“Trust Issues” by Drake is a poignant exploration of the complexities surrounding fame, trust, and personal relationships. Originally released in 2011 and later included in his compilation album Care Package in 2019, the song blends R&B melodies with introspective lyrics that delve into the emotional toll of celebrity life.
The lyrics open with Drake reflecting on his priorities, emphasizing a lifestyle centered around money and indulgence. He expresses a carefree attitude towards partying and substance use, which serves as both an escape and a way to cope with the pressures of fame.
As the song progresses, Drake reveals his struggles with trust, particularly in romantic relationships, highlighting his fear of betrayal and emotional vulnerability.
In this article, we’ll explore the message conveyed in the song’s lyrics.
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“Trust Issues” Lyrics Meaning
[Intro]
Uh
Aw yeah, aw yeah
Call up on drank and let’s
Let’s call up and, uh
The intro sets a laid-back tone, suggesting a desire to unwind and enjoy life through partying and drinking. The interlude emphasizes the importance of money and the city he hails from, highlighting a carefree attitude fueled by youth. Drake expresses a sense of indulgence in substances, indicating that he uses them as coping mechanisms for his lifestyle.
[Interlude]
All I care about is money and the city that I’m from
I’ma sip until I feel it, I’ma smoke it ’til it’s done
I don’t really give a fuck and my excuse is that I’m young
And I’m only getting older, somebody should’ve told you
I’m on one (Ayy), fuck it, I’m on one (Yeah)
I said I’m on one, fuck it, I’m on one, a strong one
Two white cups and I got that drink
It could be purple, it could be pink
Depending on how you mix that shit
Money to be got, and I’ma get that shit
‘Cause I’m on one, fuck it, I’m on one
Aw yeah, aw yeah
You know what I’m
Oh yes, oh yeah
Oh yes, oh yeah
Uh, oh yes, oh yeah
Yeah, uh
The intro sets a laid-back tone, suggesting a desire to unwind and enjoy life through partying and drinking. The interlude emphasizes the importance of money and the city he hails from, highlighting a carefree attitude fueled by youth. Drake expresses a sense of indulgence in substances, indicating that he uses them as coping mechanisms for his lifestyle.
[Verse 1]
You know what I’m sipping, I’ll teach you how to mix it
But you’re the only one ’cause I don’t trust these bitches
I don’t, I don’t trust these bitches, they might catch me slipping
So you’re the only one, ’cause I don’t trust these bitches
They might, they might catch me slipping and put in something different
So you’re the only one, ’cause I don’t trust these bitches
I don’t, I don’t trust these bitches, they might catch me slipping
So you’re the only one
The chorus reinforces the theme of “trust issues,” capturing the essence of his emotional state. It serves as a haunting reminder of the difficulties he faces in trusting others, hinting at deeper insecurities that stem from his experiences.
[Chorus]
Oh-woah, trust issues
Oh-woah, trust issues
Oh-woah, trust issues
Oh-woah, woah, woah, woah
The chorus reinforces the theme of “trust issues,” capturing the essence of his emotional state. It serves as a haunting reminder of the difficulties he faces in trusting others, hinting at deeper insecurities that stem from his experiences.
[Interlude]
Yeah, aw yeah, aw yeah
Let’s call up on drank and let’s all get wasted
On drank and let’s all get faded, yeah, uh
The second interlude mirrors the first, reiterating the desire to escape reality through drinking. It suggests a collective experience with friends, emphasizing camaraderie but also hinting at a superficial way to cope with deeper issues.
[Verse 2]
Drizzy Drake, check me out
Coming live from the motherfuckin’ North Side
Kick game, run game, run it real good
But never ever have my bitches sitting courtside
Same nigga that you knew way back when
You acting like it’s somebody you don’t know
Tell me, how the fuck we ‘posed to stay friends
When you got a bunch of feelings that you don’t show?
I could tell, I could tell, I could tell
Certain people don’t like me no more
New shit don’t excite me no more
Guess that they don’t really make ’em like me no more, uh
You can look me in my eyes and see I ain’t myself
‘Cause if y’all what I created then I hate myself
But still, let them girls in and tell ’em all
Leave them cell phones on the table where we see them
I’m all day with it, man, AM to the PM
Niggas hating, I just wish that they would say it when they see him, oh
In this verse, Drake reflects on his past relationships and friendships. He acknowledges changes in people around him, noting that some act differently now that he has gained fame.
The line about not having women sitting courtside implies that he keeps certain people at a distance despite their past closeness. He grapples with feelings of isolation and self-doubt, questioning whether those around him genuinely care or if they are simply drawn to his success.
He also expresses frustration over people’s inability to communicate their feelings directly, which complicates relationships further. The mention of letting girls in but asking them to leave their phones behind suggests a desire for genuine connection without distractions or ulterior motives.
[Bridge]
That’s that shit that drives me crazy
And it’s all that I’ve been getting lately
And it’s probably why I’m scared to put the time in
Women want to fuck like they’re me and I’m them
Looking for some things and I think that I can find ’em in you, in you
The bridge captures Drake’s internal conflict regarding intimacy and commitment. He feels overwhelmed by superficial interactions and is wary of investing time in relationships due to past disappointments.
The line about women wanting to be like him reflects the blurred lines between admiration and envy in his interactions.
[Chorus] (Reprise)
Oh-woah, trust issues
Oh-woah, trust issues
Oh-woah, trust issues
Oh-woah, woah, woah, woah
The repeated chorus emphasizes the ongoing struggle with trust issues, reinforcing how central this theme is to Drake’s emotional landscape.
[Outro]
Yeah, aw yeah, aw yeah
Let’s call up on drank and let’s all get wasted
On drank and let’s all get faded, yeah
Aw yeah, aw yeah
Call up on drank and let’s
Let’s call up on, uh
The outro echoes earlier sentiments about drinking and partying as an escape from reality. It encapsulates the cycle of indulgence he finds himself in while still grappling with deeper emotional issues.
Deeper Meaning Behind “Trust Issues”
“Hemorrhage (In My Hands)” by Fuel is a poignant rock ballad that explores themes of emotional pain, vulnerability, and the complexities of love and relationships.
Released in 2000, the song is notable for its raw emotional intensity and lyrical depth, which resonate with listeners who have experienced heartache.
The song captures the feelings of desperation and anguish following a breakup. The lyrics reflect a sense of betrayal and longing, as the narrator grapples with the return of a former lover who has come back into their life after causing significant emotional damage.
The line “What did you expect to find? Was it something you left behind?” suggests a confrontation with the past and an acknowledgment that things have irrevocably changed since their separation.
The metaphor of “hemorrhage” serves as a powerful image for the emotional bleeding that accompanies heartbreak. The phrase “I’m still bleeding from the wounds of my past” encapsulates the idea that past traumas continue to affect one’s present state. This imagery evokes not only physical pain but also the deep emotional scars that can linger long after a relationship has ended.
The song’s verses delve into the vulnerability of both partners. The narrator expresses feelings of being overwhelmed and helpless, emphasizing how love can feel like a burden when it is fraught with unresolved issues.
Lines such as “Hold me now, I feel contagious” illustrate a fear of being unworthy of love or connection, further highlighting the emotional struggle inherent in rekindled relationships45.
Ultimately, “Hemorrhage (In My Hands)” resonates with anyone who has faced heartbreak and seeks understanding in their emotional struggles. Its candid exploration of pain, regret, and the possibility of healing makes it a timeless anthem for those navigating complex feelings in relationships.
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.