“No Pole” by Don Toliver is a melodic and atmospheric track that explores themes of personal liberation and dependency. The song tells the story of a woman leaving her past life as a stripper behind, using this narrative as a metaphor for broader transformations.
The lyrics weave a complex tale of relationships, empowerment, and the struggle to break free from past identities. Through vivid imagery and metaphors, Toliver delves into the intricacies of human interaction and the pursuit of a new life.
In this article, we’ll explore the message conveyed in the song’s lyrics.
Table of Contents
“No Pole” Lyrics Meaning
[Chorus]
She don’t wanna strip no more, don’t wanna hit that pole (Oh)
Hit my old plug, I get it in and go (Ooh, ooh)
Shawty owe me something, better pay your toll
(Pay up, pay up)
I lick the spoon and I scrape the bowl (Skrrt, skrrt)
Scrape the bowl (Skrrt, skrrt), scrape the bowl (Skrrt, skrrt)
The chorus establishes the central theme of the song – a woman’s desire to leave her life as a stripper behind. The repeated line “She don’t wanna strip no more, don’t wanna hit that pole” emphasizes this desire for change. The following lines mix references to drug use (“Hit my old plug”) and transactional relationships (“Shawty owe me something, better pay your toll”), suggesting a complex dynamic between the narrator and the woman.
[Verse 1]
Like, did you get the memo?
She eat at out of the relay
I’m poppin’ hella Skittles
Then I can solve your riddle
We’ll smoke you like it’s menthol
This dude is crazy mental
A suave, hood hеro
Got Johnny Dang dental
She’s a nympho
She slobbin’ on hеr pillow
Got chicken, Rob’ De Niro
She’s too gone and she can’t hear you (Ooh, ooh, I know)
This verse uses vivid imagery and wordplay to describe the lifestyle and mindset of the characters. References to drugs (“poppin’ hella Skittles”) and luxury items (“Johnny Dang dental”) paint a picture of excess. The line “She’s a nympho” contrasts with the woman’s desire to leave stripping, hinting at the complexities of her character and situation.
[Verse 2]
Seein’ way too many ones
I’m ’bout to throw some hundreds
(I’m ’bout to throw some hundreds)
In that old life that you run from
Baby girl, keep running (Ooh, keep running)
It’s pressure with me, sexually (Sexually)
Check my bank account (Ooh, ooh), it’s precious to me
I got my anchor out (Ooh, ooh), I’m locked in your sea
You know you’re my baby now, you’re special to me
I bought you time, I bought you diamonds, you can keep the receipt
I got you down, I got you loose, I guess you owe it to me
Is you down or nah? Fuck around, find your spot
I get you lit, lit, drunk, trip
Watch me slip inside
The second verse delves deeper into the relationship between the narrator and the woman. It suggests a power dynamic where the narrator has financially supported the woman (“I bought you time, I bought you diamonds”) but also feels entitled to something in return (“I guess you owe it to me”). The verse also touches on the woman’s journey away from her old life (“In that old life that you run from, Baby girl, keep running”).
[Outro]
And I sent her away
Pull out, sent her on her way
She don’t wanna hit the strip club, no, no
She don’t wanna go strip, no, no
She don’t wanna go strip, no way
The outro reinforces the woman’s determination to leave her past behind, with repeated assertions that she doesn’t want to return to stripping. This echoes the main theme established in the chorus, bringing the song full circle.
Deeper Meaning Behind “No Pole”
Don Toliver’s “No Pole” delves into the complex narrative of a woman’s journey to leave her past as a stripper behind. The song’s title and recurring line “She don’t wanna strip no more, don’t wanna hit that pole” emphasize the protagonist’s desire for change and a new direction in life.
The track explores themes of transformation, personal growth, and the challenges of breaking free from one’s past. Toliver’s lyrics paint a picture of a woman who is actively trying to distance herself from her former occupation, suggesting a search for a new identity and purpose. This theme resonates with the broader human experience of seeking personal improvement and reinvention.
Beneath the surface, “No Pole” also touches on the dynamics of relationships and power. The lyrics hint at a complex connection between the narrator and the woman, with lines like “Shawty owe me something, better pay your toll” suggesting a transactional aspect to their relationship. This could be interpreted as a commentary on the often complicated and sometimes exploitative nature of relationships in the entertainment and nightlife industries.
The song’s atmospheric production and Toliver’s melodic delivery create a moody backdrop that enhances the emotional weight of the lyrics. This musical approach reflects the internal struggle and ambivalence the protagonist might feel as she attempts to leave her past behind while still being connected to it in various ways.
Ultimately, “No Pole” offers a nuanced exploration of personal transformation, the complexities of relationships, and the challenges of breaking free from one’s past. It invites listeners to reflect on their own journeys of growth and the obstacles they face when trying to redefine themselves.
Jacob Carter is a lyricist. He created the lyrics writing course to teach people how to analyze and write lyrics. He graduated from the University of Oxford with a degree in English Literature, so he’s skilled at playing with words.
He’s also an amateur guitarist, which means he knows music and melody very well. With this background, he’s a great lyricist you can rely on to learn writing lyrics.