“Like Him” by Tyler, The Creator, is a deeply introspective song that explores themes of identity, abandonment, and reconciliation. The lyrics delve into Tyler’s complex emotions regarding his absent father, questioning how much of himself is shaped by someone he barely knows.
Through haunting melodies and poignant storytelling, Tyler grapples with the idea of resembling a man he has never truly known, capturing the emotional weight of longing for a connection with an absent parent. The song features a powerful narrative arc, from the pain of absence to a moment of reconciliation and forgiveness.
In this article, we’ll explore the message conveyed in the song’s lyrics.
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“Like Him” Lyrics Meaning
[Intro]
Damn, nigga, every time I look at you, I swear to God
Nigga, you got that nigga feet
You got that nigga body
You got that nigga long arms, fingers and shit
Flat feet, big di—
The song begins with Tyler’s mother, Bonita Smith, commenting on how much Tyler physically resembles his absent father. She notes similarities in his feet, body, arms, and other physical traits. This sets the emotional tone for the rest of the song, highlighting the complex relationship between Tyler and his father’s absence.
[Verse 1: Tyler, The Creator]
She said that I make expressions like him
My legs to my shoulders and my chin like him
My waist and my posture like him
Like him
Like him, like him, like him
Tyler reflects on how he makes expressions like his father and shares similar physical attributes, such as his legs, shoulders, chin, waist, and posture. The repetition of “Like him” emphasizes Tyler’s fixation on understanding how much of his father is within him, both physically and emotionally.
[Chorus: Tyler, The Creator & Lola Young]
Mama, I’m chasin’ a ghost
I don’t know who he is
Mama, I’m chasin’ a ghost
I don’t know where he is
Mama, I’m chasin’ a ghost
Do I look like him? (Like what?)
Like him (Like what?)
Like him (Like what?)
Like him (La-la-la-la)
The chorus captures Tyler’s longing for a connection with his father, whom he describes as a “ghost” he is chasing. He questions whether he looks like his father, tying physical resemblance to a deeper quest for identity and acceptance. This metaphor illustrates the futility and emotional distress of searching for a connection with someone absent.
[Verse 2: Tyler, The Creator & Lola Young]
You gave me love and affection
Attention (Go), protection
How could I ever miss somethin’ (Go)
That I’d never had?
I would nevеr judge ya
‘Cause evеrything worked out without him (Like what?)
Like him (Like what?)
Like him (Huh?)
Tyler acknowledges the love and support his mother provided, expressing gratitude for her efforts while also acknowledging the ache for what was missing. He reflects on how everything worked out without his father, but still wonders about the absence and its impact on his life.
[Verse 3: Tyler, The Creator & Lola Young]
I decided to
Anything that lives inside of you
I would never ever lie to you (Yeah)
You ain’t ever gotta lie to me
I’m everything that I’ve strived to be
So do I look like him?
Do I look like him? (Like him, like him, like him, like him)
I don’t look like him
(Like him)
In this verse, Tyler commits to honesty and trust in his relationships, striving to be the best version of himself. He continues to grapple with his identity, questioning whether he resembles his father. Despite his growth, Tyler remains haunted by the question of how much of his father is within him.
[Outro]
It was my fault, not yours, not his, it was my fault, I’m sorry
You know
It was my fault
Not him, ’cause he always wanted to be there for you
And I’m sorry I was young
But he’s always wanted to be a father to you
So I, I fucked up and I take ownership of that
Of my choices and decisions
And I’m sorry for that
He’s a good guy
So don’t hold that against him, because it was my fault
Just, you know, forgive me
The outro features a spoken-word confession from Tyler’s mother, where she takes responsibility for the estrangement from Tyler’s father. She describes him as a “good guy” who wanted to be there for Tyler, reframing the narrative from blame to understanding and forgiveness. This moment of vulnerability shifts the song’s tone from resentment to reconciliation.
Deeper Meaning Behind “Like Him”
“Like Him” by Tyler, The Creator is a deeply introspective and emotionally charged song that explores themes of identity, abandonment, and reconciliation. At its core, the song grapples with the complex emotions tied to the absence of Tyler’s father and the profound impact this has had on his sense of self. Through haunting melodies and fragmented storytelling, Tyler invites listeners into a vulnerable reflection on family dynamics and selfhood, questioning how much of himself is shaped by someone he barely knows.
The song’s central theme revolves around Tyler’s resemblance to his absent father, both physically and emotionally. He wonders if he looks like him, not just in appearance but also in character, highlighting the nuances of inherited traits and the emotional complexities tied to paternal relationships. This introspection is underscored by the refrain “Do I look like him?” which becomes a haunting repetition that captures Tyler’s fixation on understanding his connection to a figure he feels detached from. The physical resemblance serves as a metaphor for the deeper quest for identity and acceptance, as Tyler seeks to understand how much of his father’s legacy is visible in his life.
The song also delves into the longing and emotional distress of searching for a connection or approval from someone absent. Tyler confesses to his mother that he feels like he’s “chasing a ghost,” illustrating the futility and pain of seeking validation from someone he never knew. This metaphor signifies both the ethereal presence of his father’s memory and the intangibility of his own understanding of who he is or might have been had things been different. The emotional weight is further compounded by the unresolved tension between Tyler’s mother and his father, which is addressed in the outro where his mother takes responsibility for the estrangement and acknowledges his father’s desire to be involved in Tyler’s life.
Ultimately, “Like Him” is a poignant meditation on family, identity, and forgiveness. It captures the complexity of reconciling with an absent father while acknowledging the love and sacrifice of his mother. The song’s introspective lyrics and haunting melodies create an emotional tapestry that resonates with anyone grappling with questions of legacy and belonging. Through this song, Tyler, The Creator offers a powerful exploration of how family dynamics, or the lack thereof, shape one’s sense of self, providing a deeply personal and relatable narrative that transcends mere musical expression.
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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.