Lil Tecca's song '500lbs' explores the complexities of newfound fame and wealth, juxtaposing the perks of success with the artist's challenges in relationships and personal identity. Tecca addresses notions of trust, real versus fake experiences, embracing his star status while contending with feeling out of touch with mundane excitements, such as clubbing.
The emotional journey of '500lbs' by Lil Tecca captures the tension between enjoying the trappings of success and grappling with its superficial aspects. In the opening lyrics, Lil Tecca alludes to using substances as a way to cope with a sense of alienation ('This blunt, I'm takin' a puff'), hinting at a search for genuine connections amidst the loneliness that fame can bring ('I'm startin' to feel like it's us').
Lil Tecca expresses a mistrust of others, likely stemming from past betrayals or the fickle nature of relationships in the limelight ('I'm trustin' nothin' I'm told, honestly / I'm trustin' half what I'm shown'). There's an undercurrent of melancholy, as he alludes to his significant other's discontent with his behavioral changes, particularly his detachment through constant phone use. Tecca navigates this life transformation while facing scrutiny and expectations, both from himself and the people around him.
The verse dives deeper into the relational dynamics with Tecca's partner, highlighting the ups and downs and the tension between material desires ('My bitch want Chanel, then shit, grab a purse') and emotional needs. He acknowledges the inherent curse of his blessed life, possibly referring to the burdens that accompany fame ('I'm born to be blessed, I live with a curse').
Transitioning to the bridge, Lil Tecca shows his defiance against being typecast into the celebrity lifestyle. He mentions self-protection ('And I can't go out like that / You know that's why I'm clutchin''), emphasizing his awareness of the phoniness and excess prevalent in the industry ('But all this shit ain't nothin'). Eventually, he circles back to the chorus, resigning to the sensations of inadequacy and mistrust that come with his reality, seemingly desiring to live more freely and authentically.
"Don't know when I stay out of town / I get dough when I stay out of town"
Lil Tecca speaks to the transient nature of his lifestyle and career, where staying 'out of town,' or touring, leads directly to his income, highlighting the connection between mobility and success.
"Five hundred chops, I got five hundred rounds"
Here, 'chops' and 'rounds' could be a metaphor for Tecca's musical output and his readiness to face challenges in the industry, an allusion to being armed and prepared.
"My life a story, it's not a punch-in"
Tecca is differentiating between the concept of life as an ongoing narrative, as opposed to a 'punch-in,' which in music production is a technique where a specific part of a track is recorded separately and added in. It suggests he views his life as a continuous, unedited flow.
"Know I'm a star, I'm still adjustin'"
Even as Tecca recognizes his status and influence, he admits he is still getting accustomed to the changes and expectations that come with fame.