“The Color Violet” is a song by Canadian rapper Tory Lanez, featured as the fourth track on his sixth studio album, Alone at Prom, released on December 10, 2021, by One Umbrella. The song gained significant popularity, becoming a sleeper hit after going viral on TikTok, and eventually amassed over a billion streams without any playlisting.
This track is noted for its late-night cruising anthem vibe, blending modern R&B with an 80s pop music style, which is a hallmark of the Alone at Prom album.
It delves into the complexities of modern romance, capturing the highs and lows of passionate but ultimately painful relationships. The title itself, “The Color Violet,” suggests a blend of mystique, wisdom, and melancholy, reflecting the deep emotions Lanez grapples with.
In this article, we’ll explore the message conveyed in the song’s lyrics.
“The Color Violet” Lyrics Meaning
[Verse 1]
I took my drugs and took my lovin’ when I left out the spot
I left the party with a Barbie, marking X on the dot
She calls my phone up, but I told her, “I’m a loner” (Uh)
But she likes my watch and my droptop and my persona (Uh)
We hit the highway, one-five-five with my whole foot on the dash
She’s in my ear, she’s got no fear, she could care less if we crash
In this verse, the narrator describes leaving a party with a woman he refers to as a “Barbie.” He mentions taking drugs and engaging in fleeting romantic encounters.
Despite telling her he’s a loner, she is attracted to his material possessions and persona. They drive recklessly on the highway, highlighting a sense of thrill and disregard for consequences.
[Pre-Chorus]
But on my radar, I’ve got some nerve to play hard
I waited for my chance, but playboys, we don’t dance, dance, dance
Here, the narrator acknowledges his tendency to play hard-to-get. He has been waiting for an opportunity to connect but admits that as a “playboy,” he doesn’t engage in traditional romantic gestures like dancing.
[Chorus]
I lost my heart (Uh)
Speedin’ car, goin’ ninety in the rain
Shе took my heart, filled it with nothin’ but pain
This beat in my dancе is not for romance
I wanna stay, but playboys, we don’t dance, dance, dance (I)
The chorus reveals the emotional toll of the narrator’s lifestyle. He metaphorically loses his heart while driving fast in the rain, symbolizing recklessness and emotional turmoil.
The woman he was with caused him pain, and he reiterates that his actions and lifestyle are not conducive to romance.
[Post-Chorus]
So I won’t dance again (I), oh, baby
No, I won’t dance again (That’s why), oh, yeah (Uh)
No, I won’t dance again (I)
No, I won’t dance again
Pretty baby, ooh
In the post-chorus, the narrator resolves not to engage in romantic gestures like dancing again, reinforcing his decision to avoid emotional vulnerability.
[Verse 2]
Uh
Face in the daylight, wastin’ time on the stars in the sky
She’s got my pager, blankets of love fall on my eyes
Then I’m reminded, love don’t come ’til you find it
I just hope that it’s workin’, I’m yearnin’, I’m searchin’, uh
The afterparty was on Wilson and 73rd
You got the notion that somebody else was with me first
In the second verse, the narrator reflects on spending time with the woman, noting the contrast between day and night. He mentions that she has his pager, indicating a connection, but he is reminded that love is elusive and must be sought out.
He expresses a desire for love to work out while recalling an afterparty where misunderstandings about other romantic interests arise.
Deeper Meaning Behind “The Color Violet”
“The Color Violet” is a melancholic exploration of love and heartbreak. The song’s title itself, “The Color Violet,” suggests a blend of mystique, wisdom, and melancholy, reflecting the complex emotions Lanez grapples with.
Violet, as a color, is often associated with mystique, wisdom, and melancholy. These attributes align well with the themes explored in the song, which delve into the complexities of love, heartbreak, and emotional vulnerability. The color violet can symbolize the deep, often painful emotions that the narrator experiences.
The song talks about living recklessly with someone who is equally unafraid of taking risks. This is evident in the lyrics that describe high-speed driving and a carefree attitude towards potential consequences. The imagery of driving fast in the rain symbolizes the thrill and danger of such a lifestyle.
Lanez reflects on the aftermath of the night, contemplating the fleeting nature of love and the challenges of finding genuine connection. He expresses a longing for love while acknowledging the misunderstandings and complications that arise in his relationships.
In the end, he resolves to avoid emotional risks, reinforcing his decision to remain detached and not engage in the “dance” of love.
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