This motif of deeply personal lyricism continues throughout the work, but is nowhere more noticeable than in “SUN GOES DOWN,” a song about Lil Nas X’s suicidal thoughts.
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For instance, in “THATS WHAT I WANT,” Lil Nas X confesses that “These days, I’m way too lonely/ I’m missing out, I know/ These days, I’m way too alone.” Such stark honesty about his isolated mental state and ardent desire to be involved in a healthy, loving relationship is a welcome change from the lighter fare that Lil Nas X usually sings about in songs like “Old Town Road.” However, Lil Nas X does not content himself with simply wallowing in self-pity, instead using his forceful, almost shouting voice to simply tell us, “I want someone to love, that’s what I fucking want.” Let there be no mistake, this album is all about what Lil Nas X wants, not what his fans or haters may demand.
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This simple show of confident autonomy is a rather inspiring dimension of the work.Īfter this bold, unabashed introduction, Lil Nas X shifts gears to include songs that examine the deeper emotions that are not necessarily apparent in the artist’s often light-hearted exterior. Moreover, the centrality of the word “name” to the song’s lyrics calls attention to the fact that by using his birth name as the title for the album and this song, Lil Nas X is even going as far as to reclaim the power in his own name. Sonically, this song’s steady clapping beat and melodic guitar are infectious, hooking listeners from the very opening seconds of this album. Lil Nas X refuses to cater to his critics, a theme which he establishes early and continues throughout the album. By choosing to start his record with this controversial Billboard number one hit, Lil Nas X sends a clear message: If this song makes you uncomfortable, then you should leave before the album gets started. The first track of the album, “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name),” is the song with which listeners are likely the most familiar.
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After spending recent years dealing with homophobic attacks, Lil Nas X finally takes back all the power society has stripped from him, a mission that is evident in the album’s meaningful lyrics, inventive sonic composition, and overall aesthetic. Enter “MONTERO,” Lil Nas X’s debut album of reclamation, released Sept. The time for Lil Nas X’s bold response was imminent.
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Unfortunately, it seemed as though the fear of persecution that prevented Lil Nas X from coming out for so long was being realized in a truly upsetting manner. Since coming out as gay around the release of his first EP, Lil Nas X has faced persistent backlash from those who take offense to a confident queer Black man exhibiting pride in his sexuality. However, his rise to fame has not been an easy one. Since the 2019 release of his record-smashing debut track “Old Town Road,” Lil Nas X has cemented himself as a pop culture mainstay thanks to his bold red carpet looks, creative music videos, humorous personality, and more.