
Exploring the Depth of Tyler, The Creator’s “Goblin”
What if I told you that a song could be both incredibly disturbing and amazingly honest at the same time? Would you believe it? Well, that’s exactly what Tyler, The Creator’s “Goblin” does. The song has gained fame since it’s release in 2011 as it delves into the psyche of a troubled teenager whose mind is tormented by his inner demons. In this article, we will explore the meaning behind the song, and how Tyler’s candid lyrics and technical production make “Goblin” a masterpiece.
Table of Contents
The Story Behind The Song
What inspired Tyler to write such a bleak song? Tyler, whose real name is Tyler Okonma, has always been open about his difficult childhood. He was born in California in 1991 to a mother who raised him by herself. Tyler grew up in poverty and was often subjected to domestic violence from his mother’s partners. In interviews, Tyler has confessed that he was often suicidal around the time that he wrote “Goblin”. He wrote the album of the same name as a way to cope with his insecurities and inner fears.
Understanding the Lyrics
“Goblin” is told from the perspective of Tyler’s alter-ego, Wolf Haley. The song starts with Tyler rapping about his experience with fame and how people often judge him for his eccentricity. However, as the song progresses, it becomes apparent that Tyler is not just speaking metaphorically when he talks about goblins and demons; he is describing the very real darkness that he feels inside. The lyrics speak to how Tyler constantly feels like he is “not enough” and how he struggles with his identity as a black man in America.
The chorus of the song is perhaps the most chilling part as Tyler tells himself to “kill people, burn ####, #### school”. It is in this part that we see the true horror of Tyler’s thoughts as he battles with what seems to be a form of intrusive thoughts and how he is trying (and struggling) to break away from the darkness that constantly threatens to consume him.
Technical Analysis
While the lyrics of “Goblin” are powerful, it’s Tyler’s production that truly sets the mood of the song. Tyler has been praised for his ability to create an atmosphere that can make the listener feel like they are in the same room as him when he is recording. In “Goblin,” the production is minimalistic, and Tyler uses silence and distortion to create an eerie feeling. The sound of a dial-up modems squealing is used as a repeating motif throughout the song, adding a jarring and uncomfortable feeling to the already uneasy aura.
The Legacy of “Goblin”
“Goblin” is a song that has left a mark on the music industry, and Tyler’s honesty about his past and his struggles has helped other people to take similar steps in speaking candidly about their experiences. Tyler continues to be an important voice in hip-hop for his willingness to talk about topics that most rappers shy away from, such as mental health and LGBTQ+ issues.
In conclusion, Tyler, The Creator’s “Goblin,” though disturbing, is an essential masterpiece in hip-hop. Its honesty and technical prowess make it one of the most compelling pieces of music of the last decade. Tyler’s personal struggles and his ability to share them with his listeners have opened up doors to more candid conversations around mental health in hip-hop, and his work has helped to destigmatize talking about mental health struggles.
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