Released: 2016
“Feeling Whitney” by Post Malone is an introspective dive into the artist’s struggles with substance abuse, loneliness, and the pressures of fame. The haunting melody and vulnerable lyrics express a deep sense of melancholy and the pursuit of toxic coping mechanisms. It’s a raw and emotional confession from an artist usually associated with the party lifestyle.
The song starts with a sorrowful, reflective vocalization. This sets the mood for the baring of emotions that Post Malone proceeds with throughout the track. There’s a tangible sense of sadness and longing, setting the stage for the emotionally charged journey we’re about to embark on.
The first verse lays it bare. Malone admits to his struggle with addiction and the toll it’s taking on him. The line “And I’ve been looking for someone to put up with my bullshit” reveals his awareness of his destructive behavior and its impact on his relationships. “I can’t even leave my bedroom so I keep pouring” is a direct acknowledgement of his confinement and dependence on substances.
The line “And I was feeling Whitney, me and my homies sip Houston” is a coded reference to using drugs. Whitney and Houston are references to Whitney Houston, who battled with substance abuse. Here, Post Malone is openly sharing his struggle with addiction, using a metaphor from popular culture.
The rampaging consumerism in “Cars and clothes, thought I was winning” reflects the disillusionment of fame and success. It’s a critique of the empty validation that comes from material accumulation. The final lines of the verses, “You told me to wake up, oh my clock always stays on snooze / And I’m done,” is an admission of his lethargy and unresponsiveness to help or advice.
“To each their own and find peace in knowing / Ain’t always broken, but here’s to hoping / Show no emotion, against your coding” are lines from the chorus that capture the artist’s quest for personal peace and his struggle against suppressing his emotions. This suppression, a common trope in hip hop often referred to as “hard” or “cold,” is presented as a societal expectation he’s trying to resist.
In the second verse, the harsh reality of Malone’s drug usage comes to focus – the difficulty in finding a reliable dealer and the feeling of isolation when sober. The reference to “80 beers on Tuesday night” is obviously an exaggeration but it drives home the point of his excessive alcohol consumption. Singing along to Dwight (referring to country singer Dwight Yoakam) while consuming alcohol and cigarettes signifies a sense of escapism he seeks in the throes of addiction.
The final chorus solidifies the theme of the song – a manifesto of self-reliance in the face of adversity and battling personal demons. However, the repeated mantra “You don’t need a friend / Boy, you’re the man” reveals a disturbing denial of the need for support and connection, a tragic element of toxic masculinity prevalent in hip-hop culture.
In conclusion, “Feeling Whitney” is a desperate pursuit of escapism through drugs and alcohol, a damning critique of the hollowness of fame, and a yearning for genuine connection. It encompasses Post Malone’s struggle with substance abuse, paints a picture of the loneliness that accompanies fame, and calls into question societal expectations of masculinity.
