Elsesser has been sponsored by several skater fashion brands including Converse and Supreme, as well as becoming a professional skater in 2014 through skater collective and clothing store Fucking Awesome (FA). He has also released several short experimental hip hop EPs since 2015, under his Navy Blue stage name, in addition to collaborating with the likes of Earl Sweatshirt, and underground rappers Mach-Hommy, MIKE, King Carter, Adé Hakim and Pink Siifu. Aside from skating and music, Elsesser is also a model for various clothing brands and an artist, most notably handling the art direction for Earl Sweatshirt's 2015 album I Don't Like Shit, I Don't Go Outside.
Memory Lane
Navy Blue Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's Navy Blue the Truest
Walk with me
Step with me
Step with me on this path
You gotta laugh, it's hell ridden
Yeah
Year four with the sorrow and pain
As I reform, can't frame, bitter taste inform me of my ways
Years on the earth, tears on the turf, blood on the leaves
Petiole tree bleed sap tones and slaps on a higher grasp, tilt it
Sounds bouncing off the floor, get lifted
In the presence of his spirit I was gifted
Moonwalkin' across the sky thinking this is it
I'm not a little kid, at hand is what the mission is
Skin crawl, all my digits still fidgeting
What it costs when it's lost? Ain't no getting it back to how it was
Not the same, know I changed for the better
Sage wrote the letter
Sage wrote the scripture, holy omega
Pale greens and the burnt Sienna
Big 'fro, head high, head home
I gotta deal with the stark measures
Chose me, I can't think of nobody better
Wash my face in the sink, blink forever vanish
Momma told me "Better keep your head up, don't let up"
Had to learn the harder way, my heart away a feather, don't forget me
When it's time to cast shadow like the spliffy
I need distance
The story of a vagabond inching closer to death
I notice he wept instantly
On the spot, the culprit is caught, destiny
Send me off, I'm one with the night
Step with me
Step with me on this path
You gotta laugh, it's hell ridden
Wear a mask, wash your hands, or fall victim
Pick a casket, lay in it
The death wishes don't last
Step with me on this path
You gotta laugh, it's hell ridden
Wear a mask, wash your hands, or fall victim
Pick a casket, lay in it
The death wishes don't last
Step with me on this path
You gotta laugh, it's hell ridden
Wear a mask, wash your hands, or fall victim
Pick a casket, lay in it
The death wishes don't last
In "Memory Lane" by Navy Blue, the artist reflects on his journey through life, acknowledging both the hardships and personal growth he has experienced. The song begins with a call to walk and step together on this path, emphasizing the shared nature of the human experience. Navy Blue acknowledges the difficulties that come with life, describing it as "hell ridden," but also highlights the importance of finding humor and laughter amidst the struggles.
The lyrics then delve into the artist's memories and experiences. He talks about enduring years filled with sorrow and pain, as well as the process of reforming and learning from his mistakes. Navy Blue uses vivid imagery to depict the emotions he has felt, such as tears on the turf and blood on the leaves. The mention of a "Petiole tree bleed sap tones" suggests a deep connection to nature and the idea that growth and healing can come from within.
Navy Blue also reflects on his personal transformation and the realizations that have come with it. He acknowledges that he is no longer a child and understands the mission at hand. The mention of "Sage" potentially refers to wisdom and introspection, and the artist recognizes that he has changed for the better. However, there is a sense of struggle and restlessness, as his skin crawls and his fingers fidget, perhaps indicating a lingering unease despite his personal growth.
The song ends with a poignant verse about the artist's relationship with his mother. She advises him to keep his head up and not give up, but he admits to learning the hard way and having his heart taken away. He yearns for distance, a break from the challenges he faces. The lyrics then shift to the story of a vagabond inching closer to death, highlighting the fragility and fleeting nature of life. Ultimately, Navy Blue urges listeners to step with him on this path, reminding them to laugh, wear masks, wash their hands, and not succumb to the negativity and death wishes that may surround them.
Line by Line Meaning
Trips down memory lane, let it rain
Reflecting on past experiences, allowing emotions to flow freely
Year four with the sorrow and pain
Enduring four years of intense sadness and suffering
As I reform, can't frame, bitter taste inform me of my ways
While I transform and evolve, I struggle to define myself as bitterness reminds me of my past actions
Years on the earth, tears on the turf, blood on the leaves
Having spent many years alive, shedding tears and experiencing bloodshed
Petiole tree bleed sap tones and slaps on a higher grasp, tilt it
Even a tree's leaves bleed sap, conveying deeper insights and perspectives
Sounds bouncing off the floor, get lifted
The music reverberates, creating an uplifting sensation
In the presence of his spirit I was gifted
Being in the presence of someone's spirit enriched me
Moonwalkin' across the sky thinking this is it
Moving gracefully through life, feeling like this is the epitome of existence
I'm not a little kid, at hand is what the mission is
I've matured and now have a clear purpose in front of me
Skin crawl, all my digits still fidgeting
Feeling uneasy, my fingers still restless
What it costs when it's lost? Ain't no getting it back to how it was
The price of losing something cannot be recovered to its original state
Not the same, know I changed for the better
I am different now and believe I have improved
Sage wrote the letter
Wisdom guides my thoughts and actions
Sage wrote the scripture, holy omega
Following wise teachings and religious beliefs towards enlightenment
Pale greens and the burnt Sienna
Colors that evoke a sense of tranquility and nostalgia
Big 'fro, head high, head home
Proudly embracing my afro hairstyle, holding my head high as I return to where I belong
I gotta deal with the stark measures
I must face the harsh realities and confront difficult challenges
Chose me, I can't think of nobody better
Having been chosen, I believe there's no one more suitable
Wash my face in the sink, blink forever vanish
Cleansing my face in the sink, blinking as if time stands still and disappearing forever
Momma told me "Better keep your head up, don't let up"
My mother advised me to stay positive and persevering
Had to learn the harder way, my heart away a feather, don't forget me
I acquired wisdom through difficult experiences, where my heart felt light as a feather, and I hope to be remembered
When it's time to cast shadow like the spliffy
When the moment comes to leave a lasting impression like the burn of a joint
I need distance
I require space and separation
The story of a vagabond inching closer to death
The tale of a wanderer moving slowly towards their demise
I notice he wept instantly
I observe that he cried immediately
On the spot, the culprit is caught, destiny
Right then and there, the responsible party is identified, representing fate
Send me off, I'm one with the night
Let me depart, becoming united with darkness and solitude
Wear a mask, wash your hands, or fall victim
Protect yourself by wearing a mask and practicing hygiene or else suffer the consequences
Pick a casket, lay in it
Choose your final resting place, lie within it
The death wishes don't last
Desires for death do not persist
Step with me on this path
Accompany me on this journey
You gotta laugh, it's hell ridden
You must find humor in life's difficult circumstances
Wear a mask, wash your hands, or fall victim
Protect yourself by wearing a mask and practicing hygiene or else suffer the consequences
Pick a casket, lay in it
Choose your final resting place, lie within it
The death wishes don't last
Desires for death do not persist
Step with me on this path
Accompany me on this journey
You gotta laugh, it's hell ridden
You must find humor in life's difficult circumstances
Wear a mask, wash your hands, or fall victim
Protect yourself by wearing a mask and practicing hygiene or else suffer the consequences
Pick a casket, lay in it
Choose your final resting place, lie within it
The death wishes don't last
Desires for death do not persist
Writer(s): Sage Elsesser
Contributed by Jordyn J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.