Released: 2024
“Timeless” by The Weeknd featuring Playboi Carti blends themes of success, legacy, and self-confidence with the vibrant energy and bravado typical of hip-hop. Both artists weave narratives about their rise to prominence, flaunting their wealth and status, and reflecting on the inevitability of their impact on the culture.
The song kicks off with an introspective note from The Weeknd, emphasizing his timelessness. ‘Ever since I was a jit, knew I was the shit’ speaks to a sense of destiny and inherent greatness from a young age. The word ‘jit’ is slang for a young person, especially a young man. Here, The Weeknd is asserting that even as a kid, he knew he was destined for greatness.
Moving into the first verse, The Weeknd mentions ‘Shorty keep wanna come ’round, she wanna get hit.’ This implies that a woman is continuously drawn to him, attracted by his fame and wanting to be intimate. When he says, ‘Double-O, buss down the watch, she know that I’m timeless,’ he’s referring to a Rolex watch customized with diamonds, symbolizing both his success and the notion of being ‘timeless.’
‘I put my son in some Rick’ indicates that he dresses his child in Rick Owens, a luxury fashion brand, highlighting his wealth. The phrase ‘Pockets hold 22 clips’ could be interpreted as having substantial wealth or actual firearms, underscoring the danger and toughness often associated with hip-hop personas.
In the lines ‘Bitch like a stain, get ready to lick,’ The Weeknd is likely talking about someone ready to do whatever it takes to be with him. He continues with ‘She singing my songs, she wanna die lit,’ illustrating how his music influences his fans and their desires to live recklessly and enjoy the moment with him.
Playboi Carti enters in the latter part of the song, adding his unique flair. Lines like ‘House like a bank, deposit this bit’ emphasize financial success. The expression ‘Smile on my face, ain’t fakin’ shit’ denotes genuine happiness and pride in his achievements.
The song takes a slightly darker tone when The Weeknd states, ‘I’m wrestlin’ all of my demons, I feel like The Rock,’ referring to his struggles with inner demons, using the wrestling icon as a metaphor. His constant fight against his issues mirrors the intense battles The Rock faced in the ring.
‘Ever since I was a kid, I been legit, If I was you, I would cut up my wrist’ may seem shocking, but it speaks to an overwhelming sense of superiority. The XO and Double-O tattoos on a woman’s body signify her allegiance to The Weeknd’s brand and Carti’s alias.
As the track progresses, they assert their unchallengeable position in the game, with The Weeknd noting, ‘City on fire when I’m coming home, Fill up the sky, I fill up the Dome,’ signifying the massive impact of his presence and performances.
Concluding with ‘It don’t matter what they say, I’m timeless,’ both artists emphasize their belief that their legacy will endure regardless of critics. ‘Timeless, timeless, timeless’ repeats, reinforcing the core message of the song—that their influence and artistry are perpetual and beyond fleeting trends.
