Meaning of E.T. by Lil Wayne
In Lil Wayne's song titled 'E.T.', the overall theme revolves around feelings of alienation and not belonging. The lyrics by Lil Wayne and B.o.B explore this theme through a series of standout and important lines that delve into deeper meanings and imaginative concepts.One of the standout lyrics in the song is, "Basically, I'm an alien to y'all, I guess I'm / Speakin' in different languages than y'all, I guess / All you know is my alias is all." This line showcases the idea that the artist feels like an outsider, speaking a different language that others don't understand. It signifies a disconnect between the artist and the rest of the world. This theme taps into the feeling of being misunderstood and highlights the struggle to find a place where one can truly belong.Another important lyric is, "I'm like a Michelangelo paintin' that hangs in the vault / They gated me off, by Hendrix while he plays the guitar." This metaphorical imagery suggests that the artist's talent and artistry are being overlooked or underappreciated. It signals a sense of confinement and exclusion from mainstream recognition. This theme resonates with artists who feel like their work is not given the recognition it deserves, as they too may feel like artistic masterpieces that have yet to be discovered.The line, "Never had friends but me and Franklin was dawgs" explores the concept of loneliness, as the artist reveals that their only companionship was with money (Franklin being a reference to the face on the $100 bill). This line taps into the idea of material wealth and success as a replacement for genuine human connection. It delves into the notion of isolation despite outward appearances of success and financial prosperity.The lyrics, "Sleepin' with a fat burner like I'm tryna watch my figure / Wanna cut me out the picture, get some bigger scissors" convey the pressure to conform to societal beauty standards and the fear of being pushed aside or forgotten. These lines suggest that the artist feels the need to stay fit and presentable in order to maintain relevance and avoid being replaced by someone seen as more visually appealing. This theme ties into the broader idea of feeling pressure to fit in and conform to societal norms in order to avoid being alienated.In Lil Wayne's verse, he emphasizes his alien nature by referring to himself as the Martian and using references to science fiction, such as "Unexplained things goin' in my strange brain" and "Unidentified flyin' object, Dwayne's plane." These lyrics playfully evoke the idea of extraterrestrial beings and unconventional thinking. They suggest that Lil Wayne's mindset and creativity are beyond the comprehension of others, adding to his sense of otherness and alienation.Overall, the song 'E.T.' navigates the theme of not belonging in various creative and imaginative ways. The standout lyrics provide insights into the feelings of loneliness, artistic frustration, and the pressure to conform that contribute to this overarching theme. Lil Wayne and B.o.B skillfully craft a song that captures the struggles of feeling like an outsider and taps into the desire to find acceptance and connection in a world that may not fully understand or appreciate one's true nature.