Chika’s debut EP on a major label, “Industry Games”, was released in 2020. She was a member of XXL’s Freshman Class of 2020, and was nominated for Best New Artist at the 2021 GRAMMYs.
REQUIEM FOR A DREAM
Chika Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Searching for thrills in my mind
Pedantic with antics like I ain't got bills on my mind
Running away from reality
That's a fatality I can't avoid just by taking my time
The thought of mortality keep me alive
Game of the fittest, I wanna survive
Am I a bird? Am I a plane?
Maybe I fall on the spectrum somewhere they can't answer
Why often I just wanna cry
Even that lyric above is a lie
I'm too afraid that I really meant die
All of my friends would just worry a lot
And my family can't take another goodbye
So I yield only to melodies
That make you feel everything's okay
Darkness can't go away
Oh, I'm alright with pretending that all's well
My well's not ending, we'll be okay
That's what I'll sing today
Fuck, I'm delusional
Rappers be neurotic too, you know?
My brain is far from the usual
Ego be battered and bruised
Messages scattered and loose, huh
Nobody know where I'm coming from (coming from)
I'm a wanderer, what am I running from? (Running from)
The image of me as a fuck up
Hope somewhere I look up and truly start having fun
I made my passion my whore
Whoever want more gets sounds on my stories neglecting the Lord
Just to appeal to some teens who be glued to they screens
And think Spotify streams are a score
They gon' go fuck with whoever they want
Why I get triggered by it every time?
They don't really add a thing to the pot
Just toy with the insecurities that I got, yeah
So I yield only to melodies
That make you feel everything's okay
Darkness can't go away
Oh, I'm alright with pretending that all's well
My well's not ending
We'll be okay
That's what I'll sing today
Fuck I'm delusional
Fuck I'm delusional
Fuck I'm delusional
In "Requiem for a Dream," Chika reflects on her experiences and inner struggles, conveying a sense of vulnerability and dissatisfaction with her current circumstances. She starts by describing herself as someone who is often lost in vivid, imaginative thoughts, seeking thrills within the confines of her mind. Despite portraying a carefree facade, she acknowledges that the reality of responsibilities and mortality is inescapable. This realization fuels her desire to survive and overcome the challenges she faces.
Chika questions her identity, wondering if she is more than just a stoner who has gotten too high. She hints at dealing with mental health concerns as she mentions being on the "spectrum" and fighting back tears. She expresses fear about her true intentions, as admitting to wanting to die would burden her loved ones, who have already experienced the pain of loss. These sentiments reveal her internal struggle and the overwhelming weight she carries emotionally.
To cope with her emotions, Chika turns to music. She recognizes the power of melodies in soothing her troubled state and creating a temporary sense of well-being. She acknowledges her affinity for pretending that everything is okay, even when faced with darkness. While she tries to convince herself that her inner turmoil is under control, she admits feeling delusional because deep down, she knows it's not true.
Chika reflects on her journey as a rapper, recognizing that she, too, is susceptible to neurotic tendencies. She acknowledges the impact of her ego taking hits, as the messages she puts out are often misunderstood or disregarded. She feels misunderstood and grapples with the fear of being perceived as a failure. Expressing frustration, she questions why she gets triggered by others who do not contribute positively to her growth but rather exploit her insecurities.
In the final repetition of the chorus, Chika's frustration and sense of delusion intensify. The use of expletives highlights her distress and dissatisfaction with her current state of mind. Through these lyrics, Chika provides a raw and introspective glimpse into the inner workings of her thoughts and emotions. She weaves together vulnerability, self-doubt, the struggle for acceptance, and the quest for personal fulfillment, creating a poignant and relatable portrayal of the human experience.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah, I get racked up in mystical schisms of visions at times
Sometimes I get caught up in imaginative and confusing thoughts
Searching for thrills in my mind
I crave excitement and adventure within my own thoughts
Pedantic with antics like I ain't got bills on my mind
I behave in a silly and carefree manner, ignoring my financial responsibilities
Running away from reality
I am constantly trying to escape from the real world
That's a fatality I can't avoid just by taking my time
Avoiding reality is a dangerous path, and simply waiting won't change that
The thought of mortality keep me alive
The awareness of death is what drives me to keep going
Game of the fittest, I wanna survive
Life feels like a competition where I strive to survive
Am I a bird? Am I a plane? Or just a stoner that's gotten too high?
I question my identity and wonder if I'm just someone under the influence
Maybe I fall on the spectrum somewhere they can't answer
Perhaps I belong in a place where people can't define or understand me
Why often I just wanna cry
I frequently feel the urge to cry
Even that lyric above is a lie
Even the previous line I mentioned is not completely truthful
I'm too afraid that I really meant die
I'm scared that I actually want to end my life
All of my friends would just worry a lot
My friends would become extremely concerned
And my family can't take another goodbye
My family would be devastated if I were to leave them
So I yield only to melodies
I surrender and give in to the power of music
That make you feel everything's okay
Songs that create a sense of comfort and reassurance
Darkness can't go away
The darkness within me can't be easily eradicated
Oh, I'm alright with pretending that all's well
I am fine with pretending that everything is fine
My well's not ending, we'll be okay
My emotional state is not completely depleted, and things will be alright
That's what I'll sing today
That's the message I'll express through my music today
Fuck, I'm delusional
Damn, I'm living in a false reality
Rappers be neurotic too, you know?
Even rappers can have mental health struggles, you know?
My brain is far from the usual
My mind is not like the average person's
Ego be battered and bruised
My self-esteem is damaged and hurt
Messages scattered and loose, huh
My thoughts and ideas are disorganized and scattered
Nobody know where I'm coming from (coming from)
No one understands my perspective or where I'm coming from
I'm a wanderer, what am I running from? (Running from)
I have a restless spirit, but I'm not sure why I am trying to escape
The image of me as a fuck up
The perception of myself as a failure
Hope somewhere I look up and truly start having fun
I hope to find joy and happiness in some unknown place or experience
I made my passion my whore
I have exploited my passion for personal gain
Whoever want more gets sounds on my stories neglecting the Lord
Those who seek more from my music prioritize the beats and lyrics over spiritual matters
Just to appeal to some teens who be glued to they screens
I create music to cater to teenagers who are constantly engrossed in their screens
And think Spotify streams are a score
They believe that high numbers of Spotify streams equate to success
They gon' go fuck with whoever they want
Teenagers will listen to any artist they please
Why I get triggered by it every time?
Why do I feel so affected and emotional about it every single time?
They don't really add a thing to the pot
Their actions don't contribute anything meaningful
Just toy with the insecurities that I got, yeah
They simply play around with my own insecurities
Fuck I'm delusional
Damn, I'm really living in a false reality
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: Corinne Bailey Rae, Derek Dixie, Jane Chika Oranika, Thurston McCrea
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@EliSxncheze
I just heard this from a Spotify ad and I decided to check it out. From listening at first I didn’t much of it but the more I listen into it. I kid you not it described my personal situation especially the part ( 0:33 - 0:41 ). Just everything is soooo beautiful and it felt in my soul. Thank u for creating this masterpiece✨❤️🔥🫶🏼❤️🔥 ✨
@SidewalkThaVillain
Chika, we needed this SO MUCH. Please keep dropping more music.
@carmenadamesbido3772
damn chika kills it like no one else. thanks for sharing your inner self with us. shit's crazy, but I'm so happy that you're still alive and making music in this goddamn world
@LoveSource0
Wow thank you for sharing your voice this song has me in tears I love you
@merylbear83
Your bright lights will trigger the shadows in others sis. You are inspiring as fuck. Keep doing you. Sending you big big love from Oz.
@IGAQ411
Still wish this song was longer...Always on replay
@thegreenersideofhiphop9793
Beautiful chorus. 👊🏾💚
@rhyrhy777
I heard this from a Spotify ad, it’s very catchy!!! 🤩
@HopeVideoEdits
Love your music! Thanks for sharing such a meaningful song and with great visuals to boot! 😊
@territrue
🔥 I'm so grateful you shared this with us. You are one of a kind. Truly.