Tyler has previously worked with Carmichael on numerous occasions, including in an hour-long interview about Tyler’s previous studio album, Flower Boy, and by creating music for Jerrod’s HBO Special, “Home Videos." Carmichael also served as a consulting writer on episodes of Odd Future’s “Loiter Squad.”
On the physical version of the album, this is track is replaced by “BOYFRIEND.”
Comedian Jerrod Carmichael interviewed Tyler for a discussion about his Grammy-nominated fourth studio album, "Flower Boy".
Before the conversation Tyler tweeted:
“Soooo… ummmmm… I’m not into the idea of interviews anymore ’cause they’re ugly and….. I rather do it myself, ya know.”
On the impression of being on “The Carmichael Show,” Tyler and Carmichael discuss the making of "Flower Boy" as well as reflecting on Tyler’s third studio album "Cherry Bomb".
EXACTLY WHAT YOU RUN FROM YOU END UP CHASING
Tyler the Creator Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Say it, say it) like, you can't avoid, but
(Hey hey) just chasing it and just like trying (say it, say it)
Giving it everything that you can, there's always an obstacle
Tyler the Creator's song "EXACTLY WHAT YOU RUN FROM YOU END UP CHASING" presents a philosophical idea that is quite relatable to many people. The opening line of the song "exactly what you run from, you end up chasing" sets the tone for the entire track. This line suggests that when we try to avoid certain situations or things in our lives, we often end up craving or pursuing them, unintentionally. This could be due to many reasons - fear, desire, or just plain curiosity, but the result is always the same. The more we run from something, the more it becomes a part of our lives, whether we like it or not.
Throughout the song, Tyler talks about this internal struggle of his and how he wants to break free from it. He states that there's always an obstacle in our way that we need to overcome in order to achieve our goals. Even when we feel like we're just chasing our dreams, we're actually running away from something that we don't want to face. The chorus "just chasing it and just like trying, giving it everything that you can" is a reflection of Tyler's determination and resolve to overcome his fears and limitations.
Overall, "EXACTLY WHAT YOU RUN FROM YOU END UP CHASING" is a powerful and thought-provoking track that speaks to the universal human experience of facing obstacles and struggling with internal conflicts.
Line by Line Meaning
(Hey hey) exactly what you run from, you end up chasing
When you avoid your problems and fears, you eventually find yourself actively seeking and pursuing them
(Say it, say it) like, you can't avoid, but
It's as if you're unable to steer clear of the very thing you're running away from
(Hey hey) just chasing it and just like trying (say it, say it)
Despite the discouragements and challenges, you relentlessly pursue what you've been trying to escape from
Giving it everything that you can, there's always an obstacle
Even if you give your all, obstacles and hurdles continue to stand in your way, making the pursuit all the more difficult
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Tyler Okonma
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind