The song 'Lock On Me' by Metro Boomin, Travis Scott & Future features a hypnotic mix of trap beats and hedonistic lyrics that detail a lavish lifestyle of substance use, wealth, and fame. The artists reflect on their success and how they remain focused ('locked') on maintaining their status while navigating the excesses that come with their territory in the music industry.
The song's emotional journey commences with a vibe of indulgence and restlessness, as indicated by Travis Scott's chorus that depicts a character who's popping pills after a long night yet still yearning for more. This portrays a relentless pursuit of euphoria and an escape from reality that is often sought in the party scene. The repetition of needing to 'switch the form' and get a 'lock on me' indicates a continuous effort to rediscover oneself or stay on top amidst the chaos of fame.
As we delve further into Future's verse, the journey takes a turn into boastful territory, with confident and assertive language illustrating the artist's transition from the streets ('made it off the block') to a glamorous life ('into the hills'). The mention of lavish settings and the accompaniment of luxury ('Phantoms', 'mud on my shoulder') showcases the pride and bravado associated with his achievements. Yet, there is an underlying sense that these accomplishments come with a certain lifestyle that requires resilience and perhaps even emotional detachment.
Travis Scott's second verse introduces a sense of transactional relationships ('somethin' gettin' got, I got to give') and the cyclical nature of sinning and seeking redemption, all set against the backdrop of creating music ('cookin' hits at the Ritz'). There's a contrast between the glamorous and burdensome aspects of the lifestyle that comes with fame, where the highs are accompanied by the lows and moments of introspection.
Finally, the emotional narrative culminates with the outro where the initial sense of restlessness and indulgence returns, wrapping up the journey on a cyclical note. The song leaves the listener in a limbo of celebration and caution—the intoxication of success is constantly chased, but the implications of this lifestyle are never far behind, creating a haunting aftertaste.
"Made it from the block to the hills, ain't answer my calls on these pills"
This line juxtaposes the ascent from humble beginnings to affluent success with the disconnect felt while under the influence of substances, highlighting how drugs can create barriers to genuine connection despite external improvements in life.
"Knocked down that bitch, put a Glock on the switch"
Future uses aggressive language that can be interpreted metaphorically to represent overcoming obstacles and exerting control. However, the explicit and violent imagery might also portray a deeper sense of defensiveness or combativeness ingrained from past experiences.
"Passing out these pills, I done told y'all how to kill 'em"
The concept of 'killing it' is often used in the context of achieving great success, suggesting that the artists consider themselves as trendsetters or role models for living a life of hedonism paired with financial and career triumphs.
"Flip flop the soda, 'til it mix with the fizz"
While seemingly innocuous, this line could be a veiled reference to the process of drug manufacture and mixing, further reinforcing the theme of substance usage as part of the artist's lifestyle and creative process.