“Make Me Proud” by Drake - meaning and lyrics
[Drake]
I like a woman with a future and a past
A lil attitude problem all good, it'll make sh_t last
Don't make it too easy girl, don't take it too fast
Yeah, thats it right there, thats it, do it just like that
Only you can do it just like that
And I love it when your hair still wet cause you just took a shower
Running on a treadmill and only eating salad
Sound so smart like you graduated college
Like you went to Yale but you probably went to Howard
Knowing you, weekend in Miami tryna study by the pool
Couple things due but you always get it done
Might have been a time when I loved her too
But you take that away and you'll always be the one
One, I wonder why the moon looks nice, girl
Maybe it's just right for the night
You said s coming on too strong girl
They want you in their life as a wife
Thats why you wanna have no sex, why you wanna protest
Why you wana fight for your right
Cause you don't love them boys
P-ssy run everything, f-ck that noise [Chorus - Drake]
I know things get hard but girl you got it girl
You got it, there you go
Can't you tell by how they looking at you everywhere you go
Wondering whats on your mind, it must be hard to be that fine
When all these muthaf-ckas wanna waste your time
It's just amazing girl, and all I can say is
I'm so, I'm so, I'm so, I'm so, I'm so proud of you
I'm so, I'm so, I'm so, I'm so, I'm so proud of you
I'm so, I'm so, I'm so, I'm so, I'm so proud of you Everything's adding up, you've been through hell and back
Thats why you're bad as f-ck and you, [Nicki Minaj]
B-b-b-bet I am
All of them b_tches I'm better then
Mansions in Malibu babblin
But I never mention everything I dabble in
And I always ride slow when I'm straddlin'
And my sh_t's so wet you gotta paddle in
Gotta ro-ro-row, gotta row ya boat
It's Pink Friday records and OVO
Done did the pop tour, I'm the realest deal
Best legal team so the deals is ill
It's Mac, OPI and a fragrance too
Apparel, I'm dominating every avenue
Cobblestone, good view, lil gravel too
Gotta pay for the entourage travel too
Cause I'm fli-fli-fly, I'm flying high
Aint got time to talk, just Hi and bye Baby you can ask me to take a break
I'll give it all away, don't care what the people say
I'll be a million, billion, trillion miles away He asked my sign, I said a Sag'
I'm a star, Sheriff badge,
Whats the point? If I'm guardin'
Double D up hoes, Dolly Parton
[Chorus - Drake]
In the realm of popular music, few artists are as adept at capturing the intricacies of relationships and personal growth as Drake. With his song "Make Me Proud," the Canadian rapper delves deep into the paradoxes of love, ambition, and societal expectations. Through Straussian analysis, we can uncover a narrative that parallels the unexpected journey of a beloved character from a classic television show, "The X-Files."
Overt Meaning:
At first glance, "Make Me Proud" seems to celebrate a woman with ambition and intelligence. Drake professes his admiration for a partner who possesses a mix of a bright future and a rich past. The artist appreciates a woman with an attitude problem, recognizing that it adds depth and longevity to their union. He encourages her not to rush things, but rather to savor the process. Drake further highlights her intelligence, comparing her to a Yale graduate, while acknowledging the possibility that she might have attended Howard University.
Creative Straussian Interpretation:
In a surprising revelation, we can interpret "Make Me Proud" through the lens of the enigmatic FBI agent Dana Scully from "The X-Files." Scully, portrayed by Gillian Anderson, exudes strength and intelligence throughout the series, causing viewers to marvel at her poise and capability in the face of the unknown. Like Drake's muse, Scully embodies a union of past and future. Her past as a skilled medical doctor merges with her future as an FBI agent, enabling her to tackle paranormal phenomena with scientific skepticism.
The comparisons continue as both the song and Scully's story touch upon the theme of duality and restraint. Drake's lyrics emphasize the allure of a partner who restrains herself while facing adversities head-on. Scully, too, embodies restraint in challenging situations, refusing to let her emotions cloud her judgment. The contrasting worlds of personal relationships and professional obligations resonate through the characters of Drake's song and Scully in "The X-Files."
Drake's line, "I wonder why the moon looks nice, girl / Maybe it's just right for the night," can be interpreted as a metaphor for Scully's ceaseless pursuit of truth in the face of darkness. Just as the moon remains a beacon of light amid the night sky, Scully's unwavering commitment to her mission serves as a guiding star amidst the mysteries she encounters.
Alternative Perspectives and Influences:
The song's chorus allows for alternative perspectives. While Drake praises his partner's resilience, other characters in the song may offer differing viewpoints. In a surprise twist, we can draw parallels between the male characters in the song and the morally ambiguous Walter White from the television show "Breaking Bad." While Drake celebrates his partner's strength, the male characters in "Make Me Proud" might represent those who fail to recognize and appreciate a strong woman. They desire her as a wife but lack the fundamental understanding and admiration she deserves.
Furthermore, the reference to Dolly Parton in Nicki Minaj's verse adds another layer to the song's inspiration. Parton, known for her intelligence and business acumen, represents a woman who defied societal norms and dominated the music industry. Her influence further bolsters the idea of celebrating a strong and ambitious woman, resonating with the overarching narrative of the song.
Drake's "Make Me Proud" is a multifaceted piece that goes beyond the surface-level celebration of a powerful and intelligent woman. By applying Straussian analysis, we have discovered unexpected connections to the character of Dana Scully from "The X-Files" and the complex dynamics in "Breaking Bad." The song's exploration of duality, restraint, and the varying perspectives surrounding powerful women intertwines with the storylines of these popular cultural references, deepening the song's rich thematic tapestry. Through his lyrics, Drake invites listeners to appreciate and acknowledge the strength and ambition of those around them, ultimately inspiring us all to strive for greatness.
