Meaning of “I Wonder” by Kanye West

Kanye West’s “I Wonder” is a braggadocious song of encouragement, with what can be deemed a special emphasis on independent young women. As far as that former element is concerned, that is to say that Kanye uses the opportunity to, in sort of an indirect way, encourage listeners by pointing to his own success. That’s what it appears that the sampled chorus is getting at, i.e. West being someone who knows ‘how it feels to find his dreams’.

“I Wonder” came out in 2007, still relatively early in the rapper’s career. But this was around the time that it became obvious that Yeezy was here to stay. So he lived the reality of going from being a dreamer, as illustrated in the first verse, to having become universally considered a success story.

The Lyrics

The first verse also indicates that along the way, he’s adopted a smug attitude. And that braggadocious element is also present in the third verse, i.e. Kanye putting forth that his come-up, as in his ability to be a perennially-poppin’ musician, was ordained from above.

The second verse though doesn’t focus on the vocalist at all. Instead, the subject is a lady who first off all, reads as if she cannot get over a broken heart. And what Yeezus proceeds to allude to in that regard is that she prefers to mourn rather than forging ahead in life. 

Or as he implies, a failed romantic relationship doesn’t mean that a young woman cannot fulfill her dreams. And later on in the verse, presumably this same lady proceeds to return home and squash whatever beef is perturbing her, apparently.

Then, during the latter part of the third verse, Kanye appears to touch on such a topic yet again. This time around, he criticizes “independent” women who decide to “trade” such a lifestyle “for a husband and some kids”. 

Or put more simply, he questions those who opt to start a family over pursuing their careers or what have you. And the reason West is doing so is because the way he sees it, that also results in some of such individuals giving up on their dreams.

So conclusively, it’s as if the rapper is saying that whereas we all have dreams, many of us don’t actually consider that they may in fact come true if we remain dedicated. And again, his cocky success story serves as an example of someone who’s ‘been waiting his whole life’ for a big breakthrough that did in fact materialize.

“And I wonder if you know
What it means, what it means
And I wonder if you know
What it means to find your dreams
And I wonder”

When Was “I Wonder” Released?

“I Wonder” was simultaneously released by Roc-A-Fella Records and Def Jam Recordings on September 11 of 2017. The song was released as part of the hip hop recording artist’s “Graduation” album.

The following singles were released to raise awareness for “Graduation”:

• “Can’t Tell Me Nothing”
• “Stronger”
• “Good Life”
• “Flashing Lights”
• “Homecoming”

Credits

“I Wonder” was composed by Kanye West himself, along with British singer and songwriter Labi Siffre. West, who is also a record producer, took charge of its production.

Aside West and Siffre, there are about 10 other credited writers for this track. This is because it samples a number of songs, including Labi Siffre’s “My Song” and 2Pac’s “Ambitionz Az a Ridah“.

Song’s Inspiration

It is said that Kanye was inspired by U2’s 2004 song “City of Blinding Lights” to write “I Wonder”.

Actually Kanye toured with U2 during their “Vertigo Tour” in 2005. This was around the time when Kanye was promoting his second album, “Late Registration”. It was a major opportunity for Kanye to reach a wider audience, and he certainly made the most of it.

It was during this tour that Kanye particularly got very attached to the band’s songs, including “City of Blinding Lights”.