“Take Care” by Drake - lyrics and meaning
[Rihanna]
Know you've been hurt by someone else
I can tell by the way you carry yourself
If you let me, here's what I'll do
I'll take care of you
I've loved and I've lost [Drake: Verse 1]
I've asked about you and they've told me things
But my mind didn't change, I still the feel the same
What's a life with no fun? please don't be so ashamed
I've had mine, you've had yours, we both know
We know, they don't get you like I will
My only wish is I die real
Cause that truth hurts, and those lies heal
And you can't sleep thinking that he lies still
So you cry still, tears all in the pillow case
Big girls all get a little taste
Pushing me away so I give her space
Dealing with a heart that I didn't break
I'll be there for you, I will care for you
I keep thanking you, just don't know
Try to run from that, say you're done with that
On your face girl, it just don't show
When you're ready, just say you're ready
When all the baggage just ain't as heavy
And the parties over, just don't forget me
We'll change the pace and we'll just go slow
Won't ever have to worry,
You won't ever have to hide
If you've seen all my mistakes
So look me in my eyes [Rihanna]
Cause if you let me, here's what I'll do
I'll take care of you
I've loved and I've lost [Drake: Verse 2]
It's my birthday, I get high if I want to
Can't deny that I want you, but I lie if have to
Cause you don't say you love me
To your friend when they ask you
Even though we both know that you do (you do)
One time, been in love one time
You and all your girls in the club one time
All so convinced that you're following your heart
Cause your mind don't control what it does sometimes
We all have our nights though, don't be so ashamed
I've had mine, you've had yours, we both know
We know, you hate being alone
You ain't the only one
You hate the fact that you bought the dream
And they sold you one
You love your friends but somebody shoulda told you somin' to save you
Instead they said, (Dont tell me, I don't care, if you hurt)
(I don't tell you, you don't care) [Rihanna]
Know you've been hurt by someone else
I can tell by the way you carry yourself
If you let me, here's what I'll do
I'll take care of you
I've loved and I've lost
Drake's hit song "Take Care," featuring Rihanna, struck a chord with listeners worldwide upon its release. While the lyrics seemingly portray a tale of love and lost relationships, a deeper analysis through Straussian interpretation unveils an unexpected comparison between the song's themes and the critically acclaimed TV show, "Stranger Things." In this blog article, we delve into the overt meaning of the song before embarking on an exploration of its hidden layers, drawing connections to the intriguing world of Hawkins.
At first glance, "Take Care" appears to portray a narrative of Drake's willingness to offer emotional healing and support to a person who has experienced heartbreak, providing them with a sense of security and care. The lyrics capture the singer's understanding of the pain inflicted by someone else and his determination to be there for the other person.
As we delve deeper into the song's hidden meanings, an unexpected connection between "Take Care" and "Stranger Things" comes to light. While Drake's lyrics may initially seem unrelated to the captivating TV show, let's explore how the song's themes resonate with the critically acclaimed series.
The character Eleven in "Stranger Things" shares similarities with Drake's persona in "Take Care." Both individuals have encountered significant losses in their lives, shaping their outlook on relationships. Eleven's isolated upbringing and Drake's statement of having loved and lost contribute to their emotional vulnerability and their subsequent yearning to care for others.
The presence of the Shadow Monster in the show can be symbolically compared to the emotional baggage described in Drake's lyrics. Just as the characters in "Stranger Things" struggle to confront and overcome the fear instilled by the Shadow Monster, Drake's counterpart in the song hints at understanding the weight of emotional baggage and the need to overcome it. The line, "When all the baggage just ain't as heavy," represents the ongoing battle to navigate through emotional trauma.
The Upside Down, an alternate dimension in "Stranger Things," represents a distorted and chaotic reality. Similarly, Drake's lyrics allude to emotional turmoil, with lines such as, "I'll be there for you, I will care for you," implying the desire to bring stability amidst the chaos. This connection highlights the importance of emotional support in navigating through an upside-down world.
"Stranger Things" revolves around the power of friendship, and "Take Care" delivers a message of unwavering loyalty. Both the TV show and the song emphasize the need for reliable connections during periods of hardship. While "Stranger Things" highlights the strength of an ensemble, "Take Care" focuses on a singular bond, advocating for the persistence of friendship during times of personal struggle.
Looking beyond Drake's perspective, it is essential to consider how other characters within the song might perceive the situation. Through Straussian analysis, we can see it from Rihanna's point of view. Despite Rihanna's role as the recipient of Drake's care, her lyrics provide a nuanced perspective, reflecting the struggles of maintaining individuality, independence, and balancing the desire for support.
Finally, addressing the surprising cultural influences that may have shaped the song, "Take Care" reveals subtle nods to classic 90s love ballads. Drawing inspiration from the likes of TLC's "Waterfalls" and Boyz II Men's "End of the Road," Drake crafts a contemporary anthem echoing the essence of past R&B greats.
Drake's "Take Care" offers more than meets the eye, going beyond a simple love story and inviting audiences to reflect on intricate emotional connections. Utilizing Straussian analysis, we uncovered unexpected similarities between the song and the Netflix phenomenon "Stranger Things." The parallel themes of emotional care, overcoming trauma, and the strength found in genuine connections elevate both the song and TV show, resonating with audiences on deeper levels. Next time you listen to "Take Care," allow your imagination to wander through the Upside Down, where music and TV intertwine in unexpected ways.
