The Meaning Behind The Song: CHACHA by Tyler, The Creator
As a musician, I often find myself drawn to songs that have a deeper meaning or tell a personal story. One song that has resonated with me recently is “CHACHA” by Tyler, The Creator. I first stumbled upon this song while browsing through a friend’s music collection, and from the moment I heard it, I was captivated by its raw emotion and thought-provoking lyrics.
Table of Contents
The Lyrics
Let’s delve into the lyrics of “CHACHA” to understand the meaning behind the song:
[Verse 1] Yeah, something I don’t understand (Woo)I know some guys from the roots of this shit
Who ain’t congratulate me on Grammy
Nigga, I thought we was family
That small cut hurt me deep
Like paper cuts on my hand from counting this cheese
But I’m still human, that cheddar don’t really mean nothing to me
I got feelings, I don’t be in ’em
I don’t feel blue, this ain’t like denim
But I like shorts, that’s how I tell them
I address it, and then I move on
Like a mailman, on my two wheel
With the pegs in and the basket for my baggage
And the gold frame when they tryna paint me as the bad man [Verse 2] They’ll call you trash ’cause you tried
Same ones they never tried shit in their lives
Niggas will watch you and watch you take shots
And tell you, “you missed” from the side
But that’s ’cause they pay attention
And their mouth is gettin’ for the mention
Words don’t hold no gravity to me
I ain’t flyin’ in their solar system, listen
Why you shoot your arrow? (Arrow)
And aim it at my head? (Aim it at my head)
All because you scarecrow (Scarecrow)
And you ain’t move your legs (You ain’t move your legs)
I won’t get complacent (Complacent)
And say “it is what it is” (Say that “it is what it is”)
Niggas will tell me that I couldn’t do something
What did I do? I did [Verse 3] They hot, and if I slide in the DM
Probably get a screenshot
These girls and boys, got me all ‘noyed (Yeah)
And I’m feeling bigger, man, these niggas on wars
Got my ears to the street, white noise too loud
Got it in the pillow if it’s going down
Heater under pillow, knife in the drawer
Niggas like, “what for?”, motherfucker, paranoid
I don’t trust nobody, not even my mommy
Abracadabra, go ghost on you niggas
And I know that I got it, I don’t boast on you niggas
I don’t respect y’all, no, I don’t toast to you niggas
We don’t get the same bread, no, yeah, ho
They gon’ get you if I said so, so, there, ho [Verse 4] Bitch, I got the fuzz like kiwi
Lime Van belt, nigga, I don’t do DB
House on the motherfucking hill like a key
You need a hike boot just to see me
Little silk scarf, crazy with the tie
New le FLEUR* dots with the daisy on the side
You can’t get ’em, we don’t want you in ’em
Better go and get the little swag off Hidden
Y’all be one oakin’
I be French chokin’
Crock on the cardigan, crock on the Cartier
Strap look pink like strawberry marmalade
Had a little (Ting) out in London where we parted ways
’88 Lancia (Vroom), Mandalay
Nigga, I’m gone, (Vroom), andale
Bitch, I get the fuck off like holiday (Haha), ayo [Verse 5] I hate the word urban the Grammy’s would say (Yeah)
They unplugged that controller like, bitch, I’m not playing (Woo, woo, woo)
I brought all my brothers, I felt like the Wayans
I keep who I fuck on that low like I’m Zayn (Yeah, yeah)
Hit Henry Taylor, might ask him to paint ’em (Yeah)
Slow on that BMX, ride like the phantom (Woo)
Y’all trip they follow, I feel like the mayor
Come back with a warrant, I want all the paper (Paper, nigga)
Been growing my hair out, I don’t want it faded
Growing too slow, I’ve been patiently waiting
Been thinking about transplant like boys feeling daisy
Don’t ask ’bout my niggas
Don’t ask ’bout my lady
Ask ’bout my status, I don’t want it stated
I’m private like prisons
I don’t see no ceilings
I get on that stage and the building start flaming
I look in the mirror like “Nigga, we made it” [Outro: Solange]Pour my drank, drank
Sip, sip, sip, sip, sip
Pull that Lac on ’em
Sip, sip, sip, sip, sip
Brown liquor, brown liquor
Brown skin, brown face
Song Analyses
Now, let’s analyze the different verses of the song:
In the first verse, Tyler expresses his disappointment in people he thought were his friends as they failed to congratulate him on winning a Grammy. He explains that material success, represented by “cheddar” or money, doesn’t hold much value to him compared to genuine emotional connections.
In the second verse, Tyler highlights the tendency of some individuals to criticize those who take risks and try new things. He challenges their judgment by questioning why they are quick to shoot down his efforts without understanding the challenges he faces.
The third verse delves into Tyler’s experiences with fame and the unavoidable scrutiny that comes with it. He discusses the pressure and paranoia that come with constantly being in the public eye and emphasizes his mistrust of others, even those close to him.
The fourth verse showcases Tyler’s unique fashion sense and his aversion to conforming to societal expectations. He celebrates his individuality and the choices he makes, contrasting himself with those who strive to fit in.
In the final verse, Tyler addresses the Grammys’ tendency to categorize music as “urban,” reflecting his dislike for the term and the industry’s attempts to pigeonhole artists. He also asserts his commitment to his team, his desire for privacy, and his determination to succeed.
Song Origin
The existence of the song “CHACHA” was initially discovered by fans who found an ASCAP listing in March 2021, revealing an early sample from Solange’s 2019 track “Almeda.” It was speculated to be part of Tyler’s 2021 project, “Call Me If You Get Lost,” but it wasn’t included in the album and was never released separately. The track eventually leaked in full on December 25, 2022.
Credits
“CHACHA” was produced by John Carroll Kirby, Pharrell Williams, Solange, and Tyler, The Creator. The track features writing credits from Tyler, The Creator, Playboi Carti, Pharrell Williams, The-Dream, and Solange.
As a fan of Tyler, The Creator and a musician myself, I believe “CHACHA” is a powerful and introspective song that offers a glimpse into Tyler’s personal experiences and growth as an artist. Its thought-provoking lyrics and unique production make it a standout track that is worth exploring and analyzing.
Album title: CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST: The Estate Sale (2023)
