First World Problemz / Nobody Carez by Brent Faiyaz Lyrics Meaning – Unveiling the Struggle Behind the Glitz
Lyrics
Wash my clothes in the same sink
I don’t give a damn ’bout what they think
Long as I pay rent
I don’t even whine ’bout my paycheck
I know it is short, but I’ll make ends
‘Cause it could be a worse situation
All that glitters ain’t gold
And all that shines bright ain’t a diamond
All that wrinkles isn’t old
And as far as you see ain’t the horizon
Deafened desire
To live on an island (To live on an island)
We keep on trying (Why do we keep on trying?)
We’ll end up dying
Everyday, I leave late
I wait out front in the same place
And I don’t give a damn ’bout what they say
Long as the day ends
I made some plans with some good friends
I don’t even know where the day went
But it could be the worst conversation
(You know there’s a roach on the floor?)
(Right there)
All that glitters ain’t gold
And all that shines bright ain’t a diamond
And all that wrinkles isn’t old
And as far as you see ain’t the horizon
Deafened desire
To live on an island (To live on an island)
We keep on trying (Why do we keep on trying?)
We’ll end up dying
Everybody want a motherfucking Benz or Beamer
Designer sneakers, ain’t no motherfucking dreamers
Shit is deeper than Neiman
Marcus or your Hollywood starlets
Underneath this nigga starving, impoverished
People don’t give no fucks, nigga
Trump don’t give a fuck
Your niggas don’t give a fuck
Your favorite artists don’t give a motherfucking fuck
Do you give a fuck, nigga?
Keep playing, motherfucker
If you told him he was down and out
Would they pull up or would they wait it out?
Would they ever call you just to talk about
Whatever they wanna talk about?
If you borrowed money ’cause it’s life or death
Would they ask you for they money back?
Would they tell the world all of your business?
And this and that
Your business
And this and that
Maybe you’re too friendly
Or maybe you’re too real
Put your time and faith in people
That can seal the deal
Trials and tribulations
Often force one to reveal
That maybe you just don’t know what to feel
Did you know that you were with the devil last night?
Couldn’t see where you was going with a flashlight
And I know it hurts
I’m just concerned
I know that you were with the devil last night
Baby, I ain’t saying you don’t act right
This world don’t love
But that don’t mean that you can’t hold it up
If you told him he was down and out
Would they pull up or would they wait it out?
Would they ever call you just to talk about
Whatever they wanna talk about?
If you borrowed money ’cause it’s life or death
Would they ask you for your money back?
Would they tell the world all of your business?
And this and that
Your business
And this and that
In the sphere of contemporary music, artists often double as architects of culture, building bridges between their personal narratives and the universal human experience. Rising R&B savant Brent Faiyaz proves no exception in his compelling track ‘First World Problemz / Nobody Carez,’ a deep dive into the glittering facades of modern life, and the lurking indifference beneath.
Faiyaz’s candid lyricism juxtaposes the mundane with the profound, painstakingly etching the portrait of a generation grappling with materialism and the hunger for authenticity. Below, we unpack the poignant message wrapped in the silky beats and melodic chords of this hip-hop infused R&B anthem.
The Duality of Desire and Disillusionment
A recurring theme that echoes throughout Faiyaz’s ‘First World Problemz / Nobody Carez’ is the juxtaposition of superficiality and depth. Through his loaded words, ‘All that glitters ain’t gold, and all that shines bright ain’t a diamond,’ Faiyaz challenges the listener to discern between true value and mere illusion. It’s a critique of society’s obsession with surface-level beauty and status symbols—a call to seek something more fulfilling than the hollow pursuit of material wealth.
This duality manifests in the struggle of finding contentment and purpose in an increasingly vacuous landscape where the pursuit of the ‘good life’ often undermines genuine human connection and the quest for meaning. Faiyaz skillfully navigates this tension with a blend of resignation and hope, acknowledging hardship while dreaming of escaping to an idyllic ‘island’ of tranquility.
A Glimpse into Existential Angst: The Hidden Message
‘First World Problemz / Nobody Carez’ is more than a mere narrative about the struggles of day-to-day life—it’s an exploration of the existential void that can accompany them. Faiyaz hints at a deeper malaise that transcends his personal anecdotes. Lines such as ‘We keep on trying, we’ll end up dying’ convey a somber resignation to life’s Sisyphean cycle. But there’s a hidden message, an underlying defiance and a will to keep pushing despite the recognition of life’s futility.
This undercurrent suggests that Faiyaz isn’t merely accepting defeat but rather embracing the struggle, finding meaning in the continued effort to live fully in a world where societal values seem incongruent with personal fulfillment. The acknowledgment of life’s inexorable march towards death serves as a springboard for introspection and a call to live with intention—Brent Faiyaz reminds us that the rebellion is in the resilience.
Decoding the Anthem of Urban Stoicism
Faiyaz’s stoic attitude towards his own existential and financial woes resonates as a meditative approach to navigating the complexities of the modern world. ‘I don’t even whine ’bout my paycheck, I know it is short, but I’ll make ends,’ he states, painting a picture of an all too familiar struggle to stay afloat amidst the high tides of economic pressure.
The artist’s acceptance of his plight without lament gives voice to a generation that often bears its burdens in silence—symbolizing an urban stoicism that has become characteristic of youth culture. The defiance to remain unbroken by the weight of ‘First World Problemz’ evolves into a subtle act of rebellion against the expectations of consumerist-driven happiness.
The Spotlight on Societal Indifference: Memorable Lines That Sting
‘Shit is deeper than Neiman Marcus or your Hollywood starlets, underneath this nigga starving, impoverished,’ Faiyaz lays bare with stark clarity, drawing attention to the chasm between society’s opulent veneer and the grim reality of inequality. Far from trivializing the notion of ‘First World Problems,’ he uses it as a canvas to expose the widespread indifference to suffering that persists amidst plenty.
In these lines, he critiques everything from consumer culture to political apathy, questioning the authenticity of concern from all corners of society. The intensity of these memorable lyrics stings because they hold a mirror up to the audience, reflecting our own possible complicity in this societal negligence.
Dissecting the Relational Dynamics of ‘Nobody Carez’
In the latter half of the song, Faiyaz shifts his focus from systemic critiques to individual relationships, pondering whether solidarity is genuine or transactional. He probes, ‘If you told him you were down and out, would they pull up or would they wait it out?’ encapsulating the uncertainty and fear of being let down by those presumed to care.
These lines are a journey through anxiety and the search for genuine connection in a world where support is often conditional. They evoke the artist’s musings on trust and existential loneliness, culminating in a powerful statement on the fragility of interpersonal bonds in an age where ‘Nobody Carez.’
