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.
Like Him
Tyler the Creator Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Nigga, you got that nigga feet
You got that nigga body
You got that nigga long arms, fingers and shit
Flat feet, big di-
She said that I make expressions like him
My legs to my shoulders and my chin like him
Like him
Like him, like him, like him
Mama, I'm chasing a ghost
I don't know who he is
Mama, I'm chasing a ghost
I don't know where he is
Mama, I'm chasing a ghost
Do I look like him? (Like, what?)
Like him (like, what?)
Like him (like, what?)
Like him
You gave me love and affection
Attention, protection
How could I ever miss something that I've never had?
I would never judge ya
'Cause everything worked out without him (like, what?)
Like him (like, what?)
Like him
Mama, I'm chasing a ghost
I don't know who he is
Mama, I'm chasing a ghost
I don't know where he is
Mama, I'm chasing a ghost
Do I look
(Huh?)
Like him
Like him
(Let it go) I decided to
Anything that lives inside of you
I would never ever lie to you, yeah
You ain't ever gotta lie to me
I'm everything that I strive to be
So do I look like him?
Do I look like him? (Like him, like him, like him, like him)
I don't look like him (like him)
It was my fault, not yours, not his, it was my fault
I'm sorry, you know?
It was my fault
Not him 'cause he always wanted to be there for you
And I'm sorry I was young
But he's always wanted to be a father to you
So I-I fucked up and I take ownership of that
Of my choices and decisions and I'm sorry for that
He's a good guy
So don't hold that against him because it was my fault
Just, you know? Forgive me
In Tyler, The Creator's song "Like Him," the lyrics offer a profound exploration of identity, familial relationships, and the quest for self-acceptance. The opening lines establish a sense of familiarity and connection as the singer examines his physical resemblance to someone else, likely a father figure or a male role model. The repetition of phrases like "you got that nigga" emphasizes both a physical and emotional bond, suggesting a struggle with inherited traits that he painfully identifies with. This could be indicative of a larger theme of yearning for validation or connection with this figure, who remains shadowy and undefined throughout the song. The mention of specific body parts conveys a sense of both pride and frustration in shared appearances, revealing how the singer grapples with complex emotions surrounding masculinity and legacy.
The chorus's repeated assertion of "Mama, I'm chasing a ghost" deepens the narrative, revealing his internal conflict as he yearns for recognition and understanding of his identity. The metaphor of a "ghost" signifies something elusive and intangibleāpresumably a father or ancestor whose presence is felt, yet physically absent. This search for identity ties back to the singer's insecurities, highlighting an underlying question of belonging. He pleads for maternal affirmation by asking, "Do I look like him?" This cry for validation suggests an emotional dependency on his mother's perspective to define who he is. The chorus reflects the struggle between a desire for paternal connection and the realization that the figure he seeks is out of reach, creating a poignant tension that resonates throughout the song.
In the subsequent verses, the singer reflects on the love and attention provided by his mother, contrasting her unwavering support with the absence of his father. The line "How could I ever miss something that I've never had?" perfectly encapsulates the paradox of longing for a relationship that never fully materialized. This juxtaposition of maternal affection against paternal absence creates a poignant dynamic, leading the singer to acknowledge the nuanced reality of his upbringing. Despite the absence of his father, he navigates feelings of guilt towards both his mother and the father figure, recognizing their roles, yet feeling compelled to assume responsibility for his own emotional journey. This emotional introspection highlights a complex interplay of love, forgiveness, and regret as he strives to make sense of this void.
Towards the end of the song, there is a moment of reconciliation, where the singer takes ownership of his experiences and expresses vulnerability; it becomes a powerful revelation of accountability. By admitting "it was my fault," he seems to release the burden of blame not only from himself but also from his mother and the absent figure. He acknowledges his youth and inexperience, suggesting that his actions were misguided rather than malicious. The closing lines encapsulate his transformative journey, as he strives to be a better version of himself. Ultimately, Tyler's exploration of these themes offers a deeply introspective look into the nature of identity, forgiveness, and the ongoing journey to understand oneās roots while grappling with external and internal expectations. The song becomes a powerful narrative, shedding light on the complexities of family dynamics and identity formation shaped by absence.
Line by Line Meaning
Damn, nigga, every time I look at you, I swear to God
Wow, every time I gaze upon you, I feel a deep conviction about how strongly you resemble someone significant.
Nigga, you got that nigga feet
You possess those distinct feet that remind me of him.
You got that nigga body
Your physique strongly resembles his in a way that is striking.
You got that nigga long arms, fingers and shit
You inherited those long limbs and fingers that are characteristic of him.
Flat feet, big di-
You also carry some of his physical traits, including flat feet and other attributes.
She said that I make expressions like him
Someone pointed out that my facial expressions bear a resemblance to his.
My legs to my shoulders and my chin like him
The proportion of my body resembles his, from my legs to my shoulders and jawline.
My waist and my posture like him
Even my waist and stance echo his physicality.
Like him
In all these ways, I mirror him.
Like him, like him, like him
This resemblance permeates my entire being.
Mama, I'm chasing a ghost
I feel like I'm pursuing an elusive figure from my past.
I don't know who he is
I struggle to identify this person I am seeking.
Mama, I'm chasing a ghost
Again, I am on the quest for this intangible presence.
I don't know where he is
I lack any clarity on his whereabouts.
Mama, I'm chasing a ghost
Reiterating my pursuit of this spectral figure.
Do I look like him? (Like, what?)
Do I possess a physical appearance that resembles him?
Like him (like, what?)
Is my likeness to him significant enough?
Like him (like, what?)
Am I indeed a reflection of him?
Like him
In essence, do I embody what he represents?
You gave me love and affection
You provided me with warmth and care.
Attention, protection
You also offered me focus and safety during my formative years.
How could I ever miss something that I've never had?
It's confusing to yearn for something I've never truly experienced.
I would never judge ya
I hold no judgment against you.
Cause everything worked out without him (like, what?)
Life turned out fine in his absence, which is perplexing in its own way.
Like him (like, what?)
This connection to him still lingers in my thoughts.
Like him (like, what?)
His shadow continues to affect my perspective.
Mama, I'm chasing a ghost
I'm still on this pursuit of an intangible presence.
I don't know who he is
I remain uncertain about the identity of this figure.
Mama, I'm chasing a ghost
Once more expressing my restless pursuit.
I don't know where he is
I lack any understanding of where I might find him.
Mama, I'm chasing a ghost
Reiterating this longing for the elusive figure.
(Huh?)
A moment of confusion or reflection.
Like him
Inquiring if I bear any resemblance.
Like him
A repetition of the search for identity and connection.
(Let it go) I decided to
I'm making the choice to release certain burdens.
Really get that love inside of you
I aim to truly embody and receive love in my life.
I would never ever lie to you, yeah
I commit to always being truthful with you.
You ain't ever gotta lie to me
You should feel free to be completely honest with me.
I'm everything that I strive to be
I am finally becoming the person I aspire to be.
So do I look like him?
Is there still a visible connection to this figure in how I appear?
Do I look like him? (Like him, like him, like him, like him)
Reiterating the question of my resemblance.
I don't look like him (like him)
I confront the possibility that I may not truly reflect him.
It was my fault, not yours, not his, it was my fault
I take full responsibility for the past situation; it wasn't anyone else's doing.
I'm sorry, you know?
Expressing genuine remorse for the past actions.
It was my fault
Reaffirming my acknowledgment of responsibility.
Not him 'cause he always wanted to be there for you
Differentiating myself from him, emphasizing his desire to support you.
And I'm sorry I was young
I regret my youthful ignorance during that time.
But he's always wanted to be a father to you
Highlighting his commitment and desire to fulfill the role of a father.
So I-I fucked up and I take ownership of that
I admit my mistakes openly and accept the consequences.
Of my choices and decisions and I'm sorry for that
I express regret over my past decisions and their impact.
He's a good guy
Affirming that he has admirable qualities worth recognizing.
So don't hold that against him because it was my fault
Urging you not to blame him for my mistakes, recognizing my accountability.
Just, you know? Forgive me
Simply asking for understanding and forgiveness for my past actions.
Lyrics Ā© Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Tyler Okonma
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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