Hide (feat. Seezyn)
Juice WRLD , Seezyn
Song Information
Song Meaning
"Hide" is a heartfelt exploration of finding salvation and stability in a romantic relationship. The song's central theme is the discovery of a partner who provides a sense of home and security, making the outside world's chaos and internal struggles manageable. Juice WRLD and Seezyn articulate a narrative of profound love and acceptance. The lyrics convey a departure from a hedonistic and troubled lifestyle, where 'thrills'—often interpreted as drugs and reckless behavior—are willingly left behind for the peace found with their significant other. The act of 'hiding' is re-contextualized; instead of hiding from the world in a negative sense, it's about finding a safe space within the relationship to be vulnerable and open ('You help me face my demons, I won't hide, hide'). The song portrays love as a grounding force, a source of purpose, and the ultimate sanctuary for two 'lost souls' who find their way by finding each other.
Lyrics Analysis
The narrative of the song begins with the protagonist, Juice WRLD, expressing a profound sense of having found his sanctuary in a romantic partner. This person has such a grounding effect on him that he is willing to abandon the dangerous, fleeting 'thrills' of his past life, a likely reference to substance use, and he is entirely at peace with this decision. He feels he has discovered his true home in her presence. This isn't just a fleeting infatuation; he believes he has met his soulmate. Their connection gives him the strength to be vulnerable and to let his love develop without reservation. He acknowledges that they might both be 'lost souls' in the grand scheme of things, but they find solace and acceptance in one another.
This partner is depicted as a source of light and support, someone fundamentally different from others he has known. When darkness falls, both literally and metaphorically, she is the one in whom he can confide. She empowers him to confront his inner 'demons,' a recurring theme in his music, liberating him from the need to hide his true self or his struggles. He recognizes the rarity and value of finding someone like her and hopes she will allow him to give her the happiness she deserves.
The featured artist, Seezyn, echoes and expands upon this sentiment from his perspective. He affirms that his life has been irrevocably changed for the better since this person entered it. Her presence has brought new meaning and purpose. She has been his pillar during his lowest moments, witnessing his darkest times and providing unwavering support. Seezyn's verse reinforces the idea that this love wasn't something he was actively seeking, but rather a profound connection that found him and gave him a reason to strive to be a better person. He sees her as so precious that she is worth fighting for, giving his life a newfound sense of direction and purpose. The song culminates in a repetition of the core idea: in this person, they have found a home, a place of peace where they can let go of their past and embrace a future built on genuine love and mutual support.
History of Creation
"Hide" was released on December 14, 2018, as part of the soundtrack for the critically acclaimed animated film, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. The song is the first official collaboration between Chicago-area rapper Juice WRLD (Jarad Higgins) and Ohio-based artist Seezyn (Carl Chaney). Seezyn had recently signed to the same label as Juice WRLD, Grade A Productions. The track was written by Juice WRLD, Seezyn, and the producers Neil Blanco and PD Beats (Pierre DeJournette). PD Beats is credited as the primary producer, also contributing bass, keyboards, and percussion, while Neil Blanco played guitar and Max Lord handled programming. The song was recorded by Max Lord and mixed by Fabian Marasciullo. Its creation marked a shift in Juice WRLD's lyrical themes, moving from the heartbreak anthems of songs like "All Girls Are the Same" to a more optimistic and loving perspective. The placement on the popular Spider-Man soundtrack introduced both artists, particularly the then-upcoming Seezyn, to a massive global audience.
Symbolism and Metaphors
The song is rich with symbolism and metaphors that deepen its emotional message.
- Home as Sanctuary: The most prominent recurring image is that of 'home'. Phrases like "Really think I found my home, shorty made me feel at home" are repeated throughout. This isn't a physical place but a state of emotional security and belonging found in another person. It symbolizes a refuge from both external pressures and internal turmoil.
- Leaving the 'Thrills': The line, "She made me leave the thrills at home and I'm fine with it," serves as a powerful metaphor for abandoning a destructive lifestyle. 'Thrills' can be interpreted as drug use, a theme prevalent in Juice WRLD's work, suggesting that this love provides a natural high that makes substance abuse unnecessary and undesirable.
- Facing Demons: The lyric, "You help me face my demons, I won't hide, hide," uses 'demons' as a metaphor for personal struggles, anxiety, and depression. The partner is not just a comfort but a source of strength, enabling him to confront his issues rather than suppress them. The act of not 'hiding' is symbolic of achieving true intimacy and self-acceptance through the relationship.
- Two Lost Souls: The phrase "We're just two lost souls, but we're fine with it" is an admission of mutual imperfection. It symbolizes the idea that two flawed individuals can find wholeness and acceptance together, creating their own perfect world without needing to be perfect themselves.
Emotional Background
The predominant emotional atmosphere of "Hide" is one of heartfelt romance, hope, and profound contentment. It stands out in Juice WRLD's discography for its largely positive and optimistic tone regarding love. The emotion is crafted through the interplay of several key elements:
- Lyrics: The words express vulnerability, devotion, and a deep sense of gratitude. Lines like "Girls like you are hard to find" and "You brought meaning to my life" convey sincere adoration.
- Vocal Performance: Both Juice WRLD and Seezyn deliver their lines with a soft, melodic tone that feels intimate and gentle. There's a sense of calm and relief in their voices, as if they've finally found a safe harbor.
- Instrumentation: The dreamy, melancholic guitar loop combined with a smooth, steady beat creates a warm and introspective soundscape. It feels like the soundtrack to a quiet, cherished moment.
While the overarching emotion is positive, there's an undercurrent of bittersweetness, acknowledging past pain ('demons,' 'darkest times') which makes the current happiness feel even more earned and precious. The song is a journey from a place of being lost to being found, and the emotional tone reflects that comforting resolution.
Cultural Influence
"Hide" achieved significant cultural recognition primarily through its inclusion on the soundtrack for the Oscar-winning animated film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018). The movie and its soundtrack were both massive commercial and critical successes, exposing Juice WRLD's music to a broader, more mainstream audience beyond his existing fanbase. While not as chart-dominant as Post Malone and Swae Lee's "Sunflower" from the same album, "Hide" was a fan favorite and praised for how well it fit the emotional undertones of the film's protagonist, Miles Morales. The song debuted on the US iTunes chart on December 14, 2018. For many, it was their introduction to the more romantic and tender side of Juice WRLD's artistry, contrasting with the darker themes of his debut album. The song remains a beloved track within his posthumous discography, often cited as a beautiful and hopeful moment in his career.
Rhyme and Rhythm
The song's rhyme and rhythm contribute significantly to its gentle, ballad-like quality. The tempo is a moderate 150 BPM, which gives the track a relaxed yet flowing pace that is easy to nod along to. The time signature is a standard 4/4, typical for hip-hop and pop music.
The rhyme scheme is relatively straightforward, often relying on simple couplets (AABB) and near rhymes, which enhances the song's conversational and sincere tone. For example, in the lines, "She really made me lose control / I'ma let my love unfold," 'control' and 'unfold' create a satisfying, easy-to-follow rhyme. Juice WRLD's rhythmic delivery is fluid, effortlessly weaving between sung melodies and rapped cadences. This interplay between the lyrical rhythm and the underlying beat is a hallmark of his style, allowing the emotion in his voice to take precedence over complex rhythmic patterns. The consistency of the rhythm and the melodic flow create a soothing and immersive listening experience that aligns with the song's theme of finding peace and comfort.
Stylistic Techniques
"Hide" showcases Juice WRLD's signature melodic approach to hip-hop, blending vulnerable lyrical content with a smooth, accessible sound.
- Vocal Delivery: Juice WRLD employs a crooning, melodic vocal style that blurs the lines between rapping and singing. This Emo Rap delivery is central to the song's emotional weight, conveying sincerity and tenderness. Seezyn's verse complements this with a similarly smooth and heartfelt vocal performance.
- Instrumentation: The production, led by PD Beats and Neil Blanco, is built around a gentle, looping guitar melody that provides a dreamy and romantic atmosphere. This is layered over a mid-tempo hip-hop beat with soft percussion, creating a soundscape that is both modern and melancholic.
- Narrative Perspective: The song uses a first-person narrative, creating a direct and personal connection with the listener. Both Juice WRLD and Seezyn speak from their own perspectives, making the declarations of love feel like intimate confessions.
- Lyrical Simplicity and Repetition: The lyrics utilize simple, direct language to express complex emotions, making the message universally relatable. The repetition of the chorus, particularly the line "Really think I found my home," acts as a powerful hook and reinforces the song's central theme.
Emotions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning behind Juice WRLD's song 'Hide'?
'Hide' is about finding a sanctuary and a sense of home in a romantic partner. It explores themes of leaving a destructive lifestyle behind for a love that provides safety, acceptance, and the strength to face personal demons without needing to 'hide' one's true self.
What movie is 'Hide' by Juice WRLD in?
'Hide' is featured on the official soundtrack for the 2018 animated film 'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse'. Its inclusion in the critically acclaimed movie helped introduce the song to a massive global audience.
Who is the other artist featured on 'Hide'?
The song 'Hide' features a collaboration with the Ohio-born singer and producer Seezyn. It was the first time he and Juice WRLD had officially collaborated on a track.
What does the lyric 'she made me leave the thrills at home' mean?
This lyric is widely interpreted as Juice WRLD referring to leaving behind his past life of drug use and reckless behavior ('thrills'). His love for his partner is so profound that it provides more fulfillment than any artificial high, and he's 'fine with it'.
Who produced Juice WRLD's 'Hide'?
The song was produced by PD Beats and Neil Blanco. PD Beats handled the main production including keyboards and bass, while Blanco contributed the distinct guitar melody that forms the core of the beat.
When was 'Hide' by Juice WRLD released?
'Hide' was officially released on December 14, 2018, as part of the 'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse' movie soundtrack.