Hidden meaning of “Look What You’ve Done” by Drake

[Verse 1]

It's like '09 in your basement and I'm in love with Nebby

And I still love her but it fell through because I wasn't ready

And your back hurt, and your neck hurt, and you smoking heavy

And I sit next to you, and I lecture you because those are deadly

And then you ash it and we argue about spending money on bullsh_t

And you tell me I'm just like my father -- my one b_tton, you push it

Now it's "F_ck you, I hate you, I'll move out in a heartbeat!"

And I leave out and you call me, you tell me that you sorry

You love me, and I love you, and your heart hurts, mine does too

And it's just words and they cut deep but it's our world, it's just us two

I see painkillers on the kitchen counter, I hate to see it all hurt so bad

But maybe I wouldn't have worked this hard

If you were healthy and it weren't so bad

Uh, maybe I should walk up the street, and try and get a job at the bank

Cause leave it up to me, J, and Neeks,

we'll probably end up robbing the bank

Then Wayne calls on my phone, conversation wasn't that long

Gets me a flight to Houston in the morning

Oh it's my time, yeah, it's on

He's thinking of signing me, I come home

We make a mixtape with seventeen songs

And almost get a Grammy off of that thing

They love your son -- man, that boy gone

You get the operation you dreamed of

And I finally send you to Rome

I get to make good on my promise

It all worked out girl, we shoulda known

Cause you deserve it [Hook]

This sh_t real, should I pinch you?

After all the things that we been through, I got you

Look what you've done, look what you've done

Look what you've done for me now

You knew that I was gonna be something

When you're stressed out and you need something, I got you

Look what you've done, look what you've done [Verse 2]

It's like '06 in your backyard, I'm in love with Jade

And I'm still in love, just when it's that real is when it doesn't fade

And my father living in Memphis now -- he can't come this way

Over some minor charges and child support that just wasn't paid

Damn, boo-hoo, sad story, black American dad story

Know that I'm your sister's kid but

It still don't explain the love that you have for me

I remember sneaking in your pool after school dances

Damn your house felt like the Hamptons

For all of my summer romances

I never really had no one like you man this all new, sh_t

Made the world I knew bigger, changed the way that I viewed it

Had all this fighting going on at the crib

You would calm me down when I lose it

Told you I think I'm done acting, I'm more in touch with the music

You said either way I'll be a star, I could go so far

Talked from me to you, got from me you

You tossed the keys and loaned me your car

Yeah, just a young kid in a drop top

Lexus hopin' that I don't get arrested

Just another kid going through life

So worried that I won't be accepted

But I could do anything, you said that, and you meant that

You took me places, you spent that, they said no, we went back

Checks bounced but we bounced back

I put all the money in your accounts back

And I thank you, I don't know where

I'd really be without that, it worked out man

You deserve it

In the vast world of music, lies a plethora of artists who skillfully weave their personal experiences into their lyrics. Among them, the eminent rapper Drake stands out as a master storyteller, cleverly intertwining themes of love, family, and personal growth. His song "Look What You've Done" from his album provides a deeply introspective lens into Drake's life, offering a glimpse into his relationships and the impact they had on his journey. However, beneath the surface lies a striking similarity between this powerful narrative and the lesser-known masterpiece, the film "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind."

At first glance, "Look What You've Done" appears to be a heartfelt tribute to the two important women in Drake's life. The song chronicles his complicated relationship with Nebby and Jade, highlighting the ups and downs, conflicts, and eventual triumphs. Through this narrative, Drake explores themes of love, regret, rebuilding, and gratitude.

Delving deeper into "Look What You've Done," we unveil a surprising connection between the song's narrative and the complex themes presented in the film "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind." While seemingly unrelated at first, both works explore the impact of memories, personal growth, and the significance of unexpected connections.

Drake draws parallels between his relationships and the central theme in "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind": erasing memories and the consequences of doing so. Nebby and Jade represent different phases of Drake's life, as Clementine does for Joel in the film. Just as Joel frantically strives to preserve his memories with Clementine, Drake, through his lyrics, laments the moments he wished were remembered forever.

Further analysis uncovers another layer of connection: the underlying influence of fractured identities. In "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," Joel and Clementine erase each other from their memories to forget the pain of their relationship. Similarly, Drake's mention of his father's absence and subsequent legal issues implies a figurative "erasure," leading him to seek solace and love from Nebby and Jade as substitute familial figures.

Adding depth to this interpretation, one can consider how other characters might view Drake's relationships differently. Drake portrays his father's lack of support as a reflection of his own internal struggle and search for validation. However, taking into account the perspective of Joel's friends in "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," who viewed Clementine as toxic, there may be others who perceive Nebby and Jade as negative influences in Drake's life. This juxtaposition could evoke questions about the subjective nature of relationships and the varying perspectives people hold.

Furthermore, one might be surprised to find parallels between Drake's music career and Joel's journey towards self-discovery. Just as Joel finally embraces his memories of Clementine, Drake's lyrics celebrate his accomplishments in the music industry. The line, "Almost get a Grammy off of that thing, they love your son -- man, that boy gone," echoes the transformative effect music has had on him. This connects to a central theme of "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" - finding beauty amidst the chaos of life.

Drake's "Look What You've Done" is an intricately crafted song that offers more than meets the eye. Applying a Straussian analysis reveals unexpected connections to the film "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind." Both works explore themes of memory, personal growth, and unexpected connections, inviting us to reflect on the multifaceted nature of relationships and the significance of our shared experiences. Through this exploration, it is clear that Drake's lyricism extends beyond mere storytelling, intertwining various narratives and influences from popular culture to create a unique and deeply resonant musical experience.