Falling Out The Sky (feat. Armand Hammer & Earl Sweatshirt)

The Alchemist's 'Falling Out The Sky,' featuring Armand Hammer and Earl Sweatshirt, is a profound exploration of personal and cosmic turmoil. The song opens with a vivid image of emotional weight and isolation, as the narrator grapples with the loss of his father. The lyrics 'My father body swollen behind my eyes' and 'I ain't cried for him in time' suggest a deep-seated grief that has yet to be fully processed. This sets the stage for a journey through both internal and external landscapes, where the past and present collide in a black sky full of supernovas and dying stars. The cosmic imagery serves as a metaphor for the chaos and beauty of life, as well as the interconnectedness of all things.

The second verse shifts to a more grounded narrative, recounting a cross-country journey and the experiences that come with it. The mention of 'white boys with the weed pipes' and 'mighty clouds of Northern Lights' paints a picture of a laid-back, yet introspective, lifestyle. The narrator reflects on the challenges of living in the moment, juxtaposed with the simplicity of summer jobs and the camaraderie of shared experiences. The line 'It's hard to live at the moment, but I guess I had a gift' encapsulates the struggle between appreciating the present and being haunted by the past. This verse also touches on themes of ambition and survival, as the narrator navigates the complexities of adulthood.

The final verse delves into nostalgic memories and the innocence of youth. The imagery of 'walkin' four corners of God's country' and 'cats still yawnin'' evokes a sense of freedom and exploration. However, this idyllic setting is contrasted with darker undertones, such as the mention of a boy who drowned and the eerie voices heard underwater. The recurring theme of 'hurt people, hurt people' underscores the cyclical nature of pain and the difficulty of breaking free from it. The verse concludes with a haunting image of 'Old man Cropsey's head in my foot locker,' blending folklore with personal history to create a tapestry of experiences that shape the narrator's identity.