Released: 2015
“Everyday” by A$AP Rocky touches on the repetitive and, at times, aimless routines people fall into. Rocky, with features from artists like Rod Stewart, Miguel, and Mark Ronson, paints a picture of self-medication and the search for meaning, driven by a lifestyle of excess and introspection.
In the opening lines, Rocky mentions spending his days drinking wine and feeling fine, waiting for a sign he can understand. He’s looking for some clarity or direction in life, but meanwhile, he’s caught up in his habits. The chorus repeats this, emphasizing how this cycle is his everyday reality, blending a sense of resignation with a hope for a breakthrough.
As the verse drops, Rocky dives deeper. He talks about escaping to “another dimension,” suggesting he’s mentally and spiritually checking out. His “mind, body, soul imprisoned” speaks to feeling trapped in his own life, a common theme in hip-hop where artists battle their inner demons. He admits to losing control, “missing a couple of screws,” and trying to numb himself with “a double shot of wisdom.”
Rocky’s commentary on society comes alive when he mentions “beating the system” and praying for forgiveness in church. He’s aware of the system’s flaws and his own mistakes. The line “only God can judge me” is a nod to 2Pac’s famous defiance, underlying a struggle for redemption and self-acceptance. The graphic language about his appeal even to dykes reveals a bravado intertwined with self-deprecation, showing complex layers of self-image.
The second verse flips to the chaos of fame. Rocky reflects on pressure, with references to “busting off the clip in the middle of the office,” hinting at violent outbursts and stress. He mentions how the world reacts to his success (“Misfits’ new outfit is on the bloglist”), showing both his cultural influence and how he remains grounded in the chaos. The mention of “good shoes” and “brand new bag” highlights the material perks of fame, but he’s still rooted in the hood’s reality, pondering how his success affects those back home.
Rocky continues examining survival in the industry and the hood. His lines about buying guns and surviving by “agreeing with a lot or just believing a façade” reflect the compromises and illusions people cling to. These themes are wrapped up with him confessing he’ll “be fine just-a drinking my wine,” highlighting his coping mechanism.
Rod Stewart and Miguel’s contributions about lovebirds chirping at the window symbolize missed opportunities for love and connection, which Rocky dismisses, preferring his wine-induced numbness instead. This allows him to take life “slow,” ensuring his emotional survival, even if it keeps him stuck in the same loop.
The song closes reinforcing its themes of repetitive indulgence and the search for meaning. It’s clear that while Rocky is trying to find signs and understand his life’s purpose, he’s also resigned to his everyday routine of wine and waiting. The lovebirds, symbolizing potential for change and connection, are acknowledged but ultimately ignored.
