Meaning and Lyrics of Used To (feat. Jordan Ward) by Frex

When dissecting the track “Used To (feat. Jordan Ward)” by Frex, one can’t help but notice how the song plunges into the depths of emotional vulnerability yet resonates with an unshakable resilience typical of the GothBoiClique (GBC) ethos.

Intro: Horse Head

The intro sets the stage with distinct producer tags and affiliation shout-outs. The repetition of “used to be” already hints at a longing for the past or a comparison to what once was. The inclusion of the BatGangBeats and CashMoneyAP tags reinforces the collaborative nature of the song, reflecting modern hip-hop’s penchant for producer loyalty and collective vibes.

Chorus: Lil Tracy & Horse Head

The chorus paints a vivid picture with its imagery. The line, “My whole clique dressed in black just like a silhouette,” not only describes the Goth aesthetic but also the often shadowy presence of GBC members within the music scene. The simile of desiring someone “just like a cigarette” conjures an image of addiction – a fleeting satisfaction followed by a craving for more. The Wi-Fi metaphor is contemporary and apt, symbolizing the instability and intermittent connection within relationships in the digital age. The declaration “Just like the tattoos on my neck I wanted you forever” underscores the permanence and visibility of emotional scars. This verse is a cocktail of longing, dedication, and a somber realization of impermanence.

Verse 1: Lil Tracy & Horse Head

Lil Tracy’s poetry is lush with regal admiration, likening the muse to jewelry and scenes from a cinematic experience. The reference to “switchblades” juxtaposed with jewelry encapsulates the delicate yet dangerous allure often romanticized in GBC’s dark romanticism. Lil Tracy’s lines, “I would do the same for you, I’ll stay the same for you,” emphasize a willingness to reciprocate and the yearning for constancy — an irony considering GBC’s transient and often tumultuous lifestyle. His willingness to “stand out in the rain for you” and acknowledging felt “all types of pain for you” elevates the emotional stakes. Tracy’s ability to maintain loyalty amidst chaos is reflective of the melancholic romance that permeates his discography.

Bridge: Lil Tracy & Horse Head

The bridge acts as an interlude with its repetitive “Yeah, yeah,” a common stylistic element in trap music that adds to the hypnotic and introspective aura of the song. It’s a pause, almost a contemplative breath before diving back into the poetic narrative.

Verse 2: Lil Tracy

The second verse shifts focus onto camaraderie and the elite sense of belonging within the GBC collective, encapsulating the lifestyle with lines like, “Dressed in all black like the tints” and “Silver chain wrapped on my wrist.” The tactile descriptions give listeners a sense of being submerged in the club’s ambiance and Tracy’s world. His assertion of wanting someone “for life like the ink on me” is a testament to his desire for lasting connections amidst a backdrop that often seems transient and fleeting. The spiritual dichotomy of “demons…follow me, angels watch over me” suggests an internal conflict between dark and light forces, an ongoing theme in GBC’s oeuvre.

Chorus: Lil Tracy & Horse Head (Reprise)

Reiterating the chorus, the song circles back to its core themes, reinforcing the imagery of silhouettes, addiction, and connection. The continuous repetition drill’s further home the intertwined themes of transient connections, lasting scars, and the nostalgic reminiscence of what “used to be.”

Cultural and Artistic Context

In the broader scope of emo rap, a genre blending the introspective lyricism of emo music with hip-hop’s beat-centric structure, this track epitomizes the emotional rawness and aesthetic distinctiveness that set the sub-genre apart. GothBoiClique’s influence has been instrumental in shaping this hybrid genre, and “Used To” stands as a testimony to their ability to meld dark romanticism with contemporary musical rhythms.

Frex, alongside Jordan Ward, has crafted a piece that not only pays homage to the struggles and the ever-evolving emotional landscapes navigated by the millennial and Gen Z audiences but also contextualizes these feelings within the collective experience of GBC — a movement that has profoundly impacted the underground and mainstream music circuits alike.

So, there you have it — “Used To” isn’t just a track, it’s a haunting testament to the delicate balance between ephemeral connections and the pursuit of eternal belonging. It’s a scene from a monochrome movie where every beat, every lyric, is drenched in the shade of black that defines GothBoiClique.