this time)
Never thought I would make it out (Never thought I’d make it out)
They couldn’t break me, they couldn’t break mе (No, no)
They couldn’t take me, thеy couldn’t take me (No)
All my life (All my life)
They been tryin’ to keep me down (They been tryna keep me down)

Verse 1: Lil Durk

I decided I had to finish
But the media called me a menace
I done sat with the mayor and politicians, I’m tryna change the image
You can’t blame my past no more, I come from the trenches
Some said I’d never be a superstar, but I know I’m different (No, no, no)
I’m The Voice, but the system ain’t give me a choice
Know some people that’s still unemployed
I know a felon who tryna get FOID
Child support your only support
For a visit, I’m goin’ through courts
Went to jail, they was chainin’ me up
And you know that I’m famous as fuck
See, how you gon’ joke about stimulus?
But they really had came in the clutch
I know some kids wanna hurt theyself
Stop tryna take drugs, I refer to myself
Tryna better myself, tryna better my health but

Chorus: Choir, Lil Durk & J. Cole

All my life (All my life)
They been tryin’ to keep me down (They been tryna keep me down)
All this time (All this time)
Never thought I would make it out (Never thought I’d make it out)
They couldn’t break me, they couldn’t break me (No, no)
They couldn’t take me, they couldn’t take me (No)
All my life (All my life)
They been tryin’ to keep me down (They been tryna keep me down, yeah)

Verse 2: J. Cole

First-generation ghetto nigga
Cole world, hello niggas
Made it out the city with my head on straight
Niggas keep shootin’ up the lead out
Young Jordan Peele, gotta get out
And the shit that I spit out
Is a cheat code like I’m facin’ a RICO
And how a nigga put a hit out
And another one, and, and another one
I got like a hundred of ’em
‘Bout to lap niggas so they think they ahead of me
But I’m really in front of them
Now some of them fumblin’ they bags
Fuckin’ up the little crumbs that they had
A reminder to humble yourself
This shit could be gone in an instant
Me, I’m runnin’ long distance, all pistons firin’
I been stuck between maybe retirin’
And feelin’ like I’m just not hittin’ my prime
These days seein’ rappers be dyin’
Way before they even gettin’ they shine
I never even heard of lil’ buddy
‘Til somebody murdered lil’ buddy
Now I’m on the phone, searchin’ lil’ buddy name
Got to playin’ his tunes
All day in my room, thinkin’, “Damn
This shit wicked, to get they names buzzin’
Some niggas just gotta go lay in a tomb”
And media thirsty for clicks
I got a new rule
If you ain’t never posted a rapper when he was alive
You can’t post about him after he get hit
It’s simple, it’s the principle
On any tempo, I’m invincible
Don’t even rap, I just vent to you
I rather that than an interview most days
Fuck ’em all like I’m goin’ through a ho phase
Young nigga shoot out the whip like road rage
I pray all of my dawgs stay so paid
And the only thing that kill ’em is old age

Chorus: Choir & Lil Durk

All my life (All my life)
They been tryin’ to keep me down (They been tryna keep me down)
All this time (All this time)
Never thought I would make it out (Never thought I’d make it out)
They couldn’t break me, they couldn’t break me (No, no)
They couldn’t take me, they couldn’t take me (No)
All my life (All my life)
They been tryin’ to keep me down (They been tryna keep me down)

Live Performances of Lil Durk – All My Life (Amazon Music Live)

Similar Songs Like “All My Life” by Lil Durk

Here is a list of popular rap songs, like “All My Life” by Lil Durk,” that are similar to this one:

• “Laugh Now Cry Later” (feat. Drake): This track features a collaboration with Drake and talks about overcoming challenges while enjoying success. It blends emotions of joy and struggle.
• “Backdoor”: It explores the theme of betrayal and the challenges of trust in the streets. Lil Durk speaks about the pain of losing people he trusted and how loyalty plays a crucial role in his life.
• “The Voice”: In this song, Durk reflects on his journey from hardship to success. He speaks about being the voice for those who are unheard, particularly in Chicago.
• “No Auto Durk”: This song showcases Lil Durk’s raw lyrical ability, where he raps with no autotune, emphasizing his authenticity and emotion. The song focuses on his life experiences, hustle, and his position in the rap game.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Did the Collaboration Between Lil Durk and J. Cole Come About?

The collaboration began when Lil Durk confirmed working with J. Cole at the Dreamville Festival in April 2023. Durk had been waiting two years for this opportunity, considering Cole a legend in his eyes.

What Themes Does “All My Life” Explore?

“All My Life” explores themes of personal growth and reflection through life’s challenges. It touches on resilience and the pursuit of change.

What are Some Notable Lyrics From “All My Life”?

Notable lyrics include Durk’s chorus, “All my life, been through the ups and downs,” Cole’s line, “God was testing us, now we testifying,” and Durk’s verse reflecting on trauma: “All this trauma turned me to a boss, I swear it changed me.”