Meaning of "Soundtrack 2 My Life" by Kid Cudi

"Soundtrack 2 My Life" delves into Kid Cudi's personal struggles and the emotions that consume him. The song begins with him expressing a longing to live a carefree life like Jay-Z, but acknowledging that he is different from the successful figures he looks up to. Kid Cudi feels like an outsider, related to his identity as a "Cleveland nigga" surrounded by individuals from Brooklyn.

He reflects on his past experiences with sitcoms portraying happy families, but asserts that real-life struggles can't be accurately depicted through them. Kid Cudi reveals the difficulties his mother faced during Christmas time to ensure he had what he wanted, raising questions of how she managed to provide for him. He questions why his older brothers and sister couldn't see through his sadness and emphasizes the lack of understanding in his environment.

The chorus expresses the artist's need to bring his internal struggles to light, as he feels it is the right thing to do. Kid Cudi feels invisible and misunderstood, dealing with emotions that no one else can see. He yearns for validation and hopes that by sharing his struggles through music, he can connect with others who may feel the same way.

In the second verse, Kid Cudi discusses his paranoia and the lasting impact of his father's death on his mental wellbeing. As a way to explore the universe and find answers, he experiments with psychedelic substances. Kid Cudi believes he must sacrifice himself to show others that they are not alone in their nighttime battles. He compares his current state to a hopeless cocoon, trapped in darkness like the dark side of the moon.

The bridge of the song reveals Kid Cudi's vulnerability and the dark thoughts that plague his mind. He contemplates trying drugs like cocaine and considers a haunting ending to his life. Ignorance becomes a coping mechanism for him, finding comfort in not thinking too deeply about his emotional pain. Kid Cudi acknowledges that seeking validation from others or caring about public opinion would only lead to dissatisfaction.

The final verses touch upon Kid Cudi's desires for stability, settling down, and finding genuine love. He feels that people who appear clean and put together on the surface often have hidden flaws. The only things that provide fleeting moments of calm and happiness for him are sex and cannabis, but these temporary escapes do not bring lasting satisfaction. Kid Cudi acknowledges the paradox of claiming to be happy while living a life filled with sadness.

Ultimately, "Soundtrack 2 My Life" conveys Kid Cudi's struggles with mental health, his longing for connection and understanding, and his complex relationship with the world around him.