He was signed to Pittsburgh-based Rostrum Records and released his debut album Blue Slide Park on November 8, 2011, which debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200 despite being released completely independently. He released five studio albums in his lifetime, which all peaked in the top 5, along with a posthumous album titled "Circles" with help from producer Jon Brion and Miller's family.
In 2013, Miller released his second studio album, "Watching Movies With the Sound Off". The album featured artists such as Earl Sweatshirt, Tyler the Creator, Ab-Soul, and long-time friend Schoolboy Q. The album took a more personal approach compared to his previous works.
In 2014, Miller released the 24-track mixtape "Faces". Considered by many to be one of his best works, he explores themes of drug use, employing and featuring collaborators of Mac from his previous album, including Schoolboy Q and Earl Sweatshirt, but also sees new faces such as Rick Ross.
In 2015, Mac released his third studio album, "GO:OD AM", his first with new label Warner Records. The album featured a more energetic and vibrant theme than "Faces" and "Watching Movies With The Sound Off", reflecting a more optimistic, redemptive angle on his personal life, while maintaining elements of his introspective and thought-provoking style from earlier works.
In 2016, Miller released his fourth studio album, titled "The Divine Feminine". He explores themes of love and femininity, largely influenced by his relationship with Ariana Grande at the time and featuring appearances from the likes of Kendrick Lamar and Anderson Paak.
In August 2018, following major events in Miller's life, including his breakup with Ariana Grande, with Miller's drug addiction alleged to be a contributing factor, as well as a car crash incident in which McCormick was charged with a DUI, Miller released his fifth and final studio album during his lifetime titled "Swimming". Continuing the dive into his personal life, Miller explores his heartfelt struggles and grief in the past, but remains optimistic for the future. Swimming was nominated for Best Rap Album posthumously at the 2019 Grammy Awards.
Miller had struggled with substance abuse for a long time before his death. On September 7, 2018, he was found dead in his home in Los Angeles, California from an accidental overdose of fentanyl, cocaine, and alcohol, only a little over a month after the release of "Swimming". He was only 26 years old. McCormick was buried in his hometown of Pittsburgh. Miller's passing was largely unexpected and had a large impact on the hip-hop community as a whole, with many paying their respects to Miller. On October 31, 2018, a tribute concert, titled "Mac Miller: A Celebration of Life", featured renowned artists and many longtime collaborators of Miller including Travis Scott, Schoolboy Q, SZA, Chance the Rapper, and Earl Sweatshirt. The concert was a celebration of the late rapper's life and musical achievements, and all profits were donated to the Mac Miller Circles Fund, which provides young people from underprivileged backgrounds with opportunities to explore arts and music.
In January 2020, Miller's posthumous album titled "Circles", worked on in companionship with his album "Swimming", was announced on January 8 along with the single "Good News" and released later that month. Every track on the album was accompanied by a video of the same name, often with psychedelic imagery and images of Mac before his passing and throughout his life. With a more melancholic theme compared to his previous works, the album was well-received by fans and critics alike, renowned for the care placed in continuing Mac's artistic vision.
And, he did it all without a Drake feature.
Viënna
Mac Miller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You're so ambitious for a juvenile
But if you're so smart, tell me why is you still so afraid
Where's the fire , what's the hurry about?
You better cool it off before you burn it out
So much to do, so many hours in a day (Hey)
You know when the truth is told
You can get what you want
You can kick off before you even get half way through
When will you realize?
Vienna waits for you
Slow down, doin fine
Can be everything you want to be before your time
Know it's so romantic on the waterline? Tonight, tonight
Too bad, it's the life you dream
So ahead of yourself, that you forgot what you need
You can see when you're wrong, though can't
Always see when you're right, you're right
Get your passion, get your pride
Don't you know that only fools are satisfied
Dream on, don't imagine it'll all come true
When will you realize?
Vienna waits for you
Slow down, crazy child
Take the phone off the hook and disappear for a while
It's alright, you can afford to lose a day too
The lyrics of Mac Miller's song "Vienna" convey a message of slowing down and taking time for oneself. The opening lines, "Slow down, crazy child, you're so ambitious for a juvenile," suggest that the singer is addressing someone who is young and eager but needs to learn the importance of pacing oneself. The lyrics question why this person, who is intelligent, still harbors fear and rushes through life.
The line "Where's the fire, what's the hurry about?" encourages the individual to consider the urgency they feel and advises them to cool off before burning out. The lyrics acknowledge that there is so much to do and limited time in a day, but emphasize the importance of realizing that one can reach their goals and dreams without rushing.
The verse "When will you realize? Vienna waits for you" encapsulates the central theme of the song. "Vienna" is metaphorical and represents a place or opportunity that awaits the individual who learns to slow down and appreciate life. By constantly rushing, the person may miss out on the fulfillment and satisfaction they seek.
The next verse acknowledges that the person may be doing well and making progress, but implores them to not lose sight of what truly matters. The line "So ahead of yourself, that you forgot what you need" emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and not becoming too consumed by ambition or the pursuit of an idealized future.
The lyrics also highlight the notion that being passionate and proud is key, but it is foolish to be overly content or satisfied with one's current state. The line "Don't you know that only fools are satisfied" implies that complacency inhibits growth and the realization of true potential.
The closing verse encourages the person to take a break from the hustle and bustle of life, advising them to disconnect for a while and not be afraid to take a day off. This suggests that rest and relaxation are essential in order to maintain balance and mental well-being.
In conclusion, the lyrics of "Vienna" by Mac Miller encourage the listener to slow down, appreciate the present moment, and not become consumed by ambition or the rush to achieve success. They remind us that there is a waiting, metaphorical Vienna for each individual where their dreams can be fulfilled, but it can only be reached by finding a balance between drive and self-care.
Line by Line Meaning
Slow down, crazy child
Take a moment to calm down and relax, wild and unpredictable individual
You're so ambitious for a juvenile
You have great aspirations and goals for someone your age
But if you're so smart, tell me why is you still so afraid
If you're intelligent, why do you still have so much fear and doubt
Where's the fire, what's the hurry about?
Why are you rushing? What's the urgency?
You better cool it off before you burn it out
You should take a break before exhausting yourself
So much to do, so many hours in a day (Hey)
There are many tasks to accomplish, but time is limited
You know when the truth is told
You understand the importance of honesty
You can get what you want
You have the ability to achieve your desires
You can just get old
However, it is possible to age without accomplishing much
You can kick off before you even get halfway through
You can pass away before reaching your halfway point in life
When will you realize?
When will you come to understand?
Vienna waits for you
Vienna symbolizes a place of peace and fulfillment, waiting for you to discover it
Slow down, doin fine
Take it easy, everything is going well
Can be everything you want to be before your time
You have the potential to achieve your dreams at a young age
Know it's so romantic on the waterline? Tonight, tonight
Do you realize how enchanting and magical it can be near the water? Especially tonight
Too bad, it's the life you dream
Unfortunately, the life you desire is just a dream
So ahead of yourself, that you forgot what you need
You're so focused on the future that you've neglected what truly matters in the present
You can see when you're wrong, though can't
You have the ability to recognize your mistakes
Always see when you're right, you're right
However, you tend to overlook your successes
Get your passion, get your pride
Embrace your passions and take pride in yourself
Don't you know that only fools are satisfied
Realize that only foolish individuals are content with mediocrity
Dream on, don't imagine it'll all come true
Continue dreaming, but don't assume that everything will magically happen
When will you realize?
When will you finally comprehend?
Vienna waits for you
Vienna holds endless possibilities and opportunities, patiently awaiting your arrival
Slow down, crazy child
Take a breather, eccentric individual
Take the phone off the hook and disappear for a while
Disconnect from distractions and take some time for yourself
It's alright, you can afford to lose a day too
You shouldn't worry, it's perfectly fine to occasionally take a break
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Billy Joel
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind