Growing up outside of Washington, DC in the 90s, he studied the rhymes of lyrical giants that inspired him such as Eminem. Although he obtained a criminology degree, he chose to pursue his true passion: hip-hop. His stage name is derived from the word “lucid,” which is the idea of lucid dreaming. His actual name is not known.
Lucidious is one of the most successful rappers from Virginia. Since his debut, he has garnered over 150 million streams across multiple platforms with hundreds of thousands of followers worldwide. His fans, known as Lucidians, are all connected to his music on a personal level, and his raps generally reflect themes like trauma, pain, growth, and hope.
He currently resides in Los Angeles, California along with his own independent label, Lucidious Music.
vanity
Lucidious Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It never works look at the trouble that it brings
Look at the pain that I have caused all this destruction wasn't worth it
Look at all that I created I don't know my greater purpose
I ain't mad at anyone cause I'm the reason it ain't working
Yeah it took a couple years for me to learn that we ain't perfect
Had to, lose all my family
And most of my sanity
Damn I lost all my clarity
It's actually amazing I've made it as far as this
Thought that I would feel completed after all of these hits
But I'm in my room, just clenching my fists and losing my grip
It was all about the passion now it's money and spliffs
So who got this, who got that
Judging value with gifts
I had a crew, where they at
Many people have split
Maybe it's normal to grow up and slowly distance apart
But I'm not good at saying bye from ones I loved at the start
I find some comfort knowing that we both look up at the stars
I had to let go of the hate cause it was killing my heart
My grandfather died of cancer wonder how I'll depart
I think about it way too much so I'm afraid of the dark
In the same moment I can see all of this beauty in front of me
Feeling grateful that I even have you all in my company
If enough ends up being the last record I make
Carry it knowing that I gave it all I had in this place
I've seen a lot that I don't speak of I pretend it don't exist
Checking boxes that don't matter on a fabricated list
Why you asking where I been my answers I been building this
I was drowning in emotion so I had to build a ship
I'll be thirty in a year or two
Seeking out a clearer view
But every day that's passing by I feel like death is nearing too
Like hey, haven't seen you in a minute you look older now
I'm still the person that I was I'm just a little colder now
Preacher looking at me I don't think he wants to mess with this
Christians saying one thing but that goes against the Methodists
Searching what the method is
I know it's not a pessimist
Just respect a human as a human and don't question it
That's a universal law that's been written in stone
But we carry negativity that started in our homes
If this reaches you in time I'm asking what you plan to be
And what you see when you get stripped away of all your vanity
In the first verse, Lucidious reflects on his control issues and the destructive consequences they have brought into his life. He acknowledges his responsibility for the troubled state he finds himself in, realizing that his pursuit of perfection and control has caused pain and destruction. Despite his regrets, he also acknowledges that he is not perfect and had to go through difficult experiences to learn this lesson. He feels disconnected from humanity, having lost contact with his family and sanity. Despite achieving some level of success, he finds himself feeling incomplete and losing his passion, as his focus shifted towards money and material possessions.
Moving on to the second verse, Lucidious explores his feelings of introspection and contemplation. He finds solace in looking up at the stars and tries to let go of hate, as he realizes it only harms his own heart. The mention of his grandfather's death from cancer makes him aware of his own mortality, leading to fears and dark thoughts. However, amidst all this, he acknowledges the beauty that surrounds him and expresses gratitude for having people in his life. He becomes reflective about his own legacy and future, wondering if his current work will be his last. He hints at a past full of untold experiences and emotions, implying that he chooses not to acknowledge them. In his pursuit of success, he realizes that he neglected his own emotional well-being and had to build emotional resilience to survive.
In the third verse, Lucidious contemplates the passage of time and his upcoming thirties. He seeks clarity and bemoans the looming presence of death in his thoughts. He highlights the change in his appearance, both physically and emotionally, expressing a feeling of growing colder and distant. He also reflects on the differences and tensions between different religious beliefs and their contradictions. He emphasizes the importance of respecting others as fellow human beings, regardless of differences or beliefs. Lucidious then addresses the prevalence of negativity in society, tracing it back to the upbringing in our homes. He questions the listener about their own plans and aspirations, urging them to consider their true essence beyond superficial qualities.
Overall, "Vanity" is a introspective and contemplative song that delves into themes of control, personal growth, mortality, gratitude, and the impact of negativity on society. Lucidious reflects on his own shortcomings and the consequences of his actions, while also questioning societal norms and encouraging self-reflection in the listener. The lyrics, with their vulnerability and honesty, provide a glimpse into the artist's inner world and his journey towards self-acceptance and understanding.
Line by Line Meaning
One thing that I do is try to control everything inside my life
I constantly strive to have complete control over every aspect of my life.
It never works look at the trouble that it brings
However, my attempts to control everything always result in more trouble and difficulty.
Look at the pain that I have caused all this destruction wasn't worth it
I reflect on the immense pain and destruction I have caused, realizing that it wasn't worth it.
Look at all that I created I don't know my greater purpose
Despite the things I have accomplished, I still feel uncertain about my true purpose in life.
I ain't mad at anyone cause I'm the reason it ain't working
I hold no grudges towards others because I acknowledge that I am the reason for my own failures.
Yeah it took a couple years for me to learn that we ain't perfect
It has taken me a few years to come to terms with the fact that none of us are perfect.
Had to, lose all my family
I had to endure the loss of my entire family.
And most of my sanity
Additionally, I have lost a significant portion of my sanity.
Can't fit in humanity
I feel like I no longer belong among other people.
Damn I lost all my clarity
I have completely lost my sense of clarity and understanding.
It's actually amazing I've made it as far as this
Considering everything I've been through, it's quite astounding that I've made it this far.
Thought that I would feel completed after all of these hits
I used to believe that achieving success or fame would bring me a sense of completion or fulfillment.
But I'm in my room, just clenching my fists and losing my grip
Instead, I find myself alone in my room, filled with frustration and losing control.
It was all about the passion now it's money and spliffs
My focus used to be solely on my passion, but now it has shifted towards money and unhealthy habits.
So who got this, who got that
I now find myself caught up in comparing material possessions and achievements with others.
Judging value with gifts
I have fallen into the trap of measuring worth based on material gifts or possessions.
I had a crew, where they at
I used to have a close-knit group of friends, but I wonder where they are now.
Many people have split
Over time, many of the people I cared about have drifted apart from me.
Maybe it's normal to grow up and slowly distance apart
Perhaps it is a natural part of growing up for people to gradually drift away from each other.
But I'm not good at saying bye from ones I loved at the start
However, I struggle with saying goodbye to those whom I initially loved and cared for deeply.
I find some comfort knowing that we both look up at the stars
I find solace in the fact that we both share the experience of looking up at the stars.
I had to let go of the hate cause it was killing my heart
I realized that holding onto hatred was only harming my own heart and well-being.
My grandfather died of cancer wonder how I'll depart
The passing of my grandfather due to cancer makes me wonder about my own inevitable death.
I think about it way too much so I'm afraid of the dark
I obsessively dwell on thoughts of death, making me fearful of darkness and the unknown.
In the same moment I can see all of this beauty in front of me
Despite my fears, I can still appreciate and acknowledge the beauty that surrounds me.
Feeling grateful that I even have you all in my company
I feel immense gratitude for having all of you by my side as companions.
If enough ends up being the last record I make
Even if this happens to be the final musical project I create.
Carry it knowing that I gave it all I had in this place
I want you to remember that I poured my heart and soul into this work.
I've seen a lot that I don't speak of I pretend it don't exist
There are numerous experiences that I keep hidden and choose not to acknowledge.
Checking boxes that don't matter on a fabricated list
I find myself obsessively chasing after meaningless achievements on a self-created checklist.
Why you asking where I been my answers I been building this
When people inquire about my whereabouts, I simply reply that I have been focused on constructing my own path.
I was drowning in emotion so I had to build a ship
I was submerged in overwhelming emotions, necessitating the creation of my own means of escape.
I'll be thirty in a year or two
In a year or two, I will be entering my thirties.
Seeking out a clearer view
During this time, I aim to find a clearer perspective on life.
But every day that's passing by I feel like death is nearing too
However, as each day goes by, I cannot shake the feeling that death is also drawing closer.
Like hey, haven't seen you in a minute you look older now
When I encounter someone after a long time, they often remark on how much older I appear.
I'm still the person that I was I'm just a little colder now
Despite my appearance, I am still fundamentally the same person, albeit with a colder demeanor.
Preacher looking at me I don't think he wants to mess with this
When a preacher observes me, it becomes apparent that they are hesitant to engage with me.
Christians saying one thing but that goes against the Methodists
I notice discrepancies between the teachings of Christians and the beliefs of Methodists.
Searching what the method is
I am currently in the process of seeking out the right approach or method.
I know it's not a pessimist
Despite my questioning, I am aware that I am not simply a pessimist.
Just respect a human as a human and don't question it
I believe in treating every human being with respect and dignity, without constantly questioning their worth.
That's a universal law that's been written in stone
This principle of respect for all humanity is an unchanging universal law.
But we carry negativity that started in our homes
Yet, we often bear the burden of negativity that originates within our own households.
If this reaches you in time I'm asking what you plan to be
If these words reach you in a timely manner, I am curious about your aspirations and what you envision for your future.
And what you see when you get stripped away of all your vanity
Moreover, I am interested in what you perceive when you remove all superficiality and arrogance from your life.
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, O/B/O DistroKid, Songtrust Ave
Written by: JOEL FREDERICK WOODS, THOMAS ALFRED JULIA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Renae5147
“I’m still the person that I was I’m just a little colder now.”
True words man..
@carmendivinozais2201
Same
@lexieclements1653
So simple but so beautiful and powerful. Truly incredible Lucid. Keep doing you 🔥❤️
@natefuerstien8448
Who thinks NF and lucid should make a song??
@elinevassaux2877
Yessssss 🙌
@abdulwahidyasir6011
Literally everyone who listens to the both of them
@ottermarty8838
I mean i think their flow clash but it would be good
@megamixeren6283
@Gev G Since when did NF care about others popularity? NF is the guy who chose his own people. He doesnt care about numbers, they both share the same goals and trying to achieve the same succes.
It has nothing to do with being "Better" silly, better is the Word of a opinion. Nothing is good or bad unless you give it your own describsion of word.
@abdulwahidyasir6011
@Gev G NF wouldn't care he makes music with the people who have the same goal of helping others. Betterment has nothing to do with it
@duncangrootenboer99
lucid.. your music is so good and deep. every time i hear a song from you it gives me Goosebumps! for real keep the good work up. but most important be happy about what you make because then the songs wil be better than we can imagine. much love to you!!