Meaning of Salute by Big Sean

In Big Sean's song titled 'Salute', the overall theme revolves around recognition, respect, and self-confidence. Throughout the song, the lyrics highlight various aspects of the music industry, personal achievements, and the feeling of being unstoppable. Let's dive into some standout lyrics and explore the unexpected themes they help develop.The first verse by Hit-Boy and Fivio Foreign sets the tone for the song. The line "Salute when you see me, uh" encompasses the demand for acknowledgment and respect. It reflects the idea that accomplishments and success have elevated their status in the industry. The unexpected theme here lies in the reference to the ocean, with the line "That jealousy shit is a ocean and you either float or you sinkin'." It suggests that envy and negativity can either bring you down or motivate you to keep pushing forward.The following line, "B.B. King, I'm in love with the blues," adds depth to the overall theme. It represents a connection with the struggles and hardships in life and how they shaped their journey. The blues symbolize resilience and the ability to overcome obstacles. This unexpected theme highlights the importance of embracing difficult times and finding strength in them.Moving on to Big Sean's verse, he starts with the line, "Salute when you see me. I'm gettin' greedy, I blow the whole budget on me." This lyric touches on the theme of self-worth and self-investment. It expresses the idea of valuing oneself and prioritizing personal growth and enjoyment. The unexpected theme here revolves around the notion of embracing one's desires and celebrating individuality without apologies.The line, "That's on me, I'm conceited. Treaty? Nah, that ain't how we treat it," introduces an interesting theme of self-assurance. It reflects a refusal to settle for anything less than what they deserve. The unexpected theme lies in the idea of redefining what it means to be conceited. Instead of it being seen as purely negative, it can also emphasize the importance of self-love and confidence, encouraging others to do the same.Another powerful lyric is "I set the bar up so high that you might as well leave it." This line delves into the theme of pushing oneself to new heights and surpassing expectations. The unexpected theme here is the notion of inspiring others to raise their own standards. By raising the bar, they encourage others to strive for greatness, creating a ripple effect of motivation and achievement.Fivio Foreign's verse contributes to the song's themes with lines like "I got the heart of a God and a genie." This lyric introduces a theme of self-belief and viewing oneself as unstoppable. It suggests that with the confidence and determination of a god or a powerful being, they can manifest their dreams and desires. The unexpected theme here lies in the power of self-perception and mindset, implying that by seeing ourselves as capable of achieving greatness, we can make it a reality.Overall, 'Salute' encompasses themes of recognition, respect, self-confidence, resilience, self-empowerment, and inspiring others. The unexpected themes explored within the standout lyrics add depth and complexity to the song's message. It encourages listeners to embrace their accomplishments, value themselves, push boundaries, and inspire others along their journey. 'Salute' is an anthem that reminds us to acknowledge our own worth and celebrate the strengths we possess.