Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: hardcore
Song Meaning of “Richard” by Obie Trice
“Richard” by Obie Trice is a song about the artist’s own father, Richard. It’s an ode to Richard, in which Trice reflects on the life lessons and wisdom he has been taught by his father. The track starts off with a sample of an old school soul song featuring nostalgic guitar chords. It is a complex recollection of the importance of Richard in Trice’s life, which the artist expresses through a mixture of sincere appreciation and regret for not being able to always live up to his father’s expectations.
The song is filled with emotional lines such as “They don’t see your thoughts, they don’t feel your pain” and “We learn hard lessons when we young/We don’t understand”—both moments of honest reflection on how growing up works and how we are often blind to the struggles of those closest to us. This same idea of understanding is highlighted by Trice when he raps “Either I can make something of myself or I won’t make it through.” Trice acknowledges that he must take responsibility for his own choices, but also that he has someone special to help lead him in the right direction.
The track takes a sentimental turn at the end, as Trice pays homage to Richard’s legacy with the beautiful hook: “I’m just a man, trying to live my life, just a son to Richard.” With this, Obie Trice acknowledges that he may never be as much of a prolific role model as his father, and that he will always be just a son to Richard.
Overall, “Richard” by Obie Trice is a song about learning to appreciate your parents, even if they aren’t perfect. It is a tribute to the lessons we learn and the importance of how having someone in our lives can make all the difference.