existential crisis
Heno. Lyrics
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Death is bad, just ain't that bad to me
Keeps me grounded just like gravity
What's the difference between justice and revenge huh?
On my path hella busy but I followed my compass to a ledge
Never stumbled off the edge
Nowadays I get love at eventsBut something smell funny and I'm troubled by stench, huh
I've Been accustomed even lusting to amend
Just a couple of my friends
Plus some cousins to defend
And my brother can't pretend
That these discussions in my head
Isn't motherfuckin sumn from Macbeth, huh
Like I don't think about pulling up on that old lady
That hit you with her car running lights so crazy
Don't blame me
Higher power tell me what's an eye for an eye in this society?
I can't let em EVER see that side of me
Cuz Im Black and enraged with my madness contained
Feeling like I gotta put my feelings back in a cage
Cuz speech ain't free when your skin this dark
If you look like me then I don't have to explain
That ain't a conversation they tryna have with me
Like buying drinks without tryna splitting the tab with me
Finishing all this gin in my glass quickly
My cup runneth over wishing it would come with closure but that's a tad silly
Really wishing I could ask Dizzy, damn
And so i sit here and wonder where the time has gone
Watching the past much like a king would reminisce the throne
There was once a glory now we tell the story shelved in our hearts
But it's in our hearts, rest in our hearts cuz
You're a beautiful lie and I'm the painful truth yeah
That's just how we view life cuz death just ain't as cool yeah
You're a beautiful lie and I'm the painful truth yeah
That's just how we view life...
The lyrics of Heno.'s "Existential Crisis" dive deep into themes of death, justice, revenge, self-reflection, societal norms, and identity. The opening lines express a unique perspective on death, suggesting that while it is typically seen as a negative or frightening concept, the artist personally finds it to be less daunting. Death is portrayed as something that actually provides a sense of grounding, akin to gravity keeping one tethered to the earth. This unconventional viewpoint challenges traditional perceptions of mortality and invites listeners to reconsider their own attitudes towards the inevitable end of life.
The lyrics then shift to a contemplation of the differences between justice and revenge, posing a thought-provoking question about the motivations and outcomes of seeking retribution. The artist reflects on their own journey, feeling driven and focused yet aware of potential moral quandaries. The mention of love at events contrasted with a troubling scent signifies a duality of experiences and emotions, hinting at inner turmoil and unresolved conflicts. The internal struggles portrayed in the lyrics, along with references to Macbeth and violent impulses, suggest a complex inner landscape rife with conflict and moral ambiguity.
The verse continues with a raw exploration of identity, societal pressures, and the artist's experience as a Black individual navigating a world fraught with injustice and prejudice. The lyrics touch on the weight of carrying ancestral trauma and the struggle to maintain composure in the face of societal expectations and racial inequalities. The metaphor of containing one's emotions in a metaphorical cage speaks to the internal battles faced by many marginalized individuals, as well as the pressure to conform to societal norms and expectations. The mention of speech not being free when one's skin is dark alludes to the limitations and barriers imposed by systemic racism, highlighting the complexities of existing in a world that often fails to understand or empathize with the experiences of people of color.
The concluding section of the lyrics reflects on the passage of time, the nostalgia for past glories, and the bittersweet nature of memory and storytelling. The juxtaposition of a "beautiful lie" and a "painful truth" underscores the contrasting perspectives that shape our understanding of life and death. The acknowledgment that death is not as glamorous or desirable as it may seem challenges idealized notions of mortality and invites deeper reflection on the complexities and contradictions inherent in the human experience. Overall, "Existential Crisis" offers a poignant and introspective exploration of existential themes, personal struggles, and societal realities, inviting listeners to confront their own beliefs and perceptions in a thought-provoking and evocative manner.
Line by Line Meaning
Death is bad, just ain't that bad to me, actually
While death is typically viewed as negative, I personally don't fear it as much
Keeps me grounded just like gravity
Death serves as a reminder to stay humble and rooted in reality
What's the difference between justice and revenge huh?
Exploring the thin line between seeking justice and seeking revenge
On my path hella busy but I followed my compass to a ledge
Despite a busy journey, I've stayed true to my beliefs and values, leading me to a crucial moment
Never stumbled off the edge
I've managed to navigate difficult situations without faltering
Nowadays I get love at events
Receiving support and affection from others in social gatherings
But something smell funny and I'm troubled by stench, huh
Detecting inconsistencies that cause unease and concern
I've Been accustomed even lusting to amend
I've grown comfortable with the idea of changing for the better
Just a couple of my friends
Only a select few individuals I consider close friends
Plus some cousins to defend
In addition to my friends, I feel responsible for protecting my family members
And my brother can't pretend
My sibling can't deny the deep conversations and concerns I have
That these discussions in my head
The internal debates and thoughts I grapple with
Isn't motherfuckin sumn from Macbeth, huh
They resemble the complex themes found in Shakespeare's Macbeth
Like I don't think about pulling up on that old lady
I sometimes entertain dark thoughts and impulses
That hit you with her car running lights so crazy
Referencing a specific instance of harm caused by another individual
Don't blame me
I take ownership of my thoughts and emotions
Higher power tell me what's an eye for an eye in this society?
Questioning the concept of retribution in a complex social structure
I can't let em EVER see that side of me
I must hide certain aspects of myself from others
Cuz Im Black and enraged with my madness contained
As a Black individual, I struggle with anger that I keep under control
Feeling like I gotta put my feelings back in a cage
Sensing the need to suppress and imprison my emotions
Cuz speech ain't free when your skin this dark
Expressing the constraints and repercussions of speaking out as a person of color
If you look like me then I don't have to explain
Understanding that individuals who share my identity can empathize without needing clarification
That ain't a conversation they tryna have with me
Recognizing that certain topics are purposefully avoided in discussions with me
Like buying drinks without tryna splitting the tab with me
Pointing out instances of unequal treatment or lack of consideration in social situations
Finishing all this gin in my glass quickly
Consuming alcoholic beverages rapidly to cope or distract from emotions
My cup runneth over wishing it would come with closure but that's a tad silly
Despite overflowing with feelings, I long for resolution, though it may be unrealistic
Really wishing I could ask Dizzy, damn
Expressing a desire for guidance or advice from someone named Dizzy
And so i sit here and wonder where the time has gone
Reflecting on the passage of time and its significance
Watching the past much like a king would reminisce the throne
Recalling past experiences and memories with a sense of nostalgia
There was once a glory now we tell the story shelved in our hearts
Recalling past achievements or moments of greatness that now reside as memories
But it's in our hearts, rest in our hearts cuz
Those memories and emotions are cherished and remain within us
You're a beautiful lie and I'm the painful truth yeah
Acknowledging the contrast between idealized falsehoods and harsh realities
That's just how we view life cuz death just ain't as cool yeah
Exploring differing perspectives on life and death
You're a beautiful lie and I'm the painful truth yeah
Highlighting the dualism between comforting deception and uncomfortable truth
That's just how we view life...
Summarizing the complex and contrasting ways in which we perceive life
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid, SC PUBLISHING DBA SECRETLY CANADIAN PUB.
Written by: Yihenew Belay
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind