Around Me (feat. Don Toliver)

Metro Boomin's 'Around Me (feat. Don Toliver)' delves into the duality of a life filled with both glamour and struggle. The song opens with a sense of urgency and a need for change, as the protagonist grapples with mental burdens and the fast-paced lifestyle that comes with success. The line 'Gotta switch up the tempo' suggests a desire to alter the current state of affairs, possibly to find balance or escape from the overwhelming pressures.

The recurring theme of drugs and 'plugs' (connections) around the protagonist highlights the darker side of this lifestyle. While the protagonist has seen 'too many worlds,' indicating a wealth of experiences, there's a clear acknowledgment of the need to maintain certain vices to cope. This duality is further emphasized by the desire for a romantic connection, as expressed in 'Want you to be my girl, and I.' The juxtaposition of seeking love while being surrounded by drugs and shady dealings paints a complex picture of someone trying to find stability in a chaotic world.

The song also touches on themes of loyalty and betrayal. Lines like 'Niggas went bad, they goin' out sad, they never gon' win' reflect the protagonist's awareness of the fickle nature of relationships in his world. The imagery of 'going Shiesty in all-black' and hitting 'a mean lick' underscores a life of crime and the constant hustle to stay ahead. The closing lines about heroes emerging only when needed and living life as 'two halves' encapsulate the internal conflict of balancing a public persona with private struggles. This narrative resonates with anyone who has felt the pressure to maintain a facade while dealing with personal demons.