Released: 2019
“Can’t Think” by Yeat plunges listeners into the vivid, albeit turbulent world of excess and hedonism. The track’s overarching theme revolves around indulgence in wealth, material possessions, and substance use, illustrating the lavish lifestyle Yeat navigates while also reflecting on its sometimes surreal and isolating nature. By balancing these dual perspectives, the song showcases both the thrill and emptiness of living a life marked by material gain.
In the hook, Yeat repeats the lines about falling in love with ‘easter pink,’ a slang term likely referencing codeine-infused cough syrup often associated with the drug “lean” due to its distinctive color. The repetition of “popped a perc’ can’t even think” underscores the heavy use of prescription pills, particularly Percocet, a potent painkiller often misused recreationally. This introduces listeners to the disorienting haze he finds himself in, blurring reality into a dreamlike state.
As the first verse progresses, Yeat flaunts his affluence by boasting about spending substantial amounts of money on luxury items, symbolized through diamond rings and footwear costing “fifteen-hunnid.” The “dancing diamonds” and comparison to “Michael Jackson,” whose moves were often described as smooth and captivating, symbolize not just wealth but a certain grandeur and spectacle. Yet, this imagery contrasts with his mention of scamming himself, perhaps suggesting regret or introspection despite his opulent surroundings.
Yeat’s use of “thriller” to describe his significant other ties back to Michael Jackson, merging a sense of excitement and allure with an edge of danger or unpredictability. This connection paints a complex picture of personal relationships amidst wealth, marked by drama akin to a thrilling narrative. Meanwhile, questions about the authenticity of those around him—”why you broke? Why you always capping?”—suggest a skepticism of the people in his circle, suspecting falsehood or deception (“capping” meaning lying).
In reflecting on isolation, Yeat remarks on how “they ain’t like the kid,” suggesting feelings of betrayal and being sidelined or forgotten despite his success. The metaphor of being “slime me up, put me on the shelf” vividly describes a sense of abandonment by friends or peers, relegating him to the background while dealing with envy and fake support, typical of high-stakes social circles.
Yeat addresses the futility of hate, declaring “hate is overrated,” indicating a dismissal of negativity while implying money is the catalyst shaping his life. By stating “money made me how I am,” he aligns his identity and lifestyle directly with his financial status, reflecting on the transformative impact of wealth that empowers him to act as he pleases, compared to others who “do what you can.”
The song pivots back to the chaotic experience of substance use, with the “perc’ 10” (a reference to a 10mg Percocet pill) becoming overbearing, metaphorically “beating his ass.” Despite this, he asserts control over his domain by rejecting Xanax, another widely abused prescription drug, establishing personal boundaries amidst the otherwise overwhelming lure of narcotics.
Yeat flaunts his financial success in his immediate surroundings, noting “bread” (money) in his pocket and “baguette” diamonds from France, epitomizing global opulence and cultural affluence. This serves to reinforce his status and the wide-ranging influence his wealth affords, highlighting how monetary success forms the cornerstone of his worldview.
The chorus echoes themes of deception and loyalty breaches as Yeat laments being betrayed for money: “switched up on yo’ ass for the bands,” with “bands” denoting large sums of cash. This recurrent motif underscores a deep-rooted suspicion towards friendships potentially tainted by greed, questioning the authenticity of connections in the face of monetary temptation.
“Can’t Think” by Yeat offers a critical, yet intoxicating view into the lives driven by fame and wealth, framed by vivid imagery and modern slang. Through its dynamic rhythm and catchy lines, it reflects not only on personal excesses and hedonistic tendencies but also on the social consequences of his lifestyle. By concluding with repeating refrains and images of money and materialism, the song solidifies its stance on the sometimes destructive, often alienating nature of living amidst opulence, compelling listeners to reflect on its transient thrills versus lasting values.
