Meaning of Real Friends by Kanye West

In Kanye West's song "Real Friends," the overall theme revolves around the complexities and challenges of friendship and relationships. Kanye explores the idea of how difficult it can be to find genuine and loyal friends in a world where trust and honesty often seem scarce. The song delves into the feelings of betrayal, manipulation, and disappointment that can arise within friendships. It also tackles the struggles of balancing personal ambitions and responsibilities with maintaining meaningful connections with others.One standout lyric from the song is, "Real friends, how many of us? How many of us, how many jealous?" This line raises the theme of jealousy and highlights the scarcity of true friends. Kanye questions the intentions of those around him, suggesting that jealousy can often be a barrier to genuine friendship. This lyric adds depth to the overarching theme by exploring the negative emotions that can arise within relationships and the challenges of discerning between loyal and envious individuals.Another powerful line is, "Money turn your kin into an enemy/N_ggas ain't real as they pretend to be." This lyric delves into the theme of how money can strain relationships and expose people's true nature. Kanye reflects on the way financial success can change the dynamics within friendships and even family ties. It showcases the idea that people can often show a false facade, pretending to be supportive and trustworthy until monetary interests come into play. This lyric contributes to the exploration of trust issues and the understanding that genuine friendship goes beyond material gains.Furthermore, the lyric, "Plus I already got one kid/Couldn't tell you much about the fam though," examines the theme of neglect within friendships and familial relationships. Kanye acknowledges his own shortcomings, admitting that he has failed to prioritize maintaining connections with those he cares about. This lyric encapsulates the struggle of balancing personal ambitions and responsibilities, highlighting how relationships can suffer when one's focus is solely on one's own pursuits. It suggests the importance of investing time and effort into relationships to nurture them, rather than neglecting them in pursuit of individual goals.Overall, "Real Friends" explores the complexities of friendship, trust, and loyalty. Through its standout lyrics, the song delves into themes such as jealousy, the impact of money on relationships, and the consequences of neglect. By touching on these themes, the song encourages listeners to reflect on their own relationships, the authenticity of the connections they have, and the efforts required to cultivate genuine friendships. It serves as a reminder that true friends are invaluable and worth cherishing in a world where superficiality and betrayal can cloud genuine connections.