“The Real Her” by Drake - meaning and lyrics

[Verse 1]

People around you should really have nothing to say

Me, I'm just proud of the fact that you've done it your way

And the weekends here started it right,

even if you only get part of it right

Live for today, plan for tomorrow, party tonight, party tonight

Dying to meet your girlfriends that you said you might bring

If they're the ones that tell you that you do the right thing [Bridge]

Houston girls, love the way it goes down

Atlanta girls, love the way it goes down

Vegas girls, love the way it goes down [Hook]

But I gotta say, oh, baby, oh baby, why is this so familiar?

Just met her, already feel like I know the real her

You musta done this before, this can't be your first time

We musta been here before, cause girl you're fresh on my mind

You got that sh_t that somebody would look for but won't find

You musta done this before, this can't be your first time [Verse 2]

They keep telling me don't save you

If I ignore all that advice, then something isn't right

Then who will I complain to?

But the weekend's here, started it right,

even if I only get part of it right

Live for today, plan for tomorrow, party tonight, party tonight

You got your guards up, I do too, there's things we might discover

Cause you got a past and I do too, we're perfect for each other [Bridge] + [Hook] [Verse 3: Lil Wayne]

Cause to her I'm just a rapper, and soon she'll have met another

So if tonight's an accident, tomorrow we'll recover

And I know I'm not supposed to judge a book by its cover

I don't wanna be in the blind, but sometimes I Stevie Wonder

About her, and she with it if I'm with it, and I'm with it

I know what makes her smile, but I won't know what makes her different

Or should I just be realistic? Lipstick on the glass

I know this ain't your first, but it's better than your last.. [Hook] [Verse 4: Andre 3000]

Shower her with dollar tips

Shawty went and bought a whip

Guarantee the city remember your whole name

You throw the ho a scholarship

All of them ain't all equipped

And this saddens me, I see the pecking order

Quote-unquote "bad b_tches" work the whole floor

Those that get laughed at sit off in the corner

Like a lab rat nobody want her

s that are married don't wanna go home

We look up to them, they wish they were us

They want some new trim

We lust for some trust

Now the both of us are colorblind

Cause the other side looks greener

Which leaves your turf in the Boise state

Can't see her play or the team, cuz

Everybody has an addiction; mine happens to be you

And those who say they don't

Souls will later on say to them "that ain't true"

All of them will have an opinion

But y'all know what you can do with them

But if you unsure, I'll take you on tour

To a place I can stick that in

Well, sitting here sad as hell

Listening to Adele, I feel you baby

Someone like you, more like someone unlike you

Or someone that's familiar maybe

And I can tell that she wants a baby

And I can yell "Girl, that sh_t crazy!"

Oh what the hell? Nope, can't be lazy

Please be careful: b_tches got the rabies

In Drake's hit song "The Real Her," he explores the intricacies of relationships, trust, and vulnerability. On the surface, the lyrics depict a familiar tale of infatuation and attraction. However, when analyzed through a Straussian lens, unexpected parallels emerge, connecting the song to the themes and characters of the popular television show "Westworld." This unlikely comparison adds a layer of depth to the song, unraveling hidden meanings and shedding light on the complexities of human emotions.

Verse 1:

The opening verse of "The Real Her" reveals Drake's admiration for someone who defies societal norms and lives life on their own terms. Here, we witness a celebration of individuality, reminiscent of the "hosts" in "Westworld" who gain self-awareness and break free from their programmed roles. Just as the hosts chart their own paths in an otherwise controlled world, the subject of Drake's affection is praised for their autonomy.

Bridge and Hook:

The bridge and hook highlight the paradoxical familiarity and novelty of the relationship. This can be likened to "Westworld's" main character, Dolores, who has memories of previous iterations, realizing that she and her companions have been trapped in an endless cycle. Similarly, the lyrics imply that Drake's connection with the subject of the song transcends the present, suggesting a shared history that the two parties might not consciously remember.

Verse 2:

In the second verse, Drake acknowledges the challenges that relationships bring, exemplifying the conflicting desire to fix someone versus the need for support. This complexity finds resonance in the dynamics between various characters in "Westworld." Like Drake's declaration to ignore advice and complaints, some characters in the show navigate the pitfalls of love and companionship while encountering resistance from their partners who deem them mere entertainment.

Lil Wayne's Verse:

Lil Wayne's verse contributes to the Straussian interpretation by delving into the transient nature of relationships. His words resonate with Maeve, a character in "Westworld," who goes through countless experiences with men, aware that their time together is temporary. Lil Wayne's comparison between himself and Stevie Wonder suggests the characters' blindness to the true intentions and motivations of their partners. This speaks to the themes of deceit and manipulation in "Westworld."

Andre 3000's Verse:

Andre 3000's verse provides a critical perspective on the commodification of relationships and the objectification of women. The line "And this saddens me, I see the pecking order" mirrors the oppressive system in "Westworld" where hosts are ranked based on their desirability and treated as disposable objects. Furthermore, the line "All of them will have an opinion, but y'all know what you can do with them" echoes the societal criticisms faced by the hosts in the show, who are often disregarded and dismissed by those seeking their own selfish desires.

Conclusion:

By utilizing a Straussian analysis, we unravel an unexpected connection between Drake's "The Real Her" and the popular TV show "Westworld." The exploration of free will, repeating cycles, and dehumanization found in "Westworld" expands our understanding of Drake's lyrics, imbuing them with deeper meaning and complexity. The song becomes a commentary on the human condition, the struggle for meaningful connections, and the paradoxes inherent in our pursuit of love and validation. Through this interpretation, we become aware of the shared themes and emotions that resonate between seemingly disparate works of art.