The Darker Meaning Behind HEY YA!

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Join me on a journey as we uncover the hidden gems of Outkast's iconic hit "Hey Ya!" Dive into the depths of modern relationships and discover how music can evoke emotions like no other. Learn about the ironic tone and deceptive cadence that perfectly captures the song's message of holding on to relationships. Don't miss out on this insightful analysis of one of the greatest tracks of the last 20 years - perfect for all music lovers and those looking to gain a deeper understanding of the lyrics behind the beat.
Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction
1:16 The Making of Hey Ya!
2:03 Breaking It Down
3:46 A Deceptive Cadence
4:46 The Message of the Song
5:14 Conclusion
#Middle8 #Outkast #HeyYa #VideoEssay
The Darker Meaning Behind Outkast's 'Hey Ya!'
The Hidden Message in Outkast's 'Hey Ya!
Understanding the True Message of Outkast's 'Hey Ya!'

[@Middle8]

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[@abyssmp3]

Shit isn’t even dark lmaoo

[@Cayde-MBX]

i know its been three years, but you should cover evil by interpol

[@therongraves6348]

Opinions r like ass holes, every body got 1

[@rebelpack948]

Hey ya is not dark. It's just an emotional song. Thats it. It's just a little deep

[@rad8078]

“Early 2000s” and “almost 20 years” really caught me off guard

[@elijahashman9716]

Anthony Abele haha right damn I’m okd

[@carlesdixon850]

To be fair this song in particular only came out 16 years ago

[@neyx-barca8196]

Same

[@commentraider5303]

@@carlesdixon850 only 16 years ago.... Only 16.

[@outforlunch1258]

damn wtf

[@yocracra2775]

“Y’all don’t wanna hear me you just wanna dance.” Is probably single handedly the most genius phrase I’ve heard in music.

[@riskybusiness5921]

Then you need to listen to more music

[@someonesomething9282]

So many other songs try to "break the fourth wall" and call out the listener. I've yet to hear one do it better than Hey Ya.

[@lebre.]

He was breaking the 4th wall all along and we didn't realize it! Genius songwriting!

[@carlshneebly7136]

Yocracra You’ve never heard Hook by Blues Traveler?

[@Kam-jk9yi]

@@riskybusiness5921 found the elitist

[@milesgraham7239]

When he says "you know what to do," the background vocals are saying "shake it." For most listeners, it sounds like dance instructions, but when held against the true meaning of the song, "shake it" can mean "shake" the relationship, and break free from it. Absolutely genius songwriting.

[@CasualVFlowerEnjoyer]

underrated reply. I definitely think this is the real meaning behind that particular lyric. There are a lot of other interpretations going on that just don't make as much sense. People saying "you're not supposed to shake a polaroid picture so you're not supposed to be dancing at all" and other dumb crap like that. Andre wrote some deep lyrics and he is a musical genius in his own right but I wouldn't put it past him to not know you shouldn't shake a polaroid. I think the whole 'shake it like a polaroid picture' thing is confusing people too much.

[@jackschitt5468]

"Shake it like a Polaroid picture" I want you to act out that description. Shake a picture like how people would shake a picture. Like, literally. With your hand. Now imagine someone's wang in that hand.

[@gibbon3985]

@@CasualVFlowerEnjoyer Your comment just sparked a thought in me about this but since shaking a polaroid picture ruins what's on it doesn't he tell us to shake it so the memory you took with the polaroid picture dissapears. Hinting that you need to get out of the relationship you're in even though you have lots of memories together?

[@PalHairGaming]

Shake dat ahh

[@MammaL1ama]

Actually Polaroid came out saying you shouldn’t shake a Polaroid picture because it can damage or harm it while developing. That’s deep.

[@midnightisnice]

The most interesting line is “if nothing lasts forever then what makes love the exception?” I’ve held onto many things arbitrarily on the basis of love. He makes a good point

[@mydogsteppedona4431]

If you believe in life after death thwn everything you love is forever. From that pet thay patner to the family and friends. So yes, it is forever depending on ur belief system that is or the lack there of.

[@Eh-zi9du]

Maybe Love isn’t nothing it’s something

[@midnightisnice]

@@mydogsteppedona4431 interesting

[@ankleroller]

God is love

[@dymedozit6626]

Jesus is Love himself!.. Jesus is The Word made flesh!.. Heaven and earth will pass away but My Word remains forever says the Lord!

[@AvilesSkatez88]

" do you fools really listen to music or do you just skim through it? " - jay z

[@Harizzz01]

RENEGADE

[@justlivin3998]

PES Myths 🤣

[@carpejkdiem]

JZ is a WICKED evil mindslayer for the man. Witch writers secret. Spell casters. Satans ministers.

[@justlivin3998]

carpejkdiem meh

[@Kw-sv2mo]

@@carpejkdiem 😂😂😂

[@JPTQJR]

"A song so catchy, most people probably don't listen to the lyrics. But they should" - Patrick Bateman

[@bluelotus5174]

Reminds me of "Hook", by Blues Travelers

[@bluelotus5174]

Good movie though!

[@bluedere135]

"Y'all don't wanna listen to me y'all just wanna dance

[@bones22j]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@animock3051]

Dubs

[@leonleon2276]

This is not dark at. It’s genius. With a banging beat that makes you want to dance so no one even hears the lyrics. If some soul singer was singing this track, everyone would get it and probably start crying

[@DJTeddyJetts]

A musician friend of mine did a darker soul cover of Hey Ya at one of his shows and it was beyond amazing.

[@camerondewaal4769]

@@DJTeddyJetts u got that saved?

[@Geminish15]

A "banging beat?" Seriously?

[@leonleon2276]

@@Geminish15 yes. It’s different , very catchy. And it must have been decent because no one ever really paid attention to the lyrics. Like I said , if the lyrics was sung by someone like slow RNB singer, everyone would have looked at it in a much deeper way and girls would have cried.

[@cynthiawescott7964]

Me...I would 😢

[@therodian96]

André 3000 is easily one of the most underrated artists ever. He never had a whack verse, only hits and no misses. We have to appreciate him more, there is a reason why nearly every big Hip Hop artist of our generation names him as a key inspiration. The only thing that's holding him back from being the goat is that he never released a solo album.

[@therodian96]

@Big Spill Keyboard warrior 🤡

[@therodian96]

@Big Spill Skin color doesn‘t matter when it comes to music, hip hop isn’t exclusively for black people and if you think so, I feel sorry for you.

[@akhineshs2754]

Underrated??????. Oukast was the best hip hop duo ever.! ❤️❤️❤️

[@miguelquazar883]

He wasnt underrated at all. That is a garbage statement.

[@cs40660]

OutKast wasn’t underrated at the time but nowadays their influence is incredibly understated, especially within the floridian sound explosion over the last 5 years

[@ShaunKAndersonTV]

This isn’t dark. Just an artist saying real shit.

[@Fortniteclandanny]

Exactly...

[@Lucas30]

shaun k anderson you could say that the meaning is dark relative to the upbeat sound of the song

[@megami7373]

shaun k anderson they didn’t mean literally.

[@kbcinmedusn]

But there are still those who aren't going to buy Outcast's music for this very reason. And to them it is dark. It just depends on how the listener views relationships and marriage. Some people believe that it is a dark thing to split with someone you already committed yourself to just because you're not happy with them anymore.

[@getlost3094]

Lol exactly what I was thinking.

[@cestulvarzebuskal8643]

"Yall don't want to hear me, you just want to dance" - _André 3000_

[@axelbuckets3858]

DELRIO SAVAGE 60% of people never heard him say that until this video

[@badasstrapbass2313]

@@axelbuckets3858 I didn't hear it

[@ChaosGamingMMO]

@@badasstrapbass2313 Because you didn't want to hear it, you just wanted to dance.

[@usmelllikeewewewew7390]

ChaosGamingMMO 🤯🤯🤯

[@wackyflappybob]

Wow I never heard it before either, that's mind boggling.

[@D0ntTickleMe]

I always thought it was hilarious that when this song got released Polaroid legit came out with an official statement telling everybody you do not need to shake the pictures for them to develop, nor does it speed it up. In fact shaking them might ruin the necessary reactions that are required for a Polaroid to develope correctly if you "shake it" 🤣

[@CashCowz962]

Tell that to Tyrone

[@neotheone9067]

Instant Polaroids were extinct when this song came out so why make a statement?

[@MsFOXI]

I was in high school when this song came out, we were not using Polaroid cameras at that time. So I don't remember Polaroid making any statements of such.

[@mredwardgibbon]

That's prolly why he said to shake it

[@billiswillis4087]

@@neotheone9067 Captain obvious

[@applejuice8173]

I personally think that the end of the song has it's own meaning separate from the rest of it. When he says the line "Y'all don't wanna hear me, you just wanna dance" he means that no one is listening to the true meaning of the song, and that everyone is still living in ignorance. But at the end of the song, at least in the music video, he starts dancing as well. This could mean that there are these sad truths out there, but no one wants to solve them. Everyone, even the creator of the song, would rather listen to some giddy song and sing and dance than face the meaning of the song. I think he is talking about how society would rather live in a comfortable, ignorant life than face their problems of the world. But that's just me.

[@CC-dz5mx]

Great insight on disecting the meaning

[@toopt.v6001]

You are right

[@RonnieRonnie3697]

Love your interpretation❤

[@endslayer5133]

The fact that most people didn’t hear “y’all don’t wanna hear me sing you just wanna dance” is really ironic

[@Pimpedout007101]

Yeah but no one heard any other lyric besides hey ya and something about Polaroids. He could have said anything and no one would be the wiser.

[@GuiltlessDJO3]

How is that ironic? Either that or im stupid

[@xTheDeerLordx]

It's the most literal line on the track...

[@bluishwolf]

@@GuiltlessDJO3 The artist is self-aware that people don't hear the lyrics of the song and is pointing it out, which is romantic irony aka postmodernism. If listeners actually heard the lyrics, that would take away that irony and just make the band look silly.

[@GuiltlessDJO3]

@@bluishwolf ohhh okay thank you! uwu

[@vs-in1bh]

My favorite lyric is when he says "thank god for mom and dad for sticking together cause we don't know how."

[@piyo744]

Isn't it "sticking two together so we don't know how"?

[@vs-in1bh]

@@piyo744 I think so

[@santinoalvarado4193]

I like alright alright alright alright alright alrightalright alright alrightalright alright alrightalright alright alrightalright alright alright alright alright alright alright alrightalright alright alrightalright alright alright alright alright alright alright alright alrightalright alright alrightalright alright alrightalright alright alright alright alright alright alright alright alrightalright alright alrightalright alright alrightalright alright alright

[@UpstageBeast]

@@piyo744 it's "sticking to together"

[@enrique2395]

No its “Hey ya”

[@celeciajohnson4522]

Those words are straight to the point. And the energy is realistic. People are happy in misery and miserably happy

[@ADHDingus168]

I legit just got out of a crappy relationship that is exactly the way Andre put it, and I listened to this song a lot but never realized that that was the message it was sending, looking at this song now, he’s right, 100% right, and at the end with “you know what to do” I felt like I did but didn’t muster up the courage to, so thank you for this awesome video and I will listen to it more and more reminding myself to enjoy company and don’t just be with someone because I feel obligated to

[@angel-gu8co]

i seriously never even noticed him saying "y'all don't wanna hear me u just wanna dance"

[@dedicationmatters]

I never noticed that line in that song either 🤷‍♀️

[@Joawlisdoingfine]

angel Though I heard some depressing stuff in the song, like ten years after it came out. Yet I missed this one line...

[@cyberworld9000]

@@dedicationmatters how?! Its like the best line in the entire song. lol

[@malikevans2615]

@@cyberworld9000 fr i think the comment section deaf

[@DRabbBeats]

@@cyberworld9000 I swear it always stood out to me. Made me stop and think out the blue right in the middle of jamming to the song when he said that lol.

[@grantos]

That's the point of the line. "shake it like a polaroid picture" means to shake it like you're not supposed to. Innapropriate shaking! Which is actually appropriate for this track. Andre 3000 is a genius.

[@huekaluvr]

hOLY FUCK

[@kervincerl3335]

Damn man I've never thought of it that way

[@justcomments]

Shake off your stale old fashioned relationship 🤔

[@justsaiyan8678]

What if he wanted you to dance to be yourself. The Polaroid picture is not finished until the color is shaken into it....🤔🤔. Life is bland without dancing and expression it's also bland if you have tunnel vision....🤔🤔

[@MSofDM]

god damn you really just opened something up in my mind lmao that really should have clicked for me

[@atuck6082]

Nothing dark about it, a message to be though abou, yes. Anyone who's actually an outcast fan knows to listen to the lyrics behind the catchy tunes. Thetly always had a message and that's what made them great.

[@nikradik]

Hello..

[@spiritlevelstudios]

You spelled Outkast wrong.

[@breannamoore27]

I wouldn’t have titled this as a dark meaning. He was dropping knowledge based on his experiences… It’s the public who’s blind and wants to live in the dark and just “dance”.

[@jamilajohnson7460]

No, they are not blind. It is his story, and how he choose to share it was misleading. They are reasons why singers like Adele Grasp the attention of her audience, she shares exactly what she is feeling. No misconception or deception. The words of the song were lost behind all the instrumentals. Not the audience's fault

[@alyssathefbigirl6209]

“Y’all don’t want to hear me, you just want to dance” He really just bamboozeld us

[@MrSkilla16]

For yeaaaaaars

[@vikramm5908]

Lolol

[@djvirus7045]

We’ve been had😂😂

[@Ramf3444]

Apex Legends

[@Scholz23]

He knows what's up

[@SpuroWasDead_WakeMeUpWhen]

I always wondered why they where preforming “hey ya” at a funeral in the music video

[@JDEdwards2331]

Excuse me?!

[@SpuroWasDead_WakeMeUpWhen]

James Edwards yeah throughout the video there’s a casket in the background and I always took it as them playing there song at a funeral at the request of the died guy or something.

[@eugenemccabe7592]

@@SpuroWasDead_WakeMeUpWhen omg I never noticed that

[@nazmo1880]

YOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[@mrnb8932]

@@SpuroWasDead_WakeMeUpWhen What minute?

[@enermatrix4053]

The greatest metaphor of the entire song is that it sounds happy but in reality, it's unhappy

[@trinity3422]

I never actually saw this song as a happy song. But it was released during a time that my best friend died in front of me. I also experienced some other things but I listened to this song closely and there was a hint of a sadness with the keyboard in the chorus. It left a lingering feeling at the end that made me realize loss literally and metaphorically.

[@kakao6125]

The happy tone of the songs just makes it more depressing

[@Ctwosrer]

Punk Moon I agree, wish I could go back

[@j-nius3042]

for me it was always a happy catchy song when i was younger (not native english speaker here). When i got older and listened to this song as a cover in the TV show "Scrubs" i was like: "Damn, why the meaning behind this song is actually sad".

[@cgonzalez1445]

The Beatles too!😒There is something highly sinister underlying those jangly-ass songs...like in the “black hole sun” video when all of the “Mayberry”/“Leave it to Beaver”/“Stepford Wife”-type people turned to demons and shit!

[@viki7268]

@Punk Moon I was expecting it to be something that would haunt me at night. It's not that sad in my opinion. Probably because I've never been in a relationship

[@yungjefe7423]

Ka Kao it reminds me of the joker quote. “ my life’s not a drama it’s a comedy”

[@oofme7585]

Ok but every wedding I go to plays this so looking at the lyrics this is kinda terrible for a wedding 💀💀

[@shannenlibres2365]

It's consolation for the future divorce. There's a 50% chance they will and this song is a reminder whatever happens, y'all's can still be happy

[@idkijs435]

HORRIBLE! lol

[@williehill47]

This song is terrible anywhere U play it

[@koffykrispy5322]

@@williehill47 what about in marriage counseling

[@chofulemmings3896]

「Koffekrisp」 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@katcassaro]

Still one of my favorites cause it is real. Love it when some has the courage to tell the truth even though no one wants to hear it. I heard it and loved it.

[@cynthiasolomon6383]

That's why I love music it's not always about the Beat You have to Listen to the Lyrics.Peace

[@kingelvis5502]

This is just life. He explains exactly the way shit is. Not dark, not tricky just for real

[@Prettypaigexxx]

Ive always seen the dark side of this song but damn if it doesnt put me on the dancefloor every time

[@iamthelouisvuittondon150]

@punkypaige: I'm just seeing the darker picture behind the song, but I've been dancing to it for years...

[@Mr3344555]

Like he said, y'all don't wanna hear me y'all just wanna dance!

[@juanshaftpatel7488]

the devil likes to dance

[@cooldrop02]

Right!? All the while hoping the GAWD the lyrics don't apply to you (and me).

[@GradyBaby13]

It's designed to make you want to dance, then when you dance-"you people just want to dance". Give me a break!

[@160maverick]

"y'all don't wanto to hear me you just want to dance" omfg I got played like a damn fiddle. After all these years I never noticed it. Bravo

[@B0ULLIE]

LIKE A DAMN FIDDLE

[@kareemhailey9585]

Ur not by yourself

[@ahhwe-any7434]

I dance to anything. Jokes on them.

[@Turtlemilk]

What does thag mean

[@mellineellis1174]

“Y’all don’t wanna hear me, you just wanna dance” *damn right*

[@lordhawkridge4116]

You are phenomenal and have once again taught me something new about something I love. I have a much deeper appreciation for this song now!

[@celsius418]

“Shake it like a Polaroid picture”, a metaphor for if you try to force something to happen then you’ll get a distorted result. You know what to do.

[@samchoate1719]

david donnelly fuck

[@brandonarmstrong4947]

No i dont

[@riquehurturfeelings6562]

Dont shake and put it in the dark?

[@cyberworld9000]

@Maiku Z yes that was the point of the line. lol

[@lewisscruggspaintingco.pai1498]

Or did he mean shake it like a Polaroid picture to be interpreted as shake the relationship??

[@alishaparker315]

More sad & deep than dark. He’s really talented and this proves he is a lyrical genius

[@arxulogic]

Was

[@SeasonNP]

Arxu Logic XBL he just featured on an Anderson paak song this year

[@arxulogic]

Doesn't change my opinion 🤷‍♂️

[@glitchyfolks]

Arxu Logic XBL pretty sure his geniuses hasn’t deteriorated

[@arxulogic]

Fuck your dumb hey do some research he himself basically admits otherwise...

[@gethigh961]

I did understand the meaning of the song when I first heard it a few years back when I was a teenager. English isn‘t my first language so I always thought I was the only one thinking that the songs lyrics is rather sad then happy and I might don’t understand english quite as well as I thought, because everyone else always said it’s such a „happy“ song. After this video I‘m actually quite impressed by my english skills lmao

[@angelg2638]

I was in Miami. 2004. Never heard of the group but quickly fell in love with the song. Then, the next and the next. Found myself buying the album. Still waiting for next album from this genius group.

[@bullbear7897]

The song pretends to be "happy" as many bad relationships do on the surface. Quite clever.

[@donnewkirk2051]

facts

[@lollipopgoon7361]

Fr man dude deserves way more credit than people give him

[@Keatoil]

thats smart lmao

[@jaywalcarlagos2001]

3 stack is a genius

[@justicegusting2476]

There a lots a stank and dark in this little ditty fo’ shizzle.

[@mrflip-flop3198]

After knowing the true intention of the song I would never dance the same way again. Guilty feet has got no rhythm.

[@bigpharma310]

How dare you ambush me with that song, that sax will never leave me now. How could you be so careless?

[@allensagalla1579]

So I'm never gonna dance again, the way I danced with you ;-)

[@keypatriot]

Lol almost all the songs i like is sayin luv is bs...that saxophone tho...

[@richardmanuel9812]

Wham

[@anelbre0904]

🎶Should've known better not the watch this vid, and waste the chance that you've been given...🎶 🤣🤣

[@kght222]

i definitely agree that this is one of the best songs of the last 20 years. it is fun and poppy but it is also deep and meaningful. you certainly don't see that often.

[@LonelyAssassin96]

I absolutely adore songs like this. Another of my favorite songs with a similar story (though more obvious about it) is They'll Need A Crane by They Might Giants.

[@n_talie3607]

"Y'all dont even wanna hear me you just wanna dance" that's how you know this song is self aware 💀

[@danwood5003]

I was ur 500 like

[@lordyeetus2102]

@@danwood5003 and i was your first like xD

[@farhannr28]

I was your 700th

[@hxneyrosie]

@@danwood5003 I was your 5th like

[@Thebratzbaby]

💀💀💀

[@menzoie643]

am I the only one that’s literally never heard the “y’all don’t wanna hear me you just wanna dance” part i-

[@wolfganginvasion]

i remember that line like hearing it but i never thought about it. never registered for me really i guess

[@strawberryjpeg6000]

Xephyrrr yeah same

[@mournfulgiant502]

No you are not lol

[@user-wo5tc9ux7u]

Yes

[@tea4471]

Same like when tf did that get there

[@esshor.]

Wow… i’ve heard this song countless times, have danced to it numerous times have some along with it many times. And I had no idea it was a deep and dark toned song. Amazing

[@yamantisshrimp2808]

F in the chat for everyone that played this on their weddings

[@kingelvis5502]

F

[@FPSWordle]

A lot of people play Sting - Every Breath You Take, too, which is a joke.

[@Queen_EL11]

😹

[@sinakerij8282]

Middle 8 explains the meaning of every line of a song Genius : am i a joke to you?

[@pinealitz]

Yes

[@DoUKnowAGEE]

😂

[@lilyp396]

Sina Kerij I bE fLoSsIn

[@Kanyeforpresident-hd5ms]

Sina Kerij genius trash tho

[@Unkle_Mike]

Genius is a joke.

[@hamthehamster1892]

he was right when he said “y’all don’t want to hear me, you just wanna dance”. Andre’s a genius fr

[@elchaposmoneyroom2958]

Yea he is...but you fine asf

[@vm8728]

Wood 55 😂😂

[@elchaposmoneyroom2958]

Lol she know she is...just like 3000 KNEW this song was genius

[@forbiddenextasis2695]

Wood 55 yeah dawg no cap

[@StrayKidsAHHHHHhhh]

saturn tingz that’s true every time I heard this song playing the only thing I could do was dance because the song was just too lit. But I’ve never once sat down to actually hear the lyrics and understand the real meaning of the song until today.

[@lovon1000]

I always listen and I understood. When you play it continuously, you don't just enjoy it, you do start paying attention, the vibe is deeper.

[@raulcastro1300]

As I got older I finally understood the song and knew it wasn’t so happy like I used to think. I’d say it’s more sad than dark tbh

[@billthompson4018]

You forgot to mention that when he said "1 2 3 4" he was talking about the amount of times Karen took the kids

[@tree2166]

Spooder- Man 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@okayokaynowkids7673]

Aha hahahahahahahaha.... :( Hahahaha

[@captaincatz4795]

Spooder- Man or how many kids she took

[@PrincessLioness]

Spooder- Man Who's Karen?

[@Zimzamzoom95]

Princess Lioness karen mama

[@evancross]

so you're telling me, andre is a genius? i've been known this

[@blackberry8615]

Evan Cross lool cute dog

[@defaultuser9925]

Evan Cross but ur channel doesnt have any content

[@evancross]

@@defaultuser9925 my pfp is a dog

[@defaultuser9925]

@@evancross That is, yea I agree Cute dog too

[@marcusglover2095]

My favorite rapper/ artist...

[@cadavher]

I can still see in my mind one of my fav summers listening to this and shake ya tail feathers over and over late at night on summer break with my friends in my living room. If I could press a button and go back I would in a heartbeat

[@darrellb9070]

As usual......THANK YOU for TELLING US what OUR song means...OMG where would we be without you THINKING for us ie analyze YOURSELF!

[@vortex6165]

he literally just played the whole world edit: why is the whole comment section about ok boomer now

[@MarcosGarcia-xg1rf]

@Chris ok boomer

[@hottnicklez5450]

@@MarcosGarcia-xg1rf nigga the boomer joke is corny find sumn else

[@MarcosGarcia-xg1rf]

@@hottnicklez5450 how tf are you going to tell me to find 'sumn' else. Bro I dont know you, you're not shit. Hopefully you havent been giving 'advice' out like this because nobody is listening to it. Dumbass

[@benjaminfleming4601]

@@MarcosGarcia-xg1rf boomer meme is dead bud

[@Yorulchei]

@@benjaminfleming4601 Ok Zoomer.

[@Its_Domo_official]

Not a Darkside .. he's just smarter than alot of artists

[@SosaEscro]

wow your so woke. lmaoooo

[@CaptnCrunch247]

That's pretty much what I thought as well..

[@TOBIOO]

Yh but "darkside" is more clickbaitable

[@mohammadahmed-ali2183]

It's All About Mary “no metaphors” there’s way more metaphors in today rap songs than before there just not “dark” the metaphors are out there relatable and easy to understand

[@dozhadeville444]

Domo Johnson A lot of humans....

[@m-1796]

Love the break down that poetry at its finest.

[@jackwilliams6014]

No wonder it’s got a darker meaning if he took inspiration from the smiths

[@MinorCirrus]

Why pamper life's complexity when the leather runs smooth on the passenger seat, am I right?

[@jackwilliams6014]

MinorCirrus this charming man 😉

[@wilhelmvg9978]

The Smiths music isn’t dark lol, only a handful of their songs.

[@jackwilliams6014]

Vincent Fletcher true, but themes of death and loneliness are undoubtedly common

[@DucksCourage]

Vincent Fletcher Similarly to Hey Ya, their music is often upbeat and happy but the lyrics often depressing

[@jeromeunder1421]

holy shit, they sang about divorce and called us out for ignoring it all while making us think it's a happy song.

[@MsT-xm8xz]

Right ain't that about a bitch? 😩😂😂😂

[@Kingtron5464]

1,000th like

[@mattfarel8780]

wow so fucking cool

[@egghead4590]

And the fact that people in an un-happy relationship act happy makes it so much more clever

[@destroyer5689]

I learned that the tenth time once I Look up the lyrics

[@lovingatlanta]

👍⭐️My parents taught me from a very young age that I had to know & understand the lyrics of any song I sang or danced to. That’s why when I downloaded the song and helped it make history by becoming the first song to reach 1 million downloads on iTunes, I definitely knew full well exactly what the lyrics to the song were as well as what the lyrics meant and that’s exactly why I downloaded it, sing along with it and dance to it to this very day. I’m happy for the writer’s success and the song’s success. 💝

[@drakelozano9499]

I remember watching this vid a long time ago glad to see your still going

[@francoluna95]

Everyone: "This is America" omg you guys this is deep Andre 3000: Am I a joke to yall ╬(ﾉﾞ¬益¬₎ﾉﾞ~ ┴─┴

[@vallisdaemonumofficial]

Andre 3000 is genius Dude from community is too white

[@kreassiva9138]

@Renee Wright what? Have you counted the symnolism in this is USA??

[@foreverrcocochenel]

Franks 💯💯💯

[@cher1899]

Renee Wright you would think that

[@practicing2002]

Feels like summer is just like this, video means one thing and the lyrics means something completely different. Really cool, but pinning one artist to another one doesnt mean shit and they are both great artist and in my opinion gambino is a genuis in his own right.

[@IamFirtyDucker]

André 3000 is one of the greatest artists of his generation. Multi-instrumentalist, rapper, singer, songwriter. Unique and influential.

[@binface9]

Actor too!

[@cooldrop02]

Don't forget actor.

[@shiverbim4920]

IamFirtyDucker Andre 3000 literally changed music, he was a big influence in the southern rap scene. 90% of rappers/singers today wouldn't exist if it weren't for andre

[@IamFirtyDucker]

Shiverbim True he’s an early influence. The Love Below influences 808s and Heartbreak, which influences a lot of new age rappers. He put southern rap on the map and now the Atlanta scene dominates. Kendrick cites him as a massive influence.

[@MackB.]

From another dimension

[@apileofsticks9581]

the production quality on these videos is amazing

[@drbravestone4017]

I think the darkness is that we don’t understand what we need out of a relationship. It isn’t about what the other can do for you or what you can do for them. Its about unifying with someone to walk through life with. Its about being vulnerable enough to be honest and considerate enough to set your own self interests aside long enough to have clarity of thought. I have been happily married for a long time. If It was all about me or all about my wife, we likely would be married anymore. The most important part for us is that we decided that we would be married to each other for the rest of our lives. We have both had to lean on that commitment throughout our marriage because that shit is tough. Being in a true relationship with someone is not self serving, its commitment and sacrifice. Andre is a smart man.

[@bobtwizzle8884]

Well put. God bless

[@lildeath9672]

This song isn’t dark at all. It’s just sorta deep.

[@183Itsme]

lil death I agree☝️

[@183Itsme]

lil death just noticed your name and for you to make that comment says a lot lol

[@thomasevanko8434]

She's just lost that loving feeling. And I hate it when she does that

[@HuskeyYT]

Dark doesn't always have to mean death or hate or that shit the song sounds light but the lyrics are DARK dark is just not happy or good

[@IronianKnight]

The really dark thing is how the world reacted to the song.

[@ashxr846]

its funny that he literally said nobody cares about the meaning, and everybody.. didnt care. and danced

[@playablue]

Cause we are programed especially black people

[@playablue]

DarkyInside its fat facts... and if you can say otherwise i am open for conversation... Yet we know.. we know why. WE fight the depressing reasons why.. The same way we dance even though its not dance worthy.. Like this song. Blessing to all things melanin I do comedy #darkjokes are my specialty Look me up @keymusabe.

[@free22]

playablue How is it bad to dance to a sad song, an angry song, a happy song? Dance can get you through hell, same as comedy. I think being able to dance to a song about a sad subject is a good thing.

[@trevorslappy8909]

the hash slinging slasher you are literally an example of what Andre 3000 is saying

[@playablue]

freemayo in ways yes and no. Cause it will lose substance over time hence the Harlem Renaissance seemed like it was all good yet in reality it wasnt s...t and black men still getting lynched and strung out on drugs being sent thruout the community. I like real s...t and todays hiphop doesnt promote reall stuff at all. I wish it differnt.

[@Kevingreen48]

This was one of my sons yet now that you broke it down it's beginning to make sense to me thank you

[@DivorcedGooseRat]

Another song that has a deeper meaning that people don’t care about and just want to dance to is Another Brick in the Wall Pt. 2 by Pink Floyd in their album The Wall. They are also my favorite band lol

[@pizzaluvah198]

This isn’t really “dark”, it’s more like just sad

[@MsKissme2]

There is however a casket in the video

[@Odinsday]

myasia The death of a miserable relationship

[@MrKmanthie]

Sequere Pecuniam EXACTLY what I said!! Besides, as someone else mentioned, it sure seems like a bit of "clickbait": oooh, there's some kind of 'dark' theme to the song which is buried in the lyrics; lyrics that, due to the infectious groove of the song are too often overlooked, but that's the way Andre 3000 wrote the tune: make it a catchy, hook-laden, sugar-coated pop song & the masses will be seemingly put in some sort of fast-acting hypnotic trance which the acoustic guitar is used to plant the post-hypnotic suggestion to ignore the lyrics altogether & just DANCE, DANCE, DANCE!!

[@QueenKLLC]

Sadness can be dark too.

[@lalaland2107]

Starting to hate the word "dark"...

[@spicyvro]

Happy pop songs with deeper meanings are always really interesting to get into

[@solitairehoney6944]

spicy you’d like marina diamandis then

[@megavega282]

solitaire honey more recs?? There’s this weird progressive rock band called Coheed and Cambria - some of their pop songs are actually kinda dark. Or rude...? Or actually some wig-snatching lyrics that tell you some about yourself you weren’t ready to hear...? Or just not entirely only poppy and fun like the music implies. Or like has heavy contemplative themes - some of them relate very closely to this wild story the lead singer Claudio Sanchez created on the side. It’s a family drama caught in an intergalactic war. They have songs like You Got Spirit, Kid; The Suffering; Feathers; Ten Speed; The Running Free; Always & Never (Explicit Album Version) Also there are some Prize Fighter Inferno tracks, maybe especially on the Half-Measures EP like Elm Street Lover Boy (implying a toxic relationship with bad boundaries) I think I remember Panic! At the Disco tracks like Build God, Then We’ll Talk (super jazzy and fun, super anti-aesthetic) off of A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out. Then off Pretty Odd album there’s From a Mountain in the Middle of the Cabins. And Mad As Rabbits. With a lot of imagery and non-sequeters basically communicating different problematic scenarios (suicide, bankruptcy, poverty and the seemingly inevitable correlation with gang association, willful ignorance, mental illness, I think homelessness, disillusionment) Artists juxtapose harsh or heavy content with light poppy tunes. It’s really fun, it’s like musical sarcasm. Then there’s Eternal Queen of Light and Enlightenment Herself, Poppy. She’s... She’s poppy.

[@imaginary9588]

pumped up kicks

[@megavega282]

lowpolygamer I should have known.

[@thedetour9576]

@@imaginary9588 feels like summer by childish gambino too

[@bstriggles23]

Gave me chills. Deep

[@vortexconnex1838]

The coolest guy to meet in person.ive had the privilege to meet him in the model district in Soho manhattan.very humble fly dressed dude with a glow and energy from another vibration

[@country_citi8216]

When your music still getting talked about. You're legend status.

[@SHx589]

You’re

[@slr7628]

Bro they’re still alive lol the song isn’t that old yet.they are legends I agree

[@Hurricane9146]

That’s ridiculous cuz it depends on why you’re being talked about.

[@TimmySaylor1]

@@slr7628 this song is 16 years old wdym not old yet and you don't have to be dead to be a legend lol

[@maxwelledison9954]

@@SHx589 I don't think you,re works there, maybe I'm dumb tho

[@lorrainezea7988]

When you're happy, you love the melody. When you're sad, you understand the lyrics.

[@4Distractiononly]

Maybe that's why I hear the lyrics so often.

[@janvanassendorp905]

@@4Distractiononly Like the late great 2pac used to say: even tho u fed up u gotta keep ya head up

[@sniperz294]

This is a very underrated comment

[@victormaillard7183]

holy sh you're right

[@waltersobchak7275]

Wow you hit the nail. Best thing I read all week

[@dianehodges6554]

It's layered in facts....things that make you go hmmm!!!!! Life is about learning and experience, but knowing when to let go is the key to unequivocal KNOWLEDGE.

[@Ben-xd6ol]

this video opened my eyes for the song and for myself somehow thx

[@yessirskiii4704]

it's funny when people play this at their wedding

[@robynrees]

Dust in the wind,same

[@nekorogers]

People don't want to listen, they just want to dance 😂

[@jokes_n_kittens6962]

Haha

[@isaactaylor1833]

Not really funny…. Literally no one goes this deep on the song. It’s a catchy tune and don’t act like you had any idea of this deep meaning

[@pleasedtomeetyou1284]

Some people just like songs so they play them…should people take certain songs off their playlists too? I didn’t know weddings couldn’t have songs that meant other things besides eternal love…that’d be pretty boring if weddings only played love songs like…we ARE trying to dance.

[@HN-pe6dj]

I respect Andre 3000 so much more now. This is something a true artist would do. Im officially thoroughly impressed.

[@MegaGoonnigga]

Pretty much what Tyler the creator recently did with the pitching of IGOR

[@TheMarleyDavidson]

You should really look into 3 stacks more. He's a legend for a reason.

[@kimberlylittle3385]

😁😁😁😁😁😁💯🚀🧘🏽‍♀️🍺

[@nichole4715]

He's a musical genius...From what I understand, he never graduated from high school.

[@noahjfetz5896]

MegaGoonnigga the pitching on Igor has no deeper meaning, and it isn’t even an original stylistic choice

[@aidanfox8219]

Every song has a story to tell and every song has a message, that's why it's best to listen and get a better understanding of what that person is talking about instead of just dancing and nodding your head.

[@deneilwilliams4380]

Yes Outkast are some geniuses and thanks for breaking this down.

[@BeamCity]

This just proves 80% of ppl do not listen to lyrics. “Y’all don’t hear me, y’all just wanna dance!”

[@arimills1958]

Beamer smh sad truth

[@officeroinker440]

Stolen

[@mr.anderson9938]

Yeah and? Give me a great beat , fuck all the rest

[@justthatguyyouknow6171]

Mr. Anderson the point of rap / hip hop is for the lyrics and story that the artist is trying to tell... that’s why so much modern rap is shit!!!

[@lolwhy6954]

@@justthatguyyouknow6171 and who said this??? rap can be anything you want it to be most people don't wanna bust out a dictionary mid party to understand what a rapper said. rap doesn't always need to be about lyrics

[@geovaniraffaelli4508]

"Don't wanna meet your mama, just want to make you cumma" LMAO

[@seven0hhsavage]

I always laugh when it's on the radio. If they actually knew he said "cumma" they would censor it lol

[@shannond1511]

Im pretty sure it actually calmer, not cumma.

[@ThePrideofLondon-Hutch]

Shannon D ....

[@Smokeyjoedamanedamythdalegend]

Shannon D we talking about the same OutKast? Lmao.

[@guandren]

Shannon D it’s cumma sorrry

[@yasminjohnson7527]

I love this breakdown

[@omma5094]

thank you, he's right I just loved the beat and didn't pay attention to the actual words. nice job🤟

[@GmonkeyJ777]

*Yall don't wanna hear me; you just wanna dance.* Idk why this line *creeped* me out after he points it out in the video. I mean I've always heard it, but I've never *hearrrd* it.

[@foolishlord192]

GmonkeyJ777 cause you just wanna dance

[@vp_wrld]

GmonkeyJ777 he knew that he would be played at weddings and parties and the lyrics would just be like talking into the void lol

[@adoboFosho]

IVe NeVeR hEaRrRd It.

[@vastoform]

I *geeeeet* ya

[@ms.ladybug6186]

exactly..same here!.. every part of your comment!

[@somerandomname3124]

"Pumped up Kicks" also comes to mind but by now everyone knows it.

[@jonraptor3075]

La'Rue Mathis I’ll be there with the kicks with the pumped up kicks better run better run out run my gun

[@burritoeskujo3266]

Some Random Name gio gio🤭

[@pingus9934]

I only tlnow hat song cause of the memes I heard it in. Thought it was just a band who had balls to sing about school shootings in a post school shooting apacolypse

[@gothamgymnast4638]

@@burritoeskujo3266 giorno giovanna

[@TheoCynical]

When i heard it, i was like'THIS IS ABOUT A SCHOOL SHOOTER'!!!

[@cecilialittmon1885]

Ty for analyzing this song.

[@scottjones9216]

Speak your message without deception , true genius !

[@blackberry8615]

He predicted how every one will dance to anything and not really listen

[@ahhwe-any7434]

Sometimes we can't tho. Even if we did try. Alot of us just make up our own lyrics. Or is too young too understand... If you try to cover up things w/ dodgy words, maybe not so clear enunciated words, put it on a uplift sound, no, not many ppl or gonna think that much about it. Most ppl r just gonna say oh a song. Then move on w/ their days. Unless u got the weirdo that has a billion OutKast tats on them then I'd be pretty paranoid if I was outkast. Although it irks me like f when ppl try to act like a genius about art. It's f'n art. Honestly, could accidently shit out something that looks some irregular shaped turd looking like some animal & call that art if I really wanted to. Art is just mainly just an idea.

[@MasterOfPeeing]

BlackBerry he did’t prefict anything, it’s been like this for decades, no one listens to lyrics

[@MaryJane-xe1ej]

It was waaay b4 that hun Lol

[@markperry2827]

Rosa parks his best song. This song is horrible

[@1986svs05]

@@markperry2827 hey that's your opinion man

[@LeseAlafaio92]

Andre 3000: fellas, what's cooler than being cool? Men: ICE COOOOOLLLLLLD

[@celiphon3812]

LeCeaseDaProducer i said now LADIES whats cooler than being cool Ladies: ice coooolllllld

[@idiotfyu1161]

Alright...

[@jco5254]

Idiot Fyu alright alright alright alright alright alright alright alright

[@aaronwalton7660]

Deez nuts ha

[@DominantDesires]

He said ‘fellas, what’s cooler than being cool?’ not ‘ladies’.

[@jaysouthmusic8230]

And it’s ironic in the music video while everyone is dancing and cheering and while Andre is on stage there’s a casket in the middle of the stage

[@gonewiththewindleys]

The Love Below

[@bigbaldy502]

Wow... I never knew this but I always luv'd this & always will...💯❤

[@Bellab1x1y1z]

The lyrics are not dark. The lyrics are very realistic and are about real relationship types that happen frequently, especially in the US. Many people stay in relationships that don't work out of fear and insecurities. Some people need songs or other people to help awaken them and help them reevaluate what they are doing wrong in relationships.

[@annmariebusu9924]

bella I know right. 😂.

[@Tjh_art]

I think that was click bait fr 😂

[@eagleeye6015]

i think what he means by calling it "dark" is that its darker (or less happy) than what the original tune and melody of the song lets on to be

[@E_MZ_]

Right? Like that was obvious? I still dance to the song though.

[@Bellab1x1y1z]

@@eagleeye6015 The song is supposed to be "Sarcastic". It is "Tongue in Cheek". It is meant to be upbeat and not sad and depressing.

[@jackspencer8680]

I've been saying for many years that Andre 3000 is the GOAT

[@AbsFabbs]

Jack Spencer yes!!! He is the real genius!!!

[@MrKmanthie]

Jack Spencer ...HARDLY! Maybe for just Outkast but not in a general way; not to say André 3k doesn't have some rare (for hip-hop & most pop musical talent, an ability to write & arrange songs in a way by which one is surprised, at least if one doesn't know the lyrics & the theme behind the song & the way André works out all the smallest nuances in order for the song to, besides having a relatively "deep" meaning & simultaneously overlaying the lyrics with those "GOTTA DANCE" hooks & overall musical style. But still, I could fill pages with songwriters who are far better at this thing as well as other effects.

[@aghasearmyshawolblinkonce8039]

amen

[@DGBETCH]

@@1vaoracle let it go, sir

[@sleepydean781]

The goat😂😂😂😂

[@jeffgraham4549]

Amazing breakdown

[@MK8DX_Inward]

that’s actually so cool, how he said you don’t want to hear me but you want to dance we skip over it while he’s trying to tell us that

[@ayz91]

and I thought the saddest part is where his neighbor doesn't want to lend him some sugar...

[@ishish8816]

😭

[@MrYeodaddy]

Very underrated comment.

[@realspartan5206]

does he know about the kombucha mushroom people?

[@Suicidaloli]

F

[@Aloysius2113]

I mean tbf, he IS their neighbor.

[@randyIam7]

That just make Andre3000 a genius not dark. He tricked the human minds with direct words, but masked it with music. Everyone fell for his genius. It's hilarious and insane

[@poopandfartjokes]

Artists have been doing this since the beginning. Not just musicians either. Authors, poets, philosophers, painters all have ways of getting a message out to the masses. Even children’s nursery rhymes aren’t as they appear on the surface.

[@randyIam7]

@@poopandfartjokes you are correct. But it takes exceptional artist to pull off and make a a song an a cult hit

[@poopandfartjokes]

@@randyIam7 100% 3 stacks is definitely top tier. Pure genius with principles and ambition. Wasn’t trying to demean his brilliance or accomplishments. BTW I believe you meant a cult, not an occult. Occult is devil worshipping if I’m not mistaken.

[@susanburger3673]

Nursery rhymes do the same thing. Ring around the Rosie, jack and Jill, Humpty Dumpty, the grand ol duke of York etc. just about all are dark tails relating to past tragedy relating to human suffering, sickness and war. Heinous but with a sing song expression. Many older children’s story books are this type also. If parents only knew what they were exsposing Their young ones to. Pure horror.

[@Brudergaming]

Andre 3000 is so underrated. The art of story rap!

[@teefree8041]

I had my kids listen to this the other day I literally just grabbed this and fell in love with it this week. I'm only v here bc I saw it mentioned on pumped up kicks

[@greglongmore6503]

Woah. This is excellent.