We’ve all heard the saying “laugh now, cry later” at some point. It’s been used in many ways: sometimes, it means enjoying the moment without worrying about the future, and other times, it’s about staying strong now and saving the tears for later.
Recently, the phrase got a lot of buzz with Drake’s new song titled “Laugh Now Cry Later,” featuring Lil Durk, with fans all over the place trying to figure out the song’s message. Some think Drake’s calling out Kanye West, while others feel it’s more about his life.
In this article, we’ll dig deeper into the many meanings of “laugh now, cry later” and see how it’s been used over the years. We’ll also take a closer look at Drake’s song and what it might be saying. Let’s deep dive!
Drake and the Philosophy of ‘Laugh Now Cry Later’
‘Laugh Now Cry Later‘ has a deeper meaning than catchy lyrics and a great beat. The song reflects Drake’s philosophy on life, success, and pain.
At its core, it’s about living in the moment and enjoying the good times while they last. Drake believes that life is too short to dwell on the negative and that we should make the most of every opportunity that comes our way.
However, the song also acknowledges that life is not always easy, and sometimes, we have to go through pain and hardship to get to where we want to be. Drake encourages listeners to embrace their struggles and use them as motivation to push forward and achieve their goals.
Throughout the song, he touches on the theme of success and how it can change people. He warns against becoming too caught up in material possessions and losing sight of what truly matters.
Dissecting the Lyrics
The lyrics of “Laugh Now Cry Later” contain meaning and references to Drake’s personal life and the rap industry.
The song’s title itself is a nod to the famous quote by James Brown, “I don’t want nobody to give me nothing, open up the door, I’ll get it myself. Laugh now, cry later,” representing the idea of enjoying the moment and dealing with the consequences later.
Verse One
In the first verse, Drake talks about his rise to fame and how he dealt with lies and rumors about his personal life.
He mentions how he slept well at night, knowing that he didn’t get out-barred by his rivals. This line references his beef with Pusha T, who exposed Drake’s secret child in his diss track “The Story of Adidon.”
The song also takes shots at other rappers with whom Drake has had a long-standing beef, including Nas and 2Pac. In the line
“Tuck my napkin in my shirt ’cause I’m just mobbin’ like that,”
Drake references Nas’ line in “The Message” where he says,
“I don’t rock Chanel, I rock Channel.”
This line is a subtle jab at Nas, known for his love of high-end fashion.
Chorus
The song’s chorus
“Sometimes we laugh and sometimes we cry, but I guess you know now, baby,”
represents the idea of living in the moment and dealing with the pain later. The line
“I took a half and she took the whole thing, slow down, baby”
also references drug use and the dangers of addiction.
“Laugh Now Cry Later” reflects Drake’s personal life and experiences in the rap industry. The lyrics are packed with meaning and references to other artists, making it a great song for fans to dissect and analyze.
Behind the Music Video
Drake’s “Laugh Now Cry Later” music video was directed by Dave Meyers and filmed at the Nike headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon, and has over 200 million views on YouTube since its release in August 2020. It features a star-studded cast of athletes, including Kevin Durant, Odell Beckham Jr., and Marshawn Lynch, and a cameo from actor and director Jonah Hill.
The video begins with Drake and Lil Durk playing basketball at the Nike headquarters, showcasing the brand’s iconic swoosh logo on their jerseys. The two rappers then tour the Nike campus, with scenes of them swimming in the company’s Olympic-sized pool and riding around on golf carts.
Throughout the video, Drake and Lil Durk wear Nike apparel and sneakers, highlighting the brand’s influence in music and sports culture. The video also features a scene where Drake is shown wearing a custom Nike jacket with the words “Certified Lover Boy” on the back, teasing his upcoming album.
Social Media Reaction
Following the release of “Laugh Now Cry Later,” social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram buzzed with fans’ and critics’ reactions. Many praised Drake’s ability to blend his signature sound with Lil Durk’s unique style, while others criticized the song for being too formulaic.
On Twitter, fans quickly pointed out the song’s references to Drake’s ongoing feud with his enemies, including Meek Mill and Tekashi 6ix9ine. Some speculated that the song’s lyrics were aimed at these rappers, while others argued that the references were simply a way for Drake to assert his dominance in the rap game.
Meanwhile, on Instagram, fans praised the song’s music video, which features Drake and Lil Durk playing various sports and engaging in other activities. Many commented on the video’s high production value and the chemistry between the two rappers.
The Production Team
“Laugh Now Cry Later” was produced by talented producers, including Yung Exclusive, Rogét Chahayed, and Cardo.
The team created a beat that perfectly complements Drake’s style, featuring a catchy piano melody, hard-hitting drums, and a smooth bassline. The production team added various other sounds, including strings and synths, to create a rich, layered sound.
In addition, the production team played a vital role in the songwriting process. They worked closely with Drake and Lil Durk to help craft the lyrics and melodies for the song. The result is a song that perfectly captures the emotions of the lyrics, with a beat that keeps listeners hooked from start to finish.
Legacy and Impact
Drake has been a major force in hip-hop for over a decade, and “Laugh Now Cry Later” is just the latest example of his influence.
As a Toronto rapper, he brought a unique perspective to the genre, and his ability to blend catchy hooks with introspective lyrics has made him one of the most successful artists of his generation.
“Laugh Now Cry Later” is a prime example of Drake’s ability to capture the zeitgeist. The song’s themes of enjoying the high life while still acknowledging the struggles of the trenches resonate with many listeners. It’s a reminder that finding joy and laughter is essential, even in bad times.
The song’s impact can be seen in its chart success. It debuted at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and has remained in the top 10 for several weeks. It’s also been streamed millions of times on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.
Beyond its commercial success, “Laugh Now Cry Later” has also had an impact on the culture. It’s been parodied and meme’d countless times and has helped cement Drake’s status as a pop culture icon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the origin of ‘Laugh Now Cry Later’?
The phrase ‘Laugh Now Cry Later’ originated from the ancient Roman playwrites. It was used as a reminder to enjoy life while you can because it can be taken away at any moment.
What is the meaning behind the ‘Laugh Now Cry Later’ tattoos?
The ‘Laugh Now Cry Later’ tattoos represent the duality of life. It is a reminder to enjoy the good times while they last but also to be prepared for the bad times that will inevitably come.
What do the masks in ‘Laugh Now Cry Later’ represent?
The masks in ‘Laugh Now Cry Later’ represent the duality of emotions. The laughing mask represents happiness and joy, while the crying mask represents sadness and pain. Together, they represent the full range of human emotions.
What is the significance of the phrase ‘Smile Now Cry Later’?
‘Smile Now, Cry Later’ is a variation of the ‘Laugh Now, Cry Later’ phrase. It often reminds people to enjoy the moment and not worry about the future.
What is the cultural significance of ‘Laugh Now Cry Later’?
‘Laugh Now Cry Later’ has cultural significance in many communities, including hip-hop culture. It is often used as a reminder to stay true to oneself and to persevere through difficult times.
What is the symbolism of the ‘Laugh Now Cry Later’ tattoos?
The ‘Laugh Now Cry Later’ tattoos symbolize the duality of life and the importance of embracing both the good and the bad. It is a reminder to live life to the fullest and to be prepared for whatever comes your way.
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