Meaning of What If by Mac Miller

What if? It's a question we all ask ourselves at one point or another. What if we never make it? What if we're never famous? What if everything we worked for, everything we dreamed of, turns out to be nothing more than a joke? These are the questions that Mac Miller explores in his introspective and thought-provoking song, "What If". Through his heartfelt lyrics, he delves into the fears and doubts that accompany the pursuit of a dream, offering a glimpse into the mind of an artist struggling to find his place in the world.One of the standout lyrics in the song is, "What if I never get the chance to tell the world what I gotta say? And when I die, all I do is just ride away." These lines evoke a sense of urgency and the fear of being forgotten. Mac Miller's desire to share his thoughts and experiences with the world is palpable, and the thought of not being able to do so is deeply unsettling. This lyric reveals the theme of self-expression and the fear of being silenced, a theme that resonates with anyone who has ever felt the need to be heard.Another important lyric that stands out is, "I am hip-hop, it replaced my soul." Here, Mac Miller reflects on the transformative power of music and how it has become an intrinsic part of his identity. Music has the ability to touch our souls, to heal us, and to give us a sense of purpose. It becomes our refuge during the darkest times and our companion during the brightest. This lyric explores the theme of passion and the deep connection we form with our art, ultimately shaping who we are.Moving forward, Mac Miller ponders on the expectations placed upon him in the line, "Expectations peakin', they wonder what I'm 'bout to do. Spark interest, music, I can count on you, right?" These words highlight the pressure that artists often face to live up to the expectations of others. The fear of disappointing those who believe in you can be suffocating and overwhelming. This theme of expectations and the struggle to meet them captures the universal feeling of wanting to be enough, to prove yourself, and to make your loved ones proud.In addition, Mac Miller confronts the fear of failure with the line, "Failure gettin' jealous, throwin' dirt upon my name." Here, he personifies failure as a jealous and vindictive entity, a force that seeks to undermine his success and tarnish his reputation. This poignant lyric delves into the theme of resilience and the determination to persevere in the face of adversity. It serves as a reminder that failure is not the end but rather an opportunity for growth and self-discovery.Lastly, the lyric, "No money? Why the fuck you countin' for? A thousand truants tryin' to get up my allowance more," offers a unique perspective on the idea of success and monetary wealth. Mac Miller challenges the notion that money is the ultimate measure of success and instead encourages listeners to focus on their passion and the joy it brings. This theme of redefining success and finding fulfillment beyond material possessions is a refreshing take on the hustle and grind culture that often dominates our society.In conclusion, "What If" by Mac Miller is a deeply introspective and thought-provoking song that explores the fears, doubts, and hopes that accompany the pursuit of a dream. Through powerful and relatable lyrics, Mac Miller delves into themes of self-expression, passion, expectations, resilience, and redefining success. This song serves as a reminder that the journey towards our dreams is riddled with uncertainties, but it is in facing those uncertainties that we find our true selves. So, what if? What if we embrace the unknown, face our fears head-on, and continue to pursue our dreams? Maybe, just maybe, we'll find that the what-ifs weren't meant to hold us back but rather to push us forward. Two spaces.