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.
Nightmare
Tyler the Creator Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Well, first off
My only problem is death
Fuck heaven, I ain't showing no religion respect
Brain damage, therapy's the only thing I regret
Talking to me is like a fucking body missing her neck
But, I'm surprised I ain't pop off my top off
My hand's shriveled, my finger's slipped, the wall's red
Her life is fucked, she sad now, her son is dead
I told her I'm her worst nightmare
This is hell, you don't ever gotta fight fair
My spirit floats around in the night air
Or in your day dreams, that's how death seems
I told her I'm her worst nightmare
This is hell, you don't ever gotta fight fair
My spirit floats around in the night air
Or in your day dreams, that's how death seems
When I was younger, I would smile a lot
I'm getting older, getting bolder but a wiser top
Now I'm drunk driving, lap's full of the Budweiser tops
Life is a movie and you're just a prop
They begged me to stop but I listen like death drones
Love? I don't get none, that's why I'm so hostile to the kids that get some
My father called me to tell me he loved me
I'd have a better chance of getting Taylor Swift to fuck me
Annoying and I'm ugly, most niggas wanna punch me
I'm surprised the fucking doctor even touched me
Feel like Humpty, you hoping that I'll fall? Fuck y'all
I'm Ace, I'm parent-less, I'm kinda arrogant
Ignorant as fuck, defend people for the hell of it
Because I am the devil, fucker get on my level
Doughnuts and keys and kick-flips, Supremes and markers
My life is Ms. Mo Unique Parker
But a little darker, I'll see you in a couple
I told her I'm her worst nightmare
This is hell, you don't ever gotta fight fair
My spirit floats around in the night air
Or in your day dreams, that's how death seems
I told her I'm her worst nightmare
This is hell, you don't ever gotta fight fair
My spirit floats around in the night air
Or in your day dreams, that's how death seems
Tyler, here's some water man
You, you seem a little tense, how is Thebe?
All because a nigga just don't give a fuck
Parents wanna blame me all because their kid is fucking up
But fuck that, you're shitty parents, face it, suck it up
That's what you shoulda did before that nigga bust, huh
Feel like I missed my little brother growing up
Feel like my little brother missed his brother growing up
But this is Golf Wang, like he missed his family growing up
I got a little taller since the last time you seen me, bro
Now I'm emo, so fuck it, I'm Poe-in' up
But I never had a drink, "Sydney, Tyler's throwing up!"
My nigga Jasper said if I drink and get drunk enough
I won't feel the feeling I be feeling when I'm sobered up
But that's a fucking lie, why would he say that I'm
As emotionally strained as Travis when he's (Tyler, calm down)
Don't look at me, I'm 6'5" about to fucking cry
About another guy, but this is Golf Wang, do or die
I finally had a family
Domo's in another state, where the fuck is Riley?
Now you niggas wanna be nice because the labels wanna sign me
But before the co-signing and you fuckers couldn't find me?
Fuck that! I hope you die in a fiery death
One ear I got kids screaming "O.F. is the best"
The other ear I got Tron Cat asking where the bullets and the bombs at
So I can kill these levels of stress, shit
They say that I'm shock value
How about you hop off cock and turn volume down?
I haven't got around to telling my mom shit
Cause I don't know how to (Whoa)
All I want is her support, whenever the fight's at home
When mommy cusses out cousin, some knifes get shown
Now she's really fuckin' pissed, so the knives get thrown
And hit her in her fucking neck, now her throat's all gone
Looking like a fucking monster from the Twilight Zone
Then they wonder why I stay at Travis pad with a backpack
For the whole week full of plastic-wrapped black tees
And deodorant like this house is my home
I could live with the same hat
And the same flat-screen TV watching Flapjack
And the same bacon and waffles on a nice Saturday
Where I skate with the same fucking friends at
Didn't give a fuck about fame or a name, oh
"Message from GZA, oh, another one from Plain Pat"
Email full of emails, I never write back
Ain't kill myself yet, now I already want my life back
I told her I'm her worst nightmare
This is hell, you don't ever gotta fight fair
My spirit floats around in the night air
Or in your day dreams, that's how death seems
One shot, two shots, one gun, two cops
I'm blowin' them flu shots, couldn't kill me with two top rockers
You're on the side of fagots and cock blockers
I'm on the side of bad-ass kids and the top notches
I'm Barney, dinosaur Harley of a human
Cause I'm shrooming with the bangers and the carneys
You niggas can't harm me 'cause you all know that
We at the fuckin' dirty lifer's laundry (Tyler, calm down)
Nigga get off me
Fuck off me man, fuck (What's got into you?)
I don't know, it's like I'm a different person at times
Sometimes I'm fucking mad, sometimes I'm not (Yeah, you)
As though I got a fucking voice in my head
Telling me to do all this fucked up shit, man (Yeah, what's this?)
I don't fucking know, man (What's this person named then, Tyler, huh?)
He tells me to do this shit
That I don't wanna fucking do (What's his name?)
Tron Cat
The song "Nightmare" by Tyler the Creator is a dark and introspective track that deals with themes of death, mental illness, and personal struggles. The opening lines of the song set the tone for the entire track, with Tyler stating that his only problem is death and that he has no respect for religion. He goes on to describe his own mental state, painting a bleak picture of his life and the world around him. Despite the darkness of the lyrics, the track features a driving beat and intense delivery from Tyler, giving it a powerful and cathartic energy.
One of the most interesting aspects of the song is the use of vocal samples and production effects, which add to the unsettling atmosphere of the track. In particular, the use of a distorted vocal sample in the chorus adds an eerie layer to the already dark lyrics. Additionally, the song features verses from Tyler's alter ego Tron Cat, who represents a darker, more menacing side of his personality. This dual-personality theme is something that Tyler has explored throughout his career, and it adds an interesting layer of complexity to the song.
Another interesting aspect of "Nightmare" is the way that it reflects Tyler's unique approach to hip-hop. While he is often associated with the controversial subgenre of horrorcore, his music is much more nuanced and introspective than many of his peers. Instead of simply glorifying violence and shock value, Tyler uses his lyrics to explore his own inner demons and struggles with mental illness. This approach has earned him a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim, and it sets him apart from many of his contemporaries in the hip-hop world.
Overall, "Nightmare" is a powerful and complex track that showcases Tyler the Creator's unique approach to hip-hop. With its dark lyrics and intense beat, it is a standout moment in his discography and a reflection of his ongoing exploration of his own personal demons and struggles.
Line by Line Meaning
So, you tell me that everything just isn't going well
The singer is frustrated that someone has informed them that everything in their life is going wrong.
My only problem is death
The singer's main concern is dying.
Fuck heaven, I ain't showing no religion respect
The singer doesn't believe in heaven and doesn't have respect for religion.
Brain damage, therapy's the only thing I regret
The artist has suffered from brain damage and feels like they may have made a mistake by not seeking therapy.
Talking to me is like a fucking body missing her neck
The artist is difficult to talk to, like a body missing its neck.
But, I'm surprised I ain't pop off my top off
The singer is surprised that they haven't lost their mind or killed themselves.
Life is a bitch and my cock's off the Glock's cock
The singer feels like life is difficult and their gun is useless against their problems.
My hand's shriveled, my finger's slipped, the wall's red
The artist's hand is injured and bleeding after a violent outburst.
Her life is fucked, she sad now, her son is dead
Someone close to the artist is upset because their child has died.
I told her I'm her worst nightmare
The artist believes that they are someone else's worst nightmare.
This is hell, you don't ever gotta fight fair
Life is difficult and unfair.
My spirit floats around in the night air
The artist feels like their spirit is untethered and floats around.
Or in your day dreams, that's how death seems
Death is like a dream that feels real.
When I was younger, I would smile a lot
The singer used to be happier when they were younger.
I'm getting older, getting bolder but a wiser top
The singer is getting older and wiser but still has a reckless streak.
Now I'm drunk driving, lap's full of the Budweiser tops
The artist is drunk and driving with empty beer cans in their lap.
Life is a movie and you're just a prop
The artist feels like their life is being directed by someone else and they're just a minor character.
They begged me to stop but I listen like death drones
The singer ignores people's advice and feels like they're being told by death itself.
Love? I don't get none, that's why I'm so hostile to the kids that get some
The singer is angry and jealous of people in love because they have never experienced it themselves.
My father called me to tell me he loved me
The artist's father called them to say he loves them.
I'd have a better chance of getting Taylor Swift to fuck me
The artist doesn't believe their father actually loves them and compares it to a ridiculous scenario that would never happen.
Annoying and I'm ugly, most niggas wanna punch me
The artist is annoying and unattractive, which makes people hate them.
I'm surprised the fucking doctor even touched me
The singer is surprised that they were born and that the doctor even bothered to deliver them.
Feel like Humpty, you hoping that I'll fall? Fuck y'all
The artist feels like they're being targeted and hopes their haters don't succeed.
I'm Ace, I'm parent-less, I'm kinda arrogant
The singer is alone and confident to the point of arrogance.
Ignorant as fuck, defend people for the hell of it
The singer is not well informed and defends people for no reason.
Because I am the devil, fucker get on my level
The singer feels like they're the devil and wants their enemies to recognize how powerful they are.
Doughnuts and keys and kick-flips, Supremes and markers
The artist lists off random objects.
My life is Ms. Mo Unique Parker
The artist's life is unique and difficult to understand.
But a little darker, I'll see you in a couple
The singer's life is darker and they'll see their enemies again soon.
One shot, two shots, one gun, two cops
The singer describes a violent situation involving a gun and police officers.
I'm blowin' them flu shots, couldn't kill me with two top rockers
The artist feels untouchable and invincible.
You're on the side of fagots and cock blockers
The artist insults their enemies by calling them homophobic slurs.
I'm on the side of bad-ass kids and the top notches
The artist aligns themselves with badass individuals.
I'm Barney, dinosaur Harley of a human
The singer compares themselves to Barney the Dinosaur and Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
Cause I'm shrooming with the bangers and the carneys
The artist is doing drugs with a mix of people.
You niggas can't harm me 'cause you all know that
The singer feels like they're untouchable to their enemies.
We at the fuckin' dirty lifer's laundry
The singer is hanging out with people who are in trouble with the law.
Fuck off me man, fuck
The singer is angry and wants someone to leave them alone.
(What's got into you?)
Someone is asking the artist what's wrong with them.
I don't know, it's like I'm a different person at times
The artist is struggling with their personality and feels like they're a different person at times.
Sometimes I'm fucking mad, sometimes I'm not (Yeah, you)
The singer's mood fluctuates from anger to calm.
As though I got a fucking voice in my head
The singer feels like they have a voice in their head that's telling them to act up.
Telling me to do all this fucked up shit, man (Yeah, what's this?)
The voice in the artist's head is encouraging them to do bad things.
Tron Cat
The voice in the artist's head is named Tron Cat.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Tyler Okonma
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind