Eyes On the Prize Lyrics

[Intro]
Reach out, it could be better than a fantasy
I keep my eyes on the prize, baby
I keep my eyes on the prize, baby
(Baby, baby)

[Verse 1]
I got my levels outta place, last night was a long one
Lookin' for a quick fix, lookin' for a short cut
But if I wanna game plan for a long run
What do I bring to the table except dumb luck?
There's a good chance the last thing I think of
Will show up in my sleep and crash all my dreams
With some shit I won't repeat, 'cause it's not what I'm proud of
Some heaviness, some pettiness, some things that I'm ashamed of

[Pre-Chorus]
When I think of you (When I think of you)
I think of us (I think of us)
I think I'm done with this (Motherfucking hiatus)
October comes and I'll show you what I'm made of
I hope it's harvest time for my fruits of labour

[Chorus]
Reach out, you've got the real deal right in front of you
Keep my eyes on the prize, baby
Keep my eyes on the prize, baby
Reach out, it could be better than a fantasy
Keep my eyes on the prize, baby
Keep my eyes on the prize, baby

[Verse 2]
I was repeating conversations with a chip on my shoulder
Replaying the scene, over and over
I got confused and the world started spinnin'
Send out a search party, I've gone missin'
'Cause Lord knows I've been through the ringer
Lord knows I'm gonna come out swingin'
It's mid-July in New York City
I might be sitting in Coach, but I'm ready for the big leagues

[Chorus]
Reach out, you've got the real deal right in front of you
Keep my eyes on the prize, baby
Keep my eyes on the prize, baby
Reach out, it could be better than a fantasy
I keep my eyes on the prize, baby
I keep my eyes on the prize, baby


[Post-Chorus]
Got me singing ayy-ohh! (Got me singing ayy-ohh!)
Got me singing ayy-ohh! (Got me singing ayy-ohh!)
Got me singing ayy-ohh! (Got me singing ayy-ohh!)
Got me singing ayy-ohh! (Got me singing ayy-ohh!)

[Bridge]
Those bodega lights at 3 am
Fluorescent and bright, just like a movie set
And Jules was dancin', lit an imaginary cigarette
He said, "Man, why you feelin' sorry for yourself?"
And the man behind the counter, he turned up the radio
One of those old AM/FM boomboxes, the kind with the cassettes
You said something that I won't forget:
"Ya just keep movin', movin'
Ya just keep movin', movin'
Ya just keep movin', movin'
Ya just keep movin'"
[Verse 3]
Are we meditating on this, or medicating on this?
I've tried out both before
It seemed like the perfect day to take a leap of faith
But I came up short
Are you listening close? Start listening close!
To tell me your true desire
I know it's played some mean tricks before
But I promise the body don't lie

[Chorus]
Reach out, you got the real deal right in front of you
Keep my eyes on the prize, baby
Keep my eyes on the prize, baby
Reach out, it could be better than a fantasy
Keep my eyes on the prize, baby
Keep my eyes on the prize, baby


[Ending]
Got me singing ayy-ohh! (Got me singing ayy-ohh!)
Got me singing ayy-ohh! (Got me singing ayy-ohh!)
Got me singing ayy-ohh! (Got me singing ayy-ohh!)
Got me singing ayy-ohh! (Got me singing ayy-ohh!)

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About

Genius Annotation

“Eyes On the Prize” is a song about appreciating what you have right now, instead of longing for something potentially unobtainable. In this vein, the “prize” isn’t something large, but modest, and realistic. Max isn’t dreaming too big, just the…

Q&A

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning

What did Arkells say about "Eyes On the Prize"?
Genius Answer

On a twitter thread, the Arkells told the story of “Eyes On the Prize”.

Where can I find the official cords for this song?
Genius Answer

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Arkells released the cords to numerous of their songs in what they called the “Flatten The Curve: Music Class” where fans were encouraged to learn their music and join in a live stream found on their Instagram daily. The official cords can be found here:

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