Thought I Was Dead (feat. ScHoolboy Q & Santigold)

In 'Thought I Was Dead,' Tyler, The Creator's lyrics offer a stark introspection and defiance, marking a distinct phase in his artistic journey. This track, emerging after a significant hiatus, serves as a candid self-reflection and a commentary on the superficiality often encountered in the music industry. Tyler's words are not just lyrics; they are a narrative, woven intricately with the threads of resilience and introspection.

The line, 'Grab the blammer (Hmm), fuck all the glitz and the glamour (Hmm),' is a powerful rejection of the superficial allure often associated with fame. Here, Tyler reminisces about his previous album, IGOR, characterized by its vivid, colorful aesthetic. Yet, in this new phase, he introduces us to a more somber persona, Saint Chroma, marking a departure from IGOR’s flamboyance. This transition is visually and thematically significant as Tyler moves away from the glitter towards a more grounded, black-and-white reality, symbolizing a deeper exploration of self away from public expectations.

Another poignant verse, 'I don't wanna be found, I don't wanna be down,' echoes Tyler's ongoing struggle with the duality of his public persona and his personal reality. These words resonate with a theme prevalent throughout his career—his battle with fame's intrusive nature. This desire for solitude clashes vividly with earlier works, such as NEW MAGIC WAND from IGOR, where he expresses a contradictory yearning to be noticed and valued, even if through an unhealthy attachment.

The repetition of 'Thought I was dead' in the chorus is emblematic of his return to the music scene, dispelling rumors and asserting his presence. This line could also be interpreted as a metaphor for his creative rebirth, challenging those who may have perceived his silence as a decline. Tyler uses his return as a declaration of resilience, a theme that resonates deeply in the track, positioning himself not just as surviving but as thriving beyond the cultural and personal adversities he faces.

In one of the verses, Tyler states, 'Get love in the hood, but I must leave,' highlighting the complex relationship he has with his roots and the broader community. It speaks to the necessity of growth and moving beyond one’s comfort zone, a sentiment amplified by his reference to burning through significant wealth, indicative of both literal and metaphorical burning away of past selves and values.

Tyler’s critique of the industry and its participants who adopt cultural elements without understanding their depth or significance is scathingly addressed in lines like, 'White boys mockin' this shit and y'all mad at me?' Here, he confronts cultural appropriation head-on, challenging both the perpetrators and those who enable such behaviors by focusing their critique on him instead.

'Thought I Was Dead' isn't just a track; it's a profound narrative of self-awareness, cultural critique, and an exploration of the personal cost of fame. Tyler’s journey through the lyrics of this song is a manifesto of resilience, declaring his rebirth in the face of a culture that often seeks to commodify authenticity. Through this song, Tyler not only confronts his critics and the industry but also dialogues with himself about the person he was and who he has become.