“Water” by Kanye West (ft. Ty Dolla $ign & Ant Clemons)
Kanye West’s “Water” is a religious song based primarily on Christian symbolism. In this track, that artists (Kanye West, Ty Dolla $ign and Ant Clemons) compare themselves and the listeners to “water”. In terms of Christianity in particular, water has been used as a means to baptize believers, which is symbolic of them taking on a new, more-righteous life. Owing to this, the word water, as used throughout this song, likely refers to the purifying quality this substance has in relation to applicable religious beliefs.
As such, the point that Kanye, Ty Dolla and Clemons are trying to put forth is that we ourselves are pure. This does not mean, as the lyrics point out, that we are “as perfect as Christ”. Yet being that “we are made up of 90 percent water”, we also have the potential to lead righteous lives.
That said, the artists are asking for the “light” of the Most High to “reflect on” them. They also seem to state that the “love” of God is also “water”. Thus they basically equate Godly affection with righteousness.
And throughout this endeavor, they are also requesting that ‘the chlorine be taken out of the conversation’. This likely alludes to ideological elements which could dilute or taint the “water”.
While this track uses a lot of high-end religious symbolism, it is not necessarily complicated. Rather it seems that more than anything, Yeezus and his collaborators are appealing to the positive aspects of the nature of man, as well as intervention from the Most High to bring this character forth.
Quick Facts about “Water”
- Kanye West has made a couple of references to water before on social media, though it is not clear if those instances are related to this track.
- This song was written by Ty Dolla $ign, Ant Clemons and Kanye West (who also produced it).
- “Water” premiered during the Kanye West-led Easter Sunday Service at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on 21 April 2019.
- It is unclear if this song will actually be featured on an album, though it is speculated that it may make the tracklist of Kanye’s forthcoming album, Yandhi.
