Meaning of BURN by Lil Uzi Vert

In Lil Uzi Vert's song "BURN," the overall theme revolves around the pursuit of success and the lavish lifestyle it brings. The lyrics depict a world of luxury, money, and material possessions. While the song's surface may seem focused on superficiality, a closer look reveals deeper meanings and themes.The first standout lyric I want to highlight is, "Twenty K in the envelope." This lyric represents the idea of financial abundance and the confidence that comes with it. It speaks to the artist's desire to accumulate wealth and live a life of excess. However, this lyric can also be interpreted as a commentary on the pressure of societal expectations. In today's materialistic world, people often measure success by the amount of money they have. This lyric suggests that money becomes a defining factor in one's perceived value and self-worth.Another notable lyric is, "Lil Vera Wang cost a car note, that new Celine cost a Car note." Here, the mention of high-end fashion brands portrays a luxurious lifestyle. It highlights the desire for status symbols and the belief that owning expensive items reflects personal success. However, beneath the surface, this lyric speaks to the danger of equating material possessions with happiness. It suggests that people may be willing to go to extreme lengths, such as taking on significant debt, to maintain appearances and keep up with societal expectations.Moving on, the verse by Rich The Kid brings a different perspective to the song. He raps, "Buy that bitch Chanel, guarantee she'll swallow." This line introduces a theme of transactional relationships and the objectification of women. It raises questions about love, intimacy, and the commodification of desire. The lyric implies that material gifts can buy loyalty and affection, reinforcing the idea that money holds power over human connections. However, it also exposes the shallowness of such relationships and the emptiness that can accompany them.Further into Rich The Kid's verse, he raps, "Pop a pint, pour up, Actavis throw up." This lyric delves into the dark side of the luxurious lifestyle depicted in the song. It references the consumption of "lean" or codeine cough syrup mixed with soda. Here, the theme of substance abuse emerges, highlighting the destructive habits that can pervade when striving to maintain a certain image or cope with the pressures of success. This theme explores the consequences of seeking happiness through external means rather than addressing underlying issues.Lastly, both artists collaboratively repeat the line, "Real light skin and she pigeon-toed." While this may seem straightforward, this lyric introduces a theme of societal beauty standards and the pressures to conform. It suggests that even in the pursuit of success, there are expectations and judgments imposed on appearances. This line invites a broader conversation about societal beauty norms and the impact they have on individuals' self-esteem and sense of worth.In conclusion, Lil Uzi Vert's song "BURN" explores themes beyond its initial portrayal of a lavish lifestyle. By dissecting standout lyrics, we uncover intricate themes such as the pressure of financial success, the dangers of equating possessions with happiness, transactional relationships, substance abuse, and societal beauty standards. Through these themes, the song encourages listeners to question the true nature of success and to consider the consequences of sacrifices made to attain it.