Foreplay

Jalen Santoy's 'Foreplay' is a raw and introspective track that delves into the complexities of personal relationships and the internal struggles that accompany them. The song's title itself suggests a theme of intimacy and the complexities that can arise before deeper connections are made. The lyrics oscillate between expressions of love, hate, and sexual desire, indicating a tumultuous emotional state that the artist is experiencing.

The opening lines of the song set the stage for a narrative of emotional vulnerability and the pressures of societal expectations. Santoy speaks of the facade people often put up to appear more appealing to others, including family and potential romantic interests. This idea of 'keeping up appearances' is a common theme in the song, as the artist reflects on his own past desires for validation and how he has since moved beyond them. The mention of 'blowing steam like Stanley' is a clever reference to the Stanley steamer, a metaphor for releasing built-up pressure, which in this context relates to the emotional strain of maintaining a false front.

As the song progresses, Santoy touches on the pursuit of material success and how it can distort one's values and relationships. He questions the pursuit of wealth and the societal equating of success with happiness, suggesting that even those who achieve financial success may not truly understand it or find fulfillment. The chorus, with its conflicting statements of love and hate, encapsulates the internal conflict and the cyclical nature of the artist's thoughts when alone. The repetition of these powerful emotions highlights the struggle between the need for love and companionship and the frustration and resentment that can arise from unfulfilled desires or toxic relationships.