The Triumphs and Tribulations Reflected in Waves by Kanye West
Table of Contents
Introduction
Kanye West is known for his unfiltered lyrics and no-holds-barred approach to songwriting. His 2016 album, The Life of Pablo, exemplifies this creative vision, with one track in particular striking a chord with fans—”Waves.” The song’s ebb and flow, coupled with its insightful and introspective lyrics, make it a standout among The Life of Pablo’s 20 tracks.
In this article, we delve into the meaning behind “Waves” and explore how it relates to Kanye West’s personal life and career.
The Inspiration Behind “Waves”
“Waves” was co-produced by Metro Boomin and Hudson Mohawke and features R&B singer Chris Brown. The song’s inspiration came from a tweet Kanye West sent out in early 2016: “This is not album of the year. This is album of the life.”
According to Mohawke, “Waves” was actually the first song that Kanye recorded for The Life of Pablo, and it set the tone for the rest of the album. “It started quite stripped-back, just with the Rhodes and that drum pattern,” Mohawke recalls. “But then it grew into something that is obviously on a bigger scale.”
The Lyrics of “Waves”
“Waves” begins with an intro from the gospel singer, Sabrina Claudio, who sings, “I’m trying to right my wrongs / But it’s funny, these same wrongs helped me write this song.” This lyric sets the tone for the rest of the track, as Kanye reflects on the ups and downs of his life so far.
The chorus of “Waves” is powerful and evocative: “I’m just trying to do the right thing / But the night life dragging me down / I’m telling you, I feel like grabbing the mic / And letting these people know what’s on my mind.” Here, Kanye speaks to his struggle with fame and the pressure it puts on him to always be “on.”
The verses of “Waves” are a mix of introspection and braggadocio. Kanye raps about his immense wealth and fame, but also touches on his personal struggles and the losses he’s experienced throughout his life. In one verse, he raps, “I know I’m the most influential / That TIME cover was just confirmation / This generation’s closest thing to Einstein.” But in the very next verse, he reflects on the death of his mother and the pain it caused him: “They’ll give me death before dishonor / And I won’t let my son have an ego.”
The Meaning of “Waves”
At its core, “Waves” is a song about the highs and lows of fame and how it can affect a person’s personal life. Kanye plays with the metaphor of waves throughout the song, using it to represent how he feels about his career and the impact it has on his relationships and mental health.
The song’s chorus reflects the struggle between doing the right thing and succumbing to the pressures of the “night life.” Kanye is torn between his desire to be a good person and the pull of fame and fortune.
In the verses, Kanye reflects on his own career and the immense power he wields. He recognizes that he is one of the most influential people in the world, but also acknowledges that this comes with a great deal of responsibility. He doesn’t want to fall prey to the same ego-trap that many other celebrities do, and he wants to ensure that his son grows up with a more grounded perspective on life.
Ultimately, “Waves” is a deeply personal song that speaks to Kanye West’s own struggles with fame, fortune, and personal loss. By using the metaphor of waves, he is able to paint a picture of his own emotional journey and the challenges he faces along the way.
Kanye’s Journey Since “Waves”
Since the release of “Waves” in 2016, Kanye West has continued to make headlines for both his music and his personal life. He’s released two full-length albums (Ye and Jesus is King) and made controversial statements about politics, race, and mental health.
In 2018, Kanye revealed that he had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, which shed new light on some of his more erratic behavior in recent years. He has since spoken openly about his struggles with mental illness and the impact it has had on his creative process.
As of 2021, Kanye West is widely regarded as one of the most influential musicians of his generation, with a net worth of over $6 billion. He continues to push the boundaries of music and art and remains a polarizing figure in pop culture.
Conclusion
“Waves” is a powerful and introspective song that reflects Kanye West’s struggles with fame and personal loss. Through his lyrics, he uses the metaphor of waves to paint a picture of his own emotional journey and the challenges he’s faced along the way.
Even years after its release, “Waves” remains a standout track on The Life of Pablo, showcasing Kanye’s unfiltered approach to songwriting and his willingness to explore his own inner turmoil through his music.
