The song received universal acclaim from music critics, who praised the atmospheric production, the appearance of Vernon, and West's verse. The verse by West, written in accordance with the album's overarching narrative of self-criticism, struggle with fame and celebrity culture, religion, and relationships, was described as one of the most poetic of his career, with the song being cited as one of the strongest on My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. A music video directed by West was eventually released in May 2012 and also recieved positive reviews.
Lost in the World
Kanye West Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm down on my mind
I'm building a still
To slow down time
I'm up in the woods
I'm down on my mind
I'm building a still
I'm up in the woods
I'm down on my line
I'm building a still
Down the time ooh
I'm lost in the world
Been down my whole life
I'm new in the city
And I'm down for the night
Down for the night
Said she's down for the night
Down the time
I'm lost in the world
Been down my whole life
I'm new in the city
But I'm down for the night
Down for the night, down for the night
You're my devil, you're my angel
You're my Heaven, you're my Hell
You're my now, you're my forever
You're my freedom, you're my jail
You're my lies, you're my truth
You're my war, you're my truce
You're my questions, you're my proof
You're my stress and you're my masseuse
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-se, ma-ma-ku-sa
Lost in this plastic light
Let's break out of this fake ass party
Turn this into a classic night
If we die in each other's arms
Still get laid in that afterlife
If we die in each other's arms
Still get laid yeah
I'm up in the woods (run from the lights, run from the night)
Run for your life
I'm new in the city
And I'm down for the night
Down for the night, down for the night
I'm lost in the world
Been down my whole life
I'm new in the city
But I'm down for the night
Down for the night, down for the night
Who will survive in America?
Who will survive in America? (Down for the night)
Who will survive in America?
Who will survive in America?
I'm lost in the world
Been down my whole life
I'm new in the city
And I'm down for the ride, known for the ride
I'm lost in the world
Been down my whole life
I'm new in the city
But I'm down for the night
Down for the night, for a good time
Hey oh wow oh
Hey oh wow oh
Hey oh wow oh
Whoa whoa whoa
Hey oh wow oh
Hey oh wow oh
Hey oh wow oh
Whoa whoa whoa
Hey oh wow oh
Hey oh wow oh
Hey oh wow oh
Whoa whoa whoa
Hey oh wow oh
Hey oh wow oh
Hey oh wow oh
Whoa whoa
In "Lost In The World," Kanye West appears to be struggling with conflicting emotions and trying to find a way to escape his chaotic thoughts. He sings about being up in the woods and down on his mind, and building a still to slow down time. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for trying to find peace and clarity in a world that moves too quickly. He then repeats the lines "I'm lost in the world, been down my whole life, I'm new in the city, but I'm down for the night," further emphasizing his feeling of being lost and searching for something.
The chorus of the song features a spoken-word section that includes the lines "You're my devil, you're my angel, you're my heaven, you're my hell." This could represent the conflicting emotions that Kanye is feeling, as if he is grappling with opposing forces within himself. He also references wanting to break out of a "fake ass party" and turn the night into a classic one, suggesting that he desires authenticity and genuine experiences.
Overall, "Lost In The World" appears to be a deeply personal and introspective song that explores themes of disorientation, confusion, and the pursuit of meaning and authenticity.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm up in the woods
I'm in an isolated place, with my thoughts and feelings.
I'm down on my mind
I'm not in the right state of mind, feeling low and unsettled.
I'm building a still
I'm trying to create a sense of calm and slow down the pace of time.
To slow down time
To have more time to think and be reflective.
I'm lost in the world
I feel disconnected and disoriented, struggling to find my place.
Been down my whole life
I have struggled for a long time to find meaning and purpose.
I'm new in the city
I'm in a new place, trying to navigate my way around and find my place.
And I'm down for the night
I'm up for whatever happens tonight, ready to embrace the unknown.
You're my devil, you're my angel
You are both good and bad for me, you bring me both happiness and pain.
You're my Heaven, you're my Hell
You are both the best and worst thing to ever happen to me.
You're my now, you're my forever
You are both my present and my future, you have a profound impact on my life.
You're my freedom, you're my jail
You are both my escape and my trap, I am both free and stuck with you.
You're my lies, you're my truth
You are both a deceiver and a bringer of truth to me.
You're my war, you're my truce
You are both a source of conflict and a peacemaker in my life.
You're my questions, you're my proof
You make me question things and doubt myself, but you also give me validation and certainty.
You're my stress and you're my masseuse
You bring me both tension and relief, you create problems and help to solve them.
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-se, ma-ma-ku-sa
This is meaningless lyrics, possibly meant to evoke a tribal chant or a sense of primal energy.
Lost in this plastic light
Feeling trapped and disconnected in a world of artificiality and superficiality.
Let's break out of this fake ass party
Let's escape from this meaningless gathering and do something more authentic and real.
Turn this into a classic night
Let's make this a night to remember, something timeless and unforgettable.
If we die in each other's arms
Even if the worst happens, if we go down together, it will all be worth it.
Still get laid in that afterlife
Even in death, we will be together, doing what we love and enjoying each other's company.
Run from the lights, run from the night
Let's get away from everything, run away from the stress and the chaos of the world.
Who will survive in America?
This line is a reference to the Gil Scott-Heron poem of the same name, which critiques the violence and inequality in America. Kanye is questioning who will make it through amidst all the struggles and hardships.
Down for the ride, known for the ride
Let's embrace the journey, whatever happens. We're in this together, and we'll make it through.
Hey oh wow oh
More senseless lyrics, possibly meant to evoke a sense of excitement and energy.
Whoa whoa whoa
This is another meaningless phrase, possibly meant to convey a sense of emotion or enthusiasm.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Jeff Bhasker, Kanye West, James Brown, Manu Dibango, Gil Scott-Heron, Justin Vernon, Edwin J Bocage, Alfred Scramuzza, Alfred Scamuzza, Edwin Bocage, Gil Scott Heron, Jeffrey Bhasker, Edwin J. Bocage, Justin Deyarmond Edison Vernon, Kanye Omari West
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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