Meaning and Lyrics of Self Care by Mac Miller

Mac Miller’s “Self Care” is a haunting yet contemplative dive into the intricacies of mental health, self-discovery, and the complex navigation of fame. The song is divided into two distinct sections: “Self Care” and “Oblivion,” each offering a different yet interconnected narrative that delves deeply into Miller’s psyche.

Part I: Self Care

From the jump, the intro featuring JID sets a repetitive, almost hypnotic tone with the word “check” repeated multiple times, as if testing the waters or calibrating before diving deep. This repetition continues with “It don’t work,” suggesting a trial-and-error phase in Miller’s journey toward self-improvement and personal growth.

Chorus: Mac Miller

The chorus kicks in with vivid imagery, beginning with Miller “switching the time zone.” This line can be interpreted metaphorically—Miller’s attempt to escape or reset his mental state by changing his physical environment. It’s an acknowledgment of disorientation, emphasized by nights spent “hitchhikin’,” a term that adds a sense of aimlessness to his journey. The line “I could fly home with my eyes closed” tells us about his intrinsic familiarity with this state of confusion and disorientation. Despite this, he reassures listeners that “you could find me, I ain’t hidin’,” indicating a certain transparency in his struggle. The following line “I don’t move my feet when I be glidin’, I just slide in and then I roll out” is Miller expressing a sense of effortless movement through life, an attitude he maintains despite the chaos.

Verse 1: Mac Miller & JID

As the verse unfolds, Miller’s climb “over that wall” exemplifies his attempts to overcome his struggles and barriers. This uphill effort is followed by a fall, a powerful allusion to the axiom “the higher they climb, the harder they fall.” This reflects his own rise to fame followed by moments of vulnerability and despair. The poignant line “Can’t trust no one, can’t even trust yourself” is a raw confession of his distrust, a prevailing theme in his music that underscores his internal conflict. This is juxtaposed with the contradictory but heartfelt “And I love you, I don’t love nobody else,” pointing towards the complexity of his relationships and his solitary affection.

Chorus and Pre-Chorus

The pre-chorus introduces defiance: “Tell them they can take that bullshit elsewhere,” signaling a rejection of negativity and a focus on “self care.” This refrain connects directly back to Kendrick Lamar’s sentiment in “Alright,” underscoring the shared struggle and resilience within the hip-hop community.

Part II: Oblivion

Transitioning into the second part, “Oblivion,” the tone shifts significantly. The introspection in “Self Care” gives way to a somber acceptance. The lines “I didn’t know, I didn’t know, yeah” reflect a retrospective confusion, an acknowledgment of the blurry lines between clarity and ignorance during his turbulent times.

Chorus: Mac Miller

The repetition of “oblivion” in the chorus creates an echoing effect, reinforcing the idea of emptiness or a void that Miller finds himself floating in. However, he describes it as a “beautiful feeling,” indicating a paradox where he finds a sense of peace within the chaos. This is a moment of surrender to the uncontrollable elements of life, symbolized by the ethereal state of oblivion.

Verse: Mac Miller

The verse paints a picture of Miller’s daily life, filled with contradictions. The sun that “set quickly, then get up slow,” juxtaposes speed and delay, a metaphor possibly for his own rapid rise to fame followed by the slow, grueling recovery from its aftermath. His line “Let’s go and travel through the unknown” is an invitation to embrace uncertainty and explore uncharted emotional territories. The mention of “45s” is a nostalgic reference, connecting his current state of mind to a simpler time. The internal war he’s facing means he’s constantly balancing fleeting moments of joy against the backdrop of larger struggles, both personal and external.

Chorus

The closing chorus reiterates his state of “oblivion,” but it’s now intricately laced with acceptance. It’s not necessarily a surrender, but rather a recognition of the temporal serenity found amidst the storm. “I got all the time in the world, so for now I’m just chillin’,” denotes a patient, almost meditative state amid ongoing tumult.

In summary, “Self Care” by Mac Miller illuminates the duality of seeking and finding oneself in the crevices of fame, mental health, and existential pondering. The oscillation between introspection and acceptance encapsulates a poignant journey of battling inner demons whilst finding fleeting moments of peace. Fully imbued with personal and artistic evolution, this track stands as a testament to Miller’s intricate and profound grasp on the nuances of the human experience.