Meaning of BRACKETS by J. Cole

J. Cole's song "BRACKETS" captivates listeners with its thought-provoking lyrics and profound themes. The overall theme of the song centers around J. Cole's reflection on the societal issues surrounding the distribution and utilization of tax dollars. Through his masterful blend of storytelling and introspection, he highlights various aspects of this theme, shedding light on the racial disparities, systemic inequalities, and personal struggles that come with navigating through a flawed system.One standout lyric in the song is, "I guess they say my dollars supposed to build roads and schools, but my niggas barely graduate, they ain't got the tools." This lyric taps into the theme of education inequality within marginalized communities. J. Cole laments the reality that despite contributing his hard-earned money in the form of taxes, the education system fails to adequately support and uplift those who need it most. This lyric raises important questions about where taxpayer dollars are truly going and why they aren't effectively benefiting all members of society.In another powerful line, J. Cole raps, "And the curriculum be tricking them, them dollars I spend, got us learning about the heroes with the whitest of skin." This lyric delves into the theme of the whitewashing of history and the erasure of diverse voices. J. Cole criticizes the education system for perpetuating a biased narrative that only showcases heroes and historical figures who fit a certain mold. He challenges the idea that the power of crafting history lies in the hands of those who often seek to white-out or diminish their own shortcomings.Furthermore, J. Cole explores the personal struggles and frustrations that arise from his financial success. He raps, "Niggas hating on me, I ain't used to that. Know a couple people wanna shoot for that, I say 'No, no, no, chill, it ain't no need for that'." This lyric touches upon the theme of jealousy and the pressures that come with financial prosperity. J. Cole acknowledges that his success has attracted envy and even potential threats, but he chooses to rise above it, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace and non-violence in the face of adversity.Another compelling line that ties into the overarching theme is, "If I'm givin' y'all this hard-earned bread, I wanna know. Better yet, let me decide, bitch, it's 2018." This lyric speaks to the lack of autonomy individuals have over their tax contributions and the desire for transparency and choice. J. Cole challenges the traditional structure of democracy, suggesting that individuals should have a say in how their taxes are allocated. He proposes a forward-thinking idea, envisioning a system where people can personally choose which causes and initiatives they want to support, using technology as a means of empowerment and decision-making.The song's theme is further highlighted through vivid storytelling and creative imagery. J. Cole's lyrics evoke strong emotions and paint a striking picture of the societal issues he addresses. From the narrative of a frustrated mother burdened with funeral arrangements while grappling with taxes, to the tragic story of a young boy caught in the crossfire of violence, each story adds depth to the song's themes of inequality, bureaucratic frustrations, and the struggle to find meaning and purpose in a flawed system."