Thought I Was Dead (feat. ScHoolboy Q & Santigold)
Summary
Tyler, The Creator's "Thought I Was Dead" is a powerful statement about resilience and self-identity. He addresses the doubts and negativity from others while celebrating his success and growth.
Full Analysis
The song dives deep into Tyler's feelings about fame, identity, and how people perceive him. He feels like he’s been underestimated or counted out, but he’s here to prove everyone wrong. It’s a mix of bravado and introspection, showing how he’s dealt with challenges and negativity while still pushing forward. The features from ScHoolboy Q and Santigold add different vibes, but the core message remains strong: Tyler’s not going anywhere.
Verse 1
You don't wanna go to war with a soldier
Thought I was dead, you niggas thought I was dead
There's more to life than just fuckin' workin', bro
Okay, bitch I've been trapped in the zoo
Here, Tyler opens with a bold claim about his strength and resilience. He sets a confrontational tone, implying that those who doubted him don’t really want to challenge him. The line about being "trapped in the zoo" suggests he feels caged or restricted, possibly by fame or expectations. He hints at wanting more out of life than just work, showing he craves freedom and authenticity.
Chorus
Them niggas thought I was dead
You ain't gon' see me
I'm movin' away
The chorus hits hard, repeating the idea that people overlooked him. The phrase "thought I was dead" represents how others may have underestimated his potential. This repetition reinforces his determination to keep moving forward, distancing himself from those who don’t support him.
Verse 2
Get love in the hood, but I must leave
Boy, I'm in the Hills where they can't see
Swear I burn twenty M's, 2018
Like I play for the Bills, goin' OD
In this verse, Tyler reflects on his success and how it separates him from his roots. He acknowledges the love he gets from his community but feels the need to escape to a place where he can be himself. The mention of burning money connects to the idea of excess and perhaps feeling overwhelmed by wealth. It’s a reminder that even with success, there are pressures to deal with.
Chorus
Them niggas thought I was dead
These niggas thought I was dead
They thought I was dead
This chorus repeats the central theme of the song. The more he emphasizes it, the more it becomes a rallying cry. Tyler uses it to remind listeners of his journey and his refusal to be written off. It’s both a defiance and a declaration of his ongoing presence in the rap game.
Bridge
I don't wanna be found, I don't wanna be down
White boys mockin' this shit and y'all mad at me
Pull up old tweets, pull up old t-shirts, all that
In the bridge, Tyler expresses a desire for solitude and independence. He also takes a jab at critics, highlighting how people dig into his past instead of respecting his growth. This part gives a glimpse into the pressure of public scrutiny, showing how it affects his mental state.
Outro
These niggas thought I was dead
I tries to be out the way
I like the farm with the lake, I like some truth in my space
The outro circles back to the main idea, reaffirming that people misjudged him. He mentions wanting peace and authenticity in his life, contrasting with the chaos that comes from fame. It suggests he’s seeking a balance between his public persona and personal desires.
Closing Thoughts
"Thought I Was Dead" is a strong reminder of Tyler's journey through doubt and success. He tackles themes of identity, pressure, and resilience with confidence. The features add depth, but Tyler's voice is clearly the driving force. Overall, this track feels like a triumphant declaration that he’s not just surviving; he’s thriving.
Full Lyrics
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(You don't wanna go to war with a soldier)
(Thought I was dead, you niggas thought I was dead)
(You don't wanna go to war with a soldier) you niggas thought I was dead
You niggas thought I was dead
(You don't wanna go to war with a soldier) you niggas thought I was dead
There's more to life than just fuckin' workin', bro (you niggas thought I was dead)
They thought I was dead
Okay, bitch I've been trapped in the zoo
Nigga got plaques like the crack of a tooth (uh-huh, uh-huh)
I need some space like the back of a coupe
I'm tryna magic wand, I'm tryna poof, so (they thought I was dead)
Grab the blammer, fuck all the glitz and the glamour
I want a crib in Atlanta (brodie)
Me and my bitch changin' Pampers
Them niggas thought I was dead
Them niggas thought I was dead (you ain't gon' see me)
These niggas thought I was dead (I'm movin' away)
Them niggas thought I was dead (turn to a ghost)
Them niggas thought I was dead (I'm over this shit)
Them niggas thought I was dead (I'm over this shit)
(They thought I was dead, dead)
Them niggas thought I was dead
Them niggas thought I
You niggas thought I was dead
Them niggas thought I
Niggas thought I was dead
Them niggas thought I
You niggas thought I was dead
Them niggas thought I was dead (they thought I was dead)
Get love in the hood, but I must leave (yeah)
Boy, I'm in the Hills where they can't see (see)
Swear I burn twenty M's, 2018 (yeah)
Like I play for the Bills, goin' OD (they thought I was dead)
Niggas tend to get rich and they act weird (weird)
How you walkin' out the party with your butt pierced? (Come on)
Shit, I'd rather play golf 'til the check clear (yeah)
Niggas turn thirty-five now they out here (they thought I was dead)
Nigga, Rolls or the 'Rari, tryna program
I was really outside with the dopeman
Now I really got M's, nigga, no chance
I don't wanna be seen in your bromance, hmm
Packed in, goddamn, that dream
Never seen a nigga with a fuckin' (they thought I was)
Cap him, if a nigga think he gon' get
Blatt-blatt-blatt-blatt
Them niggas thought I was dead (yeah)
Them niggas thought I was dead
These niggas thought I was dead
These niggas thought I was dead (they thought I was dead)
Niggas thought I was dead (I was dead)
These niggas thought I was dead (whoa, whoa)
These niggas thought I was dead (dead)
Them niggas thought I was dead (they thought I was dead)
I don't wanna be found, I don't wanna be down
I don't wanna be found, I don't wanna be down
I don't wanna be found
I don't wanna be down (oh, you know Tyler, his talk)
I don't wanna be found (I'm so sick of these niggas)
I don't wanna be down (they don't know you, get off you)
White boys mockin' this shit and y'all mad at me
Y'all can suck my dick (suck my dick)
Pull up old tweets, pull up old t-shirts, all that
I moonwalk over that bitch (hee-hee)
See, T changed like the fit got dirty
I was young man then a nigga hit thirty
I was one mil' then a nigga hit thirty
Bitch, you ain't Coco Gauff, you can't serve me
Anti what? Hm, yeah, right
Niggas runnin' they mouth, keep it airtight
I'ma crash shit out 'til my hair white
I got too much drive, I'm a terabyte
I got a big ol' head, I ain't like these niggas
Uh-uh, don't put me with these niggas
I don't ha-ha, kiki with these niggas
Loiter Squad, baby, I don't be with these niggas
Same boys with me since back back then
Everything I said I'd do, I did (true story)
Talk my shit? I sure damn will
You ain't like that shit? I's do it again
Five in the morning, I be hatin' on shit
Ten in the evening, I be hatin' on shit
Ten years later, mighta changed my mind
I'm a fake-ass bitch, don't kill me
I'm a hypocrite, ain't real, ain't really
I'm a big troll, haha, I'm silly (I'm silly)
Fuck you know about bein' better than them niggas that you hate?
You ain't good at shit, you can't feel me
Tuck your one-trick GOAT, I'm billy
Shoutout papa, he for real (yeah)
Don't test V, he pop for real (don't bother)
Had to call him like, "Stop and chill", look
I tries to be out the way
I like the farm with the lake, I like some truth in my space
Y'all niggas friendly and fake
"That's big bro," how? When y'all met yesterday?
This feel Planet of Apes
Why am I filled with this hate?
Got freedom in every way
Y'all wanna take what I got, but y'all do not got what it take
I don't wanna be found, ya ho
I don't wanna be down, ya ho
I don't like comin' around, ya ho
I will not knock-knock at your door
Just me, that's what I said
Trav', these niggas is fed
Me? I'm over here
These niggas thought I was dead
