High School

Lil Peep's song "High School" delves into the complex emotions and experiences that often accompany adolescence and young adulthood. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a young man grappling with wealth, poverty, and a profound sense of loss. The opening lines, "Have you ever seen a man this rich? This broke? This lost?" set the tone for a narrative that explores the dichotomy of external success and internal turmoil. Lil Peep's plea for prayers and his acknowledgment of his ever-present 'ghost' suggest a deep-seated struggle with his past and the consequences of his actions.

The song also touches on themes of regret and self-forgiveness. Lil Peep reflects on a past relationship, expressing remorse for causing pain and contemplating self-harm as a form of atonement. The lines, "Making you cry the way she did, I can't forgive myself for," and "If you want me to, I'll kill myself, but I'm already in hell for," reveal a raw vulnerability and a sense of being trapped in a cycle of guilt and despair. This emotional depth is a hallmark of Lil Peep's music, which often blends elements of emo, punk, and rap to convey his inner struggles.

Cultural references to high school experiences, such as walking around the halls and the ringing of the bell, ground the song in a relatable context. These moments serve as a backdrop for the more profound themes of chasing dreams versus chasing superficial desires. Lil Peep contrasts his own pursuit of dreams with others' pursuit of fleeting pleasures, highlighting a sense of isolation and misunderstanding. The recurring motif of looking up at those who have wronged him, feeling as though he never knew them, underscores the alienation and disconnection that can accompany personal growth and change.