Rental

BROCKHAMPTON's song 'Rental' delves into the complexities of identity, materialism, and emotional vulnerability. The lyrics reflect a deep yearning for both physical and emotional fulfillment, as well as a struggle with self-perception and societal expectations. The repeated desire for material possessions, such as a shirt that makes the body feel sexy or a chain that feels hefty, symbolizes a search for external validation and self-worth. This is further emphasized by the imagery of riding on the roof with a dollar sign attached to the head, suggesting a constant preoccupation with wealth and status.

The song also explores themes of love and emotional turmoil. The lines 'I want a love that makes me feel like I ain't breaking your heart' and 'I wanna know what made you stay when it was wrong from the start' reveal a deep-seated fear of causing pain and a longing for understanding and acceptance. The artist grapples with feelings of numbness and detachment, as indicated by 'I'm feeling numb to the world so I've been ignoring instead.' This emotional numbness is juxtaposed with a desire for genuine connection and the need to overcome the fear of being like everyone else.

Culturally, 'Rental' reflects the pressures of modern society, where material success is often equated with personal value. BROCKHAMPTON, known for their genre-blending style and candid exploration of personal and social issues, uses this song to highlight the internal conflicts that arise from these societal pressures. The recurring motif of the dollar sign attached to the head serves as a powerful metaphor for the pervasive influence of money and status on one's identity and self-worth. Ultimately, 'Rental' is a poignant commentary on the struggle to find balance between external validation and internal fulfillment.