Released: 2017
“Pray For Me” by G-Eazy delves into the turbulence and deceit of Hollywood’s fast life while seeking divine intervention. It paints a picture of G-Eazy’s struggle with fame, temptation, and the constant battle between his aspirations and the darker realities of his lifestyle.
From the jump, G-Eazy is asking the “man upstairs”—a reference to God—for guidance, hoping that his prayers are answered. He likens Hollywood to a jungle with “lions and tigers and bears,” emphasizing the predatory nature of the industry. The repetition of “Pray for me” underscores his need for protection.
In the next verse, G-Eazy talks about the excesses of his life, being “Turnt the fuck up for no reason”, treating every day like it’s the weekend. He mentions his constant suspicion of women, noting how they might look like angels but can be demons plotting to trap him. The line “I’m flushing the rubber, you won’t get my children” signifies his distrust and caution against being exploited.
G-Eazy reflects on the craziness of the fame game and the relentless chase by the paparazzi, comparing his escape in a Rolls-Royce Ghost to the character Patrick Swayze in the movie “Ghost.” He calls his lifestyle “young and wavy”, embracing it while acknowledging its insanity.
The chorus, repeated again, reinforces the imagery of Hollywood as a dangerous, wild place, and his plea for divine support. It’s clear he feels lost amid the chaos and desires some form of redemption or peace.
In a different verse, G-Eazy critiques L.A., calling it a “land of dreams” turned into “land of fiends.” He’s disillusioned by the phony nature of the industry, pointing out the loneliness at the top and the constant pretenses around him. He stresses his commitment to keeping it real, devoid of any form of “chill.”
The next lines show G-Eazy battling with his mental state, using substances like Xanax to cope. He references his album, The Beautiful & Damned, indicating the double-edged sword of fame. He hopes his grandmother’s prayers can guide him through, hinting at personal and familial roots that keep him grounded.
The outro reiterates the need for divine help before it’s too late. G-Eazy admits the continuous chase by his demons but finds solace knowing his angels stay with him. This reflects the duality of his existence—the damned beauty that people pay to see and the internal struggle that comes with it. The final line, “Ladies and Gentlemen, The Beautiful and Damned”, encapsulates his life and art.
