Stay High
Juice WRLD
The Struggle to Stay Afloat: Juice WRLD's 'Stay High'
Juice WRLD's 'Stay High' is a poignant reflection of the artist's internal battles and the coping mechanisms he employs to navigate his struggles. The song's lyrics reveal a deep sense of loneliness and the impact of losing close friends, which is a recurring theme in Juice WRLD's music. The repeated line 'Gotta stay high, gotta stay high' suggests a reliance on substances to maintain a sense of equilibrium and escape from the lows of life. The mention of 'lean,' a concoction that includes prescription-strength cough syrup, indicates self-medication as a form of dealing with pain and the complexities of life.
The song also touches on the theme of betrayal and disillusionment, as indicated by the line 'Hate it when they play both sides.' This could be interpreted as a reference to the fickle nature of relationships in the fast-paced world of fame and the music industry. Juice WRLD expresses a feeling of being let down by people he once trusted, which adds to his sense of isolation. The lyrics 'I don't really wanna walk through life alone' and 'Now, I gotta walk through life alone' underscore the artist's yearning for genuine connection and the harsh reality of his solitude.
Musically, 'Stay High' is characterized by its melancholic tone and trap-influenced beats, which are signature elements of Juice WRLD's style. The song's somber mood is juxtaposed with the energetic rhythm, creating a contrast that mirrors the conflict between the artist's desire to overcome his struggles and the temptation to succumb to them. Juice WRLD's candid storytelling and raw emotion resonate with listeners who may also be grappling with similar issues, making 'Stay High' a powerful anthem for those seeking solace in music.