Tyler, The Creator “ARE WE STILL FRIENDS?” Lyrics Meaning

“ARE WE STILL FRIENDS?” is a poignant track from Tyler, The Creator’s critically acclaimed album IGOR, released in 2019. The song features a sample from Al Green’s “Dream” and explores themes of relationship uncertainty, emotional vulnerability, and the desire to maintain connection.

The song is musically complex, with Theorytab noting it has above-average scores in chord complexity, melodic complexity, and chord progression novelty. It is written in the key of F Major, which contributes to its emotional depth.

Lyrically, the song is a raw exploration of a relationship’s aftermath, with Tyler repeatedly asking “Are we still friends?” This refrain captures the universal experience of wanting to preserve some form of connection after a significant emotional shift. The track features additional vocals from Pharrell Williams and uses metaphorical language to describe the emotional landscape of post-relationship uncertainty.

The song’s emotional core revolves around the hope of maintaining a connection, even if the nature of that connection has fundamentally changed. Tyler’s vulnerable approach to discussing relationship dynamics makes “ARE WE STILL FRIENDS?” a standout track on the IGOR album.

In this article, we’ll explore the message conveyed in the song’s lyrics.

“ARE WE STILL FRIENDS?” Lyrics Meaning

[Intro: Tyler, The Creator & Al Green]

Dream

Just dream

Long ago, long ago, long ago

Dream

Just dream

The intro sets a dreamy, nostalgic tone with repeated mentions of “dream” and “long ago”. This creates an atmosphere of reminiscence and reflection.

[Chorus: Tyler, The Creator]

Are we still friends? Can we be friends?

Are we still friends? I’ve got to kno—

Know

If we can still see each other

Shake your hand, say hi

Long ago, long ago, long ago

The repeated question “Are we still friends?” expresses Tyler’s anxiety and desire for clarity in the relationship. He’s seeking reassurance and connection, hoping to maintain at least a friendship if a deeper relationship isn’t possible. The lines about seeing each other, shaking hands, and saying hi demonstrate a longing for even the simplest forms of interaction.

[Verse 1: Tyler, The Creator]

I can’t stop you, I can’t rock too

I’ve been back there and I can not die too

But I’ve got to know

In this verse, Tyler acknowledges his limitations and past experiences:

The lines “I can’t stop you, I can’t rock too” suggest an acceptance of change and an inability to prevent it. “I’ve been back there and I can not die too” might indicate past struggles or experiences that he’s unwilling or unable to revisit.

[Chorus: Tyler, The Creator]

Are we still friends? Can we be friends?

Are we still friends? Can we be (Can we be friends?)

Are we still friends? Can we be friends? (Yeah)

Are we still friends?

The repetition of “Are we still friends?” throughout the song emphasizes Tyler’s fixation on this question and his deep desire for connection. 

[Chorus: Tyler, The Creator]

(La-la-la-la-la-la-la)

Are we still friends? Are we still friends?

Are we still friends? Are we still friends?

Are we still friends? (Friends, friends)

I said, are we still friends? (Friends, friends)

Are we still friends? (Friends, friends, friends, friends, friends)

The “la-la-la” section and repeated “friends” create a sense of desperation and circular thinking.

[Verse 2: Tyler, The Creator & Pharrell Williams]

Don’t get green skin (Green skin)

, keep contact (Keep contact)

Don’t say, “Goodbye, smell you later” (Later)

Nah, I can’t

I don’t want to end this season on a bad episode, nigga, nah

Bouncing off things and you don’t know how you fall

Your power is drained, so you cannot go through walls

You’re caught in this matrix, don’t know where you play it

You hate it, it could be your favorite if you make it your friend

This verse delves deeper into Tyler’s emotional state and the complexities of the situation:

“Don’t get green skin” could refer to avoiding jealousy or negativity. “Keep contact” and not saying “Goodbye, smell you later” express his desire to maintain the connection. The line about not wanting to “end this season on a bad episode” suggests a hope for resolution or at least a positive ending.

The latter part of the verse uses metaphors to describe feeling lost and powerless in the situation. The “matrix” reference implies feeling trapped or confused, while the final lines suggest that accepting the situation might lead to finding value in it.

[Outro: Tyler, The Creator]

Can’t say goodbye (Yeah, ah, ah)

Can’t say goodbye, goodbye (Woo)

The outro’s repeated “Can’t say goodbye” reinforces Tyler’s struggle to let go and his deep attachment to the relationship or friendship.

Deeper Meaning Behind “ARE WE STILL FRIENDS?”

“I Ain’t Mad at Cha” is a poignant and reflective song by the legendary rapper 2Pac, released as the fourth single from his album “All Eyez on Me” in 1996. The track features soul singer Danny Boy on the hook and was produced by Daz Dillinger, sampling DeBarge’s “A Dream”.

This heartfelt tribute to friends from 2Pac’s past explores themes of change, growth, and the complexities of maintaining relationships as life circumstances evolve. The song was recorded on the same day 2Pac was released from prison, making it one of his first post-incarceration works.

“I Ain’t Mad at Cha” is widely regarded as one of 2Pac’s finest compositions, with The Source magazine ranking its three verses second in their “dopest verses” category in hip-hop history. The song’s title and recurring phrase reflect 2Pac’s acceptance and understanding of the changes in his relationships, even as he and his friends grow apart.

The lyrics paint vivid pictures of 2Pac’s experiences, from his early days in the streets to his rise to fame, addressing the transformations in his own life and those of his acquaintances. Throughout the song, 2Pac maintains a tone of reflection and forgiveness, emphasizing that despite the changes and challenges, he “ain’t mad” at those who have taken different paths in life.

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