Old Money by Playboi Carti Lyrics Meaning – Peeling Back the Layers of Materialism and Identity
Lyrics
Old money, new hoe (beep)
Old money, new hoe (what?)
Old money, new hoe (what? What?)
Old money, new hoe
Old swag, new flow
Old swag, new flow (flow, flow)
new flow (flow), old flow (old flow)
Old money, new hoe (beep)
Old money, new flow (flow what)
Bad bitch, love the pole (what)
Sip the four, Actavis (woah)
Sip it slow, kickin’ shit (lean, woah)
Oh Pi’erre, come in here
Got some hoes, they upstairs
I need two hoes, need two pairs (what? What?)
My chain too cold, chandelier
Pretty boy, huh, manicure
You need a code just to come in here (oh)
Only 21, feel like a bachelor (Playboi)
Pretty bitch, baddest thing in here (uh)
Old money, new hoe (what?)
Old money, new hoe (what?)
Old money, new hoe (what? What?)
Old money, new hoe
Ooh ooh, damn I feel myself
Left my bitch at home (Playboi), told her fuck herself
Did it on my own (huh), made it by myself (Playboi)
And I keep a tec, boy I keep the stare
Leave a nigga wet, boy I got the well
Grab it off the shelf (huh, Playboi, Playboi)
She said she need a pair, spend it on myself (cash)
Got like three phones (phones), Apple not a pear
Got like three hoes (brrr), I do not compare
In the trap we selling crack, come here (huh)
Momma shed a tear (ooh)
In the trap we cookin’ up a meal (ooh)
Cookies in the shelf
My diamonds target self, diamonds Michael Phelps
Old money, new hoe (what?)
Old money, new hoe (what?)
Old money, new hoe (what?)
Old money, new hoe
In the pantheon of modern hip-hop, Playboi Carti stands out as a maverick who bends beats and bars to his will. His track ‘Old Money’ from the 2018 album ‘Die Lit’ serves as a canvas for the Atlanta rapper to juxtapose his past against his contemporary realities. Carti’s hypnotic repetition and minimalist lyrics form a cryptic narrative where each line invites listeners to look beyond the surface.
The track’s allure lies not in storytelling but in the mood it evokes. Each phrase, delivered with Carti’s signature baby-voice inflection over a spacey, bass-laden beat by Pi’erre Bourne, echoes the paradoxes of fame, wealth, and change. Let’s dive into the symbolic goldmine of ‘Old Money’ and uncover the nuances of its ostensibly simple lyrics.
The Timeless Tale: Wealth’s Enduring Allure
The phrase ‘Old Money, new hoe’ repeated like a mantra throughout the song points to the enduring attraction of generational wealth and the transient pleasure of new relationships. ‘Old Money’ symbolizes status and a lifestyle that remains unshaken despite the shifting sands of time. In contrast, the disposable ‘new hoe’ reflects an ever-changing cycle of temporary gratifications.
This juxtaposition underlines a deeper criticism of the permanence we assign to both wealth and love. Carti’s continuous loop of these words serves as a mirror to society’s own endless pursuit of the next best thing, whether it be through luxuries or relationships.
Fashion Statements as Identity Flags
Carti’s lyrical wardrobe, consisting of ‘Old swag, new flow,’ suggests a blend of vintage style with modern rhythm. He pays homage to the influences that shaped him while simultaneously asserting his own innovation in the hip-hop arena. This line can be seen as a reflection of Carti’s evolving musical identity, infusing the old with the new to create something fresh and relevant.
The old and new swag also functions as a marker of identity, where Playboi Carti asserts his place in the hip-hop lineage. The ‘old’ roots him in tradition, while the ‘new’ certifies him as a trendsetter. In the world of rap, where one foot in the past can lend credibility and the other in the future can promise longevity, Carti understands the importance of balancing both.
A Chemistry of Intoxication and Inspiration
The references to ‘Sip the four, Actavis’ and ‘she need a pair, spend it on myself’ call attention to the self-medication and self-indulgence pervasive in celebrity culture. Carti doesn’t shy away from describing the substances that provide him an escape or the material rewards he affords himself.
These lines amplify the theme of personal excess meeting public expectation. The darker undertones suggest a sense of isolation and the necessity of numbness to withstand the pressures of fame. Playboi Carti, while revelling in the spoils of success, does not overlook the coping mechanisms that underpin it.
Breaking Down ‘Cookies in the shelf, My diamonds target self’: A Narcissistic Revelation or a Self-Aware Critique?
By detailing the trapping of success – whether the literal ‘trap’ of his past or the figurative one represented by luxury goods like diamonds – Carti exposes the ambiguity of his own position. There’s an overt expression of pride in accomplishments and possessions, yet, is there a subtext of self-awareness acknowledging the pitfalls of narcism?
It’s this ambivalence that imbues the track with complexity. On one hand, Carti relishes his spoils; on the other, he seems keenly aware of their superficiality. This lyric dances on the line between celebration and criticism, creating a space for listeners to question the true value of material success.
Decoding the Hidden Meaning: ‘Momma shed a tear’
Amongst the bravado and braggadocio, a single, subtle line offers a glimpse into the soul of the song. ‘Momma shed a tear’ resonates with a weight that the rest of the lyrics seem determined to buoy above. It suggests a personal sacrifice, a maternal pain possibly connected to the path Carti has taken towards his fame and fortune.
It’s a reminder of the humanity often left out of success stories. The cost of ‘Old Money’ is not just a transaction on a bank statement; it’s emotional, relational. Playboi Carti’s inclusion of this line acts as a tether to reality in a track otherwise adrift in the ether of extravagance.
