“When To Say When” is one of a few of my favorite songs off of Mr. OVO aka Drake’s 2020 “Dark Lane Demo Tape” mixtape. Now I’m not here to promote his music but I am here to break down the lyrics and give you an insight into a much deeper meaning.
This mixtape touches on several different topics that I will highlight and expound on.
Independence & Grind:
“I decide what to see next like it's on-demand
I decide what to be next like I'm switchin' plans
I' ma tell you what you feel next like the weatherman”
These lyrics tell us he’s in control of his life, career, and everything else in between. Imagine life waiting on you to make the next move. Imagine the feeling of power and control being something you hold in your hands.
Humility & Persistence:
“...praying hands like I'm a religious man
But I'm just a sicker man, wicked man”
I read this as Drake showcasing his character. We think of him as someone who is respectable, in tune with God, and an angel in some sense. When in fact he is human and knows that at times he can be “wicked” and flawed, just like the rest of us.
Love & Loyalty:
“You just need to stay close to your people
That was there when others could've been
There when others should've been”
These lines are self-explanatory but hit home nevertheless. These are one of those truths that can only be taught through experiencing all the disappointments of the world. That it’s important to prioritize your village and acknowledge those that stayed by your side through the storm.
Motivation & Insight:
“How you plan to make it to the top by just fittin' it?
How you plan to take a n****s spot by just givin' in?
How you gon' treat this s*** like you gon' get to live again?
How you gettin' hype off one hit? Do that s*** again”
This anaphora screams out pressure, motivation, and insight. Truly a hard-working mindset and honestly, I think it speaks for itself. Feed your inner-beast with consistency, waking up to be a better day today. In the wake of COVID, it has taught us all to grab life for what it is and to not settle because we only get one life to live.
Maturity & Reflection
“It's because you n****s insecure, you ain't made men
It's because, even though you hate on me, we stay friends
It's because you n****s never learn when to say when, yeah”
These lines show us the dynamic of our relationships with people close to us. How we have haters camouflaged as friends, and how we are normally around people who are insecure and never actually know when to take life for what it is and make things happen for self.
In my opinion, this mixtape speaks to a lot of spiritual work that we are all trying to accomplish in the midst of this chaotic year. I challenge you to take the time out to really dissect the deeper subtexts in the music you listen to daily! Then you will be able to decipher which words feed your soul, from the words that taint your spirit. Soul food is much more than inspirational articles, it’s about being able to tap into any information you digest daily and figure out how you can get the necessary nourishment you need to be full.
