Tyler, The Creator is Okonma's most commonly used alias, and the one that both of his first two albums are credited to, but he has used several others as well, including Wolf Haley, Ace (or Ace Creator), and Young N***a, the latter of which was part of a prank on OFWGKTA's official site. Many other characters or alter egos and names are featured in his music, such as Tron Cat, a therapist called Dr. TC, and most recently, Tyler Baudelaire, the character from the 2021 album CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST.
In 2009, Tyler self-released his debut mixtape B*stard as a free download off of the official OFWGKTA website. Two music videos were released for tracks off of B*stard, "VCR" and "French!," both of which were directed by Tyler (credited as Wolf Haley). The album is focused on dialogues between Tyler and Dr. TC, and it received generally positive reviews from critics and blogs alike.
After signing to XL Recordings in February 2011, he released "Yonkers," the lead single off his sophomoric album Goblin, which was released on May 10, 2011. The music video for "Yonkers" (directed by Tyler credited as Wolf Haley) won Tyler The 2011 MTV Video Music Award for "Best New Artist," as well as a nomination for Video of the Year (which lost to Katy Perry's "Firework").
Goblin, an album described as "dark," "monolithic," and "a natural sequel to B*stard," continues the sessions with Tyler's fictional therapist, with Tyler venting to Dr. TC about fame, message boards, critics, hype, expectations, media scrutiny, and the idea of being a role model. All of the production was handled by Tyler, save for "Transylvania," which was produced by fellow OFWGKTA member Left Brain.
Tyler's third studio album, known as Wolf, was released in 2013. Tyler alluded to several possible track names on his Formspring account, and he stated that the album would focus less on rapping and more on production. In an interview with DJ Semtex, he confirmed that he would handle all the production on the album, except for one song produced by Left Brain, the same approach that was used for Goblin. On February 14, 2013, OFWGKTA uploaded a video to their YouTube account, which included L-Boy skydiving and stating that on April 2, 2013. Tyler revealed three album covers via his Instagram. The first single from the album was released on February 14, 2013, titled " Domo 23" along with the music video which features cameos from Domo Genesis, Earl Sweatshirt, Jasper Dolphin and Taco Bennett. On February 26, 2013, Tyler performed the songs "Domo23" and "Treehome95" on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.
Goblin
Tyler the Creator Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Kill yourself, or anyone, you don't even have the balls to begin with
What you need is me
I just want to talk to you, its been awhile since your last session
So tell me what's been going
I'm not a fucking role model (I know this)
I'm a 19 year old fucking emotional coaster with pipe dreams
These motherfuckers think I'm supposed to live up to something? shit
I'm still jacking off and proceeding my life careless
And getting more pussy 'cause I tell bitches I'm Wood Harris (as you should)
LA to Paris, I'm getting these weird stares,
from skate parks and airports it's all in the air, its weird
Yonkers dropped and left their craniums mind-fucked,
now competition missing like that nigga my mom fucked
He still hasn't called me yet (it's not your fault)
That's a whole fucking different argument
Shit, I got over it
And a couple bucks in my pocket, so now I could go buy a couple hot pockets
So grandma can stop cooking those nasty ass colligreens
Pressures on me like this top hat bastard intro, how the fuck I'm gonna top that?
OK you guys caught me
I'm not a fucking rapist, or a serial killer, I lied
(You know, you just wanted attention)
I tried too hard huh?
(no)
Made a couple thou and I just don't know what to buy yet
Supreme shit is free and I don't drink so fuck a wine set
Nigga fuck a mindset, my brain is an obscenity
I'm fucked in the head, I lost my mind with my virginity
Oh, that's a triple 3-6 isn't he a devil worshiper?
'cause I'm too fucking ignorant to do some research
I'm a start a group,
so no one else gets the respect they deserve 'cause of you
(Bastard was good though)
What you think I recorded for?
To have a bunch of critics call my shit a bunch of horror core?
Like I didn't make Parade or Inglorious
'cause I'm too fuckin' scared to tell my friends the way I really fucking feel?
Of course they only listen
To lyrics about me pissing off
In the tombs of Lara Croft
I'm getting pissed off
Message boards are on my dick I need to piss away
Lemme bust one in they mouth, I know they feel the flavor
Can't they just be happy for me like, a kid with nothing living out his dreams
Why they gotta fucking hate?
I don't even skate anymore, I'm too fucking busy
I can barely kick flip now
People excited think this shit is so tight
Making me co-sign with rappers I don't even like
What the fuck you want me to do? start to gobble this mic
Start jacking em off, till his cap blasting off
Fuck that, 'cause these niggas ain't fuckin' with me
'cause I don't listen to the immortal tech of the nique
And all this underground bullshit can never gone peak
On the billboard top 20 and jam of the week
Id rather listen to Baduh and Pusha the T
And wacka flocka flame instead of that real hip hop that's full of the shit
But they wanna critique
Everything the the wolf gang has ever released
But they don't get it
'cause its not made for them
The nigga that's in the mirror rapping, its made for him
But they do not have the mindset, that is same as him
I'm not weird, your just a fagot, shame on him
I'm not homophobic fagot
What the fuck is a good performance?
I get on stage and have as much fun as I can
Who doesn't have ADD?! I don't
Therapy's been saying that niggas getting offended
They don't wanna fuck with me 'cause I do not fuck with religion
But see that's my decision you fuckers don't have to listen
And here, put this middle finger in your ear
Someone gets blamed
If some white kid had aimed
His AK-47 at forty seven kids
And I don't wanna see my name mentioned
College wasn't working
And I wasn't working
So I sat at home jerking off until my dick was hurting
But I was determined to be great
So this classes can wait
'cause those 4 days I went, I wasn't learnin' shit
Now I'm living dreams i've wanted since 8th
And I can afford to get my mother something on her birth, day
They claim the shit I say is just wrong
Like nobody has those really dark thoughts when alone
I;m just a teenager, who admits hes suicide prone
My life is doing pretty good
So that day is postponed for now
But wow, life's a cute bitch full of estrogen
And when she gives you lemons nigga throw em at pedestrians
I still live in my grandmas house
Sell out a fuckin' show in London just to end up on couches
I hate my fuckin' life, but when I make that announcement
My hero calls my phone, just to put that in doubt then
And then I am confused and I want energists out
My friends really think I'm playing when I say I need counseling
I sit in grandmothers living room and just pout and shout
Loud inside
Sometimes I just wanna die
Odd future came from the bottom
And its gonna take a couple armed armies to stop em
All you fucking lames don't have to like me
The devil doesn't wear Prada, I'm clearly in a fucking white tee
The song "Goblin" by Tyler the Creator features a conversation between Tyler and his therapist. The therapist is concerned about Tyler's well-being and he tries to convince Tyler not to harm himself or others. Tyler, on the other hand, feels misunderstood and frustrated by societal expectations that he should be a role model. He claims that he is just a teenager with pipe dreams, yet he is expected to live up to certain expectations just because Kanye West has endorsed his music. Tyler also expresses his frustration with critics who label his music as horrorcore, while his true emotions are ignored. He questions why he should have to conform to the norms of the music industry and seeks a space where he can create and express himself authentically without the constraints of the world.
The song addresses issues of identity, mental health, and artistic expression. Through the conversation with his therapist, Tyler shows how internal pressures can lead to social isolation, distorted self-image, and suicidal thoughts. He also critiques the music industry and the expectations placed on artists. Tyler resists the notion that he should conform to the norms of the industry and instead seeks a space where he can express himself authentically.
Line by Line Meaning
You wouldn't do that Tyler
You lack the courage and determination to take such extreme actions
Kill yourself, or anyone, you don't even have the balls to begin with
You lack the bravery and confidence to commit suicide or harm others
What you need is me
You require my guidance and support to overcome your struggles
I just want to talk to you, its been awhile since your last session
I desire to have a conversation with you, as it has been a long time since your previous therapy session
So tell me what's been going
Please update me on recent events and share your thoughts and feelings
I'm not a fucking role model (I know this)
I am well aware that I am not a suitable figure for emulation or idolization
I'm a 19 year old fucking emotional coaster with pipe dreams
I am a fluctuating young adult filled with intense emotions and unrealistic aspirations
So Kanye tweeted tellin' people, hes bumpin' all of my shit
Kanye West shared on Twitter that he is enjoying and supporting my music
These motherfuckers think I'm supposed to live up to something? shit
These individuals wrongly believe that I have a responsibility to meet certain expectations
I'm still jacking off and proceeding my life careless
I am still masturbating and living my life without concern or regard for consequences
And getting more pussy 'cause I tell bitches I'm Wood Harris (as you should)
I attract more sexual partners by falsely claiming to be the actor Wood Harris
LA to Paris, I'm getting these weird stares
As I travel from Los Angeles to Paris, I am receiving peculiar looks from people
from skate parks and airports it's all in the air, its weird
Whether at skate parks or airports, there is a strange and unsettling atmosphere surrounding me
Yonkers dropped and left their craniums mind-fucked
The release of my song 'Yonkers' severely confused and shocked listeners
now competition missing like that nigga my mom fucked
Now my competition has disappeared, similar to the man my mother engaged in sexual activities with
He still hasn't called me yet (it's not your fault)
He has yet to contact me, but it is not your responsibility
That's a whole fucking different argument
That is an entirely separate and complex discussion
Shit, I got over it
I have moved past that situation
And a couple bucks in my pocket, so now I could go buy a couple hot pockets
With a small amount of money in my possession, I can afford to purchase some hot pockets
So grandma can stop cooking those nasty ass colligreens
This will allow my grandmother to cease preparing unappetizing collard greens
Pressures on me like this top hat bastard intro, how the fuck I'm gonna top that?
I am burdened with expectations, similar to the overwhelming pressure of creating an impressive introduction like the one in 'Bastard'
OK you guys caught me
Alright, I admit you have discovered the truth about me
I'm not a fucking rapist, or a serial killer, I lied
I fabricated claims of being a rapist or serial killer
(You know, you just wanted attention)
(You understand that I simply desired attention)
I tried too hard huh?
Did I attempt too forcefully or desperately?
(no)
(No, that is not what I meant)
Made a couple thou and I just don't know what to buy yet
I have earned a few thousand dollars, but I am uncertain of what to spend it on
Supreme shit is free and I don't drink so fuck a wine set
High-end merchandise from Supreme is given to me without charge, and as I do not consume alcohol, I have no interest in wine sets
Nigga fuck a mindset, my brain is an obscenity
I disregard focusing on a particular mindset, as my thoughts and ideas are profane and offensive
I'm fucked in the head, I lost my mind with my virginity
My mental state is disturbed, and I lost my sanity along with my virginity
Oh, that's a triple 3-6 isn't he a devil worshiper?
Oh, that's a reference to the number 666, implying that I worship the devil
'cause I'm too fucking ignorant to do some research
Because I am excessively ignorant and unwilling to conduct proper research
I'm a start a group, so no one else gets the respect they deserve 'cause of you
I will form a collective to ensure that individuals receive the recognition they rightfully deserve, despite the negative influence of others
(Bastard was good though)
(However, it should be acknowledged that 'Bastard' was well-received)
What you think I recorded for?
Why do you believe I invested my time and effort in recording music?
To have a bunch of critics call my shit a bunch of horror core?
To have critics categorize my music as horrorcore, a subgenre known for its graphic and horror-inspired lyrics?
Like I didn't make Parade or Inglorious
As if I did not create songs like 'Parade' or 'Inglorious'
'cause I'm too fuckin' scared to tell my friends the way I really fucking feel?
Because I am too afraid to openly express my true emotions to my friends
Of course they only listen to lyrics about me pissing off
Naturally, they only pay attention to lyrics in which I provoke or annoy others
In the tombs of Lara Croft
Within the depths or hidden spaces akin to those found in the Tomb Raider video game series
I'm getting pissed off
I am becoming increasingly angry and frustrated
Message boards are on my dick I need to piss away
Online forums are excessively obsessed with me, and I wish to distance myself from their attentions
Lemme bust one in they mouth, I know they feel the flavor
Let me metaphorically ejaculate into their mouths, as they will then understand and appreciate my unique style
Can't they just be happy for me like, a kid with nothing living out his dreams
Can they not simply find joy and satisfaction in witnessing a young individual from humble beginnings achieving their aspirations?
Why they gotta fucking hate?
Why must they continuously express their intense dislike and animosity?
I don't even skate anymore, I'm too fucking busy
I no longer engage in skateboarding, as I am preoccupied with numerous other activities
I can barely kick flip now
I have difficulty executing a kickflip, a skateboarding trick
People excited think this shit is so tight
Individuals are enthusiastic and believe this music is exceptional
Making me co-sign with rappers I don't even like
Forcing me to publicly endorse and support rappers whom I personally do not enjoy
What the fuck you want me to do? start to gobble this mic
What do you expect me to do? Begin fervently and enthusiastically performing with this microphone
Start jacking em off, till his cap blasting off
To proceed with pleasuring the microphone until its protective cap is launched into the air
Fuck that, 'cause these niggas ain't fuckin' with me
Disregard that idea, as these individuals are unable to compete or compare with me
'cause I don't listen to the immortal tech of the nique
Because I do not listen to Immortal Technique or the unique style associated with him
And all this underground bullshit can never gone peak
All this underground music and its associated nonsense will never reach its peak or gain mainstream popularity
On the billboard top 20 and jam of the week
Reaching the top 20 of the Billboard charts and being recognized as the 'jam of the week'
Id rather listen to Baduh and Pusha the T
I would prefer to listen to Erykah Badu and Pusha T's music
And wacka flocka flame instead of that real hip hop that's full of the shit
As well as Waka Flocka Flame's tracks, rather than the pretentious and insincere hip-hop that is saturated with nonsense
But they wanna critique
However, these individuals still wish to criticize and scrutinize
Everything the the wolf gang has ever released
Every single release from the collective known as Wolf Gang is subjected to scrutiny
But they don't get it
Yet, they fail to comprehend the genuine nature and purpose behind our music
'cause its not made for them
Because our music is not specifically created to cater to their preferences
The nigga that's in the mirror rapping, its made for him
The individual rapping in the mirror, the reflection of myself, is the intended audience for this music
But they do not have the mindset, that is same as him
However, they do not possess the same mindset as the rapper in the mirror
I'm not weird, your just a fagot, shame on him
I am not strange or abnormal, the one labeling me as such is the one deserving of shame
I'm not homophobic fagot
I am not homophobic, despite the derogatory term used
What the fuck is a good performance?
What exactly constitutes a successful and noteworthy performance?
I get on stage and have as much fun as I can
When I step onto the stage, my main objective is to enjoy myself to the fullest extent
Who doesn't have ADD?! I don't
Who among us does not have Attention Deficit Disorder? Well, I do not
Therapy's been saying that niggas getting offended
In therapy, it has been pointed out that individuals are becoming easily upset or angered
They don't wanna fuck with me 'cause I do not fuck with religion
They choose not to associate with me because I do not engage with or adhere to religious beliefs
But see that's my decision you fuckers don't have to listen
However, that is my personal choice, and you individuals are not obligated to listen or obey
And here, put this middle finger in your ear
Furthermore, take this gesture as an act of defiance and disregard
Someone gets blamed
There is always someone who is held responsible or accountable
If some white kid had aimed his AK-47 at forty seven kids
If a Caucasian individual directed his AK-47 assault rifle at a group of forty-seven children
And I don't wanna see my name mentioned
I do not wish for my name to be associated or linked to such a horrifying event
College wasn't working
I did not find success or fulfillment in attending college
And I wasn't working
I was not making progress or achieving desired outcomes
So I sat at home jerking off until my dick was hurting
Consequently, I spent my days at home, engaging in excessive masturbation until it caused physical discomfort
But I was determined to be great
However, I had an unwavering resolve to achieve greatness
So this classes can wait
Therefore, my attendance and participation in classes can be postponed
'cause those 4 days I went, I wasn't learnin' shit
Because during the four days I actually attended, I failed to acquire any meaningful knowledge
Now I'm living dreams I've wanted since 8th
Now, I am realizing aspirations I have held since the eighth grade
And I can afford to get my mother something on her birth, day
Furthermore, I now have the financial means to purchase a gift for my mother on her birthday
They claim the shit I say is just wrong
They argue that the statements and ideas I express are morally incorrect or inappropriate
Like nobody has those really dark thoughts when alone
As if nobody ever experiences deeply disturbing thoughts when in solitude
I'm just a teenager, who admits hes suicide prone
I am simply an adolescent who openly acknowledges susceptibility to suicidal tendencies
My life is doing pretty good
Currently, my life is progressing quite positively
So that day is postponed for now
Consequently, the day of potential self-destruction has been delayed for the time being
But wow, life's a cute bitch full of estrogen
Nevertheless, life is an appealing yet challenging existence, heavily influenced by femininity and hormonal complexities
And when she gives you lemons nigga throw em at pedestrians
And when life presents challenges, it would be amusing to metaphorically throw those obstacles at unsuspecting individuals
I still live in my grandmas house
I continue to reside in my grandmother's residence
Sell out a fuckin' show in London just to end up on couches
Despite successfully selling out a show in London, I still find myself sleeping on couches
I hate my fuckin' life, but when I make that announcement
I strongly dislike my current existence, yet when I express such sentiments publicly
My hero calls my phone, just to put that in doubt then
My idol unexpectedly contacts me, casting doubt on my negative emotions
And then I am confused and I want energists out
As a result, I become perplexed and seek to remove any energy healers or therapists from my life
My friends really think I'm playing when I say I need counseling
My friends dismissively believe that I am joking when I express the need for therapy
I sit in grandmothers living room and just pout and shout
I sit in my grandmother's living room, sulking and expressing my frustrations loudly
Loud inside
Internally, I am overwhelmed by loud and tumultuous emotions
Sometimes I just wanna die
Occasionally, I experience thoughts of wanting to end my own life
Odd future came from the bottom
The musical collective Odd Future originated from humble beginnings
And its gonna take a couple armed armies to stop em
It would require multiple well-equipped and organized forces to halt their progress and success
All you fucking lames don't have to like me
All the individuals who lack relevance and significance do not need to appreciate me
The devil doesn't wear Prada, I'm clearly in a fucking white tee
The devil does not dress in high-end fashion like Prada; instead, I am clearly dressed in a simple white t-shirt
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: TYLER OKONMA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind