WAKE UP

"WAKE UP" is a song that explores themes of intense love, desire, and the blurring of dreams and reality. The central message of the song is the desire to remain in a state of blissful intimacy with a partner, to the point where the outside world and the harshness of reality fade away. The repeated phrase "I don't wanna wake up" serves as the song's primary motif, encapsulating the intoxicating and all-consuming nature of the relationship being described.

The lyrics are overtly sensual and express a deep physical and emotional connection. The song can be interpreted as a love letter to the artists' respective partners at the time, with Travis Scott's verses believed to be inspired by his relationship with Kylie Jenner, and The Weeknd's by his relationship with Bella Hadid. The reference to "Ice-T" and "Coco" by Travis Scott further suggests a desire for a deep, committed relationship akin to a marriage.

The song also delves into the emotional dependency that can come with such a powerful connection. The Weeknd's line, "You decide if I live or die," is a hyperbolic expression of the extent to which his happiness and well-being are tied to his partner. This highlights the vulnerability and surrender that can be a part of intense love. The dreamlike quality of the song, enhanced by the ambient and atmospheric production, serves to create a world where the lovers can exist in a state of perpetual bliss, away from the troubles of the real world. While the song is a celebration of love and intimacy, it also touches upon the darker, more dangerous side of such a passionate connection, with references to overdosing and "suicide" doors on a Lamborghini, suggesting a love that is both thrilling and potentially destructive.

The song opens with The Weeknd's distinctively smooth and ethereal vocals, painting a picture of a dreamlike, sensual encounter. He expresses a strong desire to remain in this state of blissful intimacy, not wanting to wake up and face reality. The lyrics are explicit in their depiction of physical desire, with the repeated line "I don't wanna wake up" serving as the central motif. This phrase encapsulates the intoxicating nature of the experience he's immersed in, a world where pleasure and emotional connection blur the lines between dreams and reality. The imagery of being "spread out on the sheets" and the description of his partner's body as "so good" and "so sweet" create a vivid and intimate atmosphere.

Travis Scott's verse continues this theme of a surreal and intoxicating experience. He describes a state of lucid dreaming, where he feels a sense of control over his partner's movements. This alludes to the power of their connection and the almost magical quality of their time together. He references driving down the "belt-way" to her neighborhood, grounding the otherwise dreamlike narrative in a semblance of reality. However, he quickly returns to the idea of being hooked and consumed by this relationship, suggesting that their connection is so intense that it feels like they are both "cooked" or completely captivated. The reference to "Any Given Sunday" and Willie Beamen introduces a pop culture element, perhaps suggesting that on any day, anything is possible within their world. He further emphasizes his devotion by comparing them to the celebrity couple Ice-T and Coco, implying a deep and committed bond.

The chorus, repeated by both artists, reinforces the central theme of not wanting to leave this dreamlike state. The desire for this feeling to be "flowin' through my streams" and the sensation of being "hot under my feet" further illustrate the all-consuming and passionate nature of their connection. The dream state is not just a mental escape but a full-body experience that they wish to prolong indefinitely.

The Weeknd's second verse takes a more intense and almost existential turn. He sings, "You decide if I live or die," which dramatically elevates the emotional stakes of the relationship. This line suggests a complete surrender to his partner, giving her ultimate power over his emotional well-being. The feeling of being "alive" and able to "feel the sky" when she's near highlights the transcendent and life-affirming nature of their bond. However, there's also a darker undertone with the line, "And if I OD, I'll be alone with no heartbeat." This could be a metaphor for the intensity of his feelings, suggesting that an overdose of this love could be fatal, or it could be a more literal reference to a hedonistic lifestyle. The imagery of a "ghost in the Lambo" with "doors goin' up, suicide" adds to this sense of dangerous and thrilling romance, a love that is both exhilarating and potentially destructive.

The song concludes with a final repetition of the chorus, leaving the listener in the same hazy, dreamlike state that the artists are so reluctant to leave. The overall narrative is one of passionate, all-consuming love and desire, so powerful that it blurs the line between the dream world and reality. It's a celebration of intimacy and connection, but with an underlying awareness of the vulnerability and potential for danger that comes with such intense emotions.

"WAKE UP" is a song by American rapper Travis Scott, featuring vocals from Canadian singer-songwriter The Weeknd. It was released on March 26, 2019, as the fourth and final single from Scott's third studio album, Astroworld (2018). Interestingly, the song was originally intended for The Weeknd's 2018 EP, My Dear Melancholy, but was ultimately given to Scott for his album.

The production of the track was handled by a team of notable producers including Frank Dukes, Sevn Thomas, and Wallis Lane. John Mayer also contributed to the production and played guitar on the track. According to producer Sevn Thomas, the creation of the beat started with a sample sent to him by co-producer Wallis Lane. Thomas then chopped up the sample, adjusted the tempo, and added his own elements. Frank Dukes later repurposed the melodies and added a bridge, which finalized the instrumental that would be used on Astroworld.

The songwriting credits are shared among Jacques Webster II (Travis Scott), Abel Tesfaye (The Weeknd), Adam Feeney (Frank Dukes), Rupert Thomas, Jr. (Sevn Thomas), Nima Jahanbin, Paimon Jahanbin, Michael Dean, and Kaan Güneşberk. The song was recorded between 2016 and July 2018 at various studios, including Cactus Studios in Honolulu, Chalice Recording Studios and Westlake Recording Studios in Los Angeles, and Henson Recording Studios in Hollywood.

The official music video for "WAKE UP" was directed by actor and filmmaker Jonah Hill and was released on July 25, 2019. The black-and-white video features Travis Scott walking through a mansion filled with unconscious people, with a surreal, gravity-defying aesthetic. The Weeknd does not appear in the video.

"WAKE UP" features a fluid and relaxed rhythmic structure that contributes significantly to its dreamy and atmospheric quality. The song is in the key of B Minor with a tempo of approximately 149 BPM.

The rhyme scheme is generally loose and conversational, particularly in Travis Scott's verses, which often employ slant rhymes and internal rhymes to maintain a natural flow. For example, in the lines "Please don't wake me up, I feel it creepin' / Controlling how you moving, lucid dreamin'," the words "creepin'" and "dreamin'" create a near rhyme that feels effortless. This avoidance of a strict, predictable rhyme scheme enhances the song's stream-of-consciousness and dreamlike feel.

The rhythmic interplay between the vocals and the instrumental is a key feature of the track. The Weeknd's delivery is smooth and melodic, often soaring over the beat, while Travis Scott's flow is more grounded and percussive, syncopating with the trap-influenced drums. This contrast creates a dynamic and engaging listening experience.

The overall rhythm of the song is hypnotic and repetitive, drawing the listener into the hazy, intimate world the lyrics describe. The steady beat, combined with the ambient and ethereal production, creates a sense of timelessness, as if the listener, like the artists, is suspended in a moment they don't want to end.

"WAKE UP" employs a variety of stylistic techniques, both musically and lyrically, to create its signature atmospheric and sensual sound.

Musical Techniques:

• Ambient Production: The song is characterized by its ambient and dreamy production, which features an acoustic guitar loop that creates a sense of intimacy and introspection. This is then layered with Travis Scott's signature psychedelic and trap elements, resulting in a unique and immersive soundscape.
• Vocal Fusion: The track masterfully blends the distinct vocal styles of Travis Scott and The Weeknd. The Weeknd's smooth, ethereal R&B vocals on the chorus and bridge provide a stark and effective contrast to Scott's more rhythmic and auto-tuned delivery on the verses. This fusion is a key element of the song's appeal.
• Dynamic Shifts: The song features subtle yet effective dynamic shifts, moving from the more stripped-back, guitar-driven intro to a fuller, more beat-heavy sound as the track progresses. This creates a sense of building intensity that mirrors the lyrical themes of escalating passion.

Literary Techniques:

• Repetition: The chorus, with its repeated line "I don't wanna wake up," is a prime example of repetition used for emphasis. This recurring phrase drills home the central theme of the song and makes it highly memorable.
• Metaphor and Symbolism: As detailed in the "Symbolism and Metaphors" section, the lyrics are rich with metaphorical language, such as the comparison of intense love to a drug overdose and the use of celebrity couples to symbolize commitment.
• Allusion: Travis Scott's lyrics include several allusions to pop culture, such as the reference to the film "Any Given Sunday" and the character Willie Beamen, as well as the comparison of his relationship to that of Ice-T and Coco. These allusions add layers of meaning and cultural context to the song.
• Hyperbole: The Weeknd's line, "You decide if I live or die," is a clear example of hyperbole, used to express the extreme emotional dependency he feels in the relationship.

"WAKE UP" was released as part of Travis Scott's critically acclaimed and commercially successful third studio album, Astroworld (2018). The album itself had a significant cultural impact, debuting at number one on the US Billboard 200 and being nominated for Best Rap Album at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards. As a track on this highly influential album, "WAKE UP" contributed to the overall psychedelic and atmospheric sound that defined Astroworld and further solidified Travis Scott's status as a major force in contemporary hip-hop.

The song was also a commercial success in its own right. It initially entered the Billboard Hot 100 at number 30 and became Scott's sixth number-one on the Billboard Rhythmic Songs chart. Its popularity was further bolstered by the release of a visually striking music video directed by acclaimed actor and filmmaker Jonah Hill, which garnered significant media attention.

The collaboration between Travis Scott and The Weeknd on "WAKE UP" was highly praised by critics and fans alike, and it is often cited as one of the standout tracks on Astroworld. The song's blend of hip-hop and R&B, along with its dreamy and psychedelic production, has influenced a wave of artists who have sought to create similarly atmospheric and genre-bending music. The song remains a fan favorite and is a testament to the creative synergy between two of the most influential artists of their generation.

"WAKE UP" is rich with symbolism and metaphors that enhance its themes of dreamlike love and intense desire.

• Lucid Dreaming: Travis Scott's line, "Controlling how you moving, lucid dreaming," serves as a powerful metaphor for the intoxicating sense of control and surrealism he feels within the relationship. It suggests a love so intense that it transcends reality, allowing him to shape his experience as if in a dream.
• Ice-T and Coco: The reference to the long-standing celebrity couple Ice-T and Coco Austin is a direct and potent symbol of a committed, ride-or-die partnership. By casting himself and his partner in these roles, Scott elevates their relationship beyond a casual fling to one of deep, enduring love.
• Overdosing on Love: The Weeknd's verse, particularly the line "And if I OD, I'll be alone with no heartbeat," uses the metaphor of a drug overdose to describe the overwhelming and potentially dangerous intensity of his love. It speaks to a love so consuming that it borders on self-destruction, highlighting the fine line between pleasure and pain.
• Ghost in the Lambo: The imagery of a "ghost in the Lambo'" with "doors going up, suicide" is a multi-layered symbol. The "ghost" could represent a sense of recklessness and a disregard for consequences, while the Lamborghini with "suicide doors" (a slang term for doors that open vertically) adds to the theme of a thrilling, high-stakes romance that flirts with danger.
• Not Wanting to Wake Up: The central, recurring phrase of the song, "I don't wanna wake up," is the most significant metaphor. It represents a desire to escape the mundane or painful aspects of reality and remain in a blissful, dreamlike state of love and intimacy. This sentiment transforms the bed from a simple piece of furniture into a sanctuary and a portal to a preferred reality.

The most prominent and significant recurring phrase in "WAKE UP" is the line, "I don't wanna wake up." This phrase is repeated throughout the song's chorus by both The Weeknd and Travis Scott, acting as the central lyrical and thematic anchor. Its repetition emphasizes the core desire of the song: to remain in a blissful, dreamlike state of love and intimacy, and to escape from the realities of the outside world. The phrase is often followed by imagery of sensuality and comfort, such as "I want you spread out on the sheets," which further reinforces the idea that this dream state is one of pleasure and connection.

Another recurring element is the use of ad-libs by Travis Scott, particularly "It's lit!" and "Yeah!" These signature ad-libs are sprinkled throughout his verses and serve to inject energy and personality into the track, grounding the otherwise dreamy and ethereal sound in Scott's distinct musical identity.

Musically, the song is built around a recurring, ambient guitar loop that is introduced at the beginning of the track. This musical motif provides the foundation for the song's hazy and introspective atmosphere, and its constant presence throughout the track contributes to the hypnotic and immersive quality of the listening experience. This recurring guitar melody is a key element in establishing and maintaining the song's dreamy and sensual mood.