Escapism by RAYE, 070 Shake is one of the most popular songs of 2022.
The song has topped the charts in several countries, received critical acclaim, and gone viral on TikTok, with millions of users participating in various challenges and trends.
But what is the story behind this catchy and rebellious pop song? How did Raye and 070 Shake create this masterpiece?
What is the meaning behind Escapism lyrics? And what are some of the references and influences in the song?
In this article, we will explore the themes of heartbreak, self-destruction, and denial that are expressed in this song.
We will also see how this song relates to the current social and cultural context of the 21st century.
The Inspiration and Writing Process Behind the Escapism Lyrics
RAYE is a British singer-songwriter who has been making waves in the music industry since her debut EP, Welcome to the Winter in 2014.
She has collaborated with artists such as David Guetta, Jax Jones, Charli XCX, and Stefflon Don.
She has also written songs for Beyoncé, Little Mix, Ellie Goulding, and John Legend.
070 Shake is an American rapper and singer who rose to fame after featuring on Kanye West’s album Ye in 2018.
She has also worked with artists such as Pusha T, DJ Khaled, Kid Cudi, and Nas. She released her debut album, Modus Vivendi, in 2020.
The two artists met through their mutual friend and producer Mike Sabath, who has produced hits for Lizzo, Meghan Trainor, Liam Payne, and Sabrina Carpenter.
Sabath suggested that they work together on a song for Raye’s debut album, My 21st Century Blues.
RAYE revealed that she wrote Escapism lyrics in a log cabin in Utah after a breakup.
She said: “Me and a friend hired a car and drove up there, in the middle of winter, through the snow and everything! ‘Escapism’ is a story about running away from everything as fast as you can. The lyrics are about leaving everyone behind and going out on your own. It came from a messy time, but as humans, we just have to keep surviving!”
She also said that she wanted to create a rebellious song that breaks the pop music structure.
She said, “I love how rebellious ‘Escapism’ is for disregarding the standard of pop music structure. It’s longer than three minutes and twenty seconds. It’s got a rap verse from one of my favourite artists ever. It’s got a trip-hop beat. It’s got everything I love in music.”
The genre and style of the song
Escapism is an uptempo song that incorporates elements of R&B, electropop, and hip hop.
The song uses a trip-hop beat that gives it a dark and edgy vibe. The song also showcases Raye’s vocal range and 070 Shake’s rap skills.
The song has been compared to some of the works of Rihanna, Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish, and Lana Del Rey.
The song has also been praised for its catchy chorus and hook.
The meaning and message of Escapism lyrics
Escapism lyrics depicts Raye’s unhealthy coping mechanisms after a breakup.
She engages in hookups, drugs, and alcohol to escape from reality and her emotions.
She sings: “Sleazin’ and teasin’, I’m sittin’ on him / All of my diamonds are drippin’ on him / I met him at the bar, it was twelve or somethin’ / I ordered two more wines ’cause tonight, I want him.”
She also expresses her desire to not feel anything and to numb her pain.
She sings: “Doctor, doctor, anything, please / Doctor, doctor, have mercy on me / Take this pain away / You’re askin’ me my symptoms, doctor, I don’t wanna feel.”
How Raye’s Verses Depict Her Reckless Behavior After a Breakup
In the first verse, Raye reveals that her lover dumped her the night before and that she was heartbroken.
She says she doesn’t want to feel how her heart is ripping and that she would rather get drunk and high instead.
She also says that she is looking for a man who is on the same page as her, meaning someone who is not interested in a serious relationship.
In the pre-chorus, Raye calls herself a “heart broke bitch” who wears high heels and sips champagne.
She also admits that she doesn’t trust any of her friends and that she snorts cocaine in the back of a taxi.
She says that she used to have drunk calls, texts, tears, and sex with her ex, but now she is back to her old ways of hooking up with random men.
RAYE’s verses in the Escapism lyrics show how she uses sex, drugs, and alcohol as a way to escape from her reality and avoid feeling her emotions.
She also shows how she has low self-esteem, trust issues, and no hope for love.
Her lyrics contrast with the upbeat production and catchy chorus of the song, creating a sense of irony and sarcasm.
How 070 Shake’s Verse Shows How Numbness and Detachment Can Result From Escapism
In the second verse of Escapism lyrics, 070 Shake joins Raye and adds another perspective to the song.
She shows how numbness and detachment can result from escapism. She says that she doesn’t want to feel like she did last night and that she wants to be at peace with the things she can’t change.
She also says that she will be naked when she leaves and that she was naked when she came, implying that she has no emotional attachment to or intimacy with her sexual partners.
She says that she is out of reach, out of touch, out of love, out of luck, out of time, out of mind, out of line, out of sight, and out of life.
These phrases show how disconnected and isolated she feels from herself and others.
She also says that she doesn’t care about anything or anyone anymore and that she just wants to get high and fly away.
She says that she doesn’t need love, money, fame, or anything else that people chase after in life. She says that she just wants to escape from everything.
070 Shake’s verse reinforces Raye’s chorus and shows how escapism can lead to numbness and detachment.
She also shows how disillusioned, apathetic, and isolated she feels. Her lyrics connect with Raye’s chorus and create a sense of irony and sarcasm.
How the Escapism Lyrics’ Title and Chorus Reveal the Hidden Message and Meaning Behind the Song
The song’s title and chorus are the most important parts of the song, as they reveal the hidden message and meaning behind the lyrics.
The word “escapism” means the tendency to seek distraction and relief from unpleasant realities, especially by seeking entertainment or engaging in fantasy.
This is exactly what Raye and 070 Shake do in the song: they escape from their reality by indulging in sex, drugs, and alcohol.
The chorus is catchy and upbeat, but also ironic and sarcastic.
RAYE sings: ‘Cause I don’t wanna feel how I did last night
I don’t wanna feel how I did last night
Doctor, doctor, anything, please
Doctor, doctor, have mercy on me
Take this pain away
You’re askin’ me my symptoms, doctor, I don’t wanna feel
She repeats this, emphasising her desperation and addiction.
She also uses a paradox: she wants to feel like she did last night, but last night she was trying not to feel anything at all.
She wants to escape from her pain, but she also wants to relive it.
The chorus also expresses the main idea of the song: escapism is not a solution, but a problem. Raye and 070 Shake are not happy or free, but trapped and miserable.
They are not healing, but hurting themselves more. They are not facing their reality but running away from it.
The chorus also relates to the current social and cultural context of the 21st century.
Many young people today face challenges and pressures such as stress, anxiety, depression, loneliness, insecurity, violence, injustice, etc.
Some of them may resort to escapism as a way to cope with their problems.
However, this can have negative consequences for their mental and physical health, as well as their relationships and goals.
Therefore, the chorus serves as a cautionary tale and a wake-up call for anyone who is considering escapism.
It also invites the listeners to reflect on their own lives and choices.
The song also reflects Raye’s personal struggles and experiences. She said, “I’ve been through a lot of sh*t in my life. I’ve had a lot of heartbreak. I’ve had a lot of trauma. I’ve had a lot of pain. And I think that’s why I connect with people so much through my music. Because I’m not afraid to be vulnerable, honest, and raw.”
The references and influences in the song
Escapism by Raye 070 Shake pays homage to some of Raye’s musical idols.
She said: “I grew up listening to Rihanna, Beyoncé, Amy Winehouse, Lauryn Hill, and Erykah Badu.
They are all women who have inspired me so much with their music and their attitude. They are all women who have broken boundaries and rules and created their own lane.”
The song also draws inspiration from some of Raye’s favourite songs and genres.
She said, “I love trip-hop. I love Massive Attack, Portishead, and Tricky. I love how they mix different genres and create something unique, dark, and moody. I also love pop music. I love Dua Lipa, Ariana Grande, and Taylor Swift. I love how they make catchy songs that make you want to dance and sing along.”
The song also references some of RAYE’s previous songs and projects.
She said: “I wanted to make a song that connects with my fans, who have been following me since the beginning. ‘Escapism’ is like a sequel to ‘Please Don’t Touch’, which was another song about a breakup that I released in 2019. It’s also like a sister to ‘Black Mascara’, which was another song about coping with pain that I released earlier this year.”
The popularity and impact of the song on TikTok and beyond
Escapism went viral on TikTok, with millions of users participating in various challenges and trends. Some of the most popular ones include:
- The #EscapismChallenge, where users lip-sync to the chorus of the song and act out different scenarios of escaping from reality
- The #EscapismDance, where users perform a choreography to the song created by dancer @jadebug98
- The #EscapismMakeup, where users show off their makeup looks inspired by the song and the music video
- The #EscapismLyrics, where users explain the meaning behind their favourite lyrics from the song
The song also became RAYE’s first number-one single in the UK and other countries.
It has received a platinum BPI certification for selling over 600,000 units in the UK.
It also topped the charts in Ireland and Denmark and entered the top ten of the charts in over twenty music markets, including Australia, Germany, New Zealand, and Switzerland, as well as the top twenty in Hungary and Belgium and the top forty in Nigeria and France.
Furthermore, it became both RAYE and 070 Shake’s first song to chart on the US Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 22.
The song has also received critical acclaim and recognition from fans and peers.
It has been nominated for several awards, including Best British Single at the BRIT Awards 2023 and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the Grammy Awards 2023.
The song’s accompanying music video, directed by RAYE and Otis Dominique, depicts the singer turning to “partying, drinking, and drugs to escape her emotions and numb her feelings” after breaking up with her boyfriend.
The video features cameo appearances from Mike Sabath, Jax Jones, and Charli XCX.
RAYE has performed the song live on Later with Jools Holland and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
Escapism is a song that has captured the hearts and minds of millions of people around the world.
It is a song that explores the themes of heartbreak, self-destruction, and denial through the lens of two women who are trying to escape from their reality.
The escapism lyrics are powerful and poignant, expressing their feelings and experiences in a relatable and honest way.
The song shows how they use sex, drugs, and alcohol as a way to avoid feeling their emotions.
It also shows how numbness and detachment can result from escapism.
The song’s title and chorus reveal the hidden message and meaning behind escapism lyrics: escapism is not a solution, but a problem.
The song also relates to the current social and cultural context of the 21st century and challenges the listeners to think about their own lives and choices.
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You can also watch the official video of “Escapism” by RAYE and 070 shake
