Fantasy

Bazzi's "Fantasy" is a multifaceted song that operates on two main levels: the pursuit of ambitious dreams and the empowerment of the self. On the surface, it's a classic aspirational track about achieving a life of luxury and success, with lyrical references to 'bottles' and 'models' in 'Cali'. However, the song quickly pivots to reveal a deeper, more personal motivation behind this ambition. The line, 'Trying to pay tuition, For the ones I'm missing, Family is a mission,' reframes the entire narrative. The 'fantasy' is not just about personal gain but about providing for and uplifting his loved ones, adding a layer of emotional weight and purpose to his hustle.

The core message of the song, however, is one of profound self-empowerment and manifestation. Bazzi acts as a guide, not just to a lavish lifestyle, but to a state of self-realization. He encourages the listener to recognize their own inherent worth and power with lines like, 'In the dark, who you are is a star' and 'Realize you divine'. The song champions the idea that belief dictates reality ('What you believe is what you see, And that's what you deserve'). It’s a call to 'lift your frequencies,' suggesting a spiritual and mental shift towards self-belief as the primary tool for achieving one's dreams. The 'fantasy,' therefore, is twofold: it is the aspirational lifestyle, but more importantly, it is the internal state of recognizing one's own power to create that reality. It serves as a modern mantra for self-actualization, wrapped in a catchy pop/R&B package.

The song begins with an invitation, a promise from the narrator to take someone to a place they've only dreamed of. He asks for their faith and offers his hand to lead them into their wildest fantasies. This journey is set against a backdrop of a lavish lifestyle, referencing indulgent nights with bottles and models in California, a symbol of success and ambition. However, this isn't just hedonism; there's a deeper purpose. The narrator is intensely focused on his goals, driven by a mission to provide for the family he's away from, specifically mentioning the need to pay tuition. This reveals that his pursuit of a high-flying life is rooted in responsibility and love for his family, making his ambition a noble quest.

He sees himself and his partner as an unstoppable force, capable of achieving what once seemed impossible. The chorus reiterates the opening promise, reinforcing the idea of turning dreams into reality. The second verse shifts focus to the person he is addressing, empowering them directly. He tells them that even in darkness, their true self shines like a star. He recognizes their intrinsic worth and espouses a philosophy of manifestation: what you believe is what you will see and, ultimately, what you deserve. He encourages them to 'lift their frequencies,' suggesting a spiritual or mental elevation to a higher state of being. He paints a picture of them being worthy of being on a magazine cover, urging them to simply believe in their own potential.

This empowerment is framed as a realization of one's own divinity. The lyrics implore the listener to 'open up your mind' and 'realize you divine.' The core message is that self-knowledge and self-belief are the keys to being recognized by the world. If you know you shine, the world will eventually see that light. The song concludes by cycling back to the main invitation, the offer to guide the listener to their fantasy, which by now has been redefined. It's not just a physical destination or a lifestyle, but a state of self-actualization and empowerment. The repetition of 'Fantasy' in the outro leaves the listener with a lingering sense of possibility and the allure of their own untapped potential.

"Fantasy" was released on April 12, 2018, as the tenth track on Bazzi's debut studio album, COSMIC. The album was released through Bazzi's own imprint, iamcosmic, and Atlantic Records. Bazzi himself is credited as a primary songwriter and producer on the track. The production is also credited to Rice N' Peas. The album COSMIC was created after Bazzi gained significant viral momentum with his song "Mine," which became a meme and a chart success in early 2018. This success provided the platform for his debut album. Bazzi, born Andrew Bazzi to a Lebanese immigrant father and an American mother, moved to California to pursue his music career, and the West Coast lifestyle and ambition described in "Fantasy" reflect his personal journey. The entire COSMIC album, including "Fantasy," was noted for its cohesive sound, blending pop and R&B with a shimmering, atmospheric production style, much of which Bazzi crafted himself.

"Fantasy" utilizes a relatively simple and effective rhyme scheme that enhances its pop accessibility. The verses primarily follow an AABB couplet structure (e.g., 'bottles'/'models', 'throttle'/'vision'/'tuition'/'mission' which are slant rhymes). This straightforward scheme makes the lyrics easy to follow and remember. The chorus has a more varied internal rhyme and assonance.

The song's rhythm is defined by its steady 144 BPM tempo, set in a 4/4 time signature. This gives the track a modern, head-nodding feel that is danceable yet relaxed. The lyrical rhythm often follows the beat closely, with a conversational flow in the verses that accelerates slightly in the pre-chorus, building anticipation. The chorus features a more elongated and melodic vocal rhythm, emphasizing the key motivational phrases. This interplay between the laid-back lyrical delivery and the consistent, driving beat creates the song's characteristic smooth yet purposeful vibe, mirroring the theme of confidently moving towards one's goals.

"Fantasy" showcases Bazzi's signature blend of pop and R&B, characterized by specific musical and literary techniques.

Musical Techniques: The production, handled by Bazzi and Rice N' Peas, features a smooth, atmospheric soundscape. It employs layered synths, a steady, mid-tempo trap-influenced beat (at 144 BPM), and prominent vocal harmonies that create a rich, dreamy texture. The song is in the key of F Minor, which often lends a pensive yet smooth quality to pop songs. Bazzi's vocal delivery is a key stylistic element; he moves between a relaxed, almost conversational tone in the verses and a more melodic, soaring delivery in the chorus. There is also a notable use of vocal samples or a choir-like effect in the intro and throughout, adding to the ethereal, 'fantasy' atmosphere.

Literary Techniques: The lyrics utilize a direct address narrative voice, as Bazzi speaks directly to the listener ('You should know, You can go where you wanna go'), creating an intimate and motivational tone. He employs aspirational imagery ('out a magazine') and metaphors of light and divinity ('who you are is a star,' 'Realize you divine') to build the theme of empowerment. The repetition of the chorus and the word 'Fantasy' in the outro serves as a lyrical hook, making the central concept memorable and reinforcing the song's core message.

"Fantasy" was released as part of Bazzi's debut album COSMIC in 2018. The album itself achieved considerable commercial success, peaking at number 14 on the US Billboard 200 chart and charting internationally. While not released as a standalone single with the same promotional push as hits like "Mine" or "Beautiful," "Fantasy" became a fan favorite and a significant track on the album. Over the years, the song has gained significant traction on social media platforms, particularly TikTok, where its dreamy intro and empowering lyrics have been used in countless videos, often related to themes of self-love, ambition, and cinematic or 'fantasy-like' moments. This has given the song a long and enduring life beyond its initial album release. The track is often highlighted in discussions about Bazzi's work as a prime example of his signature atmospheric pop-R&B sound and his lyrical focus on self-belief. It has been performed live on tours, such as "The Infinite Dream Tour" in 2022, further solidifying its place in his discography.

The song "Fantasy" is built around a central metaphor of a journey to a dream world, which represents self-actualization and success.

The Fantasy: The titular 'fantasy' is the most significant symbol. It's not just a whimsical dream but a tangible goal. Initially, it's presented as a luxurious lifestyle ('Going through these bottles, Fucking with these models'), but it evolves to symbolize a state of empowered self-belief and achieved potential. Taking someone's 'hand to your fantasy' is a metaphor for guiding them towards their own empowerment.

Light and Darkness: Darkness represents moments of doubt, obscurity, or struggle. In contrast, light and shining symbolize inner worth and potential. The lyric 'In the dark, who you are is a star' is a powerful metaphor for inherent brilliance that exists even when unrecognized or during difficult times. The idea that 'If you know you shine, The world will see' reinforces this, suggesting self-awareness is the catalyst for external recognition.

Frequencies: The instruction to 'Lift your frequencies' is a metaphor borrowed from spiritual and self-help concepts. It symbolizes raising one's vibrational energy, thoughts, and mindset to a more positive and powerful level, aligning oneself with the desired reality or 'fantasy.' It's a call for an internal, mental transformation to manifest external change.

The most prominent recurring motif in "Fantasy" is the invitation to escape into a dream world. The phrase 'Take my hand to your fantasy' and the chorus 'You should know, You can go where you wanna go, I can take you there' are repeated throughout the song, acting as its central pillar. This repetition solidifies the song's role as a guiding anthem, constantly reinforcing the promise of achieving the impossible.

Another key recurring lyrical motif is the concept of self-belief and inner light. Phrases like 'who you are is a star' and 'If you know you shine, The world will see' reappear to hammer home the theme of empowerment. This isn't just a one-time statement but a recurring mantra within the song, designed to be internalized by the listener.

Musically, the song features a recurring ethereal vocal sample or synth melody that opens the track and reappears, providing a dreamy, atmospheric hook that instantly defines the song's 'fantasy' soundscape.