Songs That Prove That Macklemore is a Superior and Woke Artist

Camila Fowler and Genevieve Geoffrion

@macklemore

SAME LOVE: PREACH IT KING

Macklemore eases into this beautiful song with an equally beautiful and attention-grabbing introduction. Macklemore and Mary-Lewis bring awareness to unfair and difficult standards created and plagued by social media, older generations and political views.

It’s an overall commentary on how it is to feel “lesser” in a world of hate, prejudice and fear, especially when individuals are searching for themselves in this world. Feelings of empathy on the matter are encouraged by the lyrical genius that is Macklemore. They address how social media and religion creates a generalization about homosexuality and race, and that these generalizations are unjust and rooted by irrevelant sources.

Macklemore is able to bring a unique perspective by sharing his own personal experiences, despite the fact he can’t directly relate to those who struggle with this oppression, while simultaneously expressing his understanding and support.

Quotes that give us life:

“America the brave still fears what they don’t know.”

“I may not be the same but that's not important, no freedom until we’re equal, damn right I support it.”

“It’s human rights for everybody. There is no difference.”

“A world so hateful some would rather die than be who they are.”

“Whatever God you believe in, we come from the same one.”

“Our culture founded from oppression.”

“It's human rights for everybody there is no difference”

“Live on! And be yourself! When I was in church, they taught me something else. If you preach hate at the service, those words aren't anointed and that Holy Water that you soak in is then poisoned.”

WING$: MACKLEMORE, DO WE NEED TO SUE NIKE?

Another masterpiece written by Macklemore, Wing$ tackles a different issue, emphasizing the issue of a society driven by consumerism. “We are what we wear. We wear what we are,” the harsh, yet truthful reality that class and money has created.

The orchestra carries listeners through a song that ignites feelings of self-awareness, reflection and realization. He again alludes to his personal experience, and the betrayal of being bought into an industry infested with consumption, disguised by the deceiving but inspirational Nike swoosh. How does Macklemore make us hate Nike? This song, that’s how.

Quotes that give us life:

“Yo, I stick out my tongue so everyone could see that logo.”

“My friends couldn’t afford them, 4 stripes on their Adidas.”

“And then my friend Carlos' brother got murdered for his Fours, whoa.”

“Consumption is in the veins, and now I see it’s just another pair of shoes.”

“I wanted to be cool and I wanted to fit in, I wanted what he had. America, it begins.”

“Give me a star to reach for, tell me what it takes and I’ll go high.”

“Just stitch my wings and pull the strings, I Bought these dreams that all fall down.”

“We want what we can’t have, commodity makes us want it.”

“My movement told me be a consumer and I consumed it.”

“They told me to just do it, I listened to what that swoosh said.”

EXCAVATE: MACKLEMORE BE MY THERAPIST CAUSE YOU’RE GIVING ME AN EXISTENTIAL CRISIS

“What you looking for? What you headed towards? What's your name worth when they mention yours? When you leave here, are you stepping forward? Can you remember your intention when they question yours?” So, if you were looking to reevaluate your life decisions and who you are in a general sense, then this song is perfect for you.

Although this song doesn’t exactly bring awareness to a specific problem, it still creates a feeling of wonderment about the meaning of life, and how you can truly leave an impact on the world. Is it about making big achievements, or the little things.? What’s the difference between impacting millions and just those around you?

Macklemore calls to listeners to not be afraid to search for themselves, alluding to the peace that can be found by this process, regardless of how long this journey may take. Life is beautiful and painful, filled with profound experiences that define your character, thank you Macklemore for reminding us.

Quotes that give us life:

“Fill my lungs and pour my heart out, peel my bones away.”

“My greatest achievement is my daughter.”

“If you don't love yourself, what's the respect for? If you don't love life, the check won't correct yours.”

“I'm an open book, no, I don't mind, but sometimes I'm hard to read.”

“I had this vision of my death, surrounded by people I love and respect.”

“Hold me up into the light and study every part of me, I'm an open book, no, I don't mind, but sometimes I'm hard to read.”

WHITE PRIVILEGE II: TAKE THAT RACISM

Macklemore takes on the topic of oppression and Black Lives Matter (BLM) in his song, White Privilege II. Macklemore addresses the conflict of interest that comes with tackling racism, calling listeners to analyze their true intentions and understanding about racism.

The social climate of today’s society seems to be racially charged as the violent fight for justice continues, and Macklemore captures this perfectly. He comments on how technology makes it hard to open up a dialogue, and have an authentic conversation about the disparities between minorities, and those with privilege.

White supremacy is clearly defined and exemplified throughout the song, all incorporated with Aftrican American culture and hip-hop. The song concludes on a progressive note, encouraging listeners to understand BLM, prejudice and the luxury of white privilege that we often disregard.

Quotes that give us life:

“We take all we want from black culture, but will we show up for black lives.”

“But the one thing the American dream fails to mention, is I was many steps ahead to begin with.”

“Don't think for a second you don't have incentive. Is this about you, well, then what's your intention?”

“You speak about equality, but do you really mean it?”

“Are you marching for freedom or when it’s convenient?”

“In front of a line of police that look the same as me, only separated by a badge.”

“There's blood in the streets, no justice, no peace. No racist beliefs, no rest 'til we're free.”

“The culture was never yours to make better.”

“What are you willing to risk? What are you willing to sacrifice to create a more just society?'

@macklemore

GROWING UP: SO SWEET AND FOR WHAT

This song has a more lighthearted approach, but nonetheless, a deeper meaning can be found within the lyrics. Macklemore endearingly speaks about how proud he is to be a father, and the majority of the lyrics are simple words of advice for his children. However, they are laced with his own uncertainty of how you’re truly supposed to live your life.

The song carries listeners through a personalized rollercoaster of what parenthood and growing means as a hip-hop singer. It shines a light on how even our role models are unsure of themselves, and how they may be an adult, but certainly still feel young. Despite his uncertainties, the song makes it clear how important the little words of wisdom are. Life is too big to try and understand it, so Macklemore encourages his daughter as well his listeners to live for the little moments instead.

Overall, this song reminds listeners of how fleeting time can feel, but despite that, the song elegantly expresses how important it is to enjoy the beauty of life that isn’t always about material things.

Quotes that give us life:

“Don't wanna be a dad that's living in FaceTime, but I've got a world to sing to and you at the same time.”

“The quickest way to happiness: learning to be selfless.”

“You’re only young once my loved one, this is your chance.”

“Times are changing, I know, but who am I if I'm the person you become if I'm still growing up.”

“Ask more questions, talk about yourself less.”

“I'm still tryna figure out who I am, I don't wanna mess this up or do this wrong.”

“Go to festivals, camp, fall in love and dance.”

“Take risks, 'cause life moves so fast.”

DRUG DEALER: DON’T DO DRUGS KIDS

Macklmore strikes again with this passionate piece about how the opioid crisis is permeating pop culture, aggressively calling out those within the government and medical fields who are enabling this epidemic.

The lyrics and overall tone of the song illustrate that this issue does not discriminate in which types of communities it devastates. Any and everyone can be consumed by the harsh repercussions of drug abuse. The lyrics expose the harrowing reality of how it can feel to be physically dependent on opioids, not to mention how agonizing it can be to get clean.

Macklemore concludes with a powerful reference to the Serenity Prayer, a popular component of AA meetings and opioid recovery groups by singing the prayer: “So God grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

Quotes that give us life:

“When Morphine and heroin is more of your budget.”

“Murderers who will never face the judge, and we dancing to a song about our face going numb. But I've seen homies turn grey, noses draining blood.”

“He said that he would heal me, heal me but he only gave me problems, problems. My drug dealer was a doctor.”

“Best friends with the thing that's killing me.”

“And these devil's they keep on talkin' to me, they screaming "Open the bottle", I wanna be at peace, my hand is gripping that throttle, I'm running out of speed.”

WEDNESDAY MORNING: COMPLETELY. NECESSARY.

In this song, Macklemore uses references to his young daughter to discuss the current state that our world is in. He uses her to highlight the need for change seeing that this is the world she is growing up in, a world of injustice, inequality and the capability for negative events at any given moment. The soft sounds of the piano intro set the tone of the calming but meaningful song. The lyrics articulate Macklemore’s determination to acknowledge and fight for the future of the oppressed.

Whether this oppression is found through religion, class or race, Macklemore is ready to fight for these groups. The song was written after Donald Trump’s presidential election in 2016, opposing some of the Republican parties’ beliefs such as their stance on abortion and specific outlooks on religious paries. He additionally goes on to state that first amendment rights must also be preserved. The main inspiration being the fact that no matter where someone comes from, they must be respected and protected.

Quotes that give us life:

“Humanity is a privilege, we can't give in.”

“Will my girl be afraid in the home of the brave.”

“When they spread hate, we shine brilliant. March by the millions till they hear the children.”

“When we oppress anyone, we oppress ourselves.”

“We can't address the hate until we acknowledge it.”

“We teach fear and preach hatred.”

“Fight for the first amendment, fight for freedom of choice. Fight for women's rights, if she does or doesn't care. We ride for all the Queer folk and fight for all the gay married. I'm not moving to Canada, not fleeing the nation.”

“Got my daughter in my arms and he is not gonna raise her.”