Introduction of Tomorrow: Tyler’s Reflection on Parenthood
"Tomorrow" by Tyler, The Creator, from the album Chromakopia, stands out as a poignant exploration of time, change, and the anxiety that comes with the thought of parenthood. Tyler, known for his bold, experimental approach to music, shifts gears in this track with a slow, reflective melody that feels more intimate than his usual style. The song opens with a spoken introduction by Bonita Smith, who expresses a desire for Tyler to have children, setting the tone for the underlying tension between societal expectations and personal hesitation. Tyler uses this song to address his fear of the unknown, particularly the responsibility of raising a child in a world that is constantly shifting.
The Emotional Impact of “Don’t You Wait on Me”
One of the most striking aspects of "Tomorrow" is the recurring line, "Don't you wait on me, I'll be fine," which feels like a message to a partner or perhaps even his audience. It's a powerful declaration of self-awareness, where Tyler seems to acknowledge that he isn't ready to take on the role of a parent or settle down, despite the pressure that surrounds him. The repetition of this line throughout the song reinforces his desire for independence and his reluctance to conform to expectations. It's a tender moment of vulnerability, as he grapples with the passage of time and what it means for his future.
Tender Vocals and Dreamy Harmonies
The song's production mirrors this introspective mood, with soft harmonies and background vocals that complement Tyler's higher-pitched, natural singing voice. Unlike in Igor, where Tyler often relied on pitch modulation, here his vocals feel raw and unfiltered, adding to the emotional depth of the track. The harmonizing in the background, potentially a feature from another artist, enhances the melancholic atmosphere, giving the song a dreamy, almost ethereal quality. It’s a stark contrast to the more aggressive or experimental tones Tyler has used in the past, making this a standout track in his discography.
Lyrical Depth: Fear and Change
Lyrically, Tyler reflects on the changes he's experiencing both physically and emotionally. Lines like "My mother's hands don't look the same / These jet black strands are turning gray" capture the inevitable passage of time, while his admission that the thought of children brings him stress shows his inner conflict. There’s a maturity in this track, as Tyler contemplates how his past self differs from who he is now. The second verse delves even deeper, touching on themes of paranoia and the pressures he feels from those around him who are settling down and starting families, while he remains focused on other pursuits.
Tyler The Creator Tomorrow Review: A Personal, Relatable Journey
"Tomorrow" feels like a deeply personal track for Tyler, one that addresses universal fears about growing older and the expectations that come with it. His decision to focus on the fear of fatherhood in a world that is always changing is relatable, and the delicate production allows his introspective lyrics to shine. It's a track that feels reflective and wise, while still carrying that signature Tyler edge.
Listen to Tyler The Creator Tomorrow
Tyler The Creator Tomorrow Lyrics Meaning Explained
The meaning of "Tomorrow" by Tyler, The Creator is rooted in the fear of aging and the overwhelming pressures to conform to societal expectations, particularly the idea of starting a family. Through deeply personal lyrics, Tyler expresses his reluctance to have children, reflecting on how the passage of time is affecting him and those around him. He wrestles with external pressures, such as his mother’s desire for a grandchild and the expectations from friends who are settling down, while he remains focused on his own independence and creative pursuits. The song captures Tyler's internal conflict between staying true to himself and the growing weight of responsibility that comes with adulthood.
Intro: Tyler's Mother's Plea for a Grandchild
"Nigga, I'm gettin' old and I need a grandchild, please"
Tyler's mother, Bonita Smith, opens the track with a heartfelt and somewhat desperate plea for a grandchild. Her wish for “a little tiny Tyler lurking around” reveals her longing for the next generation and acts as a source of emotional pressure on Tyler. Her desire for him to settle down and have a child adds to his internal conflict. This desperation from his mother creates an underlying tension throughout the song, showing the external expectations Tyler feels as he faces the passage of time.
Verse 1: The Fear of Aging and Fatherhood
"My mother's hands don't look the same / These jet black strands are turning gray"
Tyler reflects on the visible signs of his mother aging, noticing that her hands and hair are changing. This realization adds to the weight of time passing and the inevitability of aging, which amplifies the urgency in her request for a grandchild. For Tyler, it seems to represent a shift in life’s phases, where both he and his mother are approaching new, unfamiliar stages.
"I'm gaining weight, I'd rather rest / The thought of children, it brings me stress / Because time is changing (Ooh)"
Here, Tyler admits to feeling the physical effects of getting older, noting weight gain and fatigue. The thought of having children only intensifies his stress because it forces him to confront the idea of responsibility, commitment, and a loss of the freedom he's enjoyed. His acknowledgment that "time is changing" suggests that he feels the pressure of growing older and perhaps the expectation that he should settle down, even though he's reluctant.
Chorus: A Plea for Independence
"But don't you wait on me, I'll be fine"
In the chorus, Tyler repeatedly tells his partner, or possibly his family, not to wait on him to change or settle down. This lyric emphasizes his desire for independence and freedom from the expectations that others place on him. He seems to be assuring them that, although he might not follow the traditional path, he will still be okay. The repetition of this line strengthens his resistance to the pressure he feels from those around him to conform to societal norms, particularly around family and fatherhood.
Bridge: Anxiety About the Future
"Worry 'bout tomorrow, worry 'bout tomorrow"
The bridge captures Tyler’s anxiety about the future. His repeated question—whether his partner or society can focus on "tomorrow"—reflects a fear of the unknown and a desire to avoid making decisions right now. The uncertainty of what the future holds, particularly with regard to family life, leaves Tyler feeling conflicted. He doesn’t want to be pressured into worrying about things like children or long-term commitments when he is already overwhelmed by other aspects of life.
Verse 2: Identity, Pressure, and Paranoia
"What's gotten into me? Nah, that ain't the energy / That version of T that you knew was a memory"
Tyler acknowledges that he’s no longer the same person he used to be. The energy and persona of his younger self have faded, and he's matured into a different individual. This reflects the internal conflict between the carefree, rebellious version of himself that his fans and friends might remember, and the more reflective, anxious version he’s become. He's wrestling with how others perceive him and how he has evolved.
"Face clear, few wrinkles on my spirit"
Though his face is free of visible signs of aging, his "spirit" has been weathered and aged by life’s experiences. This line symbolizes the emotional maturity that isn’t always apparent from the outside. It highlights the internal struggles that Tyler is dealing with, even though he may still look youthful to others.
"Yeah, my brodie had another baby, that's like number two"
Tyler refers to his close friend A$AP Rocky, who recently had a second child with Rihanna. This line compares Tyler’s life to those of his peers, who are starting families, while he remains focused on other pursuits. It adds to his feeling of being left behind in terms of traditional milestones like marriage and children.
"They sharin' pictures of this moment, shit is really cute / And all I got is photos of my 'Rari and some silly suits"
Here, Tyler expresses discontent with his own achievements. While his friends share pictures of their children and family moments, Tyler is left with material wealth—symbolized by his Ferrari and his "silly suits," which might reference his eccentric fashion choices. This highlights the emptiness he feels, even though he’s successful. The line draws a parallel to Kanye West's 808s & Heartbreak, particularly the track "Welcome to Heartbreak," where Kanye also laments feeling disconnected from family life despite his material success.
"Uh-huh, I'm too paranoid, so I'ma air it out / And any pressure that you're puttin' on me, I'ma tear it down"
Tyler admits to feeling paranoia, possibly stemming from the expectations and pressures others are placing on him. His response to this pressure is defiance—he wants to "tear it down" and maintain control over his own decisions, particularly regarding fatherhood and settling down. This paranoia aligns with the themes in Chromakopia, as Tyler grapples with societal pressures, family obligations, and his own desires for freedom.
Tomorrow Meaning: A Struggle Between Expectations and Desire
Throughout Tomorrow, Tyler, The Creator displays the meaning as he navigates the tension between his personal desires and the societal pressures to start a family and conform to traditional expectations. The song is a deeply introspective exploration of aging, responsibility, and fear of the future. Tyler's reluctance to settle down and have children is amplified by the expectations from those around him, especially his mother, while his lyrics reveal an ongoing internal battle between maintaining his independence and the creeping pressures of time.
Tyler The Creator Tomorrow Lyrics
[Intro: Bonita Smith]
(Give it up)
Nigga, I'm gettin' old and I need a grandchild, please (Give it up)
Just one, please, all I need is one (Give it— Give it up)
We need a little tiny Tyler lurking around here, okay?
We need a little dookie woodie running around here, okay?
[Verse 1: Tyler, The Creator]
My mother's hands don't look the same
These jet black strands are turning gray
I'm gaining weight, I'd rather rest
The thought of children, it brings me stress
Because time is changing (Ooh)
[Chorus: Tyler, The Creator]
But don't you wait on me (Ooh, don't), I'll be fine
But don't you wait on mе (Ooh, don't), oh, I'll be fine
But don't you wait for me (Ooh, don't)
'Causе time got nothing right (Ooh), don't (Don't), uh
[Bridge: Tyler, The Creator]
Worry 'bout tomorrow, worry 'bout tomorrow
Can you worry 'bout tomorrow? Ayy, ayy, ayy (Tomorrow)
Worry 'bout tomorrow (Tomorrow), worry 'bout tomorrow, ooh
[Verse 2: Tyler, The Creator]
Yeah, what's gotten into me? Nah that ain't the energy
That version of T that you knew was a memory
Who is that? You niggas get too attached to hear the theory
Face clear, few wrinkles on my spirit (No cap)
Now, cousin', this ain't no [tuggin'?]
I don't like cages, I'd rather be floodin'
Thought this shit out, I pop out with that oven
Tell that new version of me that I'm comin' (Oh my, yeah)
Yeah, my brodie had another baby, that's like number two (Number-two)
My homegirl and I tired, she like thirty-two (Thirty-two)
They sharin' pictures of this moment, shit is really cute
And all I got is photos of my 'Rari and some silly suits (Yeah)
Mhm, but I flip the switch and finally settle down
Mhm, go the other way and keep my panties down
Uh-huh, I'm too paranoid, so I'ma air it out
And any pressure that you're puttin' on me, I'ma tear it down
[Chorus: Tyler, The Creator]
Don't you wait on me, I'll be fine
Don't you wait on me, I'll be fine
Don't you wait for me, I'll be fine
'Cause time got nothing right
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