Touch The Sky

"Touch The Sky" is a powerful anthem of ambition, self-belief, and the celebration of overcoming adversity. The song's lyrics trace Kanye West's journey from a place of struggle and doubt to the pinnacle of success. It's a narrative about aspiring to greatness and having unwavering confidence in one's own potential. The central message is one of encouragement, inspiring listeners to have the same level of self-assurance that West projects. The act of "touching the sky" serves as a metaphor for achieving one's wildest dreams and reaching the highest possible level of success. The song also delves into the initial struggles and the desire for validation, as seen in lyrics about wanting to shine and buying luxury items after getting an advance. It's a reflection on the modern societal pressure to appear successful even before one has 'made it'. Beyond the personal journey, the song also touches on themes of resilience and the idea that past mistakes and struggles can be the very things that fuel future success, as West raps, "them same wrongs helped me write this song."

The narrative of the song unfolds as a testament to overcoming humble beginnings and aspiring to greatness. It begins with a retrospective look at a time of struggle, where the protagonist lacked basic amenities and faced pessimism. The journey is encapsulated in the image of moving with his mother in a U-Haul van, a symbol of a modest and perhaps uncertain past. The lyrics then shift to the protagonist's early desires for recognition and success, standing in line at clubs, not just to dance, but with a deeper yearning to be part of a world that seemed out of reach. A pivotal moment is marked by receiving a financial advance, which is immediately used to purchase a symbol of success, a 'Jacob the Jeweler' piece, signifying a desire to 'shine'.

The chorus serves as a powerful, recurring affirmation of this ambition: the repeated declaration, "I'm gonna touch the sky." It's a statement of ultimate aspiration and self-belief. The song continues to chart the protagonist's rise, acknowledging the surreal nature of his newfound success, questioning if it's all a dream or heaven. He humorously reflects on his past insecurities, like feeling that other rappers were better than him, and the desperate measures he took to appear successful, such as buying expensive loafers that hurt his feet. There's a moment of personal reflection on relationships and the consequences of his actions, admitting that the very 'wrongs' he committed have ironically fueled his songwriting. This adds a layer of complexity to his character, acknowledging flaws amidst the triumphant narrative.

The featured artist, Lupe Fiasco, contributes a verse that continues the theme of ascendancy and clever wordplay. He paints himself as a rising star, using metaphors of being 'on the verge' and having a unique, appealing style. His verse adds another dimension to the song's celebration of success, showcasing a different but equally confident voice. The song concludes with a return to the powerful chorus, reinforcing the central theme of reaching for the highest level of achievement. The imagery of being at the 'top of the world' is a recurring motif, emphasizing the peak of success that was once just a distant dream. The narrative arc is one of transformation, from an underdog to a 'hip-hop legend', a journey marked by both external markers of success and internal reflections on the path taken.

"Touch The Sky" was recorded in 2005 for Kanye West's second studio album, Late Registration. It is the only track on the album not produced by West himself; the production was handled by Just Blaze. Just Blaze revealed that he created the beat just 20 minutes before West arrived at the studio. The track is built around a slowed-down sample of Curtis Mayfield's 1971 song "Move On Up". The selection of this beat was a pivotal moment, as Just Blaze had played several for West, but this was the one that West was most passionate about. The song also features a career-debuting verse from fellow Chicago rapper Lupe Fiasco. Initially, Lupe Fiasco was hesitant to feature on the track as he wasn't feeling the 'vibe', but was convinced by his partner to do it, which ultimately led to a collaborative relationship with West. The song was recorded at The Record Plant and Chalice Studios in Hollywood, California. After its inclusion on the album released on August 30, 2005, "Touch The Sky" was released as the fourth single on January 1, 2006, in the UK and sent to US mainstream radio on February 14, 2006.

The rhyme scheme in "Touch The Sky" is predominantly characterized by couplets (AABB) and some instances of more complex patterns, which is common in hip-hop. The rhythm is driven by a steady, upbeat tempo of around 107 BPM, which is a significant reduction from the original sample's tempo of approximately 150 BPM. This deliberate slowing of the sample gives the song its characteristic groove. The rhythmic foundation is a classic hip-hop beat that complements the soulful, horn-driven melody. Kanye West's lyrical delivery is rhythmically dynamic, with a conversational flow that sometimes syncopates with the main beat. Lupe Fiasco's verse also showcases a sophisticated rhythmic flow, with intricate patterns and a faster pace that adds variety to the track. The interplay between the lyrical rhythm and the musical rhythm is a key element of the song's energetic and uplifting feel.

Musically, the most prominent stylistic technique in "Touch The Sky" is the use of a slowed-down soul sample from Curtis Mayfield's "Move On Up". This technique of manipulating the pitch and speed of soul samples was a hallmark of both Kanye West's and producer Just Blaze's production styles. The track is characterized by its triumphant Latin horns, which contribute significantly to its anthemic and celebratory feel. Lyrically, Kanye West employs a narrative storytelling style, recounting his struggles and rise to fame. He uses vivid imagery, such as "me and my mama hopped in a U-Haul van," to create a relatable picture of his past. Lupe Fiasco's verse is notable for its use of double entendres and metaphors. The song also features a distinct vocal delivery from West, which is confident and declarative, matching the song's aspirational themes. The structure of the song, with its powerful and repetitive chorus, acts as a hook that reinforces the central message. The music video is highly stylized in a 1970s aesthetic and uses parody and homage to create a cinematic narrative.

"Touch The Sky" had a significant cultural impact upon its release and continues to be a celebrated track in Kanye West's discography. It served as the career debut for Lupe Fiasco, who would go on to have a successful career of his own. The song's aspirational and triumphant themes have made it an enduring anthem for success and perseverance. It peaked at number 42 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and reached the top 10 in the UK, Scotland, and Australia. The song has been certified Platinum in the US and the UK. The iconic, million-dollar music video, directed by Chris Milk, garnered significant attention for its 1970s aesthetic and its homage to daredevil Evel Knievel. This led to a lawsuit from Knievel himself, which was later settled amicably just before his death. The song and its title also lent its name to West's 2005 "Touch the Sky Tour". "Touch The Sky" is often cited as a fan favorite and a classic example of West's early work, praised for its production and uplifting message.

The primary metaphor in "Touch The Sky" is the act of reaching for and touching the sky, which symbolizes achieving the highest level of success and realizing one's full potential. This is a recurring theme throughout the song, particularly in the chorus. The lyrics also contain more subtle metaphors and symbolism. For example, the line "I went to Jacob an hour after I got my advance, I just wanted to shine" uses the act of buying jewelry to symbolize a desire for external validation and the material markers of success early in one's career. The music video further enhances the song's symbolism by portraying West as a daredevil named "Evel Kanyevel," a clear homage to Evel Knievel. This persona and his attempt to jump a canyon in a rocket-powered motorcycle symbolize the immense risks and ambitious leaps of faith West was taking in his career, while also poking fun at his own ego and the possibility of a spectacular failure. The 1970s aesthetic of the video also serves as a visual metaphor, connecting the song's triumphant and soulful sound to a classic era of music and entertainment.

The most significant recurring phrase in "Touch The Sky" is the titular line, "I'mma touch the sky," which is repeated throughout the chorus. This phrase functions as the song's central thesis, a powerful and unwavering declaration of ambition and self-belief. Its repetition transforms it into an anthem and a memorable hook. Another recurring motif is the idea of being at the "top of the world," which appears in the ad-libs and further emphasizes the theme of reaching the pinnacle of success. The act of "testifying" is also a recurring lyrical element, suggesting that the song is a personal testimony to the struggles and triumphs of the narrator's journey. The narrative motif of looking back at a more humble past from a position of success is also central to the song's structure and meaning.