“Small Worlds” by Mac Miller is a reflective and introspective track that delves into the complexities of fame, loneliness, and self-awareness. Released in 2018 as part of the album Swimming, the song captures Miller’s struggles with his emotional state amidst his success.
The title itself suggests a dichotomy between the perception of a vast world and the reality of feeling confined within it. The opening lines, “The world is so small ’til it ain’t,” set the tone for the exploration of perspective, emphasizing how fame can create a sense of closeness while simultaneously leading to isolation.
Throughout the lyrics, Miller grapples with themes of emotional barriers, the superficiality of material success, and the loneliness that often accompanies wealth.
In this article, we’ll explore the message conveyed in the song’s lyrics.
Table of Contents
“Small Worlds” Lyrics Meaning
[Intro]
Yeah, yeah
The intro sets a casual tone with a simple affirmation, showing a readiness to delve into personal reflections.
[Chorus]
The world is so small ’til it ain’t, yeah
I’m buildin’ up a wall ’til it break
She hate it when I call and it’s late
I don’t wanna keep you waitin’
I hope I never keep you waitin’, yeah
In the chorus, Miller expresses the paradox of feeling both connected and isolated in a vast world. The line “The world is so small ’til it ain’t” suggests that while he may feel close to others, the reality of life can create distance.
Building “up a wall ’til it break” signifies his attempts to protect himself emotionally, even as he acknowledges the strain it causes in his relationships.
The repeated concern about keeping someone waiting shows a desire to maintain connections despite his busy lifestyle.
[Verse 1]
I think I know it all but I don’t
Why you always at the mall when you’re broke? Yeah
And I just wanna ball
Maybe dunk, but I never been tall, yeah
I might trip, I never fall
God knows I came close (Don’t try this at home)
I know I probably need to do better
Fuck whoever, keep my shit together
You never told me bein’ rich was so lonely
Nobody know me, oh well
Hard to complain from this five-star hotel
I’m always in a rush, I’ve been thinkin’ too much, but
Keep it on the hush, no one need to know, just us
This verse delves into self-awareness and the struggle with personal flaws. Miller admits to his ignorance despite thinking he knows everything, highlighting a sense of vulnerability.
The mention of being at the mall when broke reflects a critique of materialism and the emptiness that can accompany it. He longs for success (“I just wanna ball”) but feels limited by his circumstances (“never been tall”).
The line “You never told me bein’ rich was so lonely” poignantly captures the loneliness that often accompanies fame. The juxtaposition of enjoying luxury (“five-star hotel”) while feeling rushed and overwhelmed underscores the internal conflict he faces.
[Pre-Chorus]
That’s really all it takes
We don’t need nothin’ but today (Day), today (Day), today (Day), today (Day)
The pre-chorus emphasizes the importance of living in the moment. Miller suggests that simplicity and presence are all that truly matter, contrasting with the complexities of his life.
[Chorus] (Reprise)
The world is so small ’til it ain’t (‘Til it ain’t, ’til it ain’t, ’til it ain’t)
I’m buildin’ up a wall ’til it break (‘Til it break, ’til it break, ’til it break)
She hate it when I call and it’s late (And it’s late, and it’s late)
I don’t wanna keep you waitin’ (I don’t wanna keep you waitin’)
I hope I never keep you waitin’ (I hope I never keep you waitin’)
The repetition of the chorus reinforces the themes of emotional barriers and the desire for connection. The urgency in “I hope I never keep you waitin'” reflects his wish to prioritize relationships despite his chaotic life.
[Bridge]
Woo (Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
Woo (Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
Woo (Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
Woo (Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
Woo (Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
Woo (Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
Woo (Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
Woo (Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
The bridge consists of repetitive vocalizations, creating a meditative space that allows listeners to reflect on the preceding verses. It serves as a moment of release and emotional expression.
[Verse 2]
Yeah, got a bad attitude, playin’ ’til I’m out of moves
No need for shame, I get mo’ peace at slow speeds
Go beat the game, young control freak
It’s cold in my veins, I’m below freezin’, snow season (Made me)
They know that I so need my space
Don’t wanna grow old so I smoke just in case
She say that I glow below the waist
And the stroke is just so PGA
All I got is a little bit of space and time
Drawin’ shapes and lines of a world we made
Tomorrow may be right around the corner
But I swear it’s gon’ be worth it if I make you wait
There’s somewhere above you, keep reachin’ up
In this verse, Miller acknowledges his flaws and coping mechanisms. The “bad attitude” and “control freak” traits reveal his struggles with self-control and the pressures of life. The mention of smoking as a way to cope with the fear of aging (“Don’t wanna grow old”) suggests a desire to escape reality.
The imagery of “drawing shapes and lines of a world we made” reflects a creative process and the importance of imagination in navigating life’s challenges.
The line about reaching for something above conveys a sense of hope and aspiration.
[Verse 3]
Yeah, nine times out of ten, I get it wrong
That’s why I wrote this song, tell myself to hold on
I can feel my fingers slippin’, in a motherfuckin’ instant, I’ll be gone
Do you want it all if it’s all mediocre?
Starin’ at the wall and the wall full of posters
Lookin’ at my dreams, who I wanna be?
I guess you gotta see it to believe
Ooh, I been a fool but it’s cool, that’s what human beings do
Keep your eyes to the sky, never glued to your shoes
Guess there was a time when my mind was consumed
But the sun comin’ out now, clouds start to move
Don’t tell me nothin’ but the truth
I’m tired, I don’t got a spare second
Win or lose, win or lose
I don’t keep count, nobody checkin’
The final verse captures a sense of self-reflection and growth. Miller admits to making mistakes but emphasizes the importance of resilience.
The phrase “I can feel my fingers slippin'” conveys a fear of losing control, while “Do you want it all if it’s all mediocre?” questions the value of success if it lacks fulfillment. The imagery of staring at dreams and the need to “see it to believe” highlights the struggle to manifest aspirations.
The closing lines convey a sense of liberation as he acknowledges the shifting clouds and the arrival of sunlight, symbolizing hope and clarity.
Deeper Meaning Behind “Small Worlds”
“Small Worlds” serves as a poignant commentary on the complexities of fame, the emotional barriers we create, and the profound loneliness that can accompany success.
The phrase “The world is so small ’til it ain’t” highlights the dichotomy between how close and connected we feel to others versus the loneliness that can arise from success.
While Miller may be surrounded by people, he feels increasingly isolated, suggesting that fame can create a small, insular world where genuine connections are hard to maintain.
The concept of building “up a wall ’til it break” symbolizes the emotional defenses people erect to protect themselves from pain and vulnerability. These walls can lead to a sense of entrapment, making the world feel smaller and more confining as true intimacy becomes difficult to achieve.
Throughout the song, Miller grapples with the loneliness that can accompany wealth and success, encapsulated in the line “You never told me being rich was so lonely.” This sentiment emphasizes that material success does not equate to happiness or fulfillment.
Despite the melancholic undertones, “Small Worlds” ultimately conveys a message of resilience and hope. Miller’s lyrics encourage listeners to keep their eyes “to the sky” and not be weighed down by failures or the mundane.
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