Meaning of "Float On" by Danny Brown

The lyrics of "Float On" by Danny Brown delve into the artist's personal struggles with mental health and addiction. He uses drugs as a means to cope with the pressures and stresses he faces in the music industry. The opening lines describe his reliance on substances like backwoods (cannabis) and lean (a mixture of codeine and promethazine) to help him sleep and alleviate his emotional pain. He alludes to using Xanax and Vicodin to manage stress and numb himself from the struggles he encounters.

Brown's lyrics underline his determination to pursue his music career, despite the toll it takes on his mental well-being. He describes waking up on the wrong side and feeling compelled to write, even when it seems futile. The pressure to constantly produce something better, to surpass his previous work, weighs heavily on him. The line "nothing else matters, except my next rhyme" reflects his singular focus on music, using it as an escape and a form of self-expression.

Throughout the song, Brown touches on the idea of floating on drugs, using them as a means to cope and find temporary relief. He acknowledges that without these pills, he might have a mental breakdown. However, he also expresses a desire to break free from this dependency and find a better future. The line "And not for the money for the life after dying" suggests that he writes not solely for financial gain, but for a deeper purpose — to leave a lasting impact on the genre and be recognized as an influential figure.

The lyrics also touch on the artist's past experiences that have shaped his current mindset. He recounts a moment when he was attacked (likely referencing a real-life incident) and emphasizes the need to think like his enemies to overcome adversity. This experience taught him the importance of resilience and survival.

Overall, "Float On" portrays the complex relationship between art, addiction, and mental health. It highlights the artist's ongoing struggle to balance his personal demons with his desire to succeed in the music industry. Through his lyrics, Danny Brown explores the dark side of fame and the toll it can take on an artist's well-being.