No Option

"No Option" by Post Malone is a confident declaration of his arrival and success in the music industry. The song's central theme revolves around the idea that due to the constant doubt and chatter from others, he is left with no choice but to prove them wrong by showcasing his success. The lyrics convey a sense of defiance and self-assurance in the face of criticism and high expectations. When he says, "Don't wanna prove you wrong but shit, you leave me with no option," he's expressing that his success is a direct response to the skepticism he has faced. The song is a celebration of his achievements, the lavish lifestyle he can now afford, and a message to his haters that their negativity only fuels his drive. It also touches upon the anticipation surrounding his debut album, "Stoney," with the line, "Everybody asking 'Post, when is the album droppin'?" which contextualizes the song as a statement of intent before the album's full release. The narrative of the song is one of triumph, where Post Malone is seen enjoying the fruits of his labor, from expensive cars to luxury watches, all while asserting his place in the music world.

The song's narrative revolves around a protagonist who is unapologetically confident in his newfound success and status. He opens by acknowledging the chatter and scrutiny that comes with being in the spotlight, stating that he's looking impeccably clean while others are just talking. He feels compelled to prove his detractors wrong, not out of a desire for validation, but because their doubt leaves him with no other choice. The anticipation for his upcoming album is a recurring theme, with everyone constantly asking about its release. He reflects on his journey, asserting that he's been popular since the very beginning and that his success is not a fleeting moment. This constant pressure to deliver and the skepticism he faces only fuel his determination.

The narrative then shifts to depict a luxurious and fast-paced lifestyle. He describes being in an old-school car, and later an S-Class, with a female companion who is drawn to the excitement. However, he makes it clear that this lifestyle isn't free, using the phrase "Ass, gas or grass" to imply that everyone has to contribute. The imagery of a Rolex with diamonds and a brand-new Aston Martin with no mileage further emphasizes his wealth and success. He paints a picture of riding around Los Angeles with his partner, feeling as though they own the city. This sense of ownership and control is a testament to how far he has come.

The protagonist also touches upon his interactions with fans and the perks of his fame. He mentions a female fan who has been to every show and is always in the front row, highlighting his growing celebrity status. He talks about needing more bottles, a classic symbol of celebration and opulence in hip-hop culture. The mention of his Cadillac sitting on chrome rims is another nod to his success and the material rewards that have come with it. Throughout the song, there's an underlying theme of having worked hard for everything he has. He alludes to waiting a long time to achieve his dreams, and now that he has, he's fully embracing the lavish lifestyle that comes with it. The closing lines of the song invite his companion to join him in his coupe, a final assertion of his success and the alluring world he now inhabits.

"No Option" is a track from Post Malone's debut studio album, "Stoney," which was released on December 9, 2016, by Republic Records. The album was the culmination of the success of his breakout single "White Iverson" in 2015. The production of "No Option" was handled by Cashio, Trocon Markous Roberts, Jr., and Louis Bell. The songwriting credits are attributed to Post Malone (under his real name, Austin Post), Louis Bell, Idan Kalai, Trocon Roberts, Michael McGinnis, Justin Bieber, Christopher Rude, and Michael John Dewey Hancock. The inclusion of Justin Bieber as a songwriter is noteworthy, as he and Post Malone had collaborated on the song "Deja Vu" from the same album and had toured together. The song was recorded as part of the larger body of work for "Stoney," where Post Malone aimed to create a unique sound in hip-hop by incorporating his rock influences and guitar-playing. The album's creation involved a variety of producers, including Malone himself, to achieve an innovative sound that departed from the clichés of the genre at the time.

The rhyme scheme in "No Option" is predominantly based on couplets and near rhymes, which is common in hip-hop and contributes to the song's conversational flow. For instance, in the refrain, "talkin'" is rhymed with "watchin'" and then with "option." This straightforward rhyme scheme makes the lyrics easy to follow and adds to their impactful delivery. The rhythm of the song is characterized by a relaxed, mid-tempo beat that allows Post Malone's vocal delivery to take center stage. His vocal rhythm is often syncopated, playing with the beat in a way that creates a sense of effortless coolness. The interplay between the lyrical rhythm and the musical rhythm is crucial to the song's overall vibe. The steady, hypnotic beat provides a foundation for Post Malone's more fluid and melodic vocal lines, creating a sound that is both laid-back and confident.

"No Option" showcases several of Post Malone's signature stylistic techniques, blending elements of hip-hop and R&B with a pop sensibility. Musically, the song is built on a trap-influenced beat with prominent bass and snares, creating a laid-back yet confident groove. Post Malone's vocal delivery is a key feature, characterized by his melodic sing-rapping style and natural vibrato. This delivery blurs the lines between singing and rapping, a style he has become known for. The production is atmospheric, creating a woozy and immersive soundscape that complements the lyrical themes of a luxurious and somewhat hazy lifestyle. Lyrically, he employs a conversational and direct tone, which makes the boasts feel personal and authentic. The use of ad-libs like "yeah, yeah" and "ooh" adds to the song's catchy and relaxed feel. The song's structure follows a conventional verse-chorus format, making it accessible and memorable for listeners.

While "No Option" was not one of the major hit singles from "Stoney" in the same vein as "Congratulations" or "White Iverson," it is a significant track within the context of the album and Post Malone's early career. The album "Stoney" itself was a commercial success, debuting at number six on the Billboard 200 and eventually reaching number four. It was certified five-times platinum by the RIAA, indicating its widespread popularity. "No Option" contributed to the overall narrative of the album, which established Post Malone's unique blend of hip-hop, R&B, and pop. The song is often considered a fan favorite and a hidden gem from the album. It is representative of the confident and braggadocious themes that were prevalent in hip-hop at the time and helped to solidify Post Malone's persona as a rockstar in the rap world. The song's themes of overcoming doubt and flexing success resonated with many listeners and contributed to the overall success and longevity of the "Stoney" album.

The lyrics of "No Option" are rich with symbolism and metaphors that paint a vivid picture of Post Malone's newfound success and the lifestyle that accompanies it.

• Luxury Cars (S-Class, Aston Martin, Cadillac): These vehicles are powerful symbols of wealth, status, and arrival. The "brand new Aston Martin with no mileage" specifically signifies fresh, untouched success. The "Caddy just sits on the chrome" is a classic image in hip-hop, representing leisurely opulence.
• "Rolex with the diamonds keep me shinin'": This is a direct metaphor for his success making him a spectacle. The shining watch not only represents material wealth but also the constant spotlight he is under.
• "Ass, gas or grass": This is a well-known phrase that symbolizes the idea that nothing in life is free. In the context of the song, it suggests that those who want to be a part of his lavish lifestyle need to contribute in some way.
• "Swimmin' in the carpool": This is likely a metaphor for being fully immersed in the luxurious lifestyle, with the "carpool" representing the large and comfortable interior of his high-end vehicle.

The most prominent recurring phrase in "No Option" is the line from which the song gets its title: "Don't wanna prove you wrong but shit, you leave me with no option." This phrase is repeated in the refrain and serves as the central thesis of the song. It encapsulates the idea that his success is a necessary response to the doubt and criticism he has faced. Another recurring motif is the mention of luxury items, particularly high-end cars like the S-Class and Aston Martin, and the Rolex watch. These recurring images of wealth serve to reinforce the theme of success and the lavish lifestyle that has come with it. The repeated questioning, "Everybody asking 'Post, when is the album droppin'?" also acts as a recurring element that grounds the song in a specific moment in his career, just before the release of his debut album, "Stoney."