Released: 2016 • Features: Ty Dolla $ign
“Cinderella” by Mac Miller featuring Ty Dolla $ign is a tribute to their respective love interests, detailing the complexity of their relationships and their deep affection for the women they’re drawn to. The title alludes to the classic fairy tale of Cinderella, however, the song opens up the conversation to more mature subjects with themes of desire, commitment, and an exploration of manhood.
The song opens with Ty Dolla $ign setting the stage with a chorus that reeks of anticipation, reluctance, and longing. “I been waitin’ all night for this moment, I been waitin’ all year for this moment,” Ty sings, showing patience for their evening together. The lyrics “Daddy told you, better bring your ass home, Cinderella better get your ass home” suggests a protective or possibly controlling element, while “Man I swear the parents just don’t understand, You ain’t gotta be old to be a man” brings a generational conflict into the narrative.
Ty continues to paint the scene of their secret rendezvous with “I got a suite at the SLS,” alluding to the famous luxury hotel in Las Vegas. The emphasis on “expensive taste” and his plan for the evening establishes a sense of decadence and indulgence in their relationship.
As Mac Miller steps in with his verse, there’s a shift in tone. His admission that “You in my dreams that’s why I sleep all the time, Just to hear you say I love you, just to touch you, Just to leave you behind” speaks to a more emotionally charged aspect of their relationship. This suggests a depth of feeling that extends beyond physical attraction.
Mac continues to express his affection beyond physicality, with the lyrics “Because your fragrance got me faded, you be keepin’ me high”. But he quickly returns to a sensual tone, reassuring her that she doesn’t have to remain dry and promising a culinary treat after their escapade, solidifying the intimate, erotic undertone that defines the song.
Mac then flips the narrative to depict Cinderella’s transformation in the privacy of their relationship, referencing iconic film The Wizard of Oz with “It looks like Dorothy ain’t in Kansas anymore”. He intimates their intense physical relationship with “We started on the bed and then we moved onto the floor”. His verse ends on an affirming note as he declares “Never gonna find nobody better” expressing his absolute belief in the uniqueness of their bond.
After the familiar chorus by Ty Dolla $ign, the song transitions into a poetic and reflective outro by Mac Miller that further delves into the rollercoaster of emotions he experiences in this relationship. Contrasting to the earlier parts of the song, this section is filled with sentiments of admiration, commitment, and support. Lines like “I won’t stop ’til you’re mine, no way” and “I promise I’m not far behind” show his dedication and unwavering loyalty.
Mac finally lays bare his admiration in the repeated phrase, “You lookin’ better every day”. As he combines love, admiration, and devotion into the line “It’s only right that right after love, I write my name” he implies this woman is not just a fleeting passion, but a permanent and valued part of his life.
“Cinderella” despite its modern, explicit, and hedonistic facade, ultimately uncovers layers of emotional depth, vulnerability, and commitment. The allusions to fairy tales and films inject an element of magic and fantasy into the narrative, offering a fresh and intricate perspective on the traditional love song format. The lyrical banquet served up by Ty Dolla $ign and Mac Miller crafts a plush, intoxicating serenade that doesn’t shy away from the intensity of love, passion, and manhood.
