Reborn

“Reborn” is a deeply personal and cathartic anthem about overcoming mental health struggles and embracing a new beginning. The song serves as a declaration of resilience from both Kanye West and Kid Cudi, who have publicly battled with their mental health. The core message is one of leaving past traumas, mistakes, and inner demons behind to move forward into a brighter, more positive state of being. Kid Cudi, who has been open about his struggles with depression and suicidal urges, uses his verses to express a sense of liberation and renewal after seeking help. Kanye West’s verse touches upon his bipolar disorder, his public controversies, and the social anxiety that comes with fame. Ultimately, “Reborn” is a testament to the power of self-acceptance, perseverance, and the hope for a better future, making it a source of inspiration for many listeners facing their own battles.

The song opens with a declaration of rebirth and a commitment to moving forward, leaving past troubles behind. This sentiment is a recurring mantra, emphasizing a conscious decision to press on and not be weighed down by stress. The narrative voice expresses a feeling of liberation, a sense of being renewed and free from former burdens.

One part of the narrative delves into the experience of social anxiety and the pressures of public life. It describes the discomfort of being in the spotlight, feeling scrutinized and stressed by casual conversations. There's a palpable desire to retreat from these overwhelming situations, a feeling of being out of place and wanting to escape as soon as possible.

The song then transitions into a raw and honest reflection on past struggles with mental health. It speaks of a time of being 'off the chain' and 'often drained,' alluding to a period of instability and exhaustion. The lyrics touch upon the experience of being off medication, being labeled as 'insane,' and the shame that accompanied these struggles. However, there's a defiant twist, a reclamation of these painful experiences, and an embrace of all the associated pain, smoke, and blame.

A specific memory is invoked, a reference to a juvenile detention center, grounding the abstract struggles in a concrete past experience. This is followed by a dismissal of adversaries as insignificant, like characters in a video game, suggesting a newfound perspective where past conflicts no longer hold the same power.

Another voice enters, sharing its own journey of overcoming personal demons. This voice acknowledges past issues and the feeling of helplessness, the search for peace and the realization that change must come from within. There's a candid admission of past struggles and the difficult journey of finding a way forward, a path that was once unclear.

The song culminates in a powerful and repeated affirmation of moving forward. This refrain acts as a powerful anchor, a constant reminder of the central theme of resilience and progress. It's a declaration of hope and a testament to the strength found in persevering through adversity, leaving the listener with a sense of catharsis and inspiration.

“Reborn” was created for the collaborative studio album “Kids See Ghosts” by the hip-hop duo Kids See Ghosts, consisting of Kanye West and Kid Cudi. The album was released on June 8, 2018. The song was recorded at the West Lake Ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The production of “Reborn” was handled by Kid Cudi and Dot da Genius, with co-production by Plain Pat and Evan Mast, and additional production from Benny Blanco. Notably, it is one of the two tracks on the album that Kanye West did not contribute to the production of. The songwriters credited are Kanye West, Scott Mescudi (Kid Cudi), Evan Mast, and Oladipo Omishore (Dot da Genius). The song’s origins can be traced back to a 2016 Facebook post by Kid Cudi where he discussed checking into rehab for depression and suicidal urges, ending the post with the word “Reborn.” Kid Cudi has stated that the song is meant to be a continuation of questions he has asked in his past work, representing his and West's current state and their path forward.

The rhyme scheme in “Reborn” is relatively straightforward, primarily utilizing couplets and simple end rhymes, which allows the focus to remain on the lyrical content and the emotional delivery of the vocals. Kanye West’s verse, for example, employs a series of rhyming couplets (e.g., “out”/”out,” “drained”/”insane,” “shame”/”blame”/”game”). This simple and direct rhyme scheme contributes to the conversational and confessional tone of his verse.

The rhythm of the song is steady and deliberate, with a moderate tempo that creates a feeling of forward momentum without being rushed. This pacing complements the lyrical theme of “keep moving forward” by providing a consistent and reassuring rhythmic foundation. The interplay between the lyrical rhythm and the musical rhythm is particularly effective in the chorus, where Kid Cudi’s melodic and rhythmically simple delivery of the lyrics creates a calming and meditative effect. The repetitive and hypnotic rhythm of the outro, with the repeated phrase “Keep movin' forward,” further enhances the song's mantra-like quality and reinforces its message of perseverance.

Musically, “Reborn” is characterized by its minimalist and atmospheric production, which creates a sense of introspection and vulnerability. The use of “lullaby style chords” and a church organ contributes to the song’s uplifting and almost spiritual quality. The vocal delivery of both artists is emotionally charged and raw, conveying a sense of authenticity and sincerity. Kid Cudi’s melodic, chanted chorus is a key feature, creating a hypnotic and mantra-like effect that reinforces the song’s central theme of perseverance. The song's structure is also noteworthy, with its extended outro where Cudi repeats “Keep movin' forward,” driving home the message of resilience in a powerful and memorable way.

Lyrically, the song employs direct and candid language, avoiding overly complex metaphors in favor of straightforward confessions and affirmations. This directness is a stylistic choice that enhances the song’s emotional impact and relatability. The repetition of key phrases, particularly in the chorus and outro, is a powerful rhetorical device that functions as a form of self-affirmation and a call to action for the listener.

“Reborn” has had a significant cultural impact since its release in 2018. The song was met with universal acclaim from music critics, many of whom highlighted it as a standout track on the “Kids See Ghosts” album. It was praised for its raw honesty in addressing mental health, a topic that has increasingly gained prominence in mainstream music. The song resonated deeply with listeners, many of whom have shared personal stories of how “Reborn” has provided them with comfort and motivation during difficult times. The track’s influence is also evident in its commercial performance, reaching number 39 on the Billboard Hot 100 and achieving platinum certification in the United States. “Reborn” has been covered by other artists, such as Nicole Millar for triple j’s “Like A Version,” further extending its reach. The song’s central message of perseverance and its open discussion of mental health have solidified its place as a modern anthem of hope and resilience within hip-hop and beyond. The phrase “Keep moving forward” has become a mantra for many, and some fans have even gotten tattoos inspired by the song.

The central metaphor in “Reborn” is the concept of rebirth itself, symbolizing a profound personal transformation and the shedding of a past self plagued by mental health issues. This is not just a casual turn of phrase but a deep-seated theme that reflects both artists' public struggles and their journey towards healing. The act of being “reborn” signifies a conscious choice to leave behind depression, anxiety, and public scrutiny to emerge stronger and with a renewed sense of purpose.

The recurring phrase “keep movin' forward” acts as a mantra, a symbolic incantation against the forces of stagnation and despair that often accompany mental health challenges. It represents the continuous effort and determination required to maintain a positive trajectory in life.

Kanye West’s reference to the Arthur J. Audy Home, a former juvenile detention center in Chicago, serves as a powerful symbol of a troubled past and a place of confinement, both literally and metaphorically. By bringing up this specific location, he grounds his abstract struggles in a tangible reality, suggesting that he is breaking free from the chains of his past mistakes and the societal labels that may have been placed upon him. His line, “All of you Mario, it’s all a game,” is a metaphor for how he now views his detractors and the controversies surrounding him – as insignificant players in a game he is choosing to rise above.

The most prominent recurring phrase in “Reborn” is the chorus, “I'm so—I'm so reborn, I'm movin' forward / Keep movin' forward, keep movin' forward / Ain't no stress on me Lord, I'm movin' forward.” This serves as the central mantra of the song, encapsulating its core message of personal transformation and resilience. Its repetition throughout the song reinforces this theme and creates a hypnotic, uplifting atmosphere.

The phrase “Keep movin' forward” is also repeated extensively in the song's outro, functioning as a final, powerful affirmation. This repetition emphasizes the ongoing nature of personal growth and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. Kid Cudi’s repetition of “Which way do I go?” in the background vocals of the chorus adds a layer of vulnerability, suggesting that the path forward is not always clear, but the commitment to moving in that direction remains unwavering.