Introduction to "Used"
"Used," the seventh track from SZA’s album SOS, is a compelling collaboration with Don Toliver, blending introspective lyrics with an effortlessly smooth beat. SZA’s soulful delivery, switching between rapping and singing, lends emotional depth to the song. Her opening verse touches on themes of resilience and emotional numbness, reflecting on being so accustomed to being taken advantage of that she’s "used" to it. The beat complements her smokey vocals, creating a mood that is both reflective and laid-back.
Don Toliver’s Contribution
Don Toliver’s contribution, especially in the chorus, elevates the track’s vibe. His autotuned vocals add a slightly futuristic, hazy quality that fits well with the song's melancholic yet relaxed tone. He mirrors SZA's sentiments of feeling detached, singing about drifting through a "cold world" and reflecting on broken relationships. His presence brings a complementary male perspective to the song’s central theme, furthering its emotional complexity.
Lyrical Themes of Vulnerability
Lyrically, "Used" is a reflection on emotional survival and coping mechanisms in a world that often takes more than it gives. SZA ruminates on her struggles with trust, pressure, and self-worth while navigating personal relationships. Lines like "Can't hide from pressure, too worried I'm livin' a lie" resonate deeply, showcasing her vulnerability while also emphasizing her strength in confronting these issues.
Production and Sound
The song's production is minimalist, allowing the focus to remain on the vocal interplay between SZA and Don Toliver. The dreamy, almost ethereal quality of the instrumental serves as a perfect backdrop for the song’s introspective lyrics, creating a space where both artists can explore their emotions. The overall sound is understated yet impactful, making it easy to get lost in the atmosphere it creates.
SZA Used Review: A Standout Collaboration
Overall, "Used" stands out as a highlight on SOS not only for its relatable themes but also for the seamless chemistry between SZA and Don Toliver. It’s a track that resonates with listeners on a personal level, delivering an authentic exploration of vulnerability while remaining sonically smooth and engaging.
Listen to SZA Used (Featuring Don Toliver)
SZA Used (Featuring Don Toliver) Lyrics Meaning Explained
The meaning of "Used" by SZA is centered around emotional resilience, vulnerability, and the complexities of relationships. Throughout the song, SZA reflects on her experiences of being taken for granted, navigating feelings of betrayal, and seeking protection for her mental well-being. The song explores themes of grief, gratitude, and personal growth, as SZA contemplates the challenges of maintaining genuine connections in a world that often feels cold and isolating. With introspective lyrics and a strong sense of self-awareness, "Used" highlights the emotional toll of love and loss, while emphasizing the importance of honesty, authenticity, and self-preservation.
Introduction (Norma Rowe's Influence)
"Used" by SZA featuring Don Toliver delves deeply into themes of emotional numbness, vulnerability, and resilience in relationships. The song begins with an introduction from SZA’s grandmother, Norma Rowe, a figure who has appeared in SZA's previous work, adding a personal touch. Her assertive statement, "Yeah, I'll cuss your ass out in a minute," sets a tone of toughness and authenticity, grounding the song with familial wisdom.
Verse 1 (Emotional Exhaustion and Protection)
SZA opens the first verse by acknowledging her emotional exhaustion, singing, "Yes, I've been used to being used like this." She expresses how being taken advantage of has become so routine that it no longer phases her. The line "I'm immortalized in my thoughts" suggests she's trapped in her own overthinking, consumed by her inner struggles. This aligns with the broader themes in her music of dealing with anxiety and emotional turmoil. She continues, "Praise to the most high for protection over my most prized possessions," revealing her reliance on higher powers for safeguarding what matters most to her—not material objects, but her mental well-being and personal peace.
Mental Health and Grief
SZA then reflects on her mental health, stating, "Talkin' 'bout my sanity's at a 6.7," which indicates a moderate but fragile state of mind. The next line, "Handin' out poinsettias to my dead homie mothers, prayin' they feel better," paints a poignant image of grief and the responsibility she feels to console others while coping with her own pain. Poinsettias, typically associated with the holiday season, here symbolize comfort and remembrance in the face of loss.
Vulnerability and Risk
The lines "Might get chipped mindin' my business, might get chipped sharin' my vision" emphasize the idea that SZA feels vulnerable to being hurt no matter what she does. Whether she keeps to herself or shares her creative vision, there's always a risk of emotional harm. In the line "All that's for real is forever," she reflects on the importance of genuine, authentic connections, stating that what is real will last eternally. Additionally, "Moments stolen taste better" suggests that spontaneous, unplanned moments often hold more meaning than those that are orchestrated or expected.
Chorus (Emotional Distance and Betrayal)
Don Toliver's chorus brings in a sense of emotional distance and confusion. "I been ridin', ridin' through this cold world" highlights the harshness and isolation he feels, while "Thought you had another one, went and caught him with ol' girl" introduces the theme of betrayal. Despite feeling like the relationship is over, he acknowledges that something is still drawing them closer together, creating a lingering sense of unresolved tension.
Verse 2 (Gratitude and Pressure)
In the second verse, SZA returns to themes of gratitude and grief, stating, "Count my blessings twice as much, let death stress me too much." Her experience with loss has made her more appreciative of what she has, but it also weighs heavily on her. She addresses the pressure she feels, singing, "Can't hide from pressure, too worried I'm livin' a lie," suggesting she fears she may not be living authentically. The line "Can't trust nobody you ain't been broke with" reflects her belief that true trust is only built through shared hardships.
Resilience and Self-Preservation
SZA asserts her resilience with the line, "Niggas love to break my focus, bitch, I'm Obi Wan," drawing a comparison to the iconic Star Wars Jedi master, Obi-Wan Kenobi, known for his unwavering strength and focus. She uses this metaphor to illustrate her determination to stay on course despite distractions. In "I thought it'd be easy to get myself what I needed, but it takes some time, and I'm out of patience, I burned it with you," she expresses frustration over how difficult it is to fulfill her emotional needs and admits that she’s exhausted her patience with a particular relationship.
The Need for Honesty
Further into the verse, SZA reflects on the importance of honesty in love, stating, "Can't lose myself to your ego, I wanna say. Love me better when you try less." She values simplicity and truth in relationships, emphasizing that love works best when it’s not forced. She continues, "I don't take much, just need your honesty," underscoring her need for transparency over grand gestures. In "Love will work better when you confess, feelings don't need discussion," she implies that openness and vulnerability are crucial for love to thrive, and some feelings are so evident they don’t need constant explanation. Finally, she closes the verse by acknowledging her ongoing journey of self-discovery, "Spend my life discoverin' new shit."
Chorus (Repetition of Emotional Tension)
Don Toliver's chorus repeats, reinforcing the emotional complexity and the push-and-pull of unresolved feelings in the relationship. "Used" ultimately reflects on the highs and lows of love, trust, and personal growth, with SZA and Don Toliver both grappling with feelings of betrayal, emotional numbness, and the desire for authentic connections.
SZA Used (Featuring Don Toliver) LyricsÂ
[Intro: Norma Rowe]
Yeah, I'll cuss your ass out in a minute
[Verse 1: SZA]
Yes, I've been used to being used like this
Ain't no difference, I'm immortalized in my thoughts
Praise to the most high for protection
Over my most prized possessions
Talkin' 'bout my sanity's at a 6.7
Handin' out poinsettias
To my dead homie mothers, prayin' they feel better
Might get chipped mindin' my business
Might get chipped sharin' my vision
Might as well
Can you tell if it's even worth conversation?
Hit a prayer, do it even work?
All that's for real is forever
Moments stolen taste better
[Chorus: Don Toliver]
I been ridin', ridin' through this cold world
Thought you had another one, went and caught him with ol' girl
I feel like it's over
Something's callin' you, get closer
I'm out of touch, I need a level that's a mile away
Need you once, girl, once, girl
We're goin' out the way
I feel like it's over
Something callin' to get closer
[Verse 2: SZA]
Count my blessings twice as much
Let death stress me too much
Can't hide from pressure, too worried I'm livin' a lie
Can't trust nobody you ain't been broke with
Niggas love to break my focus, bitch, I'm Obi Wan
You caught in the maze, I
Thought it'd be easy to get myself what I needed, but it takes some time
And I'm out of patience, I burned it with you
Can't lose myself to your ego, I wanna say
Love me better when you try less
I don't take much, just need your honesty, oh
Love will work better when you confess
Feelings don't need discussion
Spend my life discoverin' new shit
[Chorus: Don Toliver]
I been ridin', ridin' through this cold world
Thought you had another one, went and caught him with ol' girl
I feel like it's over
Something's callin' you, get closer
I'm out of touch, I need a level that's a mile away
Need you once, girl, once, girl
We're goin' out the way
I feel like it's over
Something callin' to get closer