Lecture Notes on "Sad!" by XXXTentacion

Overview

• The song "Sad!" touches on themes of depression, loneliness, and self-reflection.
• It illustrates the struggles of fame and the emotional toll it takes on individuals.

Key Themes

Fame and Its Discontents

• The speaker reflects on the superficial aspects of fame:
  • Materialism: Drives a sports car to show off wealth.
  • Lifestyle: Describes spending money on extravagant items.
• Fame leads to feelings of isolation and sadness despite outward success.

Personal Struggles

• The contrast between public perception and personal reality:
  • Feels older and more worn out after excessive partying.
  • Struggles with relationships; cannot keep a girlfriend.
• Describes a cycle of temporary highs followed by lows.

Trust Issues

• Expresses difficulty in trusting others:
  • Highlights the loneliness of fame and the difficulty of forming genuine connections.
  • The metaphor of riding the bus versus being on a rollercoaster symbolizes the unpredictability of life.

Repeated Phrases

• "You don't wanna be high like me":
  • Suggests that the lifestyle of drugs and fame is not as glamorous as it seems.
• "Sad souls":
  • Represents the overarching sentiment of the song—acknowledging sadness and the shared experience of feeling lost.

Conclusion

• The song serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of life in the spotlight.
• It encourages listeners to reflect on their own struggles and the importance of emotional well-being.