Released: 2019
Polo G’s “Chosen 1” is an emotionally charged song where the artist reflects on betrayal, lost love, and the struggle of making it against the odds. With his heartfelt lyricism, Polo G paints a vivid picture of the trials and tribulations that come with street life, success, and the scars left by personal relationships. The track’s central theme revolves around resilience, a journey from hardships to triumph, and the bittersweet realization of who has supported him versus those who have not.
The song opens with the chorus where Polo G sets the tone by expressing how his emotional bonds have been shattered, resulting in a feeling of vulnerability and disappointment. When he says “You broke that bond, now when it come to you, my feelings weak,” it’s evident that someone he trusted has let him down deeply. The theme of betrayal is reinforced through phrases like “You let your selfish ways come in between our chemistry,” indicating how personal gains ruined their relationship. It’s clear that trust, once lost, is difficult to regain, leading to regret over past shared experiences.
The verse following the hook takes a deeper dive into the emotional turmoil Polo G feels. “Fucked up my trust, wish I could delete all our memories” encapsulates his desire to erase the pain caused by broken relationships. The lines “Keep poppin’ these pills, I hope it take away my misery” reveal his struggle with mental health, highlighting a common coping mechanism through substance use, illustrating how deep his anguish goes.
As the verse progresses, Polo G opens up about the emotional numbing and inner conflict he’s facing. He portrays a hardened persona with “I cut so many off, my heart cold, it’s December, B,” metaphorically describing the frostiness and detachment he’s developed as a survival mechanism. Polo G reflects on sleepless nights and overthinking, indicating how the burden of his thoughts doesn’t allow him rest or peace, captured succinctly in “My mind keep racing, I been overthinking, I don’t get no sleep.”
Further in the song, Polo G conveys his journey of overcoming the disbelief and envy of those who doubted him, reaching success that surprises many. When he mentions “I made it to the top and they all looked up in disbelief,” it suggests the vindication and personal fulfillment of achieving what seemed impossible to others. “I promise I’ma die a legend, I’ma make sure that you remember me” highlights his determination to leave a lasting impact, both as a form of revenge against doubters and a testament to his self-worth.
The lyrics also pay homage to the late loved ones and friends Polo G has lost, with a nod to the enduring love and emptiness left in their absence. He touches on his aspirations as a child and the dream of wealth that dates back to his school days in “I used to daydream, I pictured everything so vividly,” adding a poignant layer to his success narrative. “Long live Maxine, I miss your love, wish you was here with me” conveys the deep sense of loss and remembrance that drives part of his motivation.
Transitioning into another aspect of his story, Polo G speaks candidly about the choice to leave traditional paths for the streets in “Life overwhelmed me, I said fuck school and hit the streets.” Here, he presents a common narrative among many young people facing limited opportunities and systemic barriers, where the street life becomes a more accessible option for making money.
Polo G does not glamorize his past but rather recounts the raw realities, such as hustling drugs for financial gain in “We used to break down eight-balls, wishing we could get a key.” He provides a window into the world of young individuals ensnared by circumstances beyond their control, often involving encounters with law enforcement and the justice system, shown in “Was tryna duck that indictment, the feds did a sweep.”
The violent realities of his past are bluntly presented when he talks about the need for self-defense and the willingness to retaliate, evidenced in “Lil’ nigga grabbed his first glizzy, went on a killing spree.” The lyric underlines the cycle of violence that many individuals find themselves in, forced to adopt a mindset of constant vigilance and preparedness against threats.
Ultimately, Polo G wraps up with a rejection of the superficial and contrived nature of the music industry, choosing to maintain authenticity and distance himself from ‘gimmicks.’ He proudly stands by his roots and genuine self, suggesting an unwavering sense of self despite the pressures to conform in “I’m way too solid for the gimmicks, fuck the industry.” It’s an assertion of his commitment to stay true to his essence, despite the commercial aspects of his career. The song as a whole paints a vivid picture of the struggles faced and triumphs achieved by Polo G, and serves as both a reflection and declaration of his journey and future aspirations.
