Used

Background and Context. "Used" is a collaborative track featuring SZA and Don Toliver, blending themes of vulnrability, resilience, and the quest for genuine connection. The song delves into the complexities of relationships, self-worth, and the struggle to maintain one's sanity amid personal and external challenges. SZA, known for her soulful voice and introspective lyrics, together with Don Toliver's melodic rap, creates a poignant narrative on emotional and psychological experiences. Main Message and Theme. The central theme of "Used" revolves around the feelings of being utгlized by others and the internal conflict it creates. It explores the idea of longing for love and understanding while grappling with the fear of opening up and the consequences of vulnerability. Analysis of Lyrics. "Guess I been used to being used like this" immediately introduces the theme of resignation to a pattern of being taken advantage of. This line sets the tone for a reflection on the impact of such experiences on one's sense of self and emotional wellbeing. "Praise to the most high for protection over my most prized possessions" reflects a search for spiritual safeguarding amid life's trials, emphasizing the importance of mental and emotional health. The mention of "sanity's at a 6.7, handin' out poinsettias to my dead homie mothers" illustrates a juxtaposition between personal turmoil and acts of compassion, highlighting the complexity of human emotions. "Might get sh*t mindin' my business, might get chipped sharin' my vision" captures the dilemma of staying true to oneself versus the risk of opening up to others. It speaks to the vulnerability of sharing one's thoughts and the potential repercussions in doing so. Don Toliver's verses, "I've been ridin', ridin' through this cold world," express a sense of isolation and the search for connection in an indifferent world. His longing for closeness and the acknowledgment of a strained relationship, "I feel like it's over, something callin' to get closer," illustrates the internal conflict between desire for intimacy and the reality of emotional distance. The line "Can't trust nobody you ain't been broke with" delves into the idea of loyalty and shared struggles as the foundation of trust. It suggests that genuine bonds are formed through mutual experiences of hardship. "Spend my life discoverin' new sh*t" signifies a commitment to growth and self-discovery, implying that despite the challenges and the pain of feeling used, there remains a resilience and openness to life's lessons.