Released: 2023
In “Swole Life,” Wiz Khalifa flexes his extravagant lifestyle filled with luxury items, parties, and women, exuding confidence and dominance in the world he navigates. This track is a display of material success and personal gratification, intertwined with the societal status these symbols of wealth provide.
The recurring hook, “New chains going crazy, no shirt buss down AP, I’m / Screaming ‘fuck you pay me’, I don’t even gotta say it they see / I got it on me, and I don’t even gotta ask my homie / I got it on me, when I pull up all the hoes want me,” acts as an anthem for living a lavish life. Here, Wiz is celebrating his newfound wealth with luxurious items such as jewelry and watches, with “AP” referring to the high-end Audemars Piguet brand. The term “buss down” means encrusted with diamonds, signaling opulence. His confidence is palpable, with the assurance that his presence alone speaks volumes about his wealth.
In the opening verse, Wiz continues to brag about his luxurious lifestyle, illustrating scenes of parties and opulent purchases. Lines like “Bottle after bottle she gon’ swallow that, new Bentayga dress let her model that / Give that ass a smack get a follow back, she just wanna know where them dollars at,” paint vivid images of lavish indulgence and sexual undertones. “Bentayga” refers to a model from the luxury car manufacturer Bentley, showing his taste for high-end automobiles. Meanwhile, his confidence in flaunting wealth extends to the women who are attracted to his affluence.
The theme of unapologetic self-indulgence is also evident as Wiz challenges others’ bravado. “I just wanna know where the hoes reside, see my chain bright it ain’t no lights / Niggas talk tough but they won’t fight, hear a lot of bark but they won’t bite.” These lines suggest that, while others might talk big, he stands unchallenged in his luxurious domain. The image of his chains shining “bright” without lights signifies how dazzling and undeniable his presence is, much like the “Swole Life” he embodies.
Wiz doesn’t shy away from discussing sexual themes either, exemplifying a carefree lifestyle. “Shorty wanna ride the wave live the hoe life / Her nigga trippin’ he ain’t put it in her hole right, I beat it up you fuck with me you live the swole life,” further cementing the connection between materialism and desirability. Here, he contrasts his ability to satisfy over the woman’s current partner, asserting that being with him allows her to enjoy the “Swole Life,” which is essentially an amplified version of reality where excess is normalized.
In the chorus, Wiz reasserts his self-made status and the effortless allure of his wealth: “God damn that’s your bitch, you let her at my concert and ain’t seen her since / You gotta put her on a leash player, ’cause she seen my chains and jumped the fence.” This suggests his charm is irresistible, further illustrating the idea that material possessions translate to personal magnetism. “Jumped the fence” here metaphorically implies crossing over into a realm of opulence he represents.
As the verse continues, the reference to “Steph Curry shooting shots I don’t never miss” equates his romantic endeavors to the sharpshooting skills of NBA player Steph Curry, known for his precise shots. It reinforces the idea that Wiz’s attempts to seduce or engage with women are as flawless and successful as Curry’s shots. It’s a bold proclamation of success in both life and love.
Additionally, he notes that the women who engage with him may already be in relationships, but that fact doesn’t concern him. “All these girls got relationships, but I don’t care if a boyfriend get pissed,” showcases an indifference to societal norms regarding fidelity, highlighting his belief that his charm and lifestyle are worth the risk of angering a significant other. It’s a reflection of his unapologetic lifestyle where boundaries are pushed and limits tested.
Towards the end, Wiz elevates the song’s energy, making references to “Porshes, Raris, Rolls Roys get in this,” a list of luxury cars which complements the broader theme of materialism. The name-dropping of luxury car brands solidifies his place among the elite and mirrors the fast-paced, high-luxury world he describes throughout “Swole Life.” The vehicles symbolize status, speed, and success, aspects central to the hip-hop lifestyle he lives and promotes.
The track concludes with Wiz Khalifa asserting his presence and continuity in the industry with, “Yo, what up it’s your boy Wiz Khalifa, man, and we still doing this thing. See Ya!” This closing remark highlights his ongoing journey in music and culture, indicating a thriving career still rooted in the opulence and braggadocio showcased throughout the song. “Swole Life” stands as an ode to his past, present, and future successes, offering a peek into the flamboyant life of one of hip-hop’s celebrated figures.
