Meaning of 1985 Remix by J. Cole

The J. Cole song titled '1985 Remix' is a thought-provoking and introspective track that delves into the current state of the music industry and the impact it has on young listeners. Through his lyrics, J. Cole addresses the changing trends in music, the commercialization of the industry, and the influence artists have on their listeners.One standout lyric in the song is, "Jokes on you, yea I’m still alive, Tryna find the right path but I’m so young." This lyric captures the theme of personal growth and self-discovery. J. Cole acknowledges the challenges of navigating life as a young artist, trying to find his own voice and direction. The lyric highlights the importance of allowing oneself the space and time to grow and learn, in both their personal and professional lives.Another notable lyric is, "You gotta give a boy a chance to grow some, Everybody talkin' like they know somethin' these days." This lyric touches on the idea of judgment and external pressure. J. Cole addresses the tendency for people to criticize and pass judgment on artists, particularly when they are young and still finding their artistic identity. It raises the question of whether individuals are truly capable of understanding the journey and challenges faced by artists, or if they simply judge based on surface-level observations.The lyric, "I’m on God’s team, till I no longer age, I hear your music and I know that rap's changed," explores the theme of spirituality and the artist's relationship with a higher power. J. Cole emphasizes his faith and how it guides him in staying true to himself as an artist. He also acknowledges the evolution of rap music, suggesting a change in the genre's direction. This lyric prompts listeners to reflect on the impact of spirituality and personal beliefs on an artist's work.In the line, "Have you ever thought about your impact? These kids love that you don't give a really care," J. Cole shifts the focus to the influence artists have on their audience. This theme addresses the responsibility that comes with being a public figure, particularly a musician. J. Cole questions whether artists consider the impact they have on their young listeners. He challenges the carefree and rebellious attitude often associated with musicians, urging them to consider the lasting impact of their art on their impressionable audience.One intriguing theme that can be derived from the lyric, "They wanna see you dab, they wanna see you pop a pill, They wanna see you tatted from your face to your heels," is the notion of societal expectations and trends. J. Cole highlights the pressure that artists face to conform to certain expectations of behavior and appearance. This theme raises the question of whether artists authentically express themselves or merely conform to popular trends to gain acceptance and success.Building on this idea, the lyric, "Now your show's lookin' light cause they don't show up, Which unfortunately means the money slow up," explores the theme of fame and its fleeting nature. J. Cole comments on the cyclical nature of fame and the reality that artists who rely solely on trends to sustain their careers may find themselves struggling once those trends fade away. It serves as a cautionary tale, reminding artists of the importance of longevity and authenticity in their craft.Overall, '1985 Remix' touches on various thought-provoking themes, encouraging listeners to reflect on the state of the music industry, individual growth, the influence of artists on their audience, societal expectations, and the nature of fame. J. Cole's lyrics provide a platform for introspection and discussion, questioning the values and motivations within the music industry while urging artists and listeners alike to strive for authenticity and lasting impact.