Meaning of "Red Water" by Earl Sweatshirt

The lyrics of "Red Water" delve into Earl Sweatshirt's sense of self and the complexities he faces in his journey of self-discovery. The opening line, "Yeah, I know I'm a king, stork on my shoulder, I was sinkin'," immediately places the artist in a position of power and authority, symbolized by the reference to a king. However, he also acknowledges his vulnerability and the feeling of sinking, which represents his struggles and insecurities.

The line "Papa called me chief" suggests a connection to his father, who sees him as a leader or someone with potential. The reference to a chief implies both responsibility and a potential burden. This relationship with his father becomes more poignant when he says, "Blood on my father, I forgot another dream." This line hints at a strained or absent relationship with his father and the loss or abandonment of dreams that were once important to him.

Throughout the lyrics, Earl Sweatshirt uses the image of water as a metaphor for his emotions and experiences. "Blood in the water, I was walkin' in my sleep" conveys a sense of emotional turmoil, as if he is drowning in his own thoughts and emotions. This ties in with the theme of sinking and feeling trapped. The repetition of lines throughout the song emphasizes the internal struggle and the difficulty in escaping these feelings.

The artist also mentions playing with magic and hiding blessings in his sleeve. This can be interpreted as him exploring his own abilities and potential, experimenting with his creativity and talent. The idea of hiding blessings suggests a sense of protection or preservation, as if he's not yet ready to fully reveal or actualize his talents.

Overall, "Red Water" explores the complex emotions and struggles Earl Sweatshirt faces in understanding and accepting his own identity. It delves into themes of self-doubt, generational relationships, and the pursuit of one's true potential.