Do What I Want by Kid Cudi Lyrics Meaning – Unraveling the Anthem of Unbound Freedom
Lyrics
Hm-hm, hm-hm
Hm-hm (Roy, baby), hm-hm
(Day-Day-Daytrip took it to ten, hey)
While I cough up this blunt, I sit back in the cut
All my niggas ridin’ with me, more excuses to stunt
And we fill up the cup, and we fill up the Woods
Loud bang out the truck and the Range lookin’ good
Get your girl off a “hey”, said she ready to play
It’s all a game, it’s all a game, and I’m doin’ my thang
More rage, more rage, black Porsche in the rain
Someone stop me, bitch, get off me, man, my life ain’t the same
Natural killer, born to serve the feeling and pain
Now it’s like I’m on my super and I’m feeling them gains
Been through Hell and back, made it, it’s a wrap
Can’t keep a nigga down, down, baby, that’s a fact
And I reppin’ Cleveland city, runnin’ through my veins
To BK, East New York, and I never change, uh huh
Keep my niggas close, just like I’m supposed
This is for my people, truth is what I wrote, uh-huh
And I feel like I can do what I want
Livin’, livin’, livin’, livin’, I’ma do what I want (let’s go)
And I feel like I can do what I want
Livin’, livin’, livin’, livin’, I’ma do what I want (let’s go)
And I feel like I can do what I want
Livin’, livin’, livin’, livin’, I’ma do what I want (yeah, let’s go)
And I feel like I can do what I want (yeah)
Livin’, livin’, livin’, livin’, I’ma do what I want (yeah)
Feel like writin’ a movie, yeah, that shit would be groovy
Anything that I want, anything that would move me
Next step, I’m on my shit and I’m livin’ with love
Ain’t no question, all praises to the angels above
Take a trip, a couple women, couple shrooms to the groove
Set it mood to the tune, rockstar in the news
Rockstar, U2, nah my nigga you lose
Keep my head up, never let up and my fate’s what I choose (Roy, baby)
On this journey, fronto burnin’, catch the signs and the clues
And I’m drippin’, yes, you catch him Virgil tag on the shoes
Can’t forget I’m on zoom, Cudder back on the moon (the moon, the moon)
Cudder back on the moon
And I feel like I can do what I want
Livin’, livin’, livin’, livin’, I’ma do what I want (let’s go)
And I feel like I can do what I want
Livin’, livin’, livin’, livin’, I’ma do what I want (let’s go)
And I feel like I can do what I want
Livin’, livin’, livin’, livin’, I’ma do what I want (yeah, let’s go)
And I feel like I can do what I want (yeah)
Livin’, livin’, livin’, livin’, I’ma do what I want (yeah)
Kid Cudi’s lyrical genius once again pierces through the noise with ‘Do What I Want,’ a track that melds braggadocio with existential musings. At the core, it’s a revelry of freedom, a proclamation that underscores the importance of individuality in a world that’s often too loud to hear oneself think.
The song isn’t just another notch in the belt of self-expression—it’s a canvas where Cudi paints his heart out, addressing his personal journey, the peaks of creative enlightenment, and the resilience born from adversity. The track serves as an homage to autonomy, a stand against the grain, and a declaration that Cudi, beyond the fame and the struggles, emerges with the will to live as he desires.
Celebrating Self-Governance with Swagger
Kid Cudi’s ‘Do What I Want’ doesn’t tiptoe around its intended message. From the get-go, the beat sets a tone for uninhibited swagger. Cudi details a montage of moments signifying success and hedonistic allure—scenes suffused with rolling blunts, lux cars, and the ubiquitous presence of his crew. It’s the life of a star, yet it feels grounded in an everyman’s dream to break the mold and bask in self-earned glory.
But the bravado is not without its battles. Cudi doesn’t shy away from mentioning the trials he’s conquered. ‘Been through Hell and back, made it, it’s a wrap,’ he raps, pointing to a profound empowerment through overcoming his historical lows, including his well-documented mental health struggles.
A Homage to Roots Amidst a Sea of Changes
While flexing the freedom to live as he pleases, Cudi pays homage to his origins. There’s a deliberate shout-out to the places that have molded him—Cleveland city and Brooklyn’s East New York. These geographical anchors serve as a reminder that his sense of self is tied to the backdrop of his evolution, and yet, he reassures, he is not confined by them.
The acknowledgment of his roots strengthens the song’s core message: progress doesn’t necessitate abandonment of one’s past. Rather, growing involves synthesizing experiences into a tapestry unique to the individual. Cudi shows that his decisions are his own, led by the places and people that have shaped him.
Discovering Inspiration in the Celestial Spheres
In a poetic turn, ‘Do What I Want’ isn’t purely earthbound. Cudi consistently touches upon cosmic imagery, which has been a hallmark of his artistic persona. References to writing a movie, taking trips, and seeking inspiration suggest a connection to the otherworldly—a Cudi trademark. This celestial aspiration is symbolic of aiming high and transcending limits.
Invoking his alter ego, ‘Cudder,’ and the mention of being ‘back on the moon’ evoke the idea of an artist who operates on a wavelength all his own. It’s an admission of his larger-than-life ambitions and the grandiosity of his creative visions, framing his freedom not just in the physical, but in an expansive mental frontier.
The Symbiosis of Fashion and Identity
There’s an unmistakable nod to material culture and its role in self-expression within ‘Do What I Want.’ Cudi doesn’t just list off designer tags for clout—he’s chronicling his own aesthetic journey. The Virgil Abloh mention is more than a brand drop; it symbolizes the intersection of music, fashion, and culture that Cudi lives and breathes.
The fashion references encapsulate a broader message of personal branding, the outer representations of one’s inner self. By asserting control over his image and rejecting any imposed narratives, Kid Cudi lays claim to his personal legend through his unmistakable style.
Reclaiming Life’s Narrative: The Genesis of Autonomy
Amid the seamless blend of confidence and vulnerability, ‘Do What I Want’ frequents the chorus line that’s nothing short of a manifesto of freedom. ‘Livin’, livin’, livin’, livin’, I’ma do what I want’ is both an earworm and a philosophical stance. It’s an anthem for those who yearn to take the reins of their lives, to live unapologetically, to dictate their own story.
Here lies the song’s hidden resonance—it’s as much an affirmation for Cudi as it is for his listeners. The repetitive structure isn’t just for cadence; it’s a pedagogic device, driving home the point that control and liberation are perpetual pursuits. It’s a hymn for the heart weary of constraint, a ballad for the bold who dare to live by their own rules, and a rallying cry for the mavericks who find solace in Cudi’s unyielding pursuit of sovereignty.
