Wow.

"Wow." is a quintessential flex anthem that celebrates Post Malone's meteoric rise to fame and the opulent lifestyle that has accompanied it. The song serves as a triumphant declaration of his success, contrasting his lavish present with a past where he was doubted and overlooked. Lyrically, it's a straightforward, braggadocious track about enjoying the fruits of his labor—fame, wealth, and the admiration of the masses. He reflects on how people's perceptions of him have changed, noting that those who were once dismissive now greet him with "Congratulations." The central message is one of self-belief, hard work paying off, and unapologetically enjoying the success you've earned. The repeated exclamation "Wow" functions as the core of the song, representing the awe-struck reaction he now commands wherever he goes, a constant reminder of how far he has come.

The narrative of the song begins by illustrating a shift in status, where a woman who was previously uninterested now desires a "big boy," signaling the artist's newfound wealth and appeal. He pulls up in expensive cars, making it clear that everyone is now drawn to his success. The artist describes his lavish lifestyle, referencing luxury vehicles like the G-Wagen and supercars, which he owns in abundance. He contrasts his current success with his past, noting how people who previously ignored him are now flocking to him. There's a sense of vindication as he reflects on his journey.

He details the excesses of his new life, where even a simple kitchen counter can be turned into a party scene. There's a mention of a collaboration with the legendary Dr. Dre, highlighting the elite circles he now moves in. A key theme is the changing attitudes of people around him. He recalls a time before his major hit "Congratulations" when he was overlooked, but now he is constantly celebrated. This success is not just a fluke; he emphasizes his relentless work ethic, comparing it to a high-stakes football play—a "Hail Mary" that results in a touchdown, symbolizing his clutch and successful career moves. The lyrics also touch upon his generosity and confidence, stating he has "a hundred bands" in his pocket and is always ready to spend. He acknowledges his widespread fame, joking that even someone's grandmother probably knows who he is. The overwhelming reaction to his presence and success is repeatedly captured by the simple, emphatic word "Wow." This word encapsulates the awe of others and his own disbelief at the heights he has reached, leaving everyone who once doubted him completely stunned.

"Wow." was written by Post Malone (Austin Post) along with producers Louis Bell and Frank Dukes, and songwriters Billy Walsh, Anthoine Walters, and Carl Rosen. The track was recorded in 2018 at Electric Feel Studios and released on December 24, 2018, as a surprise Christmas gift for his fans. Post Malone had mentioned earlier in December that he wanted to release a new "body of work" before the end of the year, and "Wow." was the result. The production, handled by Frank Dukes and Louis Bell, features a distinctive, minimalist trap beat with a tick-tock rhythm and a deep bassline. Bell also contributed to programming and vocal production. The song was initially released as a standalone single and was later included as the lead single from his third studio album, Hollywood's Bleeding (2019). An official remix featuring rappers Roddy Ricch and Tyga was released in March 2019.

The song is set to a tempo of 100 beats per minute and is written in the key of F-sharp minor. Its rhythmic foundation is a classic trap beat, characterized by a simple, hypnotic pulse and crisp hi-hats, creating a laid-back yet confident groove perfect for its hype-track feel. The rhyme scheme is generally straightforward, utilizing couplets and simple end rhymes (e.g., "decoy"/"LaCroix," "winning"/"grinning") that make the lyrics memorable and enhance the song's catchy, singalong quality. Post Malone's vocal rhythm is relaxed and conversational, often weaving in and out of the beat with a nonchalant flow. This interplay between his laconic delivery and the steady, thumping rhythm is central to the song's appeal, creating a mood that is both chill and celebratory.

"Wow." showcases Post Malone's signature blend of genres and vocal styles. Musically, the song is built on a stripped-back trap beat, which is a departure from some of his more heavily produced work. It features a simple, catchy "tick-tock" rhythm and a prominent bassline that drives the track. Post Malone's vocal delivery is a key element, toeing the line between melodic singing and rapping—a style often described as laconic or sing-song. His knack for creating infectious, earworm melodies is evident, particularly in the verses and the simple, repetitive hook. The production, handled by Louis Bell and Frank Dukes, is clean and allows Malone's vocals and confident flow to be the central focus. The use of ad-libs and background vocals by Anthoine Walters adds texture to the track. Lyrically, the song employs direct, braggadocious language and contemporary slang to convey its themes of wealth and status.

"Wow." was a significant commercial success and had a notable cultural impact. The song peaked at number two on the US Billboard Hot 100, where it was held from the top spot by Ariana Grande's "7 Rings" and later Lil Nas X's "Old Town Road," spending a total of three non-consecutive weeks at its peak. It remained in the top ten for 24 consecutive weeks. The song also performed well internationally, reaching number three on the UK Official Singles Chart. "Wow." received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Rap/Sung Performance, although it did not win. The track's music video, directed by James DeFina, became popular and featured behind-the-scenes footage of Malone's life on tour, including clips with the Red Hot Chili Peppers and DJ Khaled. It also famously included Mike Alancourt, a bearded, middle-aged man whose viral dance video to the song earned him a spot in the official video. The song's catchiness made it a staple on social media platforms like TikTok and led to numerous memes, further cementing its place in pop culture.

The song is rich with symbols of wealth and success, used to create a vivid picture of a high-flying lifestyle.

• G-Wagen: The repeated mention of the "G-Wagen" (Mercedes-Benz G-Class) is a direct symbol of extreme wealth and luxury, a status symbol often associated with celebrities.
• Football Metaphors: Malone uses football imagery to describe his career strategy and success. The line "Always goin' for it, never punt fourth down" illustrates his risk-taking and relentless ambition. This is followed by "Last call, Hail Mary, Prescott touchdown," a direct reference to a game-winning play by quarterback Dak Prescott, which serves as a metaphor for Malone's own clutch, last-minute victories in his career.
• "Congratulations": He references his own past hit "Congratulations" to symbolize the turning point in his career and the change in how people treat him now that he is successful.
• Igloo in my mouth: This phrase is a metaphor for his diamond-encrusted grills, another conspicuous display of wealth that leaves him "grinning" at his detractors.

The most significant recurring motif in the song is the word "Wow." It serves as the central hook and the ultimate reaction to his success. Each time it's repeated in the chorus, it reinforces the theme of being awe-inspiring and leaving a massive impression. The phrase "Hunnid bands in my pocket, it's on me" is another recurring line that directly points to his wealth and carefree spending. The repeated mention of luxury items, especially the "G-Wagen," acts as a lyrical motif symbolizing his affluent lifestyle. Finally, the theme of looking back at those who doubted him is a recurring idea, particularly with the direct reference to his earlier hit "Congratulations," which ties his past struggles to his present triumph.