“Denver” by Jack Harlow

“Denver” hit the marketplace on 28 April 2023, being a part of “Jackman”, Jack Harlow’s album that came out through Atlantic Records and Generation Now on that same day. 

This track was produced by Finatik and Zac, also known as FnZ, alongside Angel López. The three of them are also given writing credit, but as understood Jack Harlow is the primary author of this song. And the reason it is titled so, as revealed at the beginning of second verse, is because he penned the first verse in Denver some about four months prior to the second.

The reason it’s important to point out that the verses were written at two different times is because the second is also meant to represent a positive progression in thought from the first. Initially, Jack comes off as someone who is adverse to all of the fame and success he’s been experiencing of late, and said aversion manifests itself on a number of levels. 

For example, Harlow seems to be cognizant, and perhaps we can also say bothered by the fact that while he’s chillin’, there are others living in poverty and even homelessness. He also comes off as one of those types of musicians who enjoyed his career more when he was “underground” as opposed to now being an in-demand, A-list artist. 

“Ignorance is bliss and so is bein’ underground
‘Cause it was fun when we were known less”

Furthermore, all of the exposure he’s been subject to on one hand has made him “vain” and on the other “insecure”, with neither being an ideal way of thinking.  And in that latter regard, Jack feels as if he must always display an air of invincibility, even as he’s concurrently convinced that his artistry is progressively revealing his lack of confidence.

But again, the second verse takes on a different tone. Now being home from Denver and back around his team, including regular collaborator Angel López, Jack feels more in his element. And he goes on to imply that the aforenoted self-esteem and self-image issues may be attributable to the likes of haters, including his ex-girlfriends, as well as people who negatively criticize his work. 

Or to make a long sentiment short, Harlow appears to ultimately come to the conclusion that despite both internal and external resistance, his success is indeed a blessing and therefore should be relished instead of shunned. And underneath it all, what’s being alluded to is that when depression and doubt strikes, it’s his “fellas” who keep him strong and Jack’s family members, i.e. his parents, that keep him inspired.

“Wonder, oh, why this ever had to be?
So many losing hope in those dreams that they—”

The Summary

In this song, Jack is basically revealing to the world that he does contend with dark things such as depression and self-doubt, but it’s his people who keep him strong.