Live For

The song paints a vivid picture of Bas's relationship with his late aunt, combining personal storytelling with broader themes of survival and emotional turmoil. The mood is introspective and raw, showing the pain of losing someone close while also grappling with pride and identity. Bas wrote this song to express his feelings of regret, longing, and the complexities of love, making it relatable for anyone who has experienced loss.

Verse 1

"Mama told me you were getting sicker
Daily she'd call me say it's my name
You were calling, I mean, I was your favorite
I was named after your father, you were the sweetest aunt
Never had kids of your own but you made me your own
Busy on the road, I couldn't make it back home
You couldn't make it that long, I'll never forgive my self
(I'll never forgive my self)"

In this verse, Bas starts by reflecting on his aunt's illness, emphasizing the emotional connection they shared. His mother's updates create a sense of urgency and helplessness. He reveals that he was named after his aunt's father, hinting at a deep family bond. The line about her never having kids but treating him as her own shows how much she cared for him. Bas's regret about not being there when she needed him hits hard. This sets the stage for the themes of loss and guilt that will unfold throughout the song.

Chorus

"I think I love just the hurting fact
I think I love when you hurt me back
Til we under the dirt, I keep you close
Yeah, under my shirt, under my shirt
(Under my shirt)
I keep you tucked to the side
I'm Mr. Jekyl, I got something to hide
I fancy love, but I get stuck off of pride
I hope you understand
(I hope you understand)"

The chorus reflects a complicated relationship with love and pain. Bas suggests that he finds a strange comfort in the hurt, indicating a cycle of emotional conflict. The imagery of keeping someone close "under my shirt" symbolizes how he carries his aunt's memory with him, even as he struggles with feelings of pride and vulnerability. The reference to "Mr. Jekyl" hints at his inner conflict, showing two sides of himself, one that longs for connection and another that struggles with pride. This encapsulates the emotional turmoil at the heart of the song.

Verse 2

"I got a list of daily lovers
Succumb to the beast or become it, live from the belly of it
Just trying to survive, I'm searching for any others
(Are there any others)
Lets get together make the whole world believe us
New world allegiance, fiends living our dreams out
Nigga believe it
Seen the world three times, nigga believe it
They out here selling peace signs, you niggas believed it
I don’t"

Here, Bas shifts to a broader perspective about relationships and survival. The mention of "daily lovers" suggests a search for connection amidst pain, while the idea of succumbing to or becoming "the beast" hints at grappling with his darker emotions. He feels the need to survive in a world that can be harsh, and he's looking for others who understand his struggles. The lines express a sense of disillusionment with the world, as he critiques those who sell false promises of peace. This part of the song adds layers to his identity, showing how his personal grief connects to a larger societal commentary.

Chorus (Repeated)

"I think I love just the hurting fact
I think I love when you hurt me back
Til we under the dirt, I keep you close
Yeah, under my shirt, under my shirt
(Under my shirt)
I keep you tucked to the side
I'm Mr. Jekyl, I got something to hide
I fancy love, but I get stuck off of pride
I hope you understand
(I hope you understand)"

Repeating the chorus reinforces the ongoing struggle with love and pain. It reminds listeners of the core emotional conflict Bas faces, his desire to connect with his aunt's memory while also battling his pride. The repetition makes the emotional weight even more palpable.

Bridge

"My behaviors unbecoming
My neighbors look at me funny like I should move out
Nigga you get a new house
This shit ain't easy
Multiple choices I had, turned into voices I have
(I have)
No where to run, I'm moving forward and forging the path filling the loneliness path
Nigga, this shit ain't easy
So spare me the front and the fake
You ain't put shit in the pot, fuck is you touching the plate?
(Fuck is you touching the plate?)"

In the bridge, Bas confronts his struggles with identity and perception from others. He feels judged by his neighbors, hinting at feelings of isolation and the weight of expectations. The lines about choices and voices illustrate his internal conflict, as he tries to navigate his path while dealing with loneliness. It’s a powerful moment of vulnerability, emphasizing that life is not easy, and his frustrations bubble to the surface. The lines about authenticity challenge those who pretend to care without contributing meaningfully to his life, reflecting his desire for genuine connections.

Closing Thoughts

"Live For" resonates deeply because it captures the complexities of love, loss, and identity. Bas's raw honesty about his emotions and experiences makes it relatable to anyone facing similar struggles. The blend of personal storytelling with a broader societal critique gives the song lasting impact, inviting listeners to reflect on their own relationships and the weight of their choices. It's a powerful reminder of how we carry those we love with us, even in their absence.