Meaning of Too Big by Dr. Dre
In Dr. Dre's song titled 'Too Big', the overall theme revolves around the concept of doing things extravagantly, boldly, and on a grand scale. The lyrics celebrate a larger-than-life attitude, emphasizing the idea of going beyond the norm and taking things to the extreme. This theme of excess can be seen in various standout lyrics that create unexpected and imaginative themes to contribute to the song's message.One standout lyric that contributes to the overarching theme is "Too big, like MC Hammer hypeman." This comparison to MC Hammer's hypeman, who was known for his flamboyant and over-the-top performances, establishes a theme of showmanship and audacity. The lyric suggests that the persona being spoken about is not just big figuratively, but also in terms of their persona and stage presence. The theme of theatricality and larger-than-life performance helps to reinforce the idea of doing things on a grand scale.Another intriguing lyric is "More jewelry than a judge, call me Iceland." Here, the reference to the abundance of jewelry and being compared to Iceland creates an unexpected association. Iceland is known for its breathtaking natural landscapes, and by connecting the persona to something as vast as Iceland, the theme of abundance and grandeur is emphasized even further. The lyric suggests that the persona's wealth and material possessions are on such an extravagant level that they can be compared to an entire country.Furthermore, the lyric "Little red Corvette, now it's a Ferrari" introduces the theme of transformation and upgrade through excess. The persona starts with a modest car, symbolized by the reference to a "little red Corvette," but then upgrades to a luxurious Ferrari. This transformation reflects the overall theme of doing things on a bigger and more extravagant scale. It signifies a progression from something small to something much grander, highlighting the desire for opulence and the pursuit of bigger and better things.The theme of rebellion and defiance is also present in the lyric "Here I come, return of the shogun." By referencing the return of a shogun, who was a powerful military leader in feudal Japan, the persona positions themselves as a figure of authority and dominance. This suggests a theme of asserting power and control, going against the norm, and standing out from the crowd. It represents a rebellion against societal expectations and a determination to make a bold and impactful statement.Additionally, the lyric "I could sell the Stock Exchange some change" conveys a theme of financial prowess and influence. By claiming the ability to manipulate the stock market, the persona is associating themselves with immense wealth and power. This theme suggests an extravagant lifestyle where money is no object and displays a mindset where everything is achievable through a grandiose approach.In conclusion, Dr. Dre's song 'Too Big' encompasses the theme of excessive behavior and doing things on a grand scale. Through imaginative and unexpected lyrics, the song explores themes of showmanship, abundance, transformation, rebellion, and financial prowess. By highlighting these themes, the song encourages listeners to embrace their own big and audacious aspirations, challenging them to surpass the ordinary and aim for greatness.