Initiation

The Weeknd's song 'Initiation' delves into the hedonistic and often dark world of excess, exploring themes of substance abuse, peer pressure, and the search for belonging. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a night filled with drugs, alcohol, and a sense of disorientation. The opening lines, 'Got you drinking out them white cups, sodas / All this shit so foreign to you, thick smoke, choking,' immediately set the tone for a night that is both intoxicating and overwhelming. The Weeknd's use of imagery like 'thick smoke' and 'eyes red' underscores the physical and emotional toll of such a lifestyle.

The song also touches on the idea of initiation and acceptance within a group. The repeated line, 'I got a test for you / You say you want my heart / Well baby, you can have it all / There's just something that I need from you / Is to meet my boys,' suggests that gaining The Weeknd's affection or approval requires passing a test, which in this context involves engaging in the same self-destructive behaviors. This initiation process is not just about proving one's loyalty but also about losing oneself in the collective experience, as indicated by lines like 'And the clocks don't work, you don't gotta check the time / And the blinds don't work, you don't gotta check the sky.' Time and reality become irrelevant in this world of excess.

The Weeknd's lyrics also reflect a sense of existential despair and a longing for escape. Lines like 'I thought I passed my peak, and I'm experiencing fall / And all I wanna do is leave cause I've been zoning for a week' reveal a deeper emotional struggle beneath the surface of the party lifestyle. The song's repetitive chorus and hypnotic beats mirror the cyclical nature of addiction and the difficulty of breaking free from it. The references to 'OVO and that XO' highlight The Weeknd's connection to his roots and his crew, further emphasizing the theme of belonging and the lengths one might go to feel accepted.