Provider

N.E.R.D. · In Search Of

Woke up I had the same clothes on I had on last night

Damn

I must have passed out

And cash is just like the clothes I worn yesterday

We are broke

Damn

I gotta get my ass out

I went to see what my friend was talking about

Drugs

He told me cocaine would get you clout

My momma said he's trouble and schools my route

But I went to high school and got kicked out

So I'm driving this truck down the 95

I pray to God I make it home alive

I don't get pulled over by the man

I just want to make it home to hold your hand



Chorus



Goodbye beloved one

Do you know what I am

If you don't see my face no more

I'm a provider girl, gotta face the streets tonight



Goodbye beloved one

Do you know what I am

You don't see my face no more

I'm a rider, girl gotta face the streets tonight

You say you don't want me to go but I have to

Please don't weep

I love you



I refuse to be a bum

Especially coming where I'm from

I'm a provider girl

And I love you

So it's just like I said before

Heading down 95

Dodging Johnny law

I don't need a ticket though I never got one

If he pulls me over

He can feel my shotgun

I think about life pull down my hat

It's just like this road I don't know where I'm at

I don't want to be another cocaine story

Will I find my sanity

Where I find my glory

Come on



Repeat Chorus



Someday, Someday, this will be over

We'll raise a family

I'll get a job and I'll be a voter

And if I die

It will change you

Change you

I watch over a family

But only as an angel



So don't tell me you don't know what you see

When you're looking at a motherfucker just like me

I'm a provider girl

I said don't tell me you don't know what you see

When you're looking at a motherfucker just like me

I'm a rider girl



Repeat Chorus



I love you girl

I'm doing this for us

I don't know any better

What am I supposed to do

Nothing I love you

Provider - N.E.R.D.

As a defining track on N.E.R.D.'s 2002 album In Search Of, "Provider" exemplifies the group's signature blend of hip-hop and electronic dance music. Featuring the distinctive vocal performance of Timbaland, the song showcases the collaborative chemistry that became central to the duo's sound during the early 2000s. The recording captures the era's vibrant club atmosphere, utilizing shimmering synths and a driving beat that propelled the track to mainstream success. It stands as a testament to the group's ability to craft anthems that bridged the gap between radio-friendly pop and underground electronic culture, influencing countless artists who followed in their wake.