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Quavo and Lana Del Rey Tough Meaning and Review

Updated: Sep 18


"Tough" by Lana Del Rey and Quavo: A Fusion of Country and Trap

A Tale of Resilience and Love

"Tough" tells a story of resilience, perseverance, and unwavering love amidst adversity. The lyrics depict a couple who have weathered storms together, their love tested by tough times and challenging circumstances. Quavo's verses, filled with vivid imagery and clever wordplay, paint a picture of a life marked by struggle and the determination to overcome obstacles. Lana Del Rey's melancholic vocals add a layer of emotional depth, conveying the pain and longing that often accompany hardship.


Western Influences and Genre Fusion

The production of "Tough" is a seamless fusion of trap beats and country instrumentation, creating a unique sonic landscape that feels both familiar and fresh. The song's catchy melody and infectious chorus make it an instant earworm, while the introspective lyrics offer a glimpse into the raw emotions that lie beneath the surface.



Symbolism and Lyrics

The song utilizes Western imagery to symbolize the toughness and resilience of the protagonists. Lines like "Tough like the scuff on a pair of old leather boots" and "Like the blue-collar, red-dirt attitude" evoke the ruggedness and grit associated with the Western genre.  The mention of a ".38 made out of brass" and "the stuff in your grandpa's glass" further emphasizes the theme of hardship and the coping mechanisms used to endure it.


Quavo And Lana Del Rey Review

Overall, "Tough" is a testament to the power of human resilience and the enduring nature of love in the face of adversity. The unlikely pairing of Quavo and Lana Del Rey proves to be a winning combination, resulting in a song that is both musically captivating and lyrically poignant. It's a testament to the artists' ability to push boundaries and create music that resonates with a wide range of listeners. "Tough" stands as a promising preview of Lana Del Rey's upcoming album "Lasso" and her willingness to explore new musical territories.


Listen to Quavo and Lana Del Rey Tough



Quavo and Lana Del Rey Tough Meaning Explained, Lyrical Analysis

The meaning of "Tough" is established in the chorus, where Lana Del Rey uses vivid imagery to convey a sense of resilience and hardiness. Lines like "Tough like the scuff on a pair of old leather boots" and "Like the blue-collar, red-dirt attitude" draw from working-class imagery and weathered objects to symbolize the strength gained through experience and hardship. The mention of a ".38 made out of brass" and "the stuff in your grandpa's glass" add layers of grit and danger, emphasizing the theme of toughness in the face of adversity.


Verse 1: Overcoming Obstacles and Finding Love

Quavo's verse introduces his personal experiences with struggle and triumph. He references his Atlanta roots with the line "Like the 808s beatin' in the trunk in Atlanta, it was tough," highlighting the challenges he faced in his upbringing. The following lines, "Crawlin' through the mud, I couldn't find love, then we came up / Look at what we are, baby," express a journey of overcoming obstacles and finding love and success despite the hardships.



Pre-Chorus: Unity and Support

The pre-chorus emphasizes the importance of unity and support in a relationship or community, even during difficult times. "Through the pain, gotta show 'em, give 'em light / Still family if you're wrong or you're right" conveys a message of unconditional love and acceptance, emphasizing the importance of sticking together through thick and thin.


Bridge: Acceptance and Commitment

The bridge reinforces the theme of acceptance and commitment to facing challenges together. The lines "It's not what you wanna do, it's what you're gonna do" suggest a sense of inevitability and the need to adapt and persevere in the face of life's circumstances. The question "If that's what you're gonna do, what am I gonna do?" implies a mutual commitment to supporting each other through thick and thin.


Outro: Playful Banter and Connection

The outro adds a lighter tone to the song, showcasing the playful banter and connection between Lana and Quavo. The invitation to "come to the Nawf" adds a personal touch, highlighting the geographical and cultural backgrounds of the artists and their shared experiences. This exchange reinforces the theme of unity and support that runs throughout the song.



Quavo And Lana Del Rey Tough Lyrics

[Chorus: Lana Del Rey]

Tough like the scuff on a pair of old leather boots

Like the blue-collar, red-dirt attitude

Like a .38 made out of brass

Tough like the stuff in your grandpa's glass

Life's gonna do what it does

Sure as the good Lord's up above

I'm cut like a diamond shinin' in the rough

Tough

Tough


[Verse 1: Quavo, Quavo & Lana Del Rey]

Come on, take a ride with me

Like the 808s beatin' in the trunk in Atlanta, it was tough

It was kinda hard for me

Crawlin' through the mud, I couldn't find love, then we came up

Look at what we are, baby

Standin' through the storm, still shinin' like a diamond in the rough

Still shinin', and that's hard

If you ever lost someonе that you love


[Pre-Chorus: Quavo]

Through the pain, gotta show 'em, givе 'em light

Still family if you're wrong or you're right

No matter, we together

It's not somethin' that you wanna do, it's just somethin' you goin' through


[Chorus: Quavo & Lana Del Rey, Quavo, Lana Del Rey]

Tough like the scuff on a pair of old leather boots

Like the blue-collar, red-dirt attitude

Like a .38 made out of brass

Tough like the stuff in your grandpa's glass (Grandpa's glass)

Life's gonna do what it does (Ooh)

Sure as the good Lord's up above

I'm cut like a diamond shinin' in the rough (Shine, shine)

Tough

Hard

[Bridge: Lana Del Rey & Quavo]

Here, say where you come from

It's not what you wanna do, it's what you're gonna do

Now, it's no place to run

If that's what you're gonna do, what am I gonna do? (Tough)


[Chorus: Quavo & Lana Del Rey, Quavo, Lana Del Rey]

Tough like the scuff on a pair of old leather boots

Like the blue-collar, red-dirt attitude (Yeah, yeah)

Like a .38 made out of brass

Tough like the stuff in your grandpa's glass (Grandpa's glass)

Life's gonna do what it does (Ooh)

Sure as the good Lord's up above

I'm cut like a diamond shinin' in the rough (Shine, shine)

Tough


[Outro: Quavo & Lana Del Rey]

You wanna come to the Nawf? (Mm-hm)

I'll show you around

That's why I said, "Come take a ride with me"

When?

Whenever, whenever you ready

Call on me, brr

I'll give it back when I get there

Aight, that's a bet



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