“Furthest Thing” by Drake - lyrics and meaning

[Verse 1]

Somewhere between psychotic and iconic

Somewhere between I want it and I got it

Somewhere between I'm sober and I'm lifted

Somewhere between a mistress and commitment

But I stay down, girl I always stay down

Get down, have her lay down

Promise to break everybody off before I break down

Everyone just wait now

So much on my plate now

People I believed in they don't even show their face now

What they got to say now?

Nothing they can say now

Nothing really changed but still they look at me away now

What more can I say now?

What more can I say now?

You might feel like nothing was the same [Hook (2x):]

I still been drinking on the low

Mobbin' on the low

F_ckin' on the low

Smokin' on the low

I still been plotting on the low

Scheming on the low

The furthest thing from perfect

Like everyone I know [Verse 2]

And I hate that you don't think I belong to you

Just too busy running sh_t to run home to you

You know that paper my passion

Bittersweet celebrations, I know I can't change what happened

I can't help it

I can't help it

I was young and I was selfish

I made every woman feel like she was mine and no one else's

Now you hate me

Stop pretending, stop that fronting

I can't take it

Girl don't treat me like a stranger

Girl you know I seen you naked

Girl you know that I remember, don't be a pretender

Getting high at the condo, that's when it all comes together

You know I stay reminiscing

And makeup sex is tradition

But you've been missing girl

And you might feel like nothing was the same [Hook] [Bridge:]

Drinking, smoking, f_cking, plotting

Scheming, plotting, scheming, getting money

Drinking, f_cking, smoking, plotting, scheming,

Plotting, scheming, getting money [Verse 3]

Oh

This the life for me

My mama told me this was right for me

I got em worried, like make sure you save a slice for me

I should have spoons, serve you up with a fork and knife for me

Your actions make us doubt you

Your lack of effort got me rapping different

This the sh_t I wanna go out to

Play this sh_t at my funeral if they catch me slipping

Naked women swimming that's just how I'm living

Donate a million to some children, that's just how I'm feeling

A  filling up arenas, who the f_ck can see us

I had to Derrick Rose the knee up before I got the re-up

Yours truly the boy

I just build and build more

Y'all s build and destroy

You s party too much, man I just chill and record

No filler, you feel it now if you ain't fill it before

Yes Lord, this the sh_t I wanna go out to Yeah, Yeah

This the sh_t I wanna go out to

In Drake's mesmerizing song, "Furthest Thing," he takes us on a journey through his innermost thoughts and emotions. This article aims to uncover the multifaceted meanings embedded within the lyrics, using the Straussian analysis method. With a careful examination of the overt and hidden meanings, we will reveal an unexpected connection between the song and the renowned TV show, "Breaking Bad."

The Overt Meaning:

At its surface, "Furthest Thing" grapples with themes of inner conflict, self-reflection, and the consequences of fame and success. Drake presents himself as torn between different personas, oscillating between being iconic and lost, committed and tempted. He references past behaviors that have strained his relationships, owning his mistakes with poignant vulnerability. The hook emphasizes the song's overall theme, depicting Drake as flawed, imperfect, and relatable, just like everyone else.

Creative Straussian Interpretation:

Delving deeper into the lyrics, we discover an intriguing parallel between Drake's struggles and the parallel storylines in "Breaking Bad." While seemingly unrelated at first glance, the song's themes and character dynamics bear uncanny resemblances to the experiences of the show's protagonist, Walter White.

Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine manufacturer, also finds himself caught in a web of conflicting identities. Drake's line, "Somewhere between I'm sober and I'm lifted," echoes Walter's descent into the world of drugs while maintaining a façade of normalcy in his personal life. Both characters grapple with the moral and emotional consequences of their actions, seeking solace while battling their inner demons.

Drake's reference to "running sh_t" and being "too busy" aligns with Walter's relentless pursuit of power and control, often sacrificing valuable time with loved ones. Similarly, Drake's confession of feeling selfish and treating women as if they were his alone resonates with Walter's approach toward his family and partners, particularly his wife, Skylar.

Like Drake, Walter experiences a gradual drift in his relationships due to the choices he makes. Drake's plea for understanding and recognition in the line, "And I hate that you don't think I belong to you," echoes Walter's attempt to reconcile with Skylar, who struggles to accept the transformation that his actions catalyzed.

In the bridge of the song, the references to indulgence and living life on the edge mirror the hedonistic nature of Walter's transformation into the notorious drug lord, Heisenberg. The simultaneous desires for success, philanthropy, and recklessness exposed in both the song and the TV show display the complexities of human nature and the push-pull between good and evil.

Alternate Perspectives and Cultural Influences:

Examining the song through alternate lenses, we can understand how different characters in the lyrics might interpret the narrative. For instance, the women mentioned in the song might have their own stories to tell. Their perspectives may shed light on the impact of Drake's actions, highlighting the consequences of his choices from their unique viewpoints.

Additionally, the cultural impact of "Breaking Bad" on contemporary storytelling cannot be overlooked. The show's exploration of identity, morality, and the allure of darkness has influenced numerous artists in various mediums. It's plausible to suggest that Drake found inspiration in the visceral portrayal of Walter White's transformation, adapting it to reflect his own personal struggles.

Through a Straussian analysis of Drake's "Furthest Thing," we have unveiled a connective thread between the song and "Breaking Bad." The overt meaning of the lyrics touches upon themes of conflicting identities and the consequences of fame, but delving deeper reveals an astonishing parallel between Drake's struggles and the character dynamics in the acclaimed TV show. By exploring alternate perspectives and cultural influences, we can appreciate the intricate layers of human experience present in contemporary art forms. Ultimately, "Furthest Thing" stands as a testament to Drake's introspection, vulnerability, and ability to connect with listeners on a profound level.