Jay-Z Defends Performing New Coldplay 'Paradise' Verse At Paralympics Closing Ceremony

14 September 2012, 12:35 | Updated: 14 September 2012, 12:49

The 'Girls Girls Girls' rapper reveals the lyrics and inspiration behind his take on the band's song.

Jay-Z has unveiled the lyrics and the meaning behind his decision to alter a verse of Coldplay's hit single 'Paradise' during the Paralympics Closing Ceremony.

The '99 Problems' star took to the stage inside the Olympic Stadium last weekend to join the British band during their headline set and performed a new take on the group's track.

Taking to his Life And Times blog, he confessed that atheletes such as Sereba Williams, Ryan Lochte and Gabby Douglas all inspired him and that he wanted to make the verse as "inclusive" for as many people as possible.

"The thought behind the verse is, anyone with a disability, just wants a sense of normality – that's why they're competing in these games," he wrote. "That was the idea to make the verse as inclusive for as many people, and to make it as normal as possible.

The star came under some criticism for referencing American stars at the ceremony but insisted the influences include many varying aspects. 

"It's influenced by so many different things," he added. "There are parts that are influenced by Gabby Douglas, there are parts that are influenced by Ryan Lochte, and by Serena Williams."

The lyrics to Jay-Z's verse in 'Paradise' are as follows:

• I deserve a gold medal, get on my level/
• I deserve platinum plaques, to match my bezel/
• I walk around with five rings ["five rings" being the Olympic Rings], so pimpish/
• Welcome to the Paralympics/
• It's paradise, this is the story of Gabby/
• It's paradise, it's paradise/
• Tears in her eyes, she sacrificed, he sacrificed, she paid the price/
• This is everything, everything she ever dreamed/
• She had nightmares she wouldn't be here, she made the team/
• From the projects to the podium, accepting awards with my Rollie on/
• Gettin’ Gold medals with my grill in [Ryan Lochte, obviously]
• C-walking, cause all they see is a villain [Serena, obviously]/
• More belts than Phelps, Merry Christmas, my presence is felt/
• Gold medals around my throat/
• You can take everything, except the hope of reaching paradise.

Explaining the song further, he continued: "It can relate to everybody. "You can take everything," means whether through some tragedy you lost a limb, like an arm or a leg.

"Or, it could be something like you lost the mortgage to your house. That's pretty much the idea."

Rihanna also joined Coldplay during their set and all three artists came together to perform 'Run This Town'.

Meanwhile, Jay and wife Beyonce are currently said to be organising a fundraiser for Barack Obama's re-election campaign in New York.