Upgrade by Joji Lyrics Meaning – Peeling Back the Layers of Modern Love and Ambition
Lyrics
We can meet, but no more lies at the Oriental
Ayy, ayy, now I’m so professional
I just need you one more time to get it right, you know
Won’t you upgrade? I know it hurts
You deserve it, I know your worth
If you think you can’t make it happen
We keep it optional (we keep it optional)
We don’t make sense, we don’t make sense
We don’t make sense enough to give this time
But if you’ll be mine
We keep it optional
(Ooh) yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
(Ooh) yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
(Ooh) yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
(Ooh) yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
(Ooh) yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
(Ooh) yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Joji, a master of blending melancholic introspection with subtle catchy beats, presents a multifaceted narrative in his song ‘Upgrade’. The track, off his 2020 album ‘Nectar’, unfolds to examine the complexities of aspiring for more in both personal growth and romantic relationships.
Underneath the dreamy synth waves and tender melody lies a poignant exploration of longing, the human condition, and self-improvement. More than just auditory pleasure, ‘Upgrade’ is an invitation to dive deep into the psyche of the modern-day lover and the cost of aspiration.
Beyond First-Class: The Allure of International Elevation
The opening line, ‘Guess I’m flyin’ international,’ sets the stage for a journey that transcends physical borders. Not merely about travel, it is Joji’s metaphor for personal growth and ambition, a common thread in the tapestry of his artistry. The artist’s narrative prowess lies in his ability to craft a multi-layered message, making listeners ponder the transformative nature of his international flight.
Is this global trajectory a metaphor for escaping the complacency that often accompanies familiar surroundings, or is it a literal leap towards new opportunities? As Joji levitates above the mundane, we are compelled to question our own desires for advancement, both geographically and spiritually.
Unraveling ‘No More Lies at the Oriental’
The mention of ‘no more lies at the Oriental’ may seem cryptic, yet it is a clever allusion to an end of deceit in a place that traditionally symbolizes exotic luxury and escape. This could imply a confrontation with truth in a relationship or within oneself, a turning point where facades are no longer tenable.
It is at this intersection that Joji’s poetic ambiguity invites a multitude of interpretations. The Oriental, as a venue, becomes a poignant backdrop; it’s not just where masks are shed, but where ‘professional’ defenses are set, revealing a yearning for vulnerability and authentic connection.
The Heart of Ambivalence: Decoding the Hook
The hook, ‘Won’t you upgrade? I know it hurts,’ strikes a delicate balance between pain and promise. Here, ‘upgrade’ is not a superficial call for materialistic improvement, but a plea for emotional evolution. Joji understands the inherent discomfort in self-improvement but stands resolute in his convictions of its necessity.
He is versed in the dualities of growth, acknowledging the paradox of its appeal—both as a painful process and a rewarding outcome. Thus, ‘upgrade’ transcends a simple refrain, becoming a rallying cry for all who dare to reach towards a higher version of love and self.
A Symphony of Optionality: The Hidden Meaning
The refrain ‘We keep it optional’ serves as both confession and strategy. Joji and his muse extinguish expectations, creating a shield against the pressure of traditional commitment. This layer of the song encapsulates modern relationships, with their predilection for maintaining an escape clause—a no-strings-attached approach to love.
Yet, in this ostensible freedom, there is a poignant undercurrent of fear and indecision. Joji, ever the emotional cartographer, eloquently captures the zeitgeist of a generation—afraid to commit, yet craving connection; progressive in their relationship models, yet tethered to the desire for exclusivity and depth.
Echoes of Yearning: The Memorable Repetition
What could be dismissed as mere repetition in the outro’s series of ‘yeahs’ actually embodies an emotional crescendo—the manifestation of Joji’s internal struggle and repetitive contemplation. This musical mantra anchors the theme of the entire song; it’s a hypnotic loop reflecting the continuous cycle of desiring more.
Even within its simplicity, the outro becomes an epitaph for the song’s emotional journey—a testament to the repetitive nature of human yearning, be it for love, success, or the illusory point where they converge. In this chant-like sequence, Joji encapsulates the ethos of an entire generation’s pursuit of fulfillment.
