The Meaning Behind The Song: The Motto by Drake
Title: Decoding the Hidden Meanings Behind Drake’s Hit Song: The Motto
Table of Contents
Introduction
When it comes to modern-day rap, Drake is a household name. His lyrics are known for being catchy and relatable, but they are also known for their depth and hidden meanings. One of his most popular songs, “The Motto,” not only became an instant hit, but it also carries significant weight in the rap community. In this article, we will be decoding the hidden meanings behind the lyrics of “The Motto.”
The Origin of the Song
“The Motto” was released in 2011, and it features the rapper Lil Wayne. The song appeared on a digital-only reissue of Drake’s second studio album, “Take Care.” The track was not initially intended to be a single, but it became so popular that it was eventually released as a single in November 2011. The song has a laid-back beat, and the lyrics are full of Drake’s usual wordplay and clever puns.
The Lyrics
The song’s chorus goes:
“You only live once: that’s the motto, n***a, YOLO
And we ’bout it every day, every day, every day
Like we sittin’ on the bench, n***a, we don’t really play
Every day, every day, f**k what anybody say
Can’t see ’em ’cause the money in the way
Real n***a wassup?”
Let’s take a closer look at some of the lyrics and break down their meanings.
– “You only live once: that’s the motto, n***a, YOLO”
This statement has become a cultural phenomenon since the song was released. YOLO (which stands for “You Only Live Once”) has become a popular phrase that people use when they want to live in the moment and take risks. However, in the song, Drake uses the phrase to highlight how temporary life is and to encourage people to make the most of their time on earth.
– “And we ’bout it every day, every day, every day
Like we sittin’ on the bench, n***a, we don’t really play”
Drake is emphasizing that he and those around him are always working hard, and they never take a break. They are like athletes sitting on the bench, ready to jump into the game at a moment’s notice. The phrase “we don’t really play” emphasizes their work ethic and their focus on achieving their goals.
– “Every day, every day, f**k what anybody say
Can’t see ’em ’cause the money in the way
Real n***a wassup?”
Drake is focused on the money and success that comes with his rap career. He ignores the haters and naysayers who doubt his abilities. He is unapologetic in his pursuit of financial success and sees it as a measure of his worth.
The Cultural Impact of “The Motto”
Apart from the song’s catchy chorus and relatable lyrics, “The Motto” has had significant cultural impact. In addition to popularizing the phrase “YOLO,” the song has also brought attention to car culture. Drake raps about his love for cars and the the car culture in Los Angeles. He mentions Ferraris and Lamborghinis, which became a symbol of success and luxury among young Hip Hop fans.
The popularity of “The Motto” also contributed to the genre of “mumble rap.” The last verse of the song where Lil Wayne mumbles through his words, became a popular technique among rappers.
The Backlash
While “The Motto” was a commercial success, it also faced significant backlash from the media. Critics found the song’s content to be negative, and it was accused of promoting materialism and violence.
In Conclusion
Drake’s “The Motto” is more than just a catchy song that people like to sing along to. The lyrics carry a deeper meaning that encourages people to make the most of their lives and to focus on their goals. The song has contributed to Hip Hop culture by popularizing phrases like YOLO and introducing the concept of car culture to younger generations.
While there may be some negativity associated with the song, there’s no denying the impact it has had on Hip Hop culture. “The Motto” continues to be a popular song, and its lyrics continue to be relevant to this day.
