Meaning of Late (hidden track) by Kanye West

In Kanye West's hidden track "Late," the artist explores the concept of time and its impact on various aspects of life. The overall theme of the song revolves around the notion of being late, whether in relation to societal expectations or personal growth. Through his introspective lyrics, West delves into the consequences and possibilities that come with being behind schedule.One standout lyric in the song is, "I think I was made for that, so I'm comin' in when I feel like, to turn this muh'f_cker up only if it feels right." This line highlights the importance of following one's intuition and inner timing rather than adhering strictly to external expectations. The theme encapsulated here could be interpreted as the idea of taking control of one's own destiny and not being confined by societal pressure or conventional timelines.Another significant lyric that deserves attention is, "They said the best classes go to the fastest, sorry, Mr. West, there's no good classes, and that's what yo' ass gets." This line touches upon the theme of education and the frustrating realization that sometimes life does not go as planned. It explores the feeling of disappointment when one feels left behind or lacking in certain skills. This theme can extend beyond education and be seen as a commentary on broader societal structures that favor certain individuals, leaving others to feel inadequate or marginalized.The line "Like old folks pissin', I guess it all (Depends)," cleverly plays with the word "depends" to explore the concept of dependency and the idea that sometimes circumstances and timing are out of our control. This line introduces the theme of acceptance and resilience in the face of adversity, suggesting that one must adapt to the unpredictability of life, much like the elderly adjusting to uncontrollable bodily functions. It implies that being late or off schedule does not define one's worth, but rather how they respond to the circumstances.Furthermore, the lyric "You know when you be late you miss all the lights, that's right, that's right," emphasizes the consequences of being late and the missed opportunities that come with it. This theme can be seen as a cautionary tale, reminding listeners to seize the moment and not squander potential experiences or chances for personal growth due to procrastination or delays. It invites introspection and encourages individuals to reflect on their own lives and identify areas where they may be holding themselves back.Another line that adds depth to the song's overarching theme is, "I know it's late and I took all year, but you can stop complainin' cause I'm finally here." This lyric touches upon the theme of perseverance and the importance of seeing things through to completion despite setbacks or delays. It embodies the idea that it is never too late to achieve goals or make an impact, letting listeners know that it is never too late for them either.Overall, "Late" by Kanye West delves into the complex relationship between time, personal development, societal expectations, and the consequences that come with being late. It explores the themes of intuition, educational frustration, adaptability, seizing opportunities, and perseverance. Through introspective lyrics and creative wordplay, West offers a thought-provoking and imaginative narrative that urges listeners to examine their own relationship with time and their journey towards personal growth and fulfillment.