Meaning of Paranoid by Post Malone
Post Malone's song "Paranoid" delves deep into the feelings of anxiety, fear, and mistrust that plague the artist. The overall theme of the song revolves around the constant paranoia that accompanies fame and success. Post Malone explores this theme through thought-provoking and emotionally-charged lyrics.One standout lyric is "Never know when someone come and try to take my life, I've been sleepin' with the .45 like every night." This lyric showcases the hyper-vigilance and fear of danger that Post Malone experiences. It explores the fear of losing one's life due to jealousy or the desire to attain the artist's success. This theme delves into the darker side of fame, where trust becomes scarce.Another crucial lyric that contributes to the theme is "And I wake up every day, I wake up every day with this anxiety." Here, Post Malone highlights the persistent anxiety that plagues him, even in his everyday life. The lyric demonstrates how success does not shield an artist from anxiety, but instead exacerbates it. It sheds light on the constant pressure and expectation that come with being in the public eye.The line "Two hundred bands under the floor of the kitchen, a little more up in the walls and the ceiling" adds an unexpected twist to the overall theme. It symbolizes the burden of wealth and the fear of being robbed or exploited. The constant worry about safeguarding one's fortune becomes a source of anxiety and paranoia. Post Malone explores the notion that even with success, one can never truly feel secure."Even family and friends started switchin', ever since I got that check, seen 'em itchin'" is another vital lyric in the song. This line delves into the betrayal and opportunism that can arise among loved ones when wealth is involved. It exposes the bittersweet reality that sometimes accompanies success, where relationships can become strained or fall apart. The fear of being used or manipulated based on one's financial status becomes an ongoing concern for the artist.The chorus ties all these themes together by emphasizing the overarching feeling of helplessness in dealing with these anxieties. "A paranoid man makes paranoid plans, I do what I can, but it's out of my hands, strugglin' just to find my peace." Here, Post Malone acknowledges that despite his efforts to manage his fears, he ultimately cannot control external factors. The constant struggle to find peace amidst the chaos becomes a recurring motif throughout the song.In summary, "Paranoid" by Post Malone explores the multifaceted theme of anxiety and paranoia that accompanies fame. Through impactful lyrics that address fear of harm, anxiety in everyday life, the burden of wealth, and betrayal among loved ones, the song offers listeners a glimpse into the artist's struggle to find peace amidst his success. It serves as a reminder that even in the world of glitz and glamour, the human experience is far from immune to the darker aspects of life.