The Meaning Behind The Song: Righteous by Juice WRLD
The late rapper Juice WRLD, born Jarad Anthony Higgins, released his posthumous album, “Legends Never Die” in July 2020, which features his hit song “Righteous”. The song tackles Juice WRLD’s struggles with addiction, mental health, and the rising fame that ultimately led to his untimely death at the age of 21 in December 2019. In this article, we’ll explore the meaning behind the song and how it reflects the life and legacy of Juice WRLD.
Table of Contents
A Tragic Life Cut Short
Juice WRLD’s music often dealt with his inner demons, and “Righteous” is no exception. The song opens with Juice WRLD admitting to his struggles with addiction and the toll it has taken on his life:
“I will, uh, I’ll always be around
Even if I’m not
Physically, uh
Checkin’ out from life, yeah
Backpack, uh-huh, know where I’m goin’
Four-five on me, uh-huh, one in the chamber
Thirty rounds in my clip, uh-huh, I’m in danger
Four-five on me, uh-huh, one in the chamber
Thirty rounds in my clip, uh-huh, I’m in danger”.
Juice WRLD’s use of the phrase “checkin’ out from life” could be interpreted as a reference to his struggle with mental health issues, which were well-documented in his music. The rapper had been open about dealing with depression and anxiety in interviews and his lyrics, and “Righteous” explores the dark thoughts and feelings that came along with those struggles.
A Cry for Help
The chorus of “Righteous” is a haunting reflection of Juice WRLD’s desire to find peace amidst his inner chaos:
“All of these pills I pop, I feel like a rockstar
Drankin’ Henney, make my thoughts dark
Threw up my ringer, it’s a big loss, yeah
Woke up to pictures of my do’s-ah”
This verse could be seen as a cry for help from Juice WRLD, highlighting the destructive nature of his addiction and its effect on his mental state. The loneliness and isolation he felt is also explored in the following lines:
“I’m runnin’ to the money ’til I’m okay, yeah
I’m runnin’ to the money ’til I can’t, yeah
I’m runnin’ to the money ’til I’m okay, yeah
I’m runnin’ to the money ’til I can’t, yeah”.
These lines showcase the desperate need to escape from his struggles and find solace in the things he felt were important in his life.
An Artist’s Legacy
Juice WRLD’s impact on the music industry was undeniable, and “Righteous” is a testament to his talent and influential artistry. The song’s melancholic tone and poignant lyrics speak to the struggles of young people dealing with mental health issues and addiction.
The track was released after his tragic death, just six months after his last album “Death Race for Love” was released, which featured hit singles like “Robbery” and “Hear Me Calling”. Several top musicians, including Drake, Future, and Travis Scott, paid tribute to Juice WRLD after his passing.
FAQs
1. What inspired Juice WRLD to write “Righteous”?
According to producer Nick Mira, Juice WRLD was working on the song the day before he passed away. The track samples “Tell Me You Love Me” by American indie pop band Demi Lovato and features lyrics that reflect Juice WRLD’s struggles with addiction and mental health.
2. What message is “Righteous” trying to convey?
The song touches on themes of addiction, mental health, and the pressures of fame – all of which were significant issues in Juice WRLD’s life. By writing about these topics, the song highlights the struggles of young people dealing with similar issues.
3. What does the line “checkin’ out from life” mean in the song?
The phrase “checkin’ out from life” is most likely a metaphor for Juice WRLD’s desire to escape his struggles with mental health issues and addiction.
4. Why did “Righteous” become such a hit song?
The song resonated with fans because of its emotional lyrics and the fact that it was released after Juice WRLD’s passing. Many people were able to relate to the themes explored in the song, and it served as a powerful tribute to the rapper’s artistry and legacy.
5. What was Juice WRLD’s legacy in the music industry?
Juice WRLD’s impact on the music industry was significant, particularly in the realm of emo-rap. He helped popularize the genre and was credited with inspiring many young musicians to pursue a career in music.
6. What was Juice WRLD’s primary message in his music?
Juice WRLD’s music often dealt with themes of heartbreak, anxiety, and pain. He was open about his struggles with addiction and mental health issues, and his music served as a way to connect with his fans and express his personal demons.
7. What kind of feedback did “Righteous” receive from critics?
The song was generally well-received by critics who praised its emotional power and the haunting quality of Juice WRLD’s vocals. Many critics also noted the song’s relevance to current social issues such as addiction and mental health.
8. How did Juice WRLD’s death affect the music industry?
Juice WRLD’s death had a significant impact on the music industry and his fans. Many people mourned his passing, and his music continued to resonate with millions of fans around the world.
9. What was Juice WRLD’s impact on young musicians?
Juice WRLD inspired many young musicians to pursue careers in music and helped shape the emo-rap genre. His authenticity and emotional honesty connected with audiences and helped him build a large, dedicated fanbase.
10. What was the message behind Juice WRLD’s music?
Juice WRLD’s music explored themes of pain, heartbreak, and mental health. By being open and honest about his struggles, he was able to connect with fans on a deep emotional level and inspire others to confront their own issues.
11. How did Juice WRLD’s music speak to current social issues?
Juice WRLD’s music tackled social issues such as addiction and mental health, which are significant problems facing young people today. His messages of hope and perseverance resonated with fans and continue to inspire people around the world.
12. What is Juice WRLD’s legacy in popular culture?
Juice WRLD’s legacy in popular culture is one of authenticity, emotional honesty, and artistry. He paved the way for young musicians in the emo-rap genre and inspired many people to confront their own struggles with addiction and mental health. His music serves as a powerful testament to his life and legacy, and continues to inspire his fans from around the world.
