True Love (feat. Kanye West)
XXXTENTACION
The Complexity of True Love: Navigating Heartache and Parenthood
In the song "True Love (feat. Kanye West)", XXXTENTACION and Kanye West delve into the intricate and often painful dynamics of love and separation. The repeated refrain, "True love shouldn't be this complicated," underscores the central theme of the song: the disillusionment and heartache that come with a relationship that was once believed to be a sanctuary. The lyrics convey a sense of betrayal and confusion, as the artists grapple with the emotional turmoil of a love that has become fraught with difficulties.
Kanye West's verse adds another layer to the narrative, focusing on the challenges of co-parenting and the strain it places on familial relationships. Lines like "Wait, when you see the kids? I'll see y'all tomorrow" and "When I pick 'em up, I feel like they borrowed" highlight the fragmented nature of his time with his children. The metaphor of scanning the kids like a barcode poignantly illustrates the transactional and impersonal aspects of shared custody. The mention of brand preferences and societal expectations, such as "why they can't wear Yeezys with the cargos?" and "At least have 'em in some Mike's, he played for Chicago," further emphasizes the external pressures that complicate personal relationships.
The song also touches on the longing for stability and normalcy, as evidenced by the lines "I leave the light on" and "Daddy's at home, tell Gekyume." These phrases suggest a desire to provide a sense of security and continuity for their children, despite the upheaval in their personal lives. The repeated assertion that "true love shouldn't be this complicated" serves as a lament for the idealized version of love that seems increasingly out of reach. Through their raw and honest lyrics, XXXTENTACION and Kanye West offer a poignant exploration of the complexities of love, loss, and the enduring hope for a better future.