Released: 2023
Label: One Umbrella Records
Featuring: Tee, Trippie Redd, Yoko Gold
When you talk about Tory Lanez, you’re talking about an artist who’s unafraid to challenge boundaries, who claims his space in the hip-hop universe with a swagger that is unmistakable. With “Alone at Prom”, Lanez crafts a body of work that is as eclectic as it is emotionally resonant, a narrative journey steeped in the nostalgic sounds of the 80s but told through the lens of contemporary hip-hop. Tracks like “Enchanted Waterfall”, “Pink Dolphin Sunset (feat. Tee)”, and “Midnight’s Interlude”, to name a few, evoke a tapestry of emotions and experiences that form the core of the album’s narrative.
But it ain’t just about the vibe; it’s about the lyrical prowess, the ability to pack punches in rhymes, to stir emotion with words. This is where Lanez truly shines on “Alone at Prom”. Every song, from “The Color Violet” to “Poison Ivy”, carries the raw authenticity that is deeply rooted in Lanez’s narrative style, cementing him as one of the stellar artists of this era. And let’s not forget the tracks like “Sex Anonymous” and “Loner at Sunset” that showcase his exceptional storytelling ability, leaving listeners in a state of profound reflection.
So let’s get into it. From “Enchanted Waterfall” to “Loner at sunset”, here’s our breakdown of the lyrics on “Alone at Prom” by Tory Lanez.
1. Enchanted Waterfall
The lyrics deal with the heavy theme of romantic rupture, yet are veiled under a glossy, starlit soundscape. “I can’t take heartbreak for oh so long,” he repeats, baring the burden of his emotional state, lamenting a love he’s lost but can’t seem to let go of. Tory further expresses this struggle through the lines, “She’s got my name tatted on her wrist / I don’t know why something’s wrong with this,” indicative of a love that was once permanent but now feels misplaced. The song serves as a raw, lyrical expression of his internal turmoil, setting an introspective and emotive tone for the album.
2. Pink Dolphin Sunset
Features: Tee
Capturing the essence of yearning and persistence, the lyrics are steeped in both hope and resignation, as Lanez sings: “Every time I close my eyes/Visions of you run my mind (run my mind)/I can’t see nothing else, ooh.” The song hits hard with its relatable sentiments of love and longing, shedding light on Lanez’s vulnerability as he grapples with a relationship where he’s willing to “give it all” but is constantly faced with rejection. The melancholy resonates and serves as a reminder of the bittersweetness of love and the courage needed to navigate its tumultuous waters.
3. Midnight’s Interlude
Drenched in neo-R&B vibes, the track is an emotional tour-de-force that showcases Lanez’s deft touch with heartbreak and desire. The pulsating rhythm underscores the raw, repeating lyric pattern, creating a haunting melodic pattern. “Ooh, why don’t you want my love? Why don’t you want me, baby?” Lanez croons, his voice dripping with yearning. These words are at once a plea and an indictment, revealing a longing for unrequited love and a self-questioning of his own desirability. In the world of hip-hop, where bravado often reigns, Lanez’s heartfelt vulnerability is a refreshing change, proof that even the toughest lyricists suffer loneliness and rejection.
4. The Color Violet
It’s a deep dive into the playboy persona and the unpredictable journey of emotional connections. The lyrics are filled with graphic imagery, like “Speedin’ car goin’ 90 in the rain / She took my heart, filled it with nothin’ but pain,” emphasizing the dangers and recklessness associated with living in the fast lane. Lanez’s confident delivery slips into a more somber tone as he meditates on the emptiness of his hedonistic lifestyle, encapsulating a sense of vulnerability. This is a standout track on the ‘Alone at Prom’ album that underscores Lanez’s lyrical dexterity and leaves a lasting impression with its introspective narrative.
5. Lavender Sunflower
Lanez lays bare his conflicts and struggles, depicting a narrative of a man committed to a relationship, yet lured by the allure of another woman. The captivating hook, “You got me lost in the clutch of you, and what’s worst to know, I got a girl at home”, conveys this predicament with raw honesty, as he grapples with the knowledge of the pain he might inflict on his significant other. The contrast between the soft, romantic imagery of a lavender sunflower and the torment expressed in the lyrics is a testament to Lanez’s adept songwriting, painting a nuanced portrait of imperfect humans caught in the throes of passion and guilt.
6. Ballad of a Badman
The track is an intoxicating fusion of old school R&B vibes and new school hip-hop essence. Lanez delivers the lines in a sultry tone, eloquently expressing feelings of irresistible attraction and an unabashed desire for a romantic prospect. Lyrics like, “Feelings get caught up in the mind / A shooting star pass by my eye,” underline the emotional whirlwind and the fleeting moments that often characterize such encounters. With a clear reference to the volatile nature of relationships and the unpredictable dance between lovers, Tory weaves a narrative that’s as relatable as it is unique. The recurring line, “Don’t you stop turning me on,” is a testament to the persistent craving for validation, sure to get heads nodding in admiration and agreement.
7. Lady Of Namek
The lyrics paint a vivid picture, navigating the intricacies of a turbulent relationship – a love that’s equal parts celestial and painful. “Baby (baby, baby), I want you to leave but you stay, my brain and my heart ain’t the same,” he croons, expressing an internal struggle and longing that’s fundamentally human. Throughout, there’s also a nod to classic hip-hop rhythm, woven into the fabric of a track that’s firmly rooted in 80’s synth-pop aesthetics. The repeated plea “Can we? Play with the stars tonight?” serves as the key motif, encapsulating perfectly the allure and despair of a doomed love affair.
8. Pluto’s Last Comet
The lyrics build a poignant narrative, echoing the powerful dichotomy of love and rejection. The standout line has to be, “She’s not nice, to fall in love think twice; I put my love on ice”. This juxtaposition of emotion and caution captures his vulnerability, while the repeated refrain, “I feel it (feel), want it (want), need it (need), up on me (on)”, articulates a palpable sense of yearning. At the same time, the track’s title, “Pluto’s Last Comet”, aptly represents the theme of isolation and distance, just like the last comet that travels far from the warmth of the sun, much like his love interest. In essence, this track is a beautifully melancholic expression of unreturned affection.
9. ‘87 Stingray
The lyrics hit home, exposing raw emotions and inner conflicts as Lanez refers to cheating on his partner. The line, “Lord knows that I’m wrong, for cheatin’ on you in the late night,” displays stark honesty and flaw, a bold revelation that unfurls Tory’s personal battles. Yet, there’s this undeniable pull towards the one he’s wronging, as echoed in the chorus, “Baby, you know, I’m on my way.” In essence, the track exudes a melancholic vibe and a sense of personal conflict, which is a contrast to the album’s ordinarily nostalgic, optimistic tone. The song encapsulates Tory Lanez’s knack for layering his music with profound emotions, demonstrating the breadth of his lyrical deftness, thereby adding another complex layer to ‘Alone at Prom.’
10. Hurt From Mercury
Lanez’s lyrics are a vivid exploration of the painful aftermath of love lost, as he struggles to cope with his lover’s indifference. The line “I’ve lost my love, I’m sad (so sad)/She’s found someone who’s better (who’s better than me)” casts a somber tone, setting the stage for a narrative that wrestles with heartache and rejection. Through out the track, Lanez keeps recurring the painful question – “Why does it hurt so bad?” emphasizing the deep, unsettling pain he’s haunted by. The lyrics adeptly encapsulate the experience of love lost and the deep vacuum that remains, positioning “Hurt From Mercury” as a poignant stand-out track in ‘Alone at Prom’.
11. Last Kiss Of Nebulon
The lyrics give voice to the emotional turmoil, the push and pull of a love that’s hurtful yet irresistible. Lanez crafts a narrative of heartbreak with a warp speed narrative, evoking a desperate drive at “1-5-0 on the dash,” a metaphor for uncontrolled feelings and the reckless pursuit of a failing relationship. A standout line, “It’s in my heart, it’s in my head, And I just won’t last,” is a raw admission of his inability to sustain the emotional damage, effectively illustrating his vulnerability. The track marries the pain of love’s end with an undercurrent of revenge, making for a compelling listen that’s as heady as it is relatable.
12. Prom King // Love On Acid
This nostalgic 80s throwback track effectively contrasts innocence and temptation. From the desperation of wanting to be someone’s “friend this time” to the bold command to “Zip my zip down,” the lyrics traverse the spectrum of adolescent emotions, all culminating in an intoxicating melange. This double entendre of “prom king” and “love on acid” highlights a raw and unfiltered exploration of a time where love can be both endearing and rebelliously intoxicating. There’s an admiring, yet critical edge that underscores how love can sometimes be raw and unvarnished, just like the mix of feelings of being high on drugs. Arguably one of the most potent lines driving this narrative is “Sit back and unwind, come on,” underlining the invitation to let loose and embrace these transient moments of young love and rebellion.
13. Crystal Strawberry
This joint is a lyrical outpouring of undiluted love, tinged with a hint of Lanez’s notorious vulnerability, as he coos, “Got me in a whirlwind, I’m losing my mind, yeah. And I’ll make you my girlfriend, baby, ‘Cause we’re two of a kind.” Here, Lanez shares his innermost feelings, the whirlwind of emotions that surface in the heat of passion. His heart, once held captive, now seeks liberation, a motif that’s evident in the lines, “I left my heart in your hand… but now you’re telling me to stay.” The song paints a picture of Lanez, musically adrift on a sea of sentiment and longing, encapsulating in its lyricism an evocative exploration of love and desire that resonates all the way back to hip-hop’s golden age.
14. Wilona’s Workshop
The lyrics emphasize a narrative detached from time, where the work of love never stops. It’s a potent fusion of deep nostalgia for the past entangled with the urgent yearning of the present. Lanez spills his spirit raw and unfiltered, with lines like “It ain’t no girl inside this place can make me // Make this smile upon my face, ooh baby” that effortlessly encapsulate the enthralling grip of a powerful love. The seductive undertones interfuse with self-assured assertiveness as Lanez navigates between desire and a need to maintain his persona. This track, underpinned by its emotionally charged verses, illustrates the dynamic nature of hip hop, where love and passion collaborate with swagger and bravado to create a compelling narrative.
15. Hurts Me
Features: Trippie Redd, Yoko Gold
Layered over a pulsating beat that screams melancholy, the lyrics capture the pain of witnessing a loved one moving on. Lanez’s verses depict an individual attempting to navigate the labyrinth of rejection, with lines such as, “Do you not realize that it hurts me?” succinctly summarizing the emotional undertow of the song. Trippie Redd and Yoko Gold perfectly complement Lanez’s vulnerability, each grappling with their own heartache as they fall into the abyss of unrequited love. The repeated question “But where you goin’ home tonight?” adds to the overall ambiance of despair, reflecting the hopelessness of the narrator. This track is a testament to Lanez’s poetic prowess, his ability to explore profound distress through lyrics that hit you right in the heart.
16. Alexa Loves It
“Sweat, sexy, all wet, Drippin’ in love, love, love, love” – the refrain hits like a sledgehammer, making it clear that this is no ordinary love song. The lyrics ooze an atmosphere of intimacy and promise, with Tory portraying himself as both a lover and teacher, willing to please and guide in the pathways of passion. He repeats the assurance – “As long as I can please you” – highlighting his commitment to sensual gratification. Lanez’s allusions to nighttime creepin’ and keeping up the love they make adds an interesting layer to the narrative, brushing the edges of commitment, yet staying firmly in the realm of the nocturne. “Alexa Loves It” is a testament to the pleasure principle in its raw, unfiltered form, showing Tory Lanez’s slick storytelling prowess in the realm of R&B-infused hip-hop.
17. Splash.Wave.Repeat
The hypnotic repetition of the chorus, “Splish, splash, like the vibe, she’s the wave to talk… She’s kinda rough, kinda problem and it, oh”, captures a lust-filled dance with a love interest, their unpredictable nature mirrored in the undulating ebb and flow of the sea. Contrasting this sensual narrative, Tory drops a hard-hitting monologue mid-track, rallying listeners to see haters as a sign of success, encouraging to “be grateful, you need haters”. This unexpected deviation from the seductive tale adds complexity and depth, symbolising life’s rough waves that shape a character just like the tumultuous love interest. It’s an audacious blend of love and life lessons, embodying a signature Tory Lanez move.
18. Poison Ivy
Emulating old-school R&B vibes, he strings his heart out for a devil in disguise — a femme fatale of sorts, who entrances but leaves destruction in her wake. Echoing a sense of painful realization, he sings, “She shines, but she don’t glow,” a poignant image that drives home the deceptive allure of this femme fatale. There’s an undercurrent of deep-rooted fear and paranoia, as he persistently warns listeners to steer clear of this beguiling yet destructive figure. The “Poison Ivy” metaphor represents both the alluring danger and the lingering hurt that you can’t get rid of — once you touch it, the impact doesn’t erase easily. This track is a cautionary tale, a heart-on-sleeve confession, revealing the toxic side to seemingly perfect love stories.
19. Sex Anonymous
Features: Yoko Gold
Tory Lanez, with a feature from Yoko Gold, delivers a performance filled with vulnerability, desperation, and a yearning for emotional fulfilment that is both poignant and relatable. The lyrics, layered with self-doubt and introspection, dissects the protagonist’s struggle to differentiate between sex and love, echoing the universal dilemma many of us face. A standout line, “I mistake sex for love all the time ‘Cause I don’t know where to get it,” manifests the complexity of this inner conflict, underpinning the entire song. The juxtaposition of soulful melodies against lyrics portraying a struggle between heart and physical desires underlines the timeless crux of human relationships. “Sex Anonymous” is Tory Lanez in true form, relating his own trials and tribulations in the pursuit of love.
20. Shut Up & Love
There’s a raw urgency to the lyrics, speaking volumes about his craving and desire for the comfort that comes from intimacy. When Lanez pleads, “I can’t let my baby go (I can’t let you go), It’s nothing I can say (Nothing I can say)”, it’s like he’s grappling with the volatile nature of love and connection. The track is a poignant testament to vulnerability, exploring themes of desire and longing, but also the fear of alienation. In essence, it’s a call for silence, an invocation of quiet understanding in the face of chaotic emotions. And the result? A track that vibes deeply with anyone who’s battled at the harsh frontlines of love.
21. KAME HOUSE
Lanez intricately weaves his lyrical prowess into a tapestry of desire and emotional openness, bringing to life a narrative of intense attraction. The standout line, “I can’t stop my feet from tripping / I can’t stop my heart from beatin'”, resonates as a testament to irresistible infatuation. It’s a true embodiment of the emotional whirlwind that romantic yearning can drive one into, a sort of prisoner to the rhythm of attraction. This hypnotic repetition amplifies the song’s raw sensuality, cementing the feeling of being lost in a mesmerizing dance of love. Unapologetically expressive, “KAME HOUSE” is a clear reflection of Tory Lanez’s talent for injecting palpable emotion into his lyrics, making it a standout track on ‘Alone at Prom’. Lanez’s adept lyricism deals with physical attraction with emotional depths, serving as a beacon of the soulful connection that typifies hip-hop’s most heartfelt narratives.
22. Loner at Sunset
The lyrics are drenched in a bittersweet blend of longing and unrequited love, echoing the sentiments of an isolated soul at dusk. “She makes my day, uh / She lets my night go, uh / She meets me late in the night / When I don’t know where she might go.” Lanez’s lyrics here cut deep, embodying the raw pain of emotional and physical disconnect, while the constant repetition of the ‘woah ho-ho’ serves as a veritable alarum, reminding the listener of the persistent, unshakeable solitude. The ethereal sonic landscape enhances the dark undertones of the lyrics, rendering a hypnotic allure. Indeed, “Loner at Sunset” is a poignant exhibit of Tory Lanez’s lyrical prowess and his ability to transform personal anguish into profound artistic expression.
