“Light Up” by Drake - lyrics and meaning
[Verse 1: Drake]
I've been up for 4 days
Getting money both ways
Dirty and clean, I could use a glass of cold Spades
Rolexes, chauffeurs and low fades
I keep thinking how young you can die from old age
They always tell me nobody's working as hard as you
And even though I laugh it off, man, it's probably true
Cuz while all of my closest friends out partying
I'm just here making all the music that they party to
But party on, party on, all night n_gga
I got these new rappers nervous prom night n_gga
I've grown tired of these f_cking grown man liars
Storytellers, they ain't even need a campfire
Uhh, but I just wanna tell the truth
Before one of these haters load a couple shells and shoot
This sh_t feel like when Fredro Starr was at Sunset Park
Stuntin' hard in his yellow Goose
Yeah, but I'm a ma'f_ckin' missed target
But a target nonetheless and I just started
Was that directed at moi? It can't be
They must be talking to themselves, hoes hands free
Yeah, and I'm just filling up this daily planner
Gettin' busy 'cause I'm a star, no spangled banner
Jealous dudes get to talkin' in they music
And I just say I wrote it for your girlfriends, Kelsey Grammar
Yeah, that's what life becomes when you're doing you
Welcome to Hollywood, don't let this town ruin you,
And if you pillow talking with the women that are screwin' you
Just know that she gon' tell another n_gga when she through wit you
Don't get impatient when it takes too long
Drink it all even when it tastes too strong
Yeah, I gotta feel alive, even if it kills me
I promise to always give you me, the real me [Chorus: Drake]
Who would have thought
I'd be caught in this life?
Let's celebrate with a toast
And get lost in tonight
And make it all light up
(Hey, Guru, tell hom' to go to open that Ace right there),
Wait until the sun goes down
We gon' make this b_tch light up
Even when the sun goes down
I'm gon' make this go [Verse 2: Jay-Z]
Owww, hoes turn they heads like, owls
I'm the man of the hour
Triple entendre, don't even ask me how
Con Edison flow, I'm connected to a higher power
Bright life'd make your whole city light up
A trillion-watt light bulb, when I'm in the nightclub
I just landed in that G450
Caught the Mayweather fight, 'cause the satellite was crispy
(Uh) Y'all can miss me with that money talk
The smart money's on Hov, f_ck what the dummies talk
I don't do too much blogging
I just run the town, I don't do too much jogging
(Unh) I ain't got a scar yet
'Cause you f_ckin' around with me and my dogs is far-fetched
Drake, here is how they gon' come at you
Will silly raps for you tryin' to distract you
In disguise, in the form of a favor
The Barzini me, watch for the traitors
(Unh) I done seen it all, done it all
That's why none of these dumb-dumb could dun him off
The summer's ours, the winter too
Top down in the winter, that's what winners do
And to these n_ggas I'm like Windows 7
You let 'em tell it, they swear that they invented you
And since no good deed go unpunished
I'm not as cool with n_ggas as I once was
I once was, cool as The Fonz was
But these bright lights turned me to a monster
Sorry, mama, I promised it wouldn't change me
But I would've went insane had I remained the same me
F_ck n_ggas, b_tches too
All I got is this money, this'll do [Chorus: Drake]
Who would have thought
I'd be caught in this life?
Let's celebrate with a toast
And get lost in tonight
And make it all light up
Wait until the sun goes down
We gon' make this b_tch light up
Wait until the sun goes down
I'm gon' make this go view
Drake's "Light Up" is an introspective and thought-provoking song that delves into the challenges and sacrifices involved in pursuing a successful music career. This article will employ the Straussian analysis to unveil the hidden meanings and explore unforeseen intersections between the lyrics and a relatively obscure book, movie, or TV show from popular culture. By peering into alternate interpretations and considering how different characters or influences might have shaped the song, we can appreciate its depth on a whole new level.
Overt Meaning: The Struggles of Fame
At first glance, "Light Up" captures the struggle and dedication required to achieve success in the music industry. Drake addresses the long hours he spends working on music while his friends indulge in partying and mingling. He grapples with the pressure of constantly being compared to his peers, acknowledging that his hard work and dedication make others nervous. Furthermore, Drake voices his desire to stay true to himself and the challenges he faces when surrounded by fake friends and deceitful individuals.
"Light Up" and the Series "Beasts of No Nation"
A surprising comparison can be drawn between the themes explored in "Light Up" and the critically acclaimed film "Beasts of No Nation." The movie, directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga and based on Uzodinma Iweala's novel, follows the journey of a young boy who becomes a child soldier in an unnamed West African country.
In both narratives, there is a relentless pursuit of success and recognition. The protagonist in "Beasts of No Nation" yearns to become a powerful warlord, while Drake strives to establish himself as a dominant force in the music industry. Both protagonists face tremendous obstacles, sacrificing their innocence and encountering moral dilemmas along the way.
In the same way, Drake's lyrics echo the young soldier's struggle to balance his newfound power and ambition with the consequences it bears on his soul. Like the soldiers, Drake battles with his inner demons while navigating the treacherous landscape of fame and success, ultimately questioning whether it is all worth the sacrifices made.
Different Perspectives: Jay-Z's Verse and "The Godfather"
Jay-Z's verse in "Light Up" offers a fresh perspective on the song's themes. This section invites a connection to the iconic movie series, "The Godfather." Jay-Z's lines about being cautious of the traitors and the constant need for vigilance in the face of success can be likened to the Corleone family's experiences in the Mafia world.
Just as Michael Corleone must always be wary of the treachery within his own circle, Jay-Z emphasizes the importance of being alert to those who may attempt to disrupt one's progress or lure them into detrimental situations. This parallel brings a striking dimension to the song, highlighting the universal struggle for self-preservation amidst fame, power, and influence.
Drake's lyrical prowess shines through when he compares himself to a missed target and mentions the movie "Sunset Park." However, an unexpected and intriguing connection can be made between "Light Up" and the literary classic, "The Count of Monte Cristo" by Alexandre Dumas.
In the novel, the protagonist, Edmond Dantès, is wrongfully imprisoned and seeks revenge against those who betrayed him. Similarly, Drake identifies himself as a "missed target" and a "target nonetheless," implying that he is underestimated but determined to prevail. This comparison unfurls a narrative where Drake battles internal struggles and external adversaries to achieve his aspirations, mirroring Dantès' relentless pursuit of justice and retribution.
By delving into the "Light Up" lyrics using Straussian analysis, we've uncovered layers of meaning that go beyond the surface narrative. Exploring the unexpected connections between the song and other cultural works like "Beasts of No Nation," "The Godfather," and "The Count of Monte Cristo," we find profound parallels and thematic intersections that elevate our understanding of Drake's message.
Through personal reflections, cautionary tales, and struggles against both internal and external forces, "Light Up" reveals the complex nature of pursuing success and the sacrifices it demands. It serves as a poignant reminder to remain true to oneself, navigate treacherous waters, and ultimately find the light within the turmoil of one's journey.
