“Timeless” by The Weeknd and Playboi Carti is a dynamic collaboration that blends themes of lasting influence, fame, and emotional struggle. Released in September 2024, the song features a retro-futuristic sound, with both artists delivering confident yet vulnerable performances.
The lyrics explore self-assurance, material wealth, and the complexities of fame, as they navigate the pressures of stardom and personal relationships. The song’s title, “Timeless,” reflects their aspiration to leave a lasting legacy beyond fleeting moments of fame.
In this article, we’ll explore the message conveyed in the song’s lyrics.
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“Timeless” Lyrics Meaning
[Intro: The Weeknd]
Sun is shining, it’s over
It’s tomorrow
Bathe yourself in the light, in your love
XO
Ooh, yeah, ooh, yeah, no
The intro sets a reflective tone with The Weeknd encouraging listeners to bask in love and light, ending with “XO,” a reference to his record label and fan base. This opening suggests a transition from darkness to light, setting the stage for themes of fame, success, and personal struggles.
[Verse 1: Playboi Carti & The Weeknd]
Ever since I was a jit, knew I was the shit (Ooh, yeah)
Shawty keep wanna come ’round, she wanna get hit (Wanna get hit so hard)
She think she the main because I keep her by my side
Double-O, bust down the watch, she know that I’m timeless (Timeless)
I put my son in some Rick
I pull that gun off the hip
Pockets hold twenty-two clips (Ah)
I break her heart, Comme Garçon
Put on a shirt, get put on a blimp
Bitch like a stain, get ready to lick
I had to tеll her that ever sincе I was a jit, knew I was the shit (Oh)
She singin’ my songs, she wanna die lit, tryna get hit
House like a bank, deposit this bitch, ‘posit that check
Smile on my face, ain’t fearing shit, come and get checked (Uh)
Ice on my neck, double-O wrist
She in the Scat, hell of a ‘Cat
Fresh out the trench, four hundred packs
Uh, yeah, I’m spinnin’ in Paris (Uh)
Dress for these hoes, they finna flock
Just poured a four in a soda, it pop
Them drugs finna hit, I’m feelin’ ill
I’m wrestlin’ all of my demons, I feel like The Rock
The verse begins with a declaration of self-assurance from a young age, as Playboi Carti states, “Ever since I was a jit, knew I was the shit.” This confidence is tied to material wealth and status, symbolized by luxury items like a “bust down” Rolex watch, which signifies being “timeless.” The Weeknd mentions a woman drawn to him due to his fame, wanting to be part of his lifestyle, as she sings his songs and wants to “die lit.” This highlights how fame attracts both genuine and opportunistic connections. Playboi Carti adds to the theme of financial success, emphasizing his wealth and influence with lines like “House like a bank, deposit this bitch.” The Weeknd reflects on wrestling with inner demons, likening himself to The Rock, a symbol of strength and resilience.
[Chorus: The Weeknd & Playboi Carti]
(Shit, uh, yeah)
Ever since I was a kid, I been legit (Jit, ooh, nah)
If I was you, I would cut up my wrist (Dumb bit’)
XO tatted all over her body, yeah (Yeah)
She just wanna roll and I don’t mind it, yeah
Ever since I was a jit, I been legit (Ooh, nah, uh)
You should let her go, she wanna be it (Oh, yeah)
Double-O tatted on her body, yeah
It don’t matter what they say, I’m timeless, yeah (Schyeah)
The chorus emphasizes being “legit” since childhood and the idea of being “timeless,” despite external opinions. The mention of tattoos (“XO” and “Double-O”) signifies loyalty and commitment to their brand. However, the line “If I was you, I would cut up my wrist” suggests a darker emotional state, contrasting with the overall confidence and success. This emotional conflict underscores the complexities of their experiences.
[Verse 2: The Weeknd & Playboi Carti]
Oh, city on fire when I’m comin’ home
Fill up the sky (Yeah), I fill up the Dome
They’ll play it one day (Yeah), it’s a hell of a show
But it’s gonna hurt ’cause we did it first
Feel like Skateboard P, BBC boys on the creep
Feel like it’s ’03, Neptune drum with a beam (Yeah)
She hippie-flippin’ a bean, she wanna fuck with the team
She fell in love with the cream (Yeah), she fell in love with the scene
Ooh, yeah, her man quiet, not a peep (Oh, nah)
Broke his heart, PTSD (Oh, nah)
Hold his chest, let it breathe
Let it breathe, niggas scheme
And I got a priest, he got a cross
Get out of line, send him to God
I shed a tear, pray for a loss, ooh, yeah (Yeah)
The Weeknd describes his return home as a major event, stating, “City on fire when I’m comin’ home,” highlighting his influence and the lasting impact of his performances. The verse includes references to early 2000s culture, such as feeling like it’s “03” and mentioning “Neptune drum with a beam,” evoking a sense of nostalgia and cultural relevance. Pharrell Williams is referenced as “Skateboard P,” further emphasizing their connection to influential figures. The lyrics also touch on the complexities of relationships, with themes of heartbreak and emotional trauma, as noted in the line “Broke his heart, PTSD.”
[Chorus: The Weeknd & Playboi Carti]
Ever since I was a kid, I been legit (Homixide, Homixide, Homixide, oh, oh)
If I was you, I would cut up my wrist (Ah)
XO tatted all over her body, yeah (Body, yeah)
She just wanna roll and I don’t mind it
, yeah
Ever since I was a jit, I been legit (Yeah, ooh, nah)
You should let her go, she wanna be it (Oh, nah)
Double-O tatted on her body, yeah (Body, yeah)
It don’t matter what they say, I’m timeless
The chorus repeats, reinforcing the themes of self-confidence, legacy, and being “timeless,” despite personal struggles and external criticism. This repetition underscores the importance of these themes in their narrative.
[Outro: The Weeknd & Playboi Carti]
Timeless (Oh), timeless, timeless
Timeless, timeless, timeless, we timeless, oh
Timeless, timeless, timeless (Yeah), timeless
Timeless (Yeah), timeless, timeless, we timeless, oh
Oh (Blatt)
Oh (Yuh, lit)
The outro emphasizes the idea of being “timeless,” with both artists affirming their enduring influence and legacy in the music industry. The repetition of “timeless” drives home the message that their impact will persist beyond current trends or criticisms.
Deeper Meaning Behind “Timeless”
“Timeless” by The Weeknd and Playboi Carti is a song that delves into themes of success, legacy, and self-confidence, blending these elements with a vibrant energy typical of hip-hop. The track is a declaration of their untouchable status in the music industry, emphasizing their enduring influence and relevance. The Weeknd opens the song with an introspective note, asserting his inherent greatness from a young age, using phrases like “Ever since I was a jit, knew I was the shit” to convey a sense of destiny and superiority. This confidence is reinforced by references to wealth and status, such as customizing a Rolex watch, symbolizing both success and timelessness.
The song also explores the weight of fame and the emotional complexity that comes with it. Playboi Carti’s verses add a dynamic edge, reflecting on the elusive nature of time and the internal struggles beneath the glamour of success. For instance, Carti likens himself to The Rock, highlighting the ongoing battle to maintain composure and success despite personal demons. This interplay between bravado and vulnerability makes the “timeless” persona more nuanced, suggesting that their influence transcends fleeting trends and criticism. The repetition of “timeless” throughout the song reinforces the idea that their impact will endure, regardless of public opinion.
Musically, “Timeless” combines The Weeknd’s synth-heavy throwback sound with Playboi Carti’s downtempo trap leanings, creating a unique soundscape that blends modern beats with nostalgic vibes. The Weeknd’s ethereal voice and deep R&B roots complement Carti’s experimental approach, resulting in a captivating sound that showcases the musical evolution and versatility of both artists. The collaboration is a testament to their ability to merge their distinctive styles into a cohesive and impactful piece, further solidifying their positions as influential figures in contemporary music.
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