Analysis of Kanye West's "Real Friends"

Released in 2016 on Kanye West's album "The Life of Pablo," the song "Real Friends" gives us a deep look into the ups and downs of keeping true friends when you're famous, successful, and surrounded by shallow interactions. With its thoughtful lyrics and sad melody, "Real Friends" explores the emotional strain of friendships under personal and professional stress. This essay will dive into the themes, lyrics, and music of "Real Friends," shining a light on its powerful message about the human experience.

Themes

One big theme in "Real Friends" is how fame and success can leave you feeling disillusioned and alone. Kanye West, being a world-famous artist, deals with the hard task of figuring out who his real friends are and who's just around for the perks. The song talks about the vulnerability and loneliness that public figures often feel as they try to separate true friends from those who just want to benefit from their fame.

Another theme is authenticity and how hard it is to stay real in relationships. Kanye West honestly shows his own flaws and fears, highlighting the common struggle to be honest and loyal despite outside pressures. The song's look at trust, betrayal, and the breakdown of meaningful connections hits home for many listeners, reflecting our shared desire for real human connections.

Lyrical Content

The lyrics of "Real Friends" give a raw and honest look at Kanye West's own experiences with friendship and trust. Through vivid storytelling, West brings listeners into his world, where the glitz of celebrity often hides feelings of alienation and suspicion. Lines like "I had a cousin that stole my laptop that I was fuckin' bitches on / Paid that nigga 250 thousand just to get it from him" show the tough reality of relationships in a world of wealth and fame.

The song also touches on the complicated nature of family relationships. Kanye West deals with the expectations and pressures of supporting his relatives. The lyric "I had a cousin that stole my laptop that I was fuckin' bitches on / Paid that nigga 250 thousand just to get it from him" captures the emotional and financial strains in his connections, highlighting the difficulty of keeping trust and authenticity amid personal betrayals.

Musical Elements

The music in "Real Friends" adds to the song's sad and thoughtful vibe. The haunting piano melody, along with the soft percussion and airy vocal harmonies, creates a feeling of reflection and emotional depth. The simple production lets Kanye West's introspective lyrics shine, drawing listeners into the raw vulnerability of the story.

The use of vocal effects and layering in the chorus boosts the emotional impact, creating a sense of longing and introspection. The soundscape of "Real Friends" mirrors the complicated nature of human relationships, capturing the details of trust, betrayal, and the desire for genuine connection.

Conclusion

In the end, "Real Friends" shows Kanye West's artistic and reflective skills, offering a deep look at the complexities of human relationships. With its powerful themes, honest lyrics, and moving musical elements, the song makes listeners think about the challenges of staying real and trustworthy under outside pressures. "Real Friends" is a strong reminder of our universal desire for true connections and the emotional cost of navigating friendships in a complicated world.