Released: 2021
“Come to Life” by Kanye West is an emotionally charged track that delves into themes of personal redemption, existential crisis, and spiritual awakening. The lyrics juxtapose personal struggles and societal issues with a deep yearning for salvation and change. Kanye reflects on the cycle of life, expressing feelings of despair and hope in equal measure.
The opening lines, “My soul cries out, ‘Hallelujah’, And I thank God for saving me,” set a spiritual tone, showcasing Kanye’s gratitude towards divine intervention. This chorus represents a call to faith amidst adversity, emphasizing reliance on God during troubled times.
As we transition into the verse, “Here go all your problems again (I thank God)”, the narrative shifts to the harsh realities faced by the protagonist’s family members. The use of phrases like “Uncle, now he back in the pen'” paints a picture of the cycle of incarceration, highlighting systemic issues that are a recurring problem in certain communities.
Kanye repeats the haunting question, “Ever wish you had another life?” to express a longing for change and escape from ongoing struggles. It’s a profound contemplation of one’s circumstances and the human desire for renewal, serving as a mirror to his audience who might share these sentiments.
In the subsequent lines, Kanye candidly confesses feelings of prolonged sadness, “I’ve been feeling low for so long,” creating an emotional landscape where the absence of happiness is palpable. The darkness symbolizes a period of depression, a place he’s been in for an extended time.
The lyrics “Night is always darkest ‘fore the dawn” reflect the classic proverb of hope, suggesting that hardship precedes improvement. Kanye, amid his personal darkness, clings to this hope for better times ahead, an encouragement for himself and his listeners to hold on during tough times.
Kanye utilizes a biblical reference when he says, “tell the Devil, ‘Get behind me,'” which underscores his rejection of negativity and evil influences. He seems to be reinforcing his spiritual fortitude, drawing strength from his faith to confront life’s challenges head-on.
As the track continues, the line “Praying for a change in your life” speaks directly to the transformative power of prayer and faith, hinting that this desired change could come “tonight.” It’s a compelling reminder of the sudden and profound changes faith can inspire in one’s life.
The repeated phrase “Sadness setting in again” reiterates a return to the depressive state, cycling back to personal despair. It’s a powerful illustration of how certain life circumstances are difficult to break free from, resonating with those trapped in their cycles.
Finally, “You know where to find me, they cannot define me” speaks to Kanye’s sense of identity and autonomy. Even as society attempts to categorize him, he insists on self-definition and spiritual purity. This culminates in a powerful statement about freedom, anchored by his faith and personal resilience. “So when I’m free, I’m free” encapsulates a liberating release from the world’s constraints, both emotionally and spiritually.
