The song 'Graduation' by benny blanco & Juice WRLD provides a modern reinterpretation of Vitamin C's classic 'Graduation (Friends Forever).' While employing a nostalgic hook that evokes memories of school days and friendships, the verses are starkly contrasting with retrospective viewpoints filled with indifference, braggadocio, and disapproval towards past acquaintances. It reflects on high school experiences both fondly and critically, revealing a complex emotional landscape with regards to growing up and moving on.
The emotional journey in 'Graduation' is a bittersweet blend of nostalgia and disillusionment. The track features a beloved refrain that many listeners associate with their own formative years, yet Juice WRLD's verses paint a less idyllic picture. We embark on a ride that zooms past the highs of youthful camaraderie and plunges into the lows of adolescent malice. The artist's reflections reveal a mix of pride and pettiness alongside a desire for validation, likely mirroring the complex emotions that graduation evokes.
As we dwell within the verses, Juice WRLD navigates through school-life snapshots characterized by confrontations and the painful awkwardness that surrounds teenage insecurities and social hierarchies. These moments form a stark contrast with the universal theme of cherishing memories and friendships expressed in the chorus. It illustrates that while there's a collective longing to hold onto the past, there's also a personal journey marked by individual victories and grievances.
The track transitionally showcases how school-life woes translate into adult challenges, underscoring the revelation that life outside the academic arena isn't drastically different. There's still turmoil, gossip, and an incessant struggle for acceptance. Juice WRLD's lyrical candor provides a glimpse into the artist's psyche—revealing his vulnerability and the impact of fame on his emotional well-being, as he finds comfort in his musical success despite the ongoing social battles.
Lastly, the outro serves as a dramatic gossip session that alludes to the superficiality and cruelty often prevalent in the social web of high school. It is an abrupt, yet fitting conclusion to a song that meanders through the nostalgia of past friendships and the complexities of adult life, culminating in a stinging critique of social media culture and its superficial standards.
"as we go on, we remember"
This lyric is an interpolation of the song 'Graduation (Friends Forever)' by Vitamin C, resonating with listeners who remember their own school days and the passage of time.
"to the dumb nigga in my science lab"
Juice WRLD reflects on past conflicts and a sense of overcoming adversity faced during high school, turning those experiences into motivation for his current success.
"Low-key miss the days walkin' 'round in my school halls"
Despite his success, Juice WRLD admits to missing the simplicity of his high school days, a sentiment of nostalgia that many can relate to.
"But now I got a bigger job, the world screamin' my songs"
Juice WRLD juxtaposes his former life as a student with his current life as an artist, indicating a sense of growth and accomplishment.