Sodium

The song 'Sodium' by BONES is a defiant anthem of self-assurance, success, and the refusal to be defined by the judgment of others. The central theme revolves around the artist's journey from a difficult past to a successful present, and his contempt for those who criticize him from the sidelines. The protagonist asserts his authenticity and success, dismissing any negativity directed his way. He contrasts his understated appearance with his actual wealth, challenging preconceived notions and criticizing people for blaming external factors for their own failures rather than taking responsibility. The recurring message is one of overcoming hardship ('never goin' back to nickel dimin' for some produce') and establishing a new reality where he is in control, unbothered by detractors. It's a statement about personal growth, financial independence, and the mental fortitude required to ignore external validation.

The song begins with a spoken-word intro, a raw and assertive declaration of authenticity. The speaker insists that their appearance is real and not fabricated, immediately establishing a theme of genuineness that permeates the track. They mention their hometown, grounding their identity in a specific place before launching into the core narrative.

The central voice, that of the artist, emerges with a tone of confident defiance. He challenges unseen critics who question his methods and his success, dismissing their opinions as inconsequential. There's a palpable sense of being untouchable, a state of mind where external negativity cannot penetrate his peace. This is reinforced by imagery of him lying in bed, cashed out and disconnected, fading away from the stress and the pleas of others who seek his favor. He is in his own world, insulated by his achievements.

The narrative then shifts to a commentary on perception versus reality, particularly concerning wealth. The artist acknowledges that he may look like a 'bum', holding what others assume are just pennies. However, this appearance is deceptive. He boasts about his ability to spend an amount equivalent to someone's mortgage in a minute, highlighting a vast gap between how he is perceived and his actual financial power. This section is a direct address to his detractors, criticizing them for their jealousy and their tendency to blame others for their own lack of success. He urges them to take responsibility for their lives ('man up to the life you ain't livin'') instead of projecting their frustrations onto him.

The final part of the song delves into his personal evolution and unwavering resolve to never regress. He contrasts his past struggles with his present status. Phrases like 'I ain't never goin' back to what I did back in Howell' and 'We ain't never goin' back to nickel dimin' for some produce' serve as powerful declarations of progress. He has moved beyond a life of poverty, where he had to scrape together change for basic necessities. Now, he sports a 'new flow' while still being the 'Old BONES', indicating that his core identity remains even as his circumstances have drastically changed. He mentions '1-800-DEADBOY', a nod to his brand and a symbolic contact for those who understand his world. The song concludes on a hopeful note, with material symbols of success like 'estate sell ogles on the finger' not just representing wealth, but a future free from the hardships of the past.

The song 'Sodium' was released by BONES in 2015. It was featured on his mixtape titled SoThereWeStood. The track was produced by Purpdogg. The song's intro features a vocal sample from 'Mad Redneck Girls' by Casualguy 939. Additionally, the musical composition contains samples from the song 'Bring You Down' by Flume featuring George Maple. The writers credited for the song are Elmo Kennedy O'Connor (BONES) and Christopher Rowe. The official music video was shot by Kaelin Marion and released on February 20, 2015.

The rhythmic structure of 'Sodium' is defined by BONES' relaxed, almost conversational flow, which often drifts slightly ahead of or behind the beat, a characteristic of the Cloud Rap style. This creates a loose, atmospheric feel rather than a rigid, percussive one. The tempo is slow and deliberate, matching the introspective and confident tone of the lyrics. The rhyme scheme is predominantly based on end rhymes within couplets or short stanzas, such as 'say'/'way'/'day'/'lay'/'away'. BONES frequently uses slant rhymes (e.g., 'gettin''/'livin'') which contributes to the natural, unforced feel of his delivery. There is a strong interplay between the lyrical rhythm and the musical rhythm; BONES' vocals glide over the hazy, sample-based beat from Purpdogg. The rhythm of his lyrical delivery is not strictly metrical, but follows the cadence of speech, making the defiant and boastful lyrics sound more like a personal declaration than a formal rap performance.

BONES' 'Sodium' is a prime example of his signature stylistic blend. His vocal delivery is characteristically monotone and laid-back, creating a sense of detachment and effortless confidence that contrasts with the assertive lyrics. This delivery is a key element of the Cloud Rap genre, giving the track an ethereal, hazy quality. Musically, the song is built on a sample-heavy production by Purpdogg, utilizing elements from Flume's 'Bring You Down', which provides a melancholic and atmospheric electronic backdrop. Lyrically, BONES uses a direct, conversational narrative voice, particularly in the intro and verses, making the listener feel like they are receiving a candid, unfiltered monologue. He employs stark juxtaposition, contrasting imagery of immense wealth ('Pull out your mortgage') with a humble appearance ('Lookin' like a bum'). This technique effectively underscores the song's theme of hidden success and challenges superficial judgments. The use of the specific place name 'Howell' adds a layer of personal authenticity and grounds the narrative in his real-life experience.

'Sodium' is considered one of BONES' classic and most recognizable tracks, serving as a quintessential example of his influence on the underground hip-hop and cloud rap scenes of the mid-2010s. While it did not chart commercially, in line with BONES' anti-industry ethos, its music video has amassed over 14 million views on YouTube, indicating significant organic reach and a dedicated fanbase. The song's lo-fi, sample-based aesthetic and introspective, defiant lyrics were highly influential on a generation of SoundCloud rappers. The track solidified BONES' persona as the 'underground king', achieving success entirely outside of the mainstream music industry. Its themes of authenticity, hidden wealth, and disdain for critics have become staple tropes within this subgenre. The song remains a fan favorite and is often cited in discussions about BONES' most impactful work and the defining sounds of the cloud rap era.

In 'Sodium', BONES employs several metaphors and symbolic references to build his narrative of detached success and defiance.

• 'Lookin' like a bum, only think I'm holdin' pennies / Pull out your mortgage, just spend it in a minute': This is a powerful metaphor for the deceptive nature of appearances. The 'bum' aesthetic symbolizes the underground, anti-mainstream image BONES cultivates, while the ability to spend a 'mortgage' represents his profound, yet hidden, financial success. It's a direct critique of superficial judgments.
• '1-800-DEADBOY': This phrase is a recurring motif in BONES' work and a direct reference to his persona and brand. It functions as a symbolic hotline to his world, a phantom contact for his legion of followers. It symbolizes his self-contained universe and a macabre, yet commercial, identity.
• 'Nickel dimin' for some produce': This is a vivid metaphor for poverty and past struggles. 'Nickel and diming' refers to the act of scraping together small amounts of money for basic necessities, represented by 'produce'. The line 'We ain't never goin' back' transforms this image into a powerful symbol of progress and a firm rejection of his former life of hardship.

The most significant recurring motif in 'Sodium' is the theme of rejecting the past while acknowledging it. This is most clearly articulated in the lines, 'I ain't never goin' back to what I did back in Howell' and 'We ain't never goin' back to nickel dimin' for some produce'. This phrase acts as the song's emotional thesis, a resolute vow of forward momentum. Its repetition, in sentiment if not exact wording, emphasizes the finality of his escape from poverty and obscurity. Another recurring element is the juxtaposition of appearance versus reality. He first presents himself as looking 'like a bum', only to immediately undercut this with the boast of spending a 'mortgage in a minute'. This motif serves to challenge listeners' prejudices and reinforces the idea that his success is not for public display or validation. Finally, the 'DEADBOY' persona is a recurring brand motif in his broader discography, referenced here with '1-800-DEADBOY', solidifying the song's place within the BONES universe.