Come & Go

"Come & Go" is a poignant exploration of vulnerability, the fear of self-sabotage in a meaningful relationship, and the quest for personal redemption. Lyrically, Juice WRLD delves into his insecurities and feelings of inadequacy, opening with the lines, "I try to be everything that I can / But sometimes, I come out as bein' nothin'". The song is a raw confession of his past mistakes and a heartfelt plea not to destroy the genuine, rare love he has found. He views his partner as a stabilizing, positive force who helps him become a better person. The recurring line, "I don't wanna ruin this one / This type of love don't always come and go," serves as the song's emotional anchor, highlighting his anxiety and the preciousness of the connection he's afraid to lose. It's a narrative of acknowledging personal flaws while desperately holding onto a love that feels like a last chance for stability and happiness.

The narrator begins with a raw admission of his own shortcomings, acknowledging that despite his best efforts to be a good person, he often feels like he amounts to nothing. He expresses a deep desire for self-improvement, praying to a higher power to become a better man and to one day stand for something meaningful. He views his significant other as a divine part of his life's plan, believing that the suffering he has endured was not in vain because it led him to her. He confesses a pattern of destructive behavior, a cycle of messing things up that he feels he has perfected. In a moment of vulnerability, he offers his love as if it were a healing medicine, hoping she will accept it.

He grapples with feelings of inadequacy, thinking there are better people for her, yet he holds onto the hope that she sees the potential for good within him. Her presence and belief in him are what ultimately drive his betterment. The core message of the song is encapsulated in the repeated, urgent plea not to ruin their current relationship. He recognizes the rarity and preciousness of their connection, stating emphatically that this kind of love is not something that casually comes and goes. It's a treasure he is terrified of losing due to his own flaws.

The narrative delves into the complexities of their dynamic, mentioning substance use as a coping mechanism that brings them physically closer and allows him to open up about how she makes him feel whole. He recounts moments of misunderstanding, where his desire for solitude is misinterpreted, and he must take responsibility for his mistakes. He admits his past errors might overshadow all the good he has done, revealing a deep-seated guilt. Despite these struggles, he looks to the future with hope, encouraging his partner to stay strong and envisioning a long life together. The song is a testament to the fear of losing a profound love and the difficult, ongoing journey of becoming a person worthy of it.

"Come & Go" was released on July 9, 2020, as the fourth single from Juice WRLD's first posthumous album, Legends Never Die. The song is a collaboration with American DJ and producer Marshmello. A rough demo of the track was first teased by Juice WRLD on Twitter in late 2018, not long after he began dating his girlfriend, Ally Lotti, who is considered the inspiration for the track's themes of redemptive love. The track, along with others, was leaked in January 2020. Shortly before the official release, Marshmello shared on Twitter that Juice WRLD was "one of the most talented people I have ever met" and that they were always on the same musical wavelength. Marshmello also recalled how Juice WRLD would work in the studio, taking breaks to do wheelies on his dirt bike before returning to record a whole song in a single take. The track was produced solely by Marshmello, who blended his signature EDM style with the pop-punk and emo-rap elements that defined Juice WRLD's music.

The song primarily utilizes a conversational, free-verse-like lyrical structure in its verses, focusing on narrative clarity and emotional honesty over complex rhyme schemes. The rhymes are often simple and direct (e.g., "can"/"man", "plan"/"somethin'"). The rhythm of the vocal delivery is highly dynamic, starting with a slower, more melodic cadence that syncs with the initial melancholic feel. As the beat builds, Juice WRLD's flow accelerates, becoming more rhythmic and percussive, especially leading into the chorus. The tempo is upbeat, particularly after the drop, which features a classic four-on-the-floor EDM drum pattern. The key rhythmic feature is the contrast between the emo-inflected verses and the pop-punk/EDM chorus, where the driving guitar and swift drums create a powerful, head-banging feel. This rhythmic shift mirrors the lyrical transition from introspection and self-doubt to a determined declaration of love.

"Come & Go" is a notable example of genre-bending, masterfully fusing Juice WRLD's emo-rap and pop-punk sensibilities with Marshmello's mainstream EDM production. The song's structure creates a dynamic sonic journey. It begins with a more subdued, atmospheric guitar loop and Juice's melodic, melancholic vocals. The track builds with the introduction of drums, leading to a pre-chorus that erupts with power-chord-driven electric guitars and claps, shifting the mood to something more aggressive and determined. This culminates in a classic EDM "drop" where the instrumental becomes grand and anthemic, designed for a high-energy setting. Juice WRLD's vocal delivery is incredibly adaptive, shifting from sung, reverberating lines in the verses to a more forceful, aggressive tone in the chorus, demonstrating a seamless cohesion between the vocals and the evolving production. The interplay between the emotional vulnerability of the lyrics and the high-octane, almost celebratory, production creates a powerful and memorable contrast.

"Come & Go" was a massive posthumous success, debuting at number two on the Billboard Hot 100, which matched Juice WRLD's previous highest-charting song, "Lucid Dreams". The song was a standout track on the album Legends Never Die and showcased Juice WRLD's potential to transcend genres and achieve mainstream pop stardom. Its fusion of emo-rap with pop-punk and EDM was praised by critics as a natural and exciting evolution of his sound, solidifying his influence on the genre-bending landscape of modern music. The track resonated deeply with his fanbase and is often cited as an example of his unique ability to articulate complex emotions like vulnerability and love, themes that have cemented his legacy as a voice for his generation. The song's success further proved the enduring power of his music after his death, contributing to his status as one of the most impactful artists of his time.

The song uses several powerful metaphors to convey its emotional weight. The most direct is the line, "I offer you my love / I hope you take it like some medicine". This metaphor frames love as a curative, healing force, capable of mending past wounds and providing solace. It suggests that his affection is not just a feeling but a potential remedy for both his partner and himself. The title itself, "Come & Go," is a metaphor for things that are transient and impermanent. By singing that "This type of love don't always come and go," Juice WRLD contrasts the fleeting nature of most things in his life with the profound, lasting value he places on this specific relationship. Additionally, his self-deprecating line, "My mistakes probably wipe all the rights I've done," uses the imagery of erasure to symbolize his deep-seated guilt and fear that his flaws will permanently nullify his positive actions.

The most significant recurring motif is the chorus line: "I don't wanna ruin this one / This type of love don't always come and go". Its repetition throughout the song transforms it into a desperate mantra, reinforcing the central theme of fear and appreciation for a rare and valuable love. The phrase acts as the song's emotional core, emphasizing the high stakes of the relationship. Another recurring idea is Juice WRLD's self-perception as flawed and his desire for betterment. Lines like "I try to be everything that I can / But sometimes, I come out as bein' nothin'" and his prayer to be made a "better man" appear early and set the stage for the narrative of redemption. The concept of his partner "betterin' me" is a crucial motif that highlights her positive influence and his hope for personal growth through their love.