Followed by a slow sad rock instrumental, Lil Nas X is probably referring to a person he loves, how he doesn’t love them anymore, that they are changing and that he wants to know what they want from him.
In the leaked version of the project, the song was placed third, but Nas “shook up” the songs and changed the track’s final placement.
The song’s title could also be a reference to the famous Salem Witch Trials. Public figures often use the phrase “witch hunt” to describe waves of public anger or outrage against them. Lil Nas X has experienced multiple waves of public criticism and outrage in his time in the public eye, and now in this song, he is trying to reckon with what it means for him to love after surviving a “witch hunt,” and how the witch hunt changes his view of love and his relationships.
LIFE AFTER SALEM
Lil Nas X Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I left 'em all on the floor
Man, who's to blame if you don't love me no more?
No, I don't mind, just take whatever you want
Why don't you just take what you want from me?
I think you should take what you want and leave
Why don't you just take what you want from me?
What you want from me? Yeah
What you want from me? Yeah
Get yourself an Adderall
Then throw me up against the wall
And kick me when I have to crawl
Ooh, I love it when you show no love at all
You know I can be your part-time lover
Our scars, they'll dance with each other
I can be your part-time lover
Our scars, they'll dance with each other
Why don't you just take what you want from me?
I think you should take what you want and leave
Why don't you just take what you want from me?
I think you should take what you want and leave
What you want from me? Yeah
What you want from me? Yeah
You're changin'
You're changin' every day
You played me
I let you win again
You're changin'
You're changin' every day
And you're takin'
You're takin' everything
The lyrics to Lil Nas X's "Life After Salem" explore a relationship that has deteriorated and reached a point of no return. The singer reflects on the emotional toll this relationship has taken on him and the fact that he's left all his feelings on the floor. The chorus focuses on the fact that the other person has taken everything from him and he doesn't care anymore as long as they take what they want and leave. In the second verse, he discusses the physical violence that has been inflicted on him and his inexplicable attraction to it. The next repetition of the chorus emphasizes the need for the other person to just leave after they've taken what they want. In the third verse, the singer acknowledges that the other person has changed and that they have been played, yet again. The song ends with a final repetition of the chorus.
The song's dark and introspective lyrics are in contrast to the upbeat and catchy melody. There is a sense of resignation and acceptance of the situation that lends itself to a kind of emotional release. The line "Our scars, they'll dance with each other" is particularly striking as it suggests a kind of bonding over shared pain.
Line by Line Meaning
All of my feelings are gone
I don't feel anything anymore
I left 'em all on the floor
I have abandoned my emotions
Man, who's to blame if you don't love me no more?
I wonder who is responsible for your lack of affection towards me
No, I don't mind, just take whatever you want
You can have whatever you desire, and it won't bother me
Why don't you just take what you want from me?
Please take anything that you desire from me
I think you should take what you want and leave
It would be better if you had anything you wished for and simply exited my life
What you want from me? Yeah
What is it you desire from me?
Get yourself an Adderall
You should obtain and take Adderall
Then throw me up against the wall
Use me roughly
And kick me when I have to crawl
When I'm vulnerable, harm me
Ooh, I love it when you show no love at all
I enjoy it when you demonstrate no compassion
You know I can be your part-time lover
I can be a casual lover for you
Our scars, they'll dance with each other
Our past wounds can interact with one another
Why don't you just take what you want from me?
Please take anything you desire from me
I think you should take what you want and leave
It would be better if you had anything you wished for and simply exited my life
What you want from me? Yeah
What is it you desire from me?
You're changin'
You are changing
You're changin' every day
You alter every day
You played me
You deceived me
I let you win again
I allowed you to succeed again
You're takin'
You are taking
You're takin' everything
You obtain everything
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Carter Lang, Jasper Sheff, Montero Lamar Hill, Johnathan Cunningham
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
sigma
Lyrics for this song:
All of my feelings are gone
I left them all on the floor
Man, who's to blame if you don't love me no more?
No, I don't mind, just take whatever you want
Why don't you just take what you want from me?
I think you should take what you want and leave
Why don't you just take what you want from me?
I think you should take what you want and leave
What you want from me? Yeah
What you want from me? Yeah
Get yourself an Adderall
And throw me up against the wall
And kick me when I have to crawl
Ooh, I love it when you show no love at all
You know I can be your part-time lover
Our scars, they'll dance with еach other
I can be your part-time lovеr
Our scars, they'll dance with each other
Why don't you just take what you want from me?
I think you should take what you want and leave
Why don't you just take what you want from me?
I think you should take what you want and leave
What you want from me? Yeah
What you want from me? Yeah
You're changin' (You're changin' every day)
You played me (I let you win again)
You're changin' (You're changin' every day)
And you're takin' (You're takin' everything)
Nil_scoot 17
the diversity in his album and every songs still being a bop is just insane
Maelys Bivina
@FlippedUrFlop bro ??? No don’t
Kyra Balkan
@FlippedUrFlop You are not worthy of his music
jaydeebee69
Every. Single. One.
Scarlet Ragneel
@Dubayy Uae no he wasn't nominated back then. Noms came out on Nov 24th. You commented in Sept/Aug. "Off about" ugh terrible.
Dubayy Uae
@Scarlet Ragneel AND HE WAS NOMINATED when I wrote it, What are you OFF about
♪Caustic Lullaby♪
I really wish this song got more attention, because I want him to feel safe making songs like this in the future instead of avoiding them because it doesn't get as much notice.
It really is a good song. <3
Key
I was saying this same thing!!!
duboi82
Yes yes yes I agree
ao
@I Expose The Fallen 🤨🖕