Meaning of "Grown Ups" by Earl Sweatshirt

The song delves into the complexities of growing up and the challenges that come with it. Earl Sweatshirt describes feeling trapped and disconnected from his true self, possibly due to the influence of drugs ("Feel this cage when that acid fade"). He contrasts his own desires for success and fame with the desire for stability and a sense of home ("You desire a stable home, I acquire fame at naming hoes"). The lyrics also touch on the struggle between faith and skepticism ("Asking God for favors, Guess he isn't home, Probably 'cause that fucking faith I didn't show"). Earl reflects on the absence of a father figure in his life and the impact it has had on his upbringing ("Grew up in a home that papa wasn't in"). There is a sense of inner conflict as he navigates his way through his troubled past and tries to find his own path forward ("Trying to figure out how to start a mother fucking end"). The chorus expresses a sense of uncertainty and a lack of trust in others, including romantic partners and friends. The line "fucking with some grown ups" suggests that he is now surrounded by people who are equally lost and struggling to find themselves. Overall, the song explores the themes of identity, disillusionment, and the challenges of adulthood.