4422 (feat. Sampha)

The song '4422' by Drake featuring Sampha is a hauntingly beautiful track that delves into the themes of stagnation and the cyclical nature of certain relationships or situations. Sampha's soulful voice carries the weight of the lyrics, which express a sense of frustration and resignation towards a pattern that repeats itself without any real progress or change. The repeated line 'You build it up to break it halfway through' suggests a cycle of building expectations or starting something with potential, only to see it fall apart before it can fully develop. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for personal relationships, projects, or even internal battles where one struggles to overcome a recurring issue.

The numbers '44, 22' are repeated throughout the song, but their specific meaning is not explicitly stated, leaving them open to interpretation. They could symbolize a date, time, or even a code that represents a significant moment or turning point. The phrase 'Just make the call, 22' implies a decision that needs to be made, yet there is a sense of inevitability that the outcome will remain the same as it has always been. This reflects a feeling of helplessness or acceptance of a situation that seems unchangeable.

The latter part of the song touches on themes of trust and fear, suggesting that the inability to change might be rooted in deeper emotional barriers. The mention of 'Outer space, Pearly Gates' evokes a sense of looking beyond the immediate, perhaps contemplating the afterlife or a higher power for guidance. The song ends with the lines 'I'm runnin', but can't run away / You say you changed / But you never change up,' reinforcing the idea that no matter how much one tries to escape or hope for change, some things remain constant, for better or worse.