Meaning and Lyrics of Parking Lot by Mustard

The song “Parking Lot” by Mustard, featuring YG and Travis Scott, encapsulates a vivid night-time scene set in a parking lot, portraying themes of hedonism, wealth, and street life. Through a mixture of boastful lyrics and reflective moments, the artists craft a narrative that illustrates both their enjoyment of the present and the struggles they have overcome.

Intro by YG:
The repetitive refrain “Away, away, away” sets the atmospheric tone of the song, encapsulating a sense of escapism or transcendence. The inclusion of the producer tag “Mustard on the beat, ho” immediately signals to the listener the high-energy, distinctive style associated with DJ Mustard’s production.

Chorus by Travis Scott:
In the chorus, Travis Scott sets the scene at “5 AM in the parkin’ lot,” where luxury is highlighted by the presence of “Four black trucks takin’ parkin’ spots.” The imagery of these vehicles implies wealth and status. The interaction with a woman, where she reaches into his pants to check if he’s “soft or not,” and his response “I’m hard as a m**********r, Scott La Rock,” blends sexual bravado with a nod to the late hip-hop pioneer Scott La Rock. The lines “I gave her good dick, the type her heart’ll stop” and “Them ass shots on her make an artist drop” further accentuate the carnal and extravagant lifestyle he leads. The repeated statement “n***a, damn” serves as a punctuation to the vivid and sensory-loaded narrative.

Verse 1 by Travis Scott:
Travis Scott provides autobiographical glimpses that depict his rise from humble beginnings. At “12 AM at the crib goin’ ham,” the mention of “Rollin’ green, countin’ bacon, Sam, I am him” points to engaging in both indulgence and stacking money. The recollection of “five n****s, one gram, we split it twenty, damn” captures the essence of camaraderie and the struggles during harder times. The lyrics “Not your average citizens, we’re movin’ like some immigrants” suggest a feeling of being outsiders striving for betterment. The mention of “Xans” contributes a darker undertone, referencing the misuse of Xanax to escape or cope with stress. The verse also covers geographical markers like “Lake Olympia” and “Meadow Creek,” grounding the narrative in real places linked to his past. The reflection on his journey, “Blowin’ up will never end,” emphasizes his relentless pursuit of success and the ever-evolving nature of his career.

Chorus by Travis Scott:
The repetition of the chorus serves to re-anchor the listener in the scene painted earlier – the opulent and high-energy early morning in the parking lot. Travis Scott’s adlibs (“It’s lit”) add a layer of exuberance to the mix, reinforcing the celebratory atmosphere.

Verse 2 by Travis Scott:
Introducing characters like Keisha, Tisha, and Tina, Travis Scott explores different archetypes of women in his circle with lines like “Keisha got a G5 body,” comparing them to luxury vehicles. The switch from academic pursuits to a more reckless lifestyle is captured in “Dropped out of school to get the bag and go dumber” and “Was in med school, now the meds make her number.” These lines point to the shifts in life choices influenced by the chase of wealth and fun. The line “Owe it to my fans how we doin’ these numbers” reflects appreciation for his supporters and acknowledgment of his success.

Bridge by Travis Scott:
The bridge transitions into a broader view, with “Whippin’ in the lot, but we treat it like a Tundra,” a comparison that conveys their powerful navigating through life and the parking lot scene specifically. The reference to “basement lookin’ like the forum” suggests that even their private spaces mirror grand, concert-like atmospheres, signifying overwhelming success and constant celebration.

Chorus by Travis Scott (Reprise):
The final repetition of the chorus enhances the song’s main themes, with lines continuing to emphasize the sensory experience of wealth, power, and indulgence.

Outro:
The outro brings back the somber, reflective tone introduced at the beginning. The repetitive “Away, away, away” can be seen as a cyclical reminder of the escapism and fleeting nature of these hedonistic nights, suggesting an underlying desire to escape the trappings of their lifestyle, even if momentarily.

In essence, “Parking Lot” paints a dynamic picture of lavish lifestyles contrasted with humble beginnings, encapsulating the highs and lows of Travis Scott’s and his associates’ lives, grounded by teamwork, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of turning dreams into reality.