Meaning of Only Way Freestyle by Jack Harlow

Jack Harlow's 'Only Way Freestyle' is a powerful song that delves deep into the current state of the world and addresses the issues of racism, inequality, and social injustice. The song captures the frustration and anger felt by many in today's society and calls for change. Throughout the lyrics, Harlow explores various themes that help to develop the song's central message.One standout lyric in the song is "Life as we knew it before, this is only memories." This line reflects the drastic changes that the world has undergone in recent times, particularly with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the sense of longing for a time when things were more predictable and stable. This theme of nostalgia ties into the overarching theme of the song, as Harlow suggests that we must not forget the lessons and injustices of the past.Another significant lyric is "This is not a fundraiser, this is real energy." This line speaks to the need for genuine action and commitment to bring about change. Harlow emphasizes that band-aid solutions like fundraisers are not enough; rather, it's the passion and determination behind these efforts that truly matter. This theme of authenticity resonates throughout the song and reminds listeners of the importance of genuine activism and advocacy.The lyric "Don't know how the fuck you think that this how it's meant to be" challenges the complacency and acceptance of the current state of affairs. It questions the lack of empathy and understanding from those in power and encourages listeners to question the status quo. This lyric highlights the theme of questioning and challenging authority, urging people to rethink their beliefs and take action against injustices.Another notable lyric is "Maybe this is what it takes, maybe this is how the levee breaks." Here, Harlow draws a parallel to the famous blues song by Kansas Joe McCoy and Memphis Minnie. While the original song speaks of a literal flood and the destruction it causes, Harlow uses the metaphor of the levee breaking to symbolize the necessary societal upheaval needed to dismantle systemic racism and inequality. This theme of breaking down barriers and old structures is a recurring motif in the song.The lyric "Maybe this is fake, maybe this the only way" presents an intriguing juxtaposition. It suggests that perhaps the current turmoil and unrest we are witnessing is merely an illusion, a facade designed to spur change. This theme of questioning the authenticity of the situation ties into the overarching theme of the song, reminding listeners to critically analyze the world around them and not simply accept things at face value.In conclusion, Jack Harlow's 'Only Way Freestyle' addresses the pressing issues of racism, inequality, and social injustice through thought-provoking lyrics. The song's overarching theme revolves around the need for change and calls for authentic and genuine efforts to combat these problems. Each standout lyric in the song explores different aspects of these themes, such as nostalgia, authenticity, challenging authority, breaking down barriers, and questioning the authenticity of the situation. Through these themes, the song encourages listeners to reflect on the current state of the world and take action to bring about positive change.