Baggage (feat. Ren)
Chris Webby
The Weight of Old Baggage: A Journey Through Addiction and Self-Reflection
Chris Webby's song "Baggage (feat. Ren)" delves deep into the struggles of addiction and the heavy burden of past mistakes. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person grappling with their vices, trying to move forward but constantly being pulled back by their old habits. The recurring imagery of "new jeans with the same ol' baggie in my pocket" and "new me with the same ol' baggage in my closet" symbolizes the persistent nature of these struggles, despite attempts to change and start anew.
The song's verses provide a raw and honest look at the cycle of self-medication and the temporary relief it offers. Webby describes nights of heavy drinking and drug use as a way to cope with the weight of his problems, only to find himself at a crossroads, realizing that these habits are both the cause and the cure of his suffering. The metaphor of sins being like tattoos on his skin highlights the permanence of his past actions and the difficulty of erasing them, no matter how hard he tries.
Ren's verse adds another layer to the narrative, exploring the internal conflict between nature and nurture. He questions whether his destructive behavior is a result of his environment or inherent traits, ultimately concluding that his actions are a mix of both. The repetition of words like "wasted," "braindead," "vacant," and "faded" emphasizes the numbing effect of substance abuse and the sense of being trapped in a cycle of self-destruction. The song's chorus, with its haunting melody, reinforces the feeling of being lost and unable to find a way back to a better place, despite the desire for change.