Life Goes On (feat. Ty Dolla $ign)
Oliver Tree
The Unyielding March of Time: A Reflection on Life and Loss
Oliver Tree's song "Life Goes On (feat. Ty Dolla $ign)" is a poignant exploration of the inevitability of time and the transient nature of life. The song opens with Ty Dolla $ign reflecting on personal loss, specifically the death of his grandmother in 2020. He references 2Pac's famous line from 1996, "Life goes on," to underscore the timeless truth that life continues despite our personal tragedies. This sentiment is echoed in his admission of contemplating death and the realization that he and his brothers are among the last ones left, highlighting the theme of survival and the passage of time.
Oliver Tree's chorus, with its repetitive and almost hypnotic lines, "Life goes on, and on, and on," serves as a mantra that reinforces the relentless progression of life. The repetition mirrors the cyclical nature of existence, where each day blends into the next, and the inevitability of change and loss is a constant. His verses delve deeper into the existential dread of knowing that everything is temporary. The lines "Nothing ever stays the same" and "One day they will forget you" speak to the universal fear of being forgotten and the futility of resisting the flow of time.
The song's bridge, which repeats the phrase "Work all day, and then I wake up," captures the monotonous grind of daily life. This repetition emphasizes the routine and often mundane aspects of existence, suggesting that despite the profound realizations about life and death, we are still bound to our daily responsibilities. The collaboration between Oliver Tree and Ty Dolla $ign creates a rich tapestry of emotions, blending personal grief with broader existential musings, making "Life Goes On" a deeply resonant piece that speaks to the human condition.