Myself

"Myself" by Bazzi is a powerful anthem of self-reliance, authenticity, and introspection. The song's core message revolves around the idea of finding contentment and strength in solitude rather than seeking validation from others or conforming to societal pressures. Bazzi explores the exhaustion that comes from trying to maintain a facade ('I can't fake no more smiles') and the struggle of feeling different in a world that seems to stay the same. It's a declaration of independence from draining social dynamics and superficial relationships. The lyrics also touch on a shift in priorities, moving away from youthful drama towards personal ambition and financial stability, as seen in the line, 'I'm more concerned with commas / Than keeping up with you'. Ultimately, the song champions the journey of self-discovery and the realization that being alone is not the same as being lonely; it can be a position of power and peace.

The narrative begins with a profound sense of inner conflict and mental exhaustion. The protagonist feels as though he's losing his grip on reality, pressured by the need to conform and stay within societal expectations, which he describes as 'trying to stay inside the lines.' This struggle feels like stagnation, a sensation of 'running in place' while observing others who seem content with remaining unchanged. He recognizes and accepts his own difference, asserting that he's okay with not fitting in. The effort of maintaining a happy facade has become unbearable, and he declares he can no longer fake smiles, as the inauthenticity is driving him to madness. His focus has shifted entirely towards his own future, rendering everything else secondary.

This leads to the song's central, repeated declaration: a powerful affirmation of self-sufficiency. He is 'better by myself' and has no need for anyone else. This isn't just a statement of preference but a core belief he returns to. The second verse delves deeper into his social disillusionment. He expresses a disinterest in superficial conversations and questions, though he doesn't mind passive company. However, he's critical of surface-level interactions, demanding to see what lies beneath the facade. He has moved past the trivial dramas of his youth, which he likens to high school antics. His priorities have matured; he's now more concerned with financial success, symbolized by 'commas,' than with maintaining social relationships that he finds draining.

He actively pushes away negativity, using the metaphor of a 'Heisman' to block bad energy. There's a hardening of his emotional defenses; he admits to having no empathy, especially when under the influence of Hennessy. This state of mind is triggered by 'fake friends,' whose presence sours his mood intensely. These encounters can make him act out, as if a foolish, defensive version of himself emerges. This entire section serves as a justification for his core belief in self-reliance, a conclusion he feels he's been trying to convey all along.

The bridge introduces a tone of caution and learned mistrust. He confesses his uncertainty about who to trust, viewing everyone around him as 'shady.' This cynicism is born from experience; having been fooled once, he's resolved not to let it happen again. There are no second chances. He despises ambiguity, demanding clarity and rejecting noncommittal responses like 'yes' or 'maybes.' This reinforces his decision to depend solely on himself, culminating in a final, resounding repetition of the chorus, solidifying his stance that he is, and always will be, better off on his own.

"Myself" was released on April 12, 2018, as a track on Bazzi's debut studio album, COSMIC. The song was written by Andrew Bazzi himself, along with James LaVigne, Kevin White, and Mike Woods. Production was handled by Bazzi and the production duo Rice N' Peas. Bazzi, who was born in Michigan and later moved to Los Angeles, often writes from personal experience, and the themes in "Myself" reflect the journey of an artist navigating newfound fame and the pressures that come with it. In an interview, Bazzi noted that his move to L.A. 'impacted the entire project in good and bad ways,' providing him with 'real stuff to talk about in my music,' including the pain and honesty that art often holds. The song captures a specific mindset of focusing on personal growth and shutting out negative energy, a common experience for a young artist trying to establish his identity and career.

The song's structure largely follows a consistent rhyme scheme within its verses, often using couplets (AABB) or near rhymes to create a conversational flow. For example, in the first verse, 'mind' rhymes with 'lines,' and 'different' has a slant rhyme with 'nothin' else.' The rhythm is built on a mid-tempo, trap-influenced beat, with a prominent bassline and crisp percussion. Bazzi's lyrical delivery plays with this rhythm, sometimes following the beat directly and at other times delivering phrases with a more relaxed, behind-the-beat feel, characteristic of R&B and hip-hop. In the second verse, his flow becomes more complex and faster-paced ('No empathy, especially when the kid off Hennessy / Fake friends to me make my mood go south like Tennessee'), adding a dynamic shift that emphasizes his frustration. The chorus is rhythmically simpler and more anthemic, making the central message easy to catch and sing along to. This interplay between the complex, rhythmic verses and the melodic, straightforward chorus is a key element of the song's appeal.

"Myself" blends pop and R&B with hip-hop influences, creating a smooth, atmospheric sound. Musically, the track is characterized by its minimalistic instrumentation, featuring a laid-back beat and reverb-soaked melodies that provide a backdrop for Bazzi's introspective vocals. Bazzi's vocal delivery has a conversational, almost rap-like quality in the verses, especially in the second verse where the rhythm becomes more syncopated and assertive. This contrasts with the smoother, more melodic singing in the chorus. Lyrically, the song uses a direct and confessional narrative voice. The writing is straightforward and relatable, employing modern slang and cultural references (like the 'Heisman') to connect with a contemporary audience. The structure follows a standard verse-chorus pattern, with a bridge that shifts the tone to one of learned mistrust, building on the themes established earlier. The repetition of the hook 'I'm better by myself' serves as a powerful, memorable mantra that reinforces the song's central theme.

"Myself" is a key track from Bazzi's RIAA platinum-certified debut album, COSMIC, which peaked at number 14 on the Billboard 200 chart. While his song "Mine" was a massive viral hit that brought him to mainstream attention, "Myself" solidified his image as an artist focused on introspective, R&B-infused pop. The song resonated with listeners for its themes of authenticity and self-reliance in a social media-driven world obsessed with curated perfection. Its themes became particularly popular on platforms like TikTok, where snippets like 'I think I'm losing my mind, trying to stay inside the lines' were used in countless videos expressing feelings of anxiety and non-conformity. The song is a staple in Bazzi's discography and is often highlighted as one of his best works, showcasing his ability to blend vulnerable, confessional lyrics with catchy, modern production.

"Myself" employs several direct metaphors and symbolic phrases to convey its message of self-reliance and disillusionment.

• 'Trying to stay inside the lines': This phrase symbolizes the pressure to conform to societal norms and expectations. It paints a picture of restriction and the mental toll of trying to fit into a predefined mold.
• 'Running in place': This metaphor effectively captures the feeling of stagnation and frustration when one's personal growth feels stalled compared to the world around them.
• 'Commas': Bazzi uses 'commas' as a clear symbol for financial success and wealth. Stating he's 'more concerned with commas / Than keeping up with you' is a metaphorical declaration that his personal ambitions and financial security take precedence over maintaining superficial social ties.
• 'I put the Heisman up to bad energy': This is a powerful image using the Heisman Trophy pose—a stiff-arm—as a metaphor for actively blocking and rejecting negativity and fake people from his life.
• 'Make my mood go south like Tennessee': This is a clever geographic metaphor for a sudden downturn in his emotional state, linking the direction 'south' with the state of Tennessee to describe the negative impact of fake friends.

The most significant recurring phrase in the song is the chorus hook: 'I'm better by myself / I don't need no one else / I'm better by myself.' This motif acts as the song's thesis statement, repeated multiple times to drill home the central theme of self-reliance and contentment in solitude. Its repetition transforms the phrase from a simple statement into a powerful mantra of self-conviction. Another recurring idea is the theme of authenticity versus fakery. This is introduced with 'Trying to stay inside the lines' and 'I can't fake no more smiles,' and it reappears with the mention of 'fake friends' and his demand to see 'what's underneath' the surface of people. This motif highlights the internal conflict that drives him to seek solitude. Finally, the idea of mistrust is a key motif, stated explicitly in the bridge: 'I don't know who to trust / These days everyone's shady / Fool me once, I'm on my own / There is no second time, baby.' This reinforces the 'why' behind his need to be by himself, framing it as a necessary defense mechanism.