Brace yourself for a sonic journey into the shadows and back. 21 Savage's "dark days," produced by the ever-influential Metro Boomin, isn't your typical hip-hop anthem. In just two and a half minutes, it unpacks a raw emotional punch – a portrait of facing adversity, navigating the gritty complexities of street life, and finding glimmers of hope amidst the struggle. Critics have lauded the track for its depth and the seamless collaboration between 21 Savage's introspective bars and Mariah The Scientist's ethereal vocals. Are you ready to delve into the darkness and discover the light that shines within? Buckle up, put on your headphones, and hit play – "dark days" is waiting to take you on a ride you won't forget.
Dark Days by 21 Savage and Mariah The Scientist Paint a Poignant Portrait of Struggle and Hope
As the final chapter of 21 Savage's introspective "American Dream," "dark days" featuring Mariah The Scientist is anything but a triumphant closing fanfare. Instead, it's a stark plunge into the shadows, delving into the emotional toll of past choices and the relentless pursuit of success.
21 Savage Dark Days Is A Soundscape of Duality:
The song's instrumentation masterfully captures its thematic core. Heavy, distorted bass lines and brooding synth drones lay the foundation for a dark, introspective sonic space. However, piercing through this darkness are Mariah The Scientist's ethereal vocals, soaring melodies injecting glimmers of hope and vulnerability. This push-pull between light and dark mirrors the internal conflict explored in the song, creating a palpable sense of emotional tension.
21 Savage's Introspective Flow:
21 Savage, typically known for his stoic persona, sheds it here, delivering verses tinged with newfound vulnerability. His rasping voice paints a picture of hardship and regret, hinting at lost friends and sacrifices made in the name of ambition. But even amidst the shadows, there's a flicker of defiance, a refusal to succumb to despair. His raw honesty resonates deeply, making the track both relatable and unnerving.
Mariah The Scientist: A Beacon of Light:
Mariah The Scientist serves as a powerful counterpoint to 21 Savage's darkness. Her vocals, wispy and angelic, float above the instrumentation, offering solace and a flicker of optimism. This creates a fascinating interplay, adding depth and dimension to the song's emotional tapestry.
Beyond the Usual Rap Clichés:
"dark days" transcends the conventional trappings of rap music. It's a raw and unfiltered exploration of human emotions, delving into themes of guilt, resilience, and the ever-present search for meaning. The masterful blend of 21 Savage's introspective delivery and Mariah The Scientist's ethereal vocals creates a sonic experience that lingers long after the final notes fade.
What is the meaning of Dark Days by 21 Savage, Metro Boomin and Mariah The Scientist?
The lyrics of "Dark Days" by 21 Savage delve into the complexities of fame, street life, and personal struggles. In the first verse, 21 Savage reflects on the unexpected nature of achieving fame and fortune, juxtaposed against the harsh realities of growing up in a challenging environment where guns are more accessible than opportunities. The lyrics touch on the loss of friends and the emotional toll it takes, emphasizing the importance of self-love. The chorus, sung by Mariah the Scientist, explores the inevitability of facing difficult choices and the internal conflict between life and death.
In the second verse, 21 Savage continues to share his personal experiences, addressing the pain of losing close friends and the difficulty of coping with the trauma. He advocates for putting guns down and encourages kids to stay away from violence. The lyrics reveal the emotional vulnerability behind the tough exterior, as 21 Savage admits to moments of contemplating suicide and expresses inner pain while maintaining a façade of strength. The verse also reflects on the injustice within the legal system and the impact it has on individuals.
The bridge serves as a reflection on the enduring bonds of friendship and loyalty from the Eastside, acknowledging the challenges faced while highlighting the resilience and strength needed to navigate life's hardships. The outro, delivered by Heather Carmillia Joseph, adds a personal touch by conveying pride and hope for the artist's future, reinforcing themes of growth, purpose, and success. Overall, "Dark Days" paints a vivid picture of the struggles, conflicts, and emotions that come with fame, street life, and personal growth, ultimately emphasizing the importance of resilience and self-discovery.
Listen to 21 Savage Dark Days
21 Savage FT Mariah The Scientist Lyrics
[Verse 1: 21 Savage]
I finally got the fame and fortune that I prayed for
Who would have thought I would emerge from all that gun smoke?
This for all the teenagers that wanna gun tote
'Cause they cheaper in the hood than in the gun store (On God)
You gon' lose a lot of your friends and that's what hurt the most
You can't do nothin' but reminisce about y'all crackin' jokes
You feelin' like nobody love you, I know how that go
You gotta love yourself, lil' nigga, that's gon' help you glow (On God)
I know it might sound lame, but just stay in school (21)
They got a place that they put people who don't follow rules (Yeah)
You probably got your mama scared, don't wanna watch the news
Ready to risk your lifе and freedom for a pair of shoes
Yeah, you say you love your switch, but it don't lovе you back
You can hug that block all night, it ain't gon' hug you back (Facts)
Some of your friends gon' reincarnate and come back as rats (Pussy)
And after your candlelight, they ain't gon' give your mama jack
Now your brother kids askin' where they daddy at
So you gotta lie and tell 'em he just took a nap (Damn)
You done failed in the streets, so now you tryna rap
But that ain't really workin' for you, so it's back to trap, damn
[Chorus: Mariah the Scientist]
When it's all said and done
There's some things you can't run from
It's hard to decide
Either live or you die
I, I ask myself was it all worth the risk
'Cause I can't pretend (Yeah)
I can't stand the thought of losing you
[Verse 2: 21 Savage, Mariah the Scientist]
I know how it feel to see your dawgs stretched out (On God)
And watch him struggle tryna let his last breath out (Damn)
You don't wanna do it, but you lost some real niggas that you gotta step out
One more seat left in the car, you gotta help out (Yeah)
Niggas stressed out (Yeah, yeah)
Probably why I tell the kids to put the guns down (Oh, facts)
Gangsta, but I still cry when nobody around
Tryna numb the pain, drinkin' bottles 'til I drown ('Til I drown, 21)
Never do no suicide
But I'd be lyin' if I said it hadn't crossed my mind
I hurt on the inside and I still act like I'm fine
Why the judge give my nigga Paul all that time? (Free Paul, hey)
Heard they lockin' niggas up for what they put in rhymes
Standin' on this shit (Oh), fuck it, I'm still writin' mines (Fuck 'em, oh)
This what growth look like, no more committin' crimes (21)
I stayed out the way and made a way for us to grind (21, 21)
[Chorus: Mariah the Scientist]
When it's all said and done (All said and done)
There's some things you can't run from
It's hard to decide
Either live or you die (Live)
I, I ask myself (Ask myself) was it all worth the risk (Was it all?)
'Cause I can't pretend (Yeah)
I can't stand the thought of losing you
All my dawgs too
[Bridge: Mariah the Scientist, 21 Savage]
Forever-ever Eastside (Eastside)
This shit 'posed to be for life (Supposed to be for life, 4L)
Jumpin' shit since we was five (21, five)
We got that fire, we was nine, nine
Even though I'm up, up
You can see the pain in my eyes
I mean like fuck love (On God)
But either way, I'm still gon' try
Got me fucked up (21)
Seein' my twin on Channel 5
I, 'cause even gangsters cry
I, I, I
Gangsters cry
Even gangsters cry
I, I, I
Even gangsters cry
(I, I, I)
21, 21
[Outro: Heather Carmillia Joseph]
My son, this is your time
I know your heart
And I've watched you rise above many challenges
And you have made me so proud
I pray for many more fulfilling experiences as you elevate to new levels of growth, purpose, and success
Dreams really do come true
By the grace of the source of life, so be it