The Meaning Behind The Song: I Thought About Killing You by Kanye West
| Title | I Thought About Killing You |
|---|---|
| Artist | Kanye West |
| Writer/Composer | Francis and the Lights, Andy C, Bump J, Kenneth Pershon, Skepta, CyHi, Malik Yusef, Consequence, MIKE DEAN, benny blanco, Kanye West & Wiley (Producer) |
| Album | Ye |
| Release Date | June 1, 2018 |
| Genre | Rap, Trap, Experimental Rap, Spoken Word, Conscious Hip-Hop |
| Producer | Andy C, Aaron Lammer, MIKE DEAN, benny blanco, Francis and the Lights & Kanye West |
The Dark Confessions of Kanye West
When Kanye West released his album “Ye” in 2018, one particular song stood out for its controversial and thought-provoking lyrics. “I Thought About Killing You” opens the album with a deeply introspective monologue that touches on themes of mental health, self-reflection, and the struggle between good and evil within oneself.
The song begins with Kanye speaking candidly about a dark thought that crosses his mind – killing someone. He acknowledges the taboo and disturbing nature of this thought, hence the provocative title of the song. Kanye’s voice is raw and unfiltered as he opens up about the complexities of his own psyche.
Throughout the track, he delves into his inner turmoil, grappling with his own demons, and the desire for self-destruction. He admits to contemplating suicide, expressing the weight of his internal struggles. This raw honesty is both unsettling and captivating, as it allows listeners to glimpse into the mind of one of the most influential and controversial artists of our time.
A Personal Experience
As a fan of Kanye West, I was immediately drawn to “I Thought About Killing You” upon its release. The haunting melodies and introspective lyrics spoke to me in a way that only Kanye’s music can. While I can’t relate directly to the experiences Kanye describes in the song, it resonated with me on a deeper level.
What struck me the most was Kanye’s willingness to lay bare his innermost thoughts and vulnerabilities. It takes immense courage to confront such dark and disturbing thoughts and share them with the world. As I listened to the song, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own struggles with mental health and the battles that rage within me.
While Kanye’s struggles exist on a different scale, the underlying message of self-reflection and the acknowledgement of the darkness within ourselves resonated strongly with me. It reminded me that we all have our own internal battles, and it’s crucial to confront and understand them in order to grow and heal.
Creative Choices
Aside from its deeply personal lyrics, “I Thought About Killing You” stands out musically as well. The song features atmospheric production, with ethereal vocal layers courtesy of Francis and the Lights, who also co-wrote the track. The sparse and haunting instrumental serves as a backdrop for Kanye’s confessions, allowing his words to take center stage.
Furthermore, the sampling of Kareem Lotfy’s “Fr3sh” adds an additional layer of moodiness and introspection to the song. The choice to use this particular sample adds another dimension to the exploration of Kanye’s internal struggles, bridging the gap between the darkness in his mind and the vulnerability of his emotions.
A Controversial Conversation
While “I Thought About Killing You” is undeniably a powerful and introspective song, it sparked controversy and divided opinions upon its release. Some listeners were taken aback by the graphic nature of the lyrics and questioned Kanye’s mental state, while others saw it as a brave and honest exploration of the human psyche.
Regardless of personal opinions, the song sparked important conversations around mental health, the stigma surrounding dark thoughts, and the importance of self-reflection. It served as a reminder that even those in the spotlight are not immune to the demons that haunt the human mind.
A Song of Catharsis and Growth
As the opening track of Kanye West’s “Ye” album, “I Thought About Killing You” sets the tone for the deeply personal and introspective journey that lies ahead. It sets the stage for an album that grapples with themes of mental health, fame, and the complexities of human emotions.
Despite its disturbing title and unsettling lyrics, “I Thought About Killing You” is ultimately a song of catharsis and growth. It represents Kanye’s unfiltered exploration of his own inner demons, and serves as an invitation for listeners to confront their own struggles and find solace in the power of introspection.
In conclusion, “I Thought About Killing You” is a deeply personal and introspective song that invites listeners into the darkest corners of Kanye West’s mind. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of self-reflection and the complexities of the human psyche. Through its thought-provoking lyrics and haunting instrumentals, the song stands as a testament to the power of art to initiate conversations and provide catharsis.
