The Sailor

Rich Brian's song 'The Sailor' delves into the complexities of fame, personal growth, and existential musings. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the artist's life, filled with both the perks and pitfalls of success. The opening lines, 'Not for free / No, they know I'm not for free,' set the tone for a narrative about self-worth and the cost of fame. Brian reflects on the superficial relationships that come with his status, likening deceitful friends to 'snakes' and emphasizing the transactional nature of his interactions, 'This ain't Trader Joe's, you payin' for my verses with five 10s.' This metaphor underscores the commodification of his art and the isolation that often accompanies celebrity.

The song also explores the internal and external pressures that come with being in the public eye. Brian mentions feeling the weight of expectations, 'I'm feelin' pressure from my job lately / I guess if I don't drop a song today, then I'm just lazy.' This line highlights the relentless demand for new content in the music industry and the anxiety it can produce. Despite these pressures, Brian finds solace in moments of spiritual reflection, 'Man, I'm hella spiritual, my soul is nothin' to fuck with,' suggesting a deeper quest for meaning beyond material success.

In the latter part of the song, Brian shifts to more philosophical questions, prompted by an encounter with a curious young girl. She asks, 'Where do we go when we die? / What is the color of blue if there isn't a sky?' These questions serve as a poignant reminder of life's fleeting nature and the search for purpose. The juxtaposition of mundane activities, like buying bubble gum and ice tea, with profound existential queries, 'What is the meaning of life? / What is a life if a moment can end in the blink of an eye?' adds a layer of depth to the song, making it a contemplative piece that resonates on multiple levels.