September 16 Lyrics
I don't know why we even tried this in the first place
But it all comes back to love
Yeah, it all comes back to love (Na, na, na)
I been trying to do my best in the worst way
'Cause it all comes back to love
Yeah, it all comes back to love (Na, na, na)
[Verse 1]
Met back in our twenties
Ex-wife wanted money (Uh)
You still wanted me back then but now you do not love me
No affection, no respect
It's been too long since a check came my way
Not the same ever since my father's death
No excuses, yeah I know
I been trying, I been trying
June I'm fine, kids I'm fine
I been lying, I been lying
So much pressure, I can't sleep
Everything about me aching
It's so hard to accept my kid bringin' home the bacon
I'm at fault, I'm a loser, best believe I've heard it all
From the girl of my dreams that I married in the fall
And I get it, your resentment, yeah it's justified
But I've had enough of arguing, I've had enough of crying
I know that you're mad but you were mad when I was paid too
I'm feeling helpless, I just hope our love saves you
It's been over twenty years, recognize our blessings
Even though that we can barely coexist for more than twenty seconds (Damn)
I don't know why we even tried this in the first place
But it all comes back to love
Yeah, it all comes back to love (Na, na, na)
I been trying to do my best in the worst way
'Cause it all comes back to love
Yeah, it all comes back to love (Na, na, na)
[Verse 2]
I love you Jim, the way you grin, the way you make me laugh
The way you helped me raise three angels, wouldn't take it back
I think you're a genius, that's why I be stressing you
CEO, CEO, I expect nothing less from you
That's a compliment, I know that I should show more
Gratitude for you, I know my attitude's been so poor
But so have we but this is deeper than a bank account
I know that I got pent up shit, I know I need to work it out
Russell takes me traveling, he just does our balancing
He knows that you're strong meanwhile he knows that I'm unraveling
He's not taking sides, trust me he says that you're right
He just tryna help us both, he don't wanna see us fight
It rained when we got married and you know I loved the sun
I know I blamed you for things outta your control
But you're the one that I love
Damn, that I love (I'm sorry, I love you)
I don't know why we even tried this in the first place
But it all comes back to love
Yeah, it all comes back to love (Na, na, na)
I been trying to do my best in the worst way
'Cause it all comes back to love
Yeah, it all comes back to love (Na, na, na)
[Outro]
Na, na, na
Na, na, na, na
Na, na, na, na
About
On “September 16,” Russ describes his parents' complicated relationship.
The first verse is from his father Jim’s perspective, and the second verse is from his mother June’s perspective. Russ’s father explains how he feels that he has failed the woman of his dreams and has had to swallow his pride now that his son is his family’s primary breadwinner. However, in the second verse, his wife eases his concerns and explains that she is only so hard on him because she recognizes his potential.
Q&A
Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning
When asked on Twitter, Russ confirmed that the date was his parents marriage anniversary.
While speaking with Complex News in an interview, Russ added a comment about this song:
September 16th is the date of my parents anniversary. It’s been fucked for a little bit now, so it was a hard song to put out. The first verse is my dad’s perspective talking to my mom and the second verse was my mom talking to my dad. My mom is my best friend, so it’s was [vulnerable?]. […] It was hard to put out that song, because they didn’t hear that song and it’s real personal—it’s real life shit.
