FE!N (feat. Playboi Carti)
Travis Scott
The Highs and Lows of Fame and Excess
The song 'FE!N' explores the complexity of the word 'fiend' (stylized as FE!N), which can have multiple meanings. The main one is a reference to someone addicted to drugs, a frequent theme in Travis' lyrics. He often mentions his habit of using opiates, especially 'lean', a drink made by mixing soda with cough syrup that contains codeine and promethazine. The repetition of the word 'fein' in the song emphasizes this obsession and dependence, creating an atmosphere of compulsion and constant need.
In addition to drug addiction, 'fiend' can also refer to an evil spirit or demon. This interpretation adds a layer of darkness and agony to the song, suggesting that addiction is like an inner demon that haunts the artist. Travis describes a life of excess and searching for peace of mind, but always being pulled back by these 'demons'. The line 'What I'm sippin' not kombucha, either pink or brown' highlights the conscious choice of mind-altering substances instead of something healthy, reinforcing the idea of self-destruction.
The song also addresses the pressure and challenges of being at the peak of one's career. Travis mentions that his career is at stake and that he needs to sign contracts ('my face on the dotted line'), which can be seen as a pact with these 'demons' of success and addiction. The search for peace of mind ('flyin' out of town for some peace of mind') is constantly interrupted by the need to maintain his image and deal with external expectations. This duality between the desire for tranquillity and the tumultuous reality is a central theme in the song.
Finally, the collaboration with Playboi Carti adds a layer of energy and chaos to the track. References to guns, parties and complicated relationships ('pistols all in the kitchen', 'I've been goin' crazy, shawty, I've been in the deep end') paint a picture of a life lived on the edge. The song 'FE!N' is therefore a multi-faceted exploration of addiction, success, and the personal demons that accompany Travis on his journey.