Meaning of "Peanut" by Earl Sweatshirt

The lyrics of "Peanut" delve into complex emotions and relationships within a family dynamic. The narrator begins by addressing someone, perhaps a younger family member, and mentions the NSA (National Security Agency), which could be a metaphor for surveillance and monitoring. This suggests a sense of concern and protection from the narrator. The lines "Know I'm on the way" and "Family saw you on that stage, left it not amazed" imply that the person being addressed had potential and talent, but failed to deliver or impress.

The line "Thought you up in AA" suggests that the family had hoped this person would seek help from Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) to address their addiction. However, the next line, "Now you done and brazed," implies that the person did not overcome their struggles and has instead become even more reckless. The use of the word "brazed" conveys a sense of recklessness and disregard for consequences.

The lyrics continue to explore the person's addiction and its effect on both the individual and the family. The lines "Get the fuck back, you moving like they cut your 'caine" suggest that the person's behavior is erratic and paranoid, as if they had consumed a substance that had been tampered with. The mention of "tear-aways" and "flushin' through the pain" alludes to attempts to cope with the pain and depression caused by addiction. The narrator acknowledges that this struggle is not just a passing phase but a deep-rooted issue.

There is a sense of loss and displacement expressed in the lyrics, as the narrator mentions "picking out his grave" and feeling out of place. The line "Try and catch some rays" could mean the narrator is searching for some form of happiness or escape amidst the darkness. However, the mention of death and the "sour taste" it leaves behind imply that the search for solace is not easily found.

The lyrics then shift to mourning the loss of a father figure. The line "Bless my pops, we sent him off and not a hour late" suggests that the family recently experienced the death of their father, and they are still dealing with the shock and pain. The mention of the heart being "somewhere on the range" symbolizes the narrator's sense of detachment and distance from their emotions.

Despite the grief and confusion, there is a determination to rise above the circumstances. The lyrics mention letting go of negativity and "elevating" oneself. The line "We box 'em out, my shit a million miles away" could mean the narrator is distancing themselves from toxic influences and focusing on personal growth. The usage of "featherweight" metaphorically implies that others may underestimate the narrator's strength or resilience.

The song concludes with a reference to the narrator's Uncle Hugh, leaving room for further exploration of familial relationships and connections. Overall, "Peanut" illustrates the complex dynamics of addiction, grief, and the pursuit of personal growth within a family context.