Tomorrow

In 'Tomorrow,' Tyler, The Creator confronts the inexorable march of time with a candid vulnerability that strikes a chord. The song opens with his mother, Bonita Smith, voicing her longing for grandchildren, a request that underscores the pressure Tyler feels as he navigates the complexities of adulthood. Her words, 'Nigga, I'm gettin' old and I need a grandchild, please,' not only express a desire for familial continuation but also signify the expectations placed upon Tyler as he grapples with his own life choices.

Tyler’s introspection deepens as he reflects on the physical signs of aging in the lines, 'My mother's hands don't look the same / These jet black strands are turning gray.' Here, he notes the transformation in his mother's appearance as a mirror to his own aging, linking it to his increasing responsibilities and the looming decision about starting a family. This acknowledgment of change is laden with anxiety, a sentiment amplified by his contemplation of having children, which he admits brings him stress.

The contrast between his friends’ lives and his own is poignantly illustrated when he notes, 'They sharin' pictures of these moments, shit is really cute / And all I got is photos of my 'Rari and some silly suits.' This comparison highlights a dichotomy between the familial achievements of his peers and his material successes, which, while substantial, fail to fulfill the deeper emotional and relational voids he experiences.

Ultimately, Tyler stands at a crossroads, as depicted in the lines, 'Mhm, will I flip the switch and finally settle down? / Mhm, or go the other way and keep my panties down?' This rhetorical question underscores the internal debate over choosing a stable, committed relationship or continuing a life of casual encounters devoid of deeper emotional connections.

'Tomorrow' serves as a profound narrative of Tyler's internal dialogue and emotional state, encapsulating the complexity of maturing and the pressures that come with evolving personal and familial expectations. It is a raw and honest portrayal of an artist confronting the realities of life's transient nature and the decisions that shape our futures.