"I am so grateful for this tune because it was created in such an introspective time [during the first couple months of quarantine]. It was the song that proved to me that I needed to let go of the insecurities I had about making a project of this genre." - via Complex
When speaking to Rolling Stone, WILLOW said that the title was inspired by a quote from Hindu guru Radhanath Swami:
"It is said that a saintly person is so pure that he or she acts like a mirror. When we come in the presence of a mirror-like soul, we can see both the beauty and ugliness of of our inner life."
WILLOW told Barker in an October 2021 conversation for Rolling Stone:
"I didn’t even think for a second that you were going to be on ’t r a n s p a r e n t s o u l.‘ That was kind of like a far-fetched fever dream for me. When I actually got in contact with you, I was so honored by the fact that you were even interested. What about ’t r a n s p a r e n t s o u l’ inspired you enough to get on it at all?"
Barker answered:
"I was so impressed. I was like, ‘This is what she should have been doing all along, because it sounds so natural.’ It sounds like who you are, every time I’ve met you or I’ve been around you. Then, when I got into the studio and added some stuff to it, had an idea for a bridge or whatever, it turned out to be a song I was really proud of."
t r a n s p a r e n t s o u l feat. Travis Barker
Willow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't fuckin' know if it's a lie or it's a fact
All your little fake friends will sell your secrets for some cash (hey, hey)
Smile in my face, then put your cig out on my back
If you ever see me, just get to runnin' like The Flash
I knew a boy just like you
Such a fake just like you, but I can see the truth
Transparent soul
I can see right through, just so you know
Transparent soul
I can see right through, just so you know
I don't fuckin' know, it's paradise or it's a trap
Yeah, they're treatin' me like royalty, but is it kissin' ass? (Hey, hey)
No one's brave enough to take the fall right
But it's all your fault, why you actin' like it's alright?
I knew a girl just like you
She was vain just like you
Such a pain just like you, and everybody knows the truth
Transparent soul
I can see right through, just so you know
Transparent soul
I can see right through, just so you know
It's clear to me now
You're scared of me, wow
It's clear to me now
(Transparent soul)
It's clear to me now
You're scared of me, wow
It's clear to me now
(Transparent soul)
Transparent soul
I can see right through, just so you know
Transparent soul
I can see right through, just so you know
Willow’s “transparent soul” starts by acknowledging the existence of fake people and their tendency to sell their friends out for personal gain. The singer is aware that there are individuals in her circle who will smile to her face but hurt her behind her back. She warns that it’s hard to tell whether what they say is true or not, but she knows that their words only serve themselves. The line “If you ever see me, just get to runnin’ like The Flash” indicates that people should stay away from her if they are not genuine.
The chorus, “Transparent soul, I can see right through, just so you know,” reveals the singer’s superpower – her ability to see through fake people. She compares her ability to see through people to having X-ray vision. She reiterates this in the second verse, stating that although people might treat her like royalty, she knows when they are kissing ass.
The song goes on to describe a boy and a girl who are fake, much like the people the singer has described before. The verses and chorus repeat their message throughout, with Willow boasting about her ability to see through people and encouraging others to stay away from fakeness. The song’s title “transparent soul” ties the lyrics together perfectly, and the song speaks to those who value authenticity in relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't fuckin' know if it's a lie or it's a fact
I cannot differentiate whether what you are saying is true or not
All your little fake friends will sell your secrets for some cash (hey, hey)
Your insincere circle of friends will spill your secrets for money
Smile in my face, then put your cig out on my back
You pretend to be friendly with me, but hurt me behind my back
If you ever see me, just get to runnin' like The Flash
If you cross paths with me, you better run away fast
I knew a boy just like you
I have met someone with your exact character
He's a snake just like you
He is sly and untrustworthy, just like you
Such a fake just like you, but I can see the truth
You pretend to be someone you are not, but I see right through you
Transparent soul
You have a clear, see-through nature
I can see right through, just so you know
I can easily see your true intentions and personality
I don't fuckin' know, it's paradise or it's a trap
I have no idea if this situation is good or bad for me
Yeah, they're treatin' me like royalty, but is it kissin' ass? (Hey, hey)
People are being overly nice to me, but I wonder if they are being insincere
No one's brave enough to take the fall right
No one is willing to take the blame for their actions
But it's all your fault, why you actin' like it's alright?
You are at fault, so why are you acting like everything is okay?
I knew a girl just like you
I have met a person who is exactly like you
She was vain just like you
She was overly concerned with her appearance, just like you
Such a pain just like you, and everybody knows the truth
She acted like a nuisance, just like you, and everyone knows it
It's clear to me now
I understand completely now
You're scared of me, wow
You are afraid of me, surprisingly
(Transparent soul)
Your true nature is visible and exposed
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Willow Smith, Travis Barker, Tyler Cole
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@willowsmith
I am so GRATEFUL and EXCITED to start this new journey !
🧨LET THE VIBES COMMENCE🧨
@nessagriffin4800
I ABSOLUTELY ŁÖVË THIS YOUR SO TALENTED ❤️💞❤️💞
@ry8003
You absolutely killed it!!
@vibingwithviola
🥂cheers to thee vibes
@michaelholloway163
omg willow watching u grow up is just like watching a flower grow beautifully ilysm
@ezra8612
its amazing willow!!
@Justricooo
“I KNEW A BOY JUST LIKE YOU, HES A SNAKE JUST LIKE YOU” - but at the top of my lungs like its 2003
@flamingopower2637
Haha I was born in 03
@imthatboy5916
ikr🤣🤣🤣🤣
@headlessvamp
This brought me back to my high-school emo days