The song "Happy Trails" by Esham explores various themes such as greed, loyalty, and the darker side of life. It begins with Esham talking about the consequences of his pursuit of money, experiencing a migraine from constantly calculating his earnings. Despite this, he believes that he can't be considered a hater because he's willing to show others how to achieve financial success. Esham goes on to mention his self-confidence and uniqueness, comparing himself to someone walking on water and wielding a lightsaber. He doesn't offer advice or favors to others and doesn't bother acknowledging his neighbors when leaving his home. The lyrics reveal his involvement in illegal activities, like looking for drugs at the airport and losing bags of cash during a flight to Las Vegas. The song also portrays Esham's readiness to use violence if necessary, mentioning cocking two shotguns for confrontations with courageous police officers. He claims to always shoot first and not settle for second place in any aspect of life. He distances himself from theft and criminal acts and declares his willingness to leave no traces when committing crimes. In the chorus, Esham repeatedly asserts his dedication to his way of life by saying, "That's on life, Mama." In the second verse, Esham discusses the consequences the greedy face eventually, while also referencing his loyalty towards his partner, whom he refers to as "my girl, bro." He expresses his commitment to provide her with anything she desires and vows to protect her, even if it means killing someone who threatens her. Esham refers to his involvement in the drug trade, representing it with the term "thirty-six OZ's in her bra strap." He acknowledges his skills as a rapper and claims to spit raw and authentic lyrics. He mentions being associated with narcotics and references the late actor Errol Flynn, who was linked to drug usage. Throughout the song, Esham criticizes the prevailing trend of aspiring rappers who solely focus on materialism and fame. He highlights the dangers of being hypnotized by hatred and emphasizes the importance of staying in one's place, particularly for children. Esham mentions being imprisoned with dangerous individuals and warns against the illusions of wealth and success. He criticizes the current state of the music industry, suggesting that artists are exploited and treated like prostitutes by record labels. Esham warns of a bleak future where law enforcement disregards basic rights and resorts to violence. The song concludes with Esham encouraging listeners to find their own paths and not rely on him for answers. He alludes to an unhappy ending, suggesting a tragic outcome for those who chase after broken dreams and engage in harmful activities. Overall, "Happy Trails" reflects Esham's perspective on society's flaws, particularly the glorification of materialism, the dangers of drugs, and the harsh realities of the music industry.
