Answer

Tyler's "Answer" is a raw exploration of his complicated relationship with his father. Right from the start, he sets a tone of longing and frustration. It's not just about wanting to chat; it’s a plea for recognition and understanding. Tyler mixes painful memories with a sense of pride in what he’s built without his dad. This struggle between wanting to connect and feeling abandoned shapes the entire song.

Verse 1

Because when I call
I hope you pick up your phone
I'd like to talk to you
I hope you answer

Tyler opens with a simple, repetitive plea. It highlights his desire for communication. The repetition of "I hope you answer" emphasizes his anxiety and desperation. He wants to reach out but knows there's a chance his father won't respond. This sets the emotional stakes right away.

Chorus

I hope you answer
I hope you answer
I hope you answer
I hope you answer
Because when I call (When I call, baby)
I hope you pick up your phone (Please pick up)
I'd like to talk to you
I hope you answer

The chorus drives home Tyler's desire for a response. It feels like a mantra, reinforcing his need for connection. The longing here is palpable; he’s not just speaking to his dad but to anyone who might listen. It’s like he’s trying to convince himself that this conversation could happen, even if it seems unlikely.

Verse 2

Hey Dad, it's me, um...
Oh, I'm Tyler, I think I be your son
Sorry, I called you the wrong name, see, my brain's splitting
Dad isn't your name, see Faggot's a little more fitting

Tyler gets personal and confrontational. He introduces himself but quickly turns the knife with harsh words. This mix of confusion and anger shows how deeply his father's absence has affected him. He feels betrayed, and those feelings come out in the way he addresses his dad. It’s powerful because it’s so real and raw.

Chorus

I hope you answer
I hope you answer
I hope you answer
I hope you answer
Because when I call (When I call, baby)
I hope you pick up your phone
(I'd like to talk to you)
I hope you answer

The chorus reappears, maintaining that emotional intensity. It’s like a heartbeat throughout the song, reminding listeners of his struggle. Each repetition feels heavier as the song progresses, highlighting how this desire for connection is both a hope and a source of pain.

Verse 3

Suck my fucking dick and swallow this case of nuts
Ace hates your guts, I'm a selfish fuck,
And I ain't sharing green as if I'm facing blunts
Frank is out the closet, Hodgy's an alcoholic

Here, Tyler shifts to a more defiant tone. He expresses anger and frustration not just at his dad but also at the circumstances of his life. The mention of friends adds depth; he’s surrounded by people with their own struggles, which makes his isolation feel even sharper. It’s layered and complex, showing how he deals with his feelings.

Chorus

I hope you answer
I hope you answer
I hope you answer
I hope you answer
Because when I call (When I call, baby)
I hope you pick up your phone
(I'd like to talk to you)
I hope you answer

Once again, the chorus brings us back to that central theme. Each repetition adds to the emotional weight. It’s a reminder of what’s at stake for Tyler, making his longing feel even more urgent.

Bridge

You claim to hate my fucking guts
But say I'm on an island in Thailand and I was wildin'
And, if I got stranded had to man up and hold my nuts
And hope that I could live off salt water and fucking coconuts

In the bridge, Tyler reflects on how his dad perceives him. The imagery of being stranded is striking. It symbolizes isolation and survival. He’s expressing that he’s had to learn to be tough on his own. It’s a moment of realization, showing how he’s had to adapt without guidance.

Outro

Phone ain't got no service this 3G is fucking worthless
Day is getting dark like the area's turning urban
You'll be fucking nervous like me inside of a churches
But, I'mma get in contact regardless, and I hope you answer.

The outro ties back to the themes of disconnection and hope. The frustration with technology symbolizes his struggle to reach out, while the dark imagery hints at fear and uncertainty. He’s determined to make contact, and that determination shines through, even amid all the pain.

Closing Thoughts

"Answer" is a powerful track that highlights Tyler's inner conflict. He’s angry, hurt, but also hopeful. It’s a deep dive into family dynamics and the desire for connection. Tyler's vulnerability here makes the song relatable, showing that many people feel this way about their own relationships. It’s a raw and honest look at what it means to want to be heard.