FIRST TIME IN A LONG TIME Lyrics by Kanye West is a new english song by Kanye West, featuring Soulja Boy. The song is released on Release’s official YouTube channel, written by Raul Cubina, Mark Williams, Twisco, Soulja Boy, Kanye West, E. Ness, Gunna, and Fat Money, produced by Kanye West, Ojivolta, and Twisco, and from the album DONDA 2, offering listeners a triumphant and emotionally charged reflection on growth, redemption, and resilience.
FIRST TIME IN A LONG TIME captures a journey of transformation and emotional release after enduring personal struggles and setbacks. Kanye West and Soulja Boy each deliver verses that reflect on their individual hardships—from public scrutiny and personal losses to financial and emotional lows—and how they’ve overcome them. The repeated chorus emphasizes the rare and powerful feeling of progress after a prolonged period of difficulty. The song blends vulnerability with self-affirmation, reminding listeners of the power in perseverance and spiritual awakening.
FIRST TIME IN A LONG TIME Details
| Song | FIRST TIME IN A LONG TIME |
|---|---|
| Album | DONDA 2 |
| Artists | Kanye West |
| Featuring Artists | Soulja Boy |
| Written By | Raul Cubina, Mark Williams, Twisco, Soulja Boy, Kanye West, E. Ness, Gunna & Fat Money |
| Produced By | kanye West, Ojivolta & Twisco |
| Label | Release |
| Language | English |
| Released Date | Apr 30, 2025 |
FIRST TIME IN A LONG TIME Lyrics
[Chorus: Kanye West]
This the first time in a long time, this the first time in a long
This the first time in a long time, this the first time in a long
This the first time in a long time, this the first time in a long
This the first time in a long time, this the first time in a long
[Verse 1: Kanye West]
I could see, I could breathe
Jesus freed me, Jesus freed me, now I’m free
I got kicked out the house for takin’ sugar out the house
Steady, they don’t wanna accept me
My doctors on Sebi, my crisis on heavy
My… is on ready, boss up, it’s on jetty
My numbers on Getty, lightsaber like a Jedi
Sauce on like a medi’, pour some for the fetti
… prophet, a man to gain the world and lose his soul though
Walk in the sand, I come with the…, I get the…
This year, I lost my best man and I lost my spouse
Only billionaire you know that’s sleepin’ on the couch (What?)
[Chorus: Kanye West]
This the first time in a long time, this the first time in a long
This the first time in a long time, this the first time in a long
This the first time in a long time, this the first time in a long
This the first time in a long time, this the first time in a long
[Verse 2: Kanye West]
Let it rain, rain, rain, I need you, run with a main
Let it rain, rain, rain, whole… to gain
What is they thinkin’ to gain? What is they lookin’ to gain?
Everything is in the future, I know it’s just something they bump for the change, baby
[Chorus: Kanye West & Soulja Boy]
This the first time in a long time, this the first time in a long
This the first time in a long time, this the first time in a long (Yeah)
This the first time in a long time (Yeah), this the first time in a long (Draco)
This the first time in a long time (Soulja), this the first time in a long
[Verse 3: Soulja Boy]
This the first time in a long time
Used to be broke but I’m on now
I was just stuck at the bottom, grindin’
Now I’m shinin’, sittin’ at the top
I was just stuck in my feelings
Now I’m just ridin’ ’round playin’ with millions
Now I’m havin’ racks to the ceilin’
Stackin’ up cash, what a wonderful feelin’
We used to go walk in the mall to go shop
But now, we can walk in and buy the whole buildin’
We havin’ mansions with acres
But honestly, we used to live in the trenches
I’m on fire like a candle
And God ain’t gon’ give you no fight you can’t handle
Back in the trap, we ain’t even have cable
Now I see my face on the channel
And R.I.P. Virgil, that Off-White is on me
The ‘Rari, it’s swervin’
I went to jail for that Draco
I guess that nobody perfect
Ain’t give me no bond
I sat in that cell for a long time
Big Draco, big Ye
First time in a long time
[Chorus: Kanye West]
This the first time in a long time, this the first time in a long
This the first time in a long time, this the first time in a long
This the first time in a long time, this the first time in a long
This the first time in a long time, this the first time in a long
FIRST TIME IN A LONG TIME Lyrics Meaning
[Chorus: Kanye West]
The chorus sets a repetitive but emotionally resonant tone. Kanye West emphasizes the phrase “first time in a long time,” using the repetition to mirror the weight of time passed in hardship. It reflects a cathartic moment of realization or relief, signifying that something positive or transformational is finally occurring after a prolonged period of emotional or spiritual stagnation.
[Verse 1: Kanye West]
In the first verse, Kanye candidly shares moments of hardship, spiritual rebirth, and resilience. He acknowledges his faith in Jesus as the foundation of his freedom, contrasting this inner liberation with past misunderstandings and rejection—even within his own home. He alludes to alternative health practices, emotional crises, and material success, framing them in spiritual tension. The reference to losing both his best man and spouse points to deep personal losses, while calling himself the only billionaire sleeping on a couch underscores the dissonance between public wealth and private pain.
[Chorus: Kanye West]
The return of the chorus reinforces the theme of hard-won renewal. Its hypnotic cadence continues to highlight the contrast between the heaviness of the past and the present sense of emergence or clarity.
[Verse 2: Kanye West]
In this short verse, Kanye leans into metaphors of rain as both cleansing and overwhelming. He questions others’ motives and the real value behind their pursuits, suggesting that many are chasing temporary or superficial gains. His reflection points to a deeper awareness of purpose and the need to transcend material distractions in favor of spiritual fulfillment.
[Chorus: Kanye West & Soulja Boy]
This iteration of the chorus brings in Soulja Boy’s ad libs, introducing a shift in voice and adding emphasis to the idea that both artists share similar journeys of long-awaited redemption. Their joint delivery makes the phrase “first time in a long time” feel communal, not just personal, hinting at a broader narrative of overcoming adversity.
[Verse 3: Soulja Boy]
Soulja Boy’s verse is a vivid recounting of his rise from hardship to success. He contrasts his past—marked by financial struggle and emotional turmoil—with his current status of wealth, fame, and fulfillment. His tone blends triumph with humility, acknowledging divine grace and the strength to survive obstacles like jail time and public missteps. The verse also includes tributes and personal revelations, making his success feel hard-earned and spiritually guided.
[Chorus: Kanye West]
The final chorus serves as a powerful emotional release, bringing the song full circle. It reinforces the sense of breakthrough and growth, echoing the central message: that renewal and redemption, even after long periods of hardship, are not only possible—they are transformational.
FIRST TIME IN A LONG TIME Official Video
DONDA 2 Songs
FAQs
The "FIRST TIME IN A LONG TIME" song is sung by Kanye West featuring Soulja Boy
The "FIRST TIME IN A LONG TIME" song by Kanye West lyrics was written by Raul Cubina, Mark Williams, Twisco, Soulja Boy, Kanye West, E. Ness, Gunna & Fat Money.
The "FIRST TIME IN A LONG TIME" song by Kanye West was produced by kanye West, Ojivolta & Twisco.
Kanye West released "FIRST TIME IN A LONG TIME" song on Apr 30, 2025.
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