Meaning of Smoke & Drive by Big Sean

The Big Sean song "Smoke & Drive" is a captivating track that delves into the experience of indulging in marijuana and driving, setting a contemplative tone on the themes of relaxation, escape, and self-reflection. While the song's lyrics might seem straightforward on the surface, a closer analysis reveals deeper and unexpected themes tied to the overall concept of the track.The hook, featuring Mike Posner, sets the tone for the entire song. "Roll the windows up when you get in the car, and I'mma light one up. Hit the gas station go and buy a cigar and a Philly blunt. Every time I breathe it's like I'm taking a puff, turn my music high, roll the windows up, when I smoke and drive." These lines explicitly illustrate the act of smoking and driving, but they also suggest a desire to create a personal cocoon, a temporary escape from the outside world. The act of rolling up the windows and lighting up a smoke can be seen as a metaphor for shutting out external distractions and entering a space of introspection and relaxation.One standout lyric from Big Sean's verse is "All black car, three percent tint. I can clearly see out, but you can barely see in." This lyric reveals the concept of privacy and concealment. While driving with tinted windows, the artist can observe the world outside while maintaining a degree of anonymity and seclusion. This theme of privacy ties in with the overall idea of creating a personal sanctuary through smoke and driving.Another captivating lyric is "We blowing Indo-nesia, and I'mma let it hit 'til I get amnesia." Here, the artist expresses the desire to reach a state of profound release and forgetfulness. The smoke becomes a means to disengage from the worries and stresses of everyday life, stepping away from reality for a while. This sentiment can be interpreted as a yearning for a temporary break from the constraints and responsibilities of the world, highlighting the escapism aspect of the song.Furthermore, Big Sean's lyric "Pocket full of papers so I'm finnin to get some papers" suggests an unexpected theme tied to ambition and success. While it may initially seem like a mere play on words, this lyric explores the concept of utilizing personal relaxation and introspection as fuel to achieve one's ambitions. The act of rolling up papers to smoke and reflecting on life's hurdles can spark a desire for personal growth and the determination to chase after success. This theme blends the principle of self-reflection and ambition, demonstrating that moments of solitude and introspection can lead to clarity of purpose and motivation.Donnis also contributes to the narrative of the song, and his verse adds elements of camaraderie and shared experience. The lyric "First of all 'til you ball like this, you don't put this type of piff in your swish, get it?" intertwines the idea of success, camaraderie, and celebration. The act of smoking together becomes an emblem of shared accomplishment and unity, reinforcing the power of friendship and collective enjoyment as important components of the overall theme.Jackie Chain's verse introduces a confrontational tone and an exploration of defiance and rebellion. When he says, "Fuck the police, what these pigs gon' tell me? Smoking bud at lights like X off of Belly," he juxtaposes smoking and the act of defying authority. This lyric highlights the rebellious spirit associated with subverting societal norms. It suggests that the act of smoking and driving can also be seen as a defiance of rules and a reclaiming of personal freedom.In conclusion, "Smoke & Drive" is a song that subtly explores numerous themes beyond the surface level. The act of smoking and driving becomes a conduit for relaxation, introspection, escapism, unity, ambition, and rebellion. It envelops the listener in a world of personal contemplation while navigating the roads. Each lyric within the song contributes to the development of these unexpected and imaginative themes. Ultimately, the song encourages listeners to reflect on their own experiences and considerations of self-identity and personal growth, all within the context of the peaceful solitude of smoke and drive.