Programs by Mac Miller Lyrics Meaning – Unlocking the Doors to Consciousness and Reality
Lyrics
I don’t got a reason to lie, they gave me the key to the sky
But I’d rather open my eyes, ’cause that’s what’ll keep me alive
Somethin’ that’s easin’ my mind, please do not fuck up my day
Everybody want a headline, I don’t got nothin’ to say
‘Cept I’m comin’ back with the freshness
You know I love makin’ an entrance
Now now, don’t get defensive, time is a matter of seconds
(One, two, yeah)
Off to see the wizard, lead the picture
Me and liquor, evil mixture, demons clitter
Clean the whiskers, seeking Mr. Fisherman
Back on my shit again, doin’ my own dance
Feel the rhythm that’s no hands, I tell ya vision like programs
Busy livin’ on triple digits, young old man
Y’all dead wrong, I’m upper with the echelon
So butter when the bread long
I’m going strong till my head gone, til’ my head gone
Yeah, floatin’ back up on the scene I’m sayin’ hello (hello!)
Do my thing up on the strings like Tom Morello
I keep it movin’, you’ll be doin way too much
I ain’t tellin’ time just to tell you when it’s up (yep)
Yeah, I’m only keepin’ good company
I am not talkin’ to you if you don’t have love for me (yeah)
Yeah, one for you and one for me (yeah, yeah)
I am not talkin’ to you if you don’t have love for me
Yeah, I mean wow, do not touch that dial, I’ve waited a while
Been around, just like word of mouth, you gon’ hear me out (and I)
And I, and I, and I put that on my house
I’m always goin’ overboard, I better swim before I drown (drown)
I’m like rubber with the bounce, hundred be the count
Drummin’ loud, that’s Stunner with the sounds, yeah
(Bang, bang, bang, bang)
I was young, I’d fuck around, every summer wild
Always had it jumpin’ at the house
Yeah, clappin’ for y’all, I’m into havin’ it all
Feelin’ like Shaq with the call
Stature is tall, rollin’ around with the homies
A battery pack on my dawgs
Fuck with my dawgs, havin’ enough ain’t a lot
Puttin’ a check in the box, straight to the top, it don’t matter
Never mind the pattern when you’re takin’ your shot
Yeah, enough with the bullshit, enough with the bullshit
Enough with the extras, fuck up my money
I swear I been through it, fuck all the losin’, that’s just an illusion
Gotta keep them comin’ back for more to keep it movin’
Yeah, I’m only keepin’ good company
I am not talkin’ to you if you don’t have love for me (yeah)
Yeah, one for you and one for me
I am not talkin’ to you if you don’t have love for me (love for me)
Follow me, I know another way (who do we appreciate?)
Yeah, you know you better stand
Goddamn, put your hands together
Everybody got money, get the band together
Movin’ like you can’t stand the weather
But it ain’t gon’ rain always, yeah, yeah yeah
Mac Miller’s ‘Programs’ is not just a track; it’s a multi-layered aural experience. The late artist, known for his introspective lyrics and novel soundscapes, paints a vivid picture of his struggle with fame, introspection, and the search for authenticity. In deciphering the meaning behind ‘Programs,’ fans and first-time listeners alike are taken on a profound journey through Miller’s mind and the maze of modern life.
Unpacking the song’s intricate wordplay and streams of consciousness provides insight into Miller’s psyche during the period of its creation. It’s a snapshot of an artist grappling with external pressures while steadfastly maintaining his artistic integrity and personal growth. ‘Programs’ serves as an anchor, a declaration of maintaining one’s path despite the chaotic whirlwind of societal expectations and personal challenges.
An Entrance That Echoes: The Power of Miller’s Reintroduction
In ‘Programs,’ Mac Miller describes his return to the music scene as ‘comin’ back with the freshness.’ The song represents a reassertion of Miller’s unique presence in the entertainment industry. He asserts his place with a cavalier confidence, unfazed by critics and the press—those chasing headlines and looking to unsettle him.
The opening lines admit to a sort of key to nirvana handed to him—perhaps fame—but Miller suggests that consciousness, staying grounded in reality, is what actually sustains him. By opening one’s eyes instead of escaping to the sky, Miller propounds the essence of life: the need to face the world head-on, raw and unfiltered.
Diagnosing the Cultural Today: The Symptom of Superficial Desires
A recurring theme in ‘Programs’ is Miller’s critique of shallow societal values—the pursuit of fame and fortune above all else. He talks about being ‘busy livin’ on triple digits,’ identifying how society often traps individuals in a rat race of financial pursuit.
Yet Miller sets himself apart from those who want a headline, emphasizing his desire to lead an authentic life. This is reinforced by his conscious detachment from the time-bound ‘programs’ that society subscribes to, suggesting he’s playing by a different set of rules—one that values substance over appearance.
Within the Waves, A Sudden Depth: The Song’s Hidden Meaning
Beneath the surface of bravado and critique lies a much more vulnerable narrative. ‘Programs’ may be read as Mac Miller’s personal battle with his demons, including his well-documented struggles with addiction (‘me and liquor, evil mixture, demons glitter’). The mention of an ‘evil mixture’ and seeking ‘Mr. Fisherman’ can symbolize the hunt for relief from inner turmoil.
The wizard, likely alluding to the ‘Wizard of Oz,’ represents a quest for answers or an escape. Yet, despite the allure of such escapes, Miller’s lyrics insist on staying engaged in life’s dance, without leaning on external forces or substances—a decision to live purposefully.
Laid Bare: Poignancy in the Most Memorable Lines
‘Everybody want a headline, I don’t got nothin’ to say ‘Cept I’m comin’ back with the freshness,’ speaks volumes of Miller’s desire to keep his artistic integrity intact while refusing to become a mere soundbite for the public.
Furthermore, ‘I was young, I’d fuck around, every summer wild, always had it jumpin’ at the house’ juxtaposes innocence and youthful carefreeness with the present, more introspective self, showing growth and the passing of time but still clinging to a spark of that early energy.
A Call for Authenticity: ‘I’m only keepin’ good company’
Ultimately, ‘Programs’ is a declaration of self-preservation and the importance of genuine relationships. Miller repeats the mantra ‘I am not talkin’ to you if you don’t have love for me,’ suggesting that he chooses to surround himself only with those who offer sincerity and support.
This selective companionship acts as a shield against the superficiality that fame often brings. It’s Miller’s personal vetting program, ensuring his inner circle remains untainted by the whims of the public and the fickleness of the industry.
