In 2008, Rafael released his full length debut LP As Good As Your Word, a collection of songs created during his apprenticeship to Bay Area producer One Drop Scott (3x crazy, Too short, Mac Dre, E-40). He was a featured writer for Handbook of Social Justice in Education by Bill Ayers, co-wrote The One Drop Rule; a hiphop theatre piece directed by GOLDIE award winner Marc Bamuthi Joseph in collaboration with San Francisco Jazz Ensemble and Alvin Ailey tap instructor Jason Samuel Smith, and has been featured on hundreds of websites, blogs and online journals across the world.
In 2009, Rafael is helping to build the first HipHop Theatre program as Creative Director at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, while gearing up to release his second LP, "MONSTER", coming soon!
Oxygen
Rafael Casal Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't love the fire
You like the breaststroke
Swim 'til you're tired
So, I got my own swimming pool
Just for you to drown all your cool in
To the bottom (oh, to the bottom)
Ain't no treasure (ain't no treasure)
But you're gold (eh)
And I'll be there (oh, and I'll be there)
In the shallows (in the shallows)
Just to pull you out (just to pull you out)
When you're cold
'Cause I know it's getting, getting, getting, getting tough
I know you might wish for something different in your cup
Oh, but the ceiling ain't a ceiling where there's love
I've got oxygen, just look up
Lost out the window
Caught underwater
You said you like the backstroke
And lately it's harder
So, I got my own swimming pool
Just for you to drown all your cool
Now, sink on down (now, sink on down)
To the bottom (oh, to the bottom)
Ain't no treasure (ain't no treasure)
But you're gold
And I'll be there (and I'll be there)
In the shallow (in the shallow)
Just to pull you out (just to pull you out from the cold)
When you're cold
'Cause I know it's getting, getting, getting, getting tough
I know you might wish for something different in your cup
Oh, but the ceiling ain't a ceiling where there's love
I got oxygen, just look up
I got oxygen, just look up
Oxygen, just look up
Oxygen, just look up
The lyrics to Rafael Casal's song "Oxygen" refer to a troubled relationship in which the singer is offering support to their loved one who is struggling. The imagery of a swimming pool is used throughout the song, with the singer saying they have "their own swimming pool just for [their loved one] to drown all [their] cool in." This can be interpreted as a metaphor for how the singer wants to provide a space for their loved one to let go of their struggles and anxiety. The line "ain't no treasure, but you're gold" suggests that the singer sees their loved one as valuable and precious, even though they may not be able to see it themselves.
Throughout the song, the singer acknowledges how tough things are and offers reassurance that they will be there to pull their loved one out of the rough waters when they're feeling overwhelmed. The repeated line "I know it's getting, getting, getting, getting tough" emphasizes the singer's understanding of their loved one's struggle and the need for support.
The final line of the song, "I got oxygen, just look up" reinforces the idea that the singer is a source of comfort and support for their loved one. The line suggests that by simply looking up and reaching out for help, their loved one can find a source of life-sustaining air when they feel like they're drowning.
Overall, "Oxygen" is a powerful song about the importance of offering support to those we love during tough times, even if it means diving into the deep end.
Line by Line Meaning
Lost out the window
Feeling lost and disconnected from the world outside.
Don't love the fire
Not enjoying the intense emotions and overwhelming passion.
You like the breaststroke
Preferring to take things slow and steady in life.
Swim 'til you're tired
Keeping on going until you reach a breaking point and can't cope any longer.
So, I got my own swimming pool
Creating a safe space where someone can feel comfortable being themselves.
Just for you to drown all your cool in
So that you can let go of your facade and be vulnerable.
Now, sink on down (now, sink on down)
Letting yourself surrender to your feelings and emotions.
To the bottom (oh, to the bottom)
Going deep within yourself to confront your true feelings.
Ain't no treasure (ain't no treasure)
There's nothing to be gained from avoiding your emotions.
But you're gold
You are valuable and deserve to be treated with love and respect.
And I'll be there (and I'll be there)
Someone will be there to support you and lift you up when you need it.
In the shallow (in the shallow)
Providing a safe space to vent and express your emotions without fear of judgement.
Just to pull you out (just to pull you out from the cold)
To rescue you from feeling lost and alone.
When you're cold
When you're feeling emotionally disconnected and numb.
'Cause I know it's getting, getting, getting, getting tough
Acknowledging that life can be hard and challenging at times.
I know you might wish for something different in your cup
You might be hoping for a change or for things to get easier.
Oh, but the ceiling ain't a ceiling where there's love
Love has the power to break down barriers and limitations.
I got oxygen, just look up
There is always hope and healing available, even in the darkest moments.
Oxygen, just look up
Take a deep breath and have faith that things will eventually get better.
Oxygen, just look up
Find strength and comfort in the power of love and hope.
Contributed by Carter K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.