Six Feet Under
The Weeknd
Unearthing the Ambition in 'Six Feet Under' by The Weeknd
The Weeknd's 'Six Feet Under' delves into the narrative of a woman who is fiercely independent and driven by material success. The lyrics paint a picture of someone who has emotionally detached herself from relationships and intimacy, focusing instead on accumulating wealth and luxury. The repeated line 'Six feet under she gon' get that fucking paper' suggests a relentless pursuit of money, to the extent that she is metaphorically willing to 'die' for it, indicating a life consumed by materialism.
The song portrays the woman as someone who uses her sexuality as a means to an end, enticing men to leave their families and manipulating situations to her financial advantage. The Weeknd uses vivid imagery, such as 'Louis Vuitton her husband,' to emphasize her devotion to luxury brands over personal connections. The phrase 'six feet under' traditionally refers to burial after death, but here it is repurposed to signify the depth of her ambition, as if she is willing to go to grave lengths for financial gain.
The Weeknd's portrayal is complex, as it can be seen both as a critique of and a fascination with the character's lifestyle. The song touches on themes of empowerment and autonomy, as the woman is depicted as being in control of her life and desires. However, it also hints at the potential emptiness of a life solely dedicated to material pursuits, suggesting that 'real love's hard to find' in such a world. The character's determination is clear, but the song leaves listeners pondering the cost of such single-minded ambition.