Mike Posner is an American singer, songwriter, and producer. He has collaborated with such artists as Kid Cudi, Wale, Big Sean, Bun B, One Be Lo, Eric Holljes, and 3OH!3. He worked with Don Cannon and DJ Benzi on his first mixtape, "A Matter of Time," which was released in early 2009. In early 2009, he hired manager Daniel Weisman of Elitaste, Inc, who also manages Wale.
In July 2009, Posner signed a major label deal with J Records (RCA/Sony).
Posner's second mixtape, "One Foot Out The Door" was released on October 27, 2009.
The web series accompanying this mixtape, also titled "One Foot Out The Door," first aired on September 30, and ran every other week through December 2009.
He performed on national television for the first time on the TV show Last Call with Carson Daly on Tuesday, October 27, 2009.
In 2015-16, his comeback single "I Took a Pill in Ibiza" charted in the Top 10 in dozens of countries. In 2021, Posner's 2010 single "Please Don't Go" went viral on TikTok, where where users would wear a scarf and glasses and drive in a car.
Slow It Down
Mike Posner Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Right now
I'm in prison and I think I built my own cell
Prophets speak softly, homie, they don't yell
Only those that hear my music know my lower depths
The doer does, the knower rests
The scholar learns, the sage forgets
I get what I think about whether I like it or not
When things go wrong, life doesn't stop
I need to quit pollutin' my mind with sex and violence
The secret that I'm seekin' was left in silence
And my microphone is pointin' God's finger
I'm a saint disguised as a pop singer
Here's a fun fact (fun fact)
Most people leave their potential untapped
There will be more than camping gear to unpack
Sometimes, you gotta go there just to come back
Slow it down, I still got the feelin', baby
Slow it down, no more runnin' around
I say slow it down, I still got the feelin', baby
Slow it down, no more runnin' around
My foot hurts, I didn't get sleep
My dad died, my horoscope ain't in sync
I'm misunderstood and Twitter is ruthless
Uh oh, I think my problems are excuses
For not bein' who I know I am
I'm thirty-one, there's no one left to hold my hand
Though I believe I got someone watchin' over me
I believe I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be
I believe that even when the road is bleak
That these obstacles were set up just for me
And family matters, I'm on some Urkel shit
Posner on a Primo beat, this some full circle shit
I believe no matter how high the hurdles get
I can flip this whole thing into an internal win
Life ain't meant to be a heavy thing
Met Ram Dass, he told me, "Just love everything"
Fall in Michigan, there's wisdom in my loose leaf
For the first time, I feel like the true me
Slow it down, I still got the feelin', baby
Slow it down, no more runnin' around
I say slow it down, I still got the feelin', baby
Slow it down, no more runnin' around
Some days, I can't get out of bed
Crippled by negative thoughts inside my head
Like why do I always stop before my limits?
And why am I only good at lovin' people from a distance?
Why am I so vain? Obsessed with fitness?
Why are the only people I'm around my assistants?
But wait, the last time I felt this way
I bucked up, kept goin' and got my shit straight
Diddy told me go with my heart
So my focus is art, not where I go on the chart
The divine light in me loves to glow in the dark
If my life was a movie, we'd be approachin' the part
Where the hero wins and learns don't
Chase what you already got and returns home
Those who say don't know, those who know don't say
I'm done walking with the herd, it's time I go my own way
Slow it down, I still got the feelin', baby
Slow it down, no more runnin' around
I say slow it down, yeah, I still got the feelin', baby
Slow it down, no more runnin' around, yeah
In the song "Slow It Down" by Mike Posner, the lyrics delve into the artist's personal struggles, self-reflection, and search for meaning and purpose in life. In the first verse, he metaphorically describes himself as being in a self-created prison, where he feels trapped and isolated. He mentions that prophets don't yell, indicating that his inner voice and intuition guide him silently. Only those who truly listen to his music understand the depths of his emotions.
Posner acknowledges the importance of taking action and acquiring knowledge, but also recognizes the need for rest and reflection. He contemplates the power of his thoughts and how they shape his reality, regardless of whether he likes it or not. He acknowledges that when things go wrong, life doesn't stop, signaling the need to adapt and move forward.
The artist reflects on his own negative habits, particularly regarding his consumption of explicit content and violence. He reveals his search for a secret truth, which has been hidden in silence. Posner sees his microphone as a conduit for a higher power, suggesting that he feels a spiritual connection while expressing himself through music. He compares himself to a saint disguised as a pop singer, implying that his true essence and purpose are more profound than the surface image he portrays.
In the chorus, Posner encourages slowing down and finding a sense of contentment. It's a call to embrace the present moment rather than constantly chasing after something. He recognizes that life can be hectic and fast-paced, leading to a loss of connection with oneself and others.
In the second verse, Posner conveys his personal struggles, such as physical pain, lack of sleep, and feelings of being misunderstood. He questions whether his problems are merely excuses for not living up to his potential. Despite these challenges, he believes in divine guidance and feels that he is exactly where he is meant to be. Posner finds comfort in knowing that obstacles are part of his unique journey and can be transformed into personal growth.
He references an encounter with the spiritual teacher Ram Dass, who advised him to embrace love for everything. This encounter has had a profound impact on him, prompting him to embrace his true self and find wisdom in his experiences. For the first time, he feels like he's fully expressing his authenticity.
In the final verse, Posner reflects on his insecurities and self-doubt. He questions why he consistently holds himself back, why he struggles to connect with others, and why he is fixated on his appearance and physical fitness. However, he remembers a moment of resilience and determination when he pushed through obstacles and got his life back on track.
Posner shares advice he received from Diddy, encouraging him to follow his heart and prioritize his art over chart success. He discovers the light within himself, even in the darkest of times. As his personal journey unfolds, he recognizes that the hero's journey involves realizing the value of what one already possesses and returning home. He declares his intention to follow his own path and not be swayed by the opinions of others.
Overall, "Slow It Down" is a deeply introspective song where Mike Posner reflects on his personal struggles, seeks meaning, and embraces his true self. It's a reminder to slow down, find contentment in the present moment, and pursue one's unique path in life.
Line by Line Meaning
Alright
I am acknowledging the current situation
Right now
In this present moment
I'm in prison and I think I built my own cell
I feel trapped in my own thoughts and actions
Prophets speak softly, homie, they don't yell
True wisdom can be found in calm and quiet voices
Only those that hear my music know my lower depths
My music reveals the depths of my emotions and experiences
The doer does, the knower rests
Taking action leads to progress, while understanding requires reflection
The scholar learns, the sage forgets
Intellectual pursuits lead to learning, but true wisdom comes from letting go of knowledge
If I could wrap my head around it, then I might get a shot
If I can understand and fully grasp something, I could have a chance at success
I get what I think about whether I like it or not
The thoughts I focus on manifest in my reality, regardless of whether I want them to
When things go wrong, life doesn't stop
Even when faced with adversity, life continues to move forward
I need to quit pollutin' my mind with sex and violence
I should stop engaging in or consuming content that promotes negative and harmful behavior
The secret that I'm seekin' was left in silence
The answer or solution I am searching for can only be found in the quiet and stillness
And my microphone is pointin' God's finger
When I perform or create music, I feel a deep spiritual connection
I'm a saint disguised as a pop singer
Despite being in the pop music industry, I feel a holiness within me
Here's a fun fact (fun fact)
Here is an interesting piece of information
Most people leave their potential untapped
Many individuals fail to fully utilize or develop their abilities
There will be more than camping gear to unpack
There will be more than just material possessions to address or unpack in life
Sometimes, you gotta go there just to come back
Sometimes, in order to find yourself or gain perspective, you have to go through difficult experiences
My foot hurts, I didn't get sleep
I am physically uncomfortable and have not been able to rest
My dad died, my horoscope ain't in sync
I am dealing with the loss of my father and feeling disconnected from the universe
I'm misunderstood and Twitter is ruthless
I feel like people do not fully understand me and social media can be harsh
Uh oh, I think my problems are excuses
I am realizing that my problems may actually just be excuses holding me back
For not bein' who I know I am
I am not fully embracing or expressing my true self
I'm thirty-one, there's no one left to hold my hand
I am at an age where I am expected to be independent and figure things out on my own
Though I believe I got someone watchin' over me
I have faith that there is a higher power looking out for me
I believe I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be
I have a strong belief that my current circumstances are part of my larger life journey
I believe that even when the road is bleak
I have faith that even in tough times, there is a purpose and lesson to be learned
That these obstacles were set up just for me
I perceive the challenges in my life as specifically designed for my personal growth
And family matters, I'm on some Urkel shit
Family is important to me and I am taking it seriously
Posner on a Primo beat, this some full circle shit
My collaboration with producer DJ Premier is a significant moment in my career
I believe no matter how high the hurdles get
I maintain a belief that I can overcome any obstacles, no matter how difficult
I can flip this whole thing into an internal win
I have the power to turn this situation into a personal victory
Life ain't meant to be a heavy thing
Life is not meant to be burdensome or oppressive
Met Ram Dass, he told me, 'Just love everything'
I had a meaningful encounter with spiritual teacher Ram Dass, who advised me to embrace love for all things
Fall in Michigan, there's wisdom in my loose leaf
During the autumn season in Michigan, I find wisdom and inspiration in my personal writings
For the first time, I feel like the true me
I am experiencing a sense of authenticity and self-realization
Some days, I can't get out of bed
There are times when I feel overwhelmed and struggle to find motivation
Crippled by negative thoughts inside my head
I am heavily influenced and immobilized by pessimistic thinking
Like why do I always stop before my limits?
I question why I tend to give up or give in before reaching my full potential
And why am I only good at lovin' people from a distance?
I reflect on why I find it easier to love others from afar rather than forming close relationships
Why am I so vain? Obsessed with fitness?
I question my excessive focus on my appearance and fitness
Why are the only people I'm around my assistants?
I wonder why my social circle primarily consists of those who work for me
But wait, the last time I felt this way
However, before, when I experienced similar emotions
I bucked up, kept goin' and got my shit straight
I pushed through, persevered, and resolved my issues
Diddy told me go with my heart
Sean Combs (Diddy) advised me to follow my intuition
So my focus is art, not where I go on the chart
My priority is my artistic expression, not my ranking on music charts
The divine light in me loves to glow in the dark
I find joy in embracing my inner spiritual essence even in difficult times
If my life was a movie, we'd be approachin' the part
If my life were a film, we would be reaching a pivotal moment
Where the hero wins and learns don't
The singer triumphs and learns an important lesson
Chase what you already got and returns home
There is no need to pursue what you already possess, as true fulfillment can be found within oneself
Those who say don't know, those who know don't say
Those who claim to know everything often lack true understanding, while those who truly understand do not boast
I'm done walking with the herd, it's time I go my own way
I no longer want to conform to societal expectations and am ready to forge my own path
Lyrics Β© Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Christopher Martin, Mike Posner, Ryuichi Sakamoto
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Aakash Malhotra
Lyrics
"Slow It Down"
Alright
Right now
I'm in prison and I think I built my own cell
Prophets speak softly, homie, they don't yell
Only those that hear my music know my lower depths
The doer does, the knower rests
The scholar learns, the sage forgets
If I could wrap my head around it, then I might get a shot
I get what I think about, whether I like it or not
When things go wrong, life doesn't stop
I need to quit pollutin' my mind with sex and violence
The secret that I'm seekin' was left in silence
And my microphone is pointin' God's finger
I'm a saint disguised as a pop singer
Here's a fun fact
Most people leave their potential untapped
There will be more than camping gear to unpack
Sometimes you gotta go there just so you could come back
Slow it down
I still got the feeling, baby
Slow it down
No more runnin' around
I say, slow it down
I still got the feeling, baby
Slow it down
No more runnin' around
My foot hurts, I didn't get sleep
My dad died, my horoscope ain't in sync
I'm misunderstood and Twitter is ruthless
Uh-oh, I think my problems are excuses
For not bein' who I know I am
I'm 31, there's no one left to hold my hand
Though I believe I got someone watchin' over me
I believe I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be
I believe that even when the road is bleak
That these obstacles were set up just for me
In family matters, I'm on some Urkel shit
Postin' on a primo beat, this some full circle shit
I believe that no matter how high the hurdles get
I can flip this whole thing into an internal win
Life ain't meant to be a heavy thing
Met Ram Dass, he told me, "Just love everything"
Fall in Michigan, there's wisdom in my looseleaf
For the first time, I feel like the true me
Slow it down
I still got the feeling, baby
Slow it down
No more runnin' around
I say, slow it down
I still got the feeling, baby
Slow it down
No more runnin' around
Some days, I can't get outta bed
Crippled by negative thoughts inside my head
Like why do I always stop before my limits?
And why am I only good at lovin' people from a distance?
Why am I so vain? Obsessed with fitness
Why are the only people I'm around my assistants?
But wait, the last time I felt this way
I bucked up, kept goin', and got my shit straight
Diddy told me go with my heart
So my focus is art, not where I go on the chart
The divine light in me loves to glow in the dark
If my life was a movie, we'd be approaching the part
Where the hero wins and learns don't
Chase what you already got and returns home
Those who say, don't know, those who know, don't say
I'm done walking with the herd, it's time I go my own way
Slow it down
I still got the feeling, baby
Slow it down
No more runnin' around
I say, slow it down
Yeah, I still got the feeling, baby
Slow it down
No more runnin' around
Yeah πππΌπ΅
Lachlan Mason
You know itβs a good day when you get new Mike Posner β€οΈ
TRUST SLOTH
True
INN0VAT1VE
Yes sir
I Like Waffles
Beachy Sunset Vibes Right? This is one of the few songs where heβs actually rapping, I wouldnβt mind an entire album of rapping and singing only on the choruses. Iβm a big rap fan and this dude can spit! He should rap more. Have a good one bro.
Lachlan Mason
I Like Waffles HAHA love that bro heβs talented. Watch him release an album after his walk π
Heather Ratchford
This right here is what music was meant for. Pure, raw, emotional expression.
Shantelle Regis
Mike Posner is so underrated
We need more music like his.
Rahul Saikia
He's a better Human!
Benjamim
Legit
Behan the Scene
His music lately has been so fucking good. I'm appreciating him more as an artist and person.