Self Care

"Self Care" is a deeply introspective and dualistic song that explores Mac Miller's struggles with mental health, fame, and substance use, framed within the concept of personal well-being. The track is structurally divided into two distinct parts, each representing a different facet of his mindset. The first half, with its hazy and somewhat claustrophobic production, depicts a state of emotional turmoil and the feeling of being overwhelmed. Miller addresses his public persona, his breakup with Ariana Grande, and a DUI incident, although he later clarified the song was written before the DUI, suggesting a recurring state of mind. The lyrics convey a sense of disorientation and a search for escape, all while trying to navigate external pressures and internal demons. The chorus, "Self care, I'm treatin' me right, yeah / Hell yeah, we gonna be alright," acts as a mantra of reassurance, an attempt to convince himself and the listener of his resilience amidst the chaos.

The second half of the song, marked by a significant beat switch, transitions into a more serene and weightless atmosphere, which he terms "oblivion." This section represents a retreat into a state of calm and acceptance, a conscious decision to detach from the overwhelming reality. It's not about giving up, but rather about finding a space to heal and gain perspective. The idea of "oblivion" here is a sanctuary, a place where he has "all the time in the world" to just chill and reset. This part of the song reflects a journey toward self-acceptance and the understanding that sometimes, taking a step back is a crucial part of self-care. The song as a whole captures the complex and often contradictory nature of healing, where acknowledging pain and seeking solace are both essential parts of the process.

The song unfolds as a journey of self-reflection and a commentary on the artist's state of mind. It begins with a sense of disorientation and being lost, conveyed through imagery of changing time zones and aimless wandering. The narrator feels disconnected, as if gliding through life without his feet touching the ground. He acknowledges a past of overcoming significant obstacles, metaphorically described as climbing a tall wall, but also admits to falling, alluding to a relapse or a period of struggle. This fall leads him to a place where medicine, or a form of self-medication, is readily available to numb the pain of feeling like he's melting down from internal and external pressures. In this state, he finds it hard to trust anyone, including himself, yet he professes love for a significant other, dismissing any negativity from outside sources.

The central theme of 'self-care' emerges as a mantra for survival. It's about treating himself right and holding onto the belief that things will eventually be alright. This is juxtaposed with the repeated admission of losing his mind, highlighting a deep internal conflict. He describes a cyclical pattern of isolating himself ('slide in') and then re-emerging ('roll out'). The first part of the song captures a feeling of being overwhelmed and seeking an escape from the 'bullshit'.

A distinct shift occurs in the song, both musically and lyrically, introducing the concept of 'oblivion'. This isn't a negative state but rather a peaceful, chilled-out space. After a period of overthinking and feeling stuck, he finds a new perspective. He realizes he has all the time in the world and can afford to just relax for a while. This 'oblivion' is a temporary sanctuary, a break from the chaos. He reflects on a past relationship, questioning his partner's commitment and expressing a desire to go back to a simpler time, to a place of comfort and memory. The song concludes with a sense of calm acceptance. He's floating, feeling the sunset, and embracing a slower pace. The desire for a 'peace of mind' and to 'unwind' is palpable. He's navigating the unknown but from a place of tranquility, having found a momentary reprieve in this state of oblivion, a form of self-care in itself.

"Self Care" was released on July 13, 2018, as the second single from Mac Miller's fifth studio album, Swimming. The song was written by Mac Miller (credited as Malcolm McCormick) along with a team of collaborators including Devonté Hynes (of Blood Orange), Destin Route (JID), and its producers. The production was handled by DJ Dahi, ID Labs, and Nostxlgic, with additional production from Nice Rec. The song notably features an excerpt from Erykah Badu's "On & On." The track is composed of two distinct parts, "Self Care" and "Oblivion," which were recorded separately in 2017. The first part was recorded at Conway Recording Studios in Los Angeles, while the second part was recorded at ID Labs in Pittsburgh. Mac Miller revealed in an interview that the song's themes and lyrics, including the line about the Mercedes, were conceived long before his actual DUI incident in May 2018, stating that his music often prophetically connected with his life experiences. The song was released during a period when Miller had been largely absent from social media, serving as a message to his fans about his mental state and his process of healing.

"Self Care" features a fluid and complex approach to rhyme and rhythm that enhances its narrative and emotional depth. Mac Miller was known for his intricate rhyme schemes, and this track is no exception, utilizing multi-syllabic and internal rhymes. For example, in the lines "I switched the time zone, but what do I know? / Spendin' nights hitchhikin', where will I go? / I could fly home, with my eyes closed," the "I know," "I go," and "eyes closed" create a consistent end-rhyme pattern, while the internal rhymes add to the lyrical density. Miller's rhythmic delivery is relaxed and conversational, often flowing across the beat rather than strictly adhering to it. This creates a sense of introspection and spontaneity. The song's structure is defined by its two-part nature, with a significant shift in tempo and rhythm. The first part has a slower, more deliberate pace, reflecting the feeling of being weighed down. The second part, after the beat switch, becomes more rhythmically buoyant and atmospheric, mirroring the lyrical theme of floating into "oblivion." This dynamic interplay between the lyrical content and the rhythmic structure is a key element of the song's effectiveness.

Musically, "Self Care" is a two-part song that showcases Mac Miller's artistic versatility. The first half is characterized by what has been described as "watercolor synth washes" creating a hazy and introspective atmosphere. Miller's vocal delivery is a blend of crooning and rapping, conveying a sense of vulnerability and emotional exhaustion. The production incorporates elements of R&B and cloud rap. The song's most notable stylistic feature is the abrupt beat switch around the halfway mark. This transition moves the song from a "claustrophobic to weightless" vibe, shifting into a more airy and glitchy beat with elements of space-funk. This musical shift mirrors the lyrical transition from struggle to a state of peaceful "oblivion." Lyrically, Miller employs multi-syllabic rhymes and a conversational, narrative flow that makes his complex emotions feel immediate and relatable. The use of repetition in the chorus, particularly the phrase "Self care, I'm treatin' me right," functions as a form of self-affirmation. The song also features additional vocals from Devonté Hynes and JID, which add texture to the track.

"Self Care" has had a significant cultural impact, becoming one of Mac Miller's most iconic and highest-charting songs. Following Miller's death in September 2018, the song saw a surge in popularity, peaking at number 33 on the US Billboard Hot 100, which was his highest-charting song as a lead artist at the time. The song has been certified triple platinum in the United States. The music video, with its poignant and what some consider prophetic imagery of Miller escaping a coffin, has been viewed hundreds of millions of times on YouTube and is often cited in discussions of his artistry and struggles. The song is a standout track from his critically acclaimed album Swimming, which was posthumously nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album. "Self Care" is often seen as a raw and honest depiction of mental health struggles, and it has resonated deeply with listeners who see their own experiences reflected in Miller's lyrics. It has become an anthem of sorts for a generation grappling with similar issues, solidifying Mac Miller's legacy as a vulnerable and relatable artist.

"Self Care" is rich with symbolism and metaphors that illustrate Mac Miller's internal state. The most prominent is the music video, directed by Christian Weber, which contains powerful visual metaphors. The video begins with Miller buried alive in a wooden coffin, a clear homage to a scene in Quentin Tarantino's film Kill Bill: Volume 2. This coffin symbolizes feelings of being trapped, whether by his own thoughts, public perception, or his struggles with addiction. Inside the coffin, he carves the Latin phrase "Memento mori" (which translates to "remember you have to die") into the wood. This act is not one of despair but of acceptance of mortality, which paradoxically fuels his will to live. He then punches his way out of the coffin and emerges from the dirt, a powerful metaphor for rebirth and fighting his way out of a dark place. The subsequent explosions that send him flying are ambiguous – they could represent the chaotic world he is re-entering or a final, explosive release. Lyrically, "oblivion" is used not as a state of nothingness, but as a metaphor for a peaceful, meditative mental space, a sanctuary from the pressures of life. The line "I switched the time zone, but what do I know?" symbolizes a sense of disorientation and being out of sync with the world.

The most significant recurring phrase in "Self Care" is the title itself, which is repeated in the chorus: "Self care, I'm treatin' me right, yeah / Hell yeah, we gonna be alright." This phrase acts as the song's central thesis and a mantra of self-reassurance for Miller. Its repetition serves to normalize and affirm the act of taking care of oneself, even amidst turmoil. Another recurring lyrical motif is the idea of losing one's mind, as heard in the line, "I been losin' my, I been losin' my, I been losin' my mind, yeah." This contrasts with the self-care mantra, highlighting the internal battle between mental struggle and the will to heal. The concept of "oblivion" is another key recurring motif, particularly in the song's second half. It is presented as a desirable state of peaceful detachment. Musically, the main recurring element is the two-part structure, with the distinct beat switch acting as a memorable structural motif that divides the song's emotional landscape. The introductory "yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah" is a recurring ad-lib that sets the song's mellow and introspective tone.