Hidden meaning of “Started from the Bottom” by Drake

Started... Zombie on the track... [Chorus:]

Started from the bottom now we're here

Started from the bottom now my whole team f_cking here

Started from the bottom now we're here

Started from the bottom now the whole team here, 

Started from the bottom now we're here

Started from the bottom now my whole team here, 

Started from the bottom now we're here

Started from the bottom now the whole team f_cking here [Verse 1:]

I done kept it real from the jump

Living at my mama's house we'd argue every mornin'

, I was trying to get it on my own

Working all night, traffic on the way home

And my uncle calling me like "Where ya at?

I gave you the keys told ya bring it right back"

, I just think it's funny how it goes

Now I'm on the road, half a million for a show

And we... [Chorus:]

Started from the bottom now we're here

Started from the bottom now my whole team f_cking here

Started from the bottom now we're here

Started from the bottom now the whole team here, 

Started from the bottom now we're here

Started from the bottom now the whole team f_cking here,

Started from the bottom now we're here

Started from the bottom now the whole team here  [Verse 2:]

Boys tell stories about the man

Say I never struggled, wasn't hungry, yeah, I doubt it, 

I could turn your boy into the man

There ain't really much I hear that's poppin' off without us, 

We just want the credit where it's due

I'm a worry about me, give a f_ck about you

, just as a reminder to myself

I wear every single chain, even when I'm in the house

Cause we... [Chorus:]

Started from the bottom now we're here

Started from the bottom now my whole team f_cking here

Started from the bottom now we're here

Started from the bottom now the whole team here,  [Bridge:]

No new s,  we don't feel that

F_ck a fake friend, where you real friends at?

We don't like to do too much explaining

Story stays the same I never changed it

No new s,  we don't feel that

F_ck a fake friend, where you real friends at?

We don't like to do too much explaining

Story stay the same through the money and the fame

Cause we... [Chorus:]

Started from the bottom now we're here

Started from the bottom now my whole team f_cking here

Started from the bottom now we're here

Started from the bottom now the whole team here, 

Started from the bottom now we're here

Started from the bottom now my whole team here, 

Started from the bottom now we're here

Started from the bottom now the whole team here


Drake has been a prominent figure in the hip-hop world, captivating listeners with his introspective lyrics and relatable storytelling. One of his notable songs, "Started From The Bottom," has resonated with audiences due to its honest portrayal of personal growth and success. However, beneath the surface, this track holds a surprising connection to the popular television series, The Walking Dead. In this article, we will explore the hidden meanings within Drake's lyrics using Straussian analysis, demonstrating how the struggles and triumphs depicted in the song parallel the journey of survival in a post-apocalyptic world.


Overt Meaning:

At first glance, "Started From The Bottom" encompasses Drake's rise to fame and fortune, emphasizing his humble beginnings and subsequent success. The lyrics describe his journey from living at his mother's house to becoming a renowned artist commanding half a million dollars for a single show. It portrays Drake's hard work, resilience, and determination to overcome obstacles and achieve his dreams.


Creative Straussian Interpretation:

Delving deeper into the song, we uncover an unexpected parallel between Drake's story and The Walking Dead. In this compelling television series, a group of survivors navigates a world overrun by zombies, facing countless challenges and personal growth along the way. Through a Straussian lens, we can draw an intriguing connection between Drake's narrative and the experiences of the characters in The Walking Dead.


In The Walking Dead, the survivors must adapt to an apocalyptic landscape, where resources are scarce, friendships are tested, and danger lurks around every corner. Similarly, Drake's lyrics capture the essence of survival, highlighting the struggle to overcome adversity and find success against the odds.


The key phrase, "Started from the bottom now we're here," mirrors the survivors' journey from vulnerability to strength. Just as the characters in The Walking Dead started with nothing, fighting for survival, Drake metaphorically depicts his rise from a place of uncertainty to a position of power within the music industry.


Additionally, the line "Boys tell stories about the man, say I never struggled, wasn't hungry" echoes the recurring theme in The Walking Dead, where characters face the criticism that their success has come without hardship. Both narratives challenge these misperceptions and emphasize the hidden battles and sacrifices made along the way.


Different Interpretations:

Exploring the potential perspectives of other characters in Drake's song reveals an intriguing viewpoint. For instance, from the perspective of a fellow artist, they might interpret Drake's success as a result of luck or simply being in the right place at the right time. This is akin to how some characters in The Walking Dead perceive the survivors as mere beneficiaries of fortunate circumstances, failing to recognize the challenges they endured.


Cultural Influences:

One fascinating connection between Drake's song and The Walking Dead lies in the undertones of resilience and the fight for survival. However, another unexpected source of inspiration could be the popular zombie-themed television show's portrayal of character relationships and loyalty. The camaraderie and trust exhibited among the survivors in The Walking Dead reflects Drake's line, "No new s,  we don't feel that/F_ck a fake friend, where you real friends at?" This speaks to the importance of authentic friendships and the necessity of a solid support system while navigating the entertainment industry.


Through Straussian analysis, we have explored the many layers of Drake's "Started From The Bottom," revealing an unexpected connection between the song and The Walking Dead. While the overt meaning details Drake's personal journey to success, a deeper examination uncovers his parallel experiences with the survivors in the post-apocalyptic world. By delving into various perspectives and cultural influences, we gain a newfound appreciation for the resilience displayed throughout Drake's lyrics. This interpretation demonstrates the hidden complexity and depth behind seemingly straightforward lyrics, inviting listeners to explore the hidden dimensions of art and popular culture in unexpected ways.


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