The lyrics talk about the day the singer's father passed away and the impact it had on him, mentioning how he almost quit music, became a man, and dealt with the aftermath of his death, such as giving away his wheelchair. The song reflects on the emotional turmoil of losing a parent and the transformation that comes with it.

Meaning of "January 11th, 2017" by Mike Posner

"January 11th, 2017" by Mike Posner delves into the deep emotional journey that the singer went through after his father's passing. The lyrics reveal the struggle of dealing with grief, the need to step up and be strong for his mother, and the overwhelming wave of support from friends and family. The mention of finding joints in his father's dresser and his sister smoking them symbolizes moments of fleeting escapism and temporary relief from the pain. The decision to give away his father's wheelchair signifies the acceptance of his father's departure and the beginning of a new chapter in his life, marked by taking on responsibilities and coming to terms with loss. The song concludes with an intimate spoken conversation, possibly with his father posthumously, expressing love, appreciation, and the bittersweetness of letting go.