Song Meaning

Apathy's "Old Lyme Like Old Times," featuring Ryu, isn't just a boast; it's a flex steeped in the complicated psychology of success. The track operates on multiple levels, intertwining aspirational materialism with a palpable awareness of the darkness that success can attract. He starts with champagne toasts and name-drops Isaac Asimov, immediately establishing a juxtaposition between hedonism and intellectualism. This sets the stage for a lyrical journey that's as much about proving himself as it is about enjoying the spoils. The repeated line about not discussing plans because "all they hold is doubt" speaks volumes about Apathy's guarded nature, a defense mechanism likely honed through navigating the often treacherous music industry. The desire to return to writing "dope rhymes like old times / To buy a crib out in Old Lyme" reveals a yearning for simpler motivations, a desire to reconnect with the core passion that fueled his ambition in the first place. Ryu's verse amplifies the themes of protection and self-reliance. His opening lines, prioritizing peace and guarding it "like an O-line," highlight a need for boundaries in a world that constantly demands more. The California love and seagull imagery paint a picture of detached observation, a perspective gained from achieving a certain level of altitude. The line about teaching people to fly instead of feeding them pieces of his pie speaks to a desire to empower rather than enable, a subtle but significant distinction. The references to international travel (Dubai, Pisa) underscore the global reach of his success, but even amidst the jet-setting, there's an undercurrent of vigilance, evidenced by the "rhymes are like a weapon" line. The chorus, a simple yet effective "Okay / Happy today," acts as a mantra, a conscious effort to maintain a positive outlook amidst the complexities of their respective journeys. The repetition underscores the deliberate nature of their happiness, suggesting it's not a given but rather a choice. The bridge and outro, with their repeated invocation of "flying down the shore," evoke a sense of freedom and escape, a return to a place of solace and inspiration. The layered vocals and fading echoes create a dreamlike atmosphere, hinting that this idyllic vision may be as much a fantasy as it is a tangible goal. Ultimately, "Old Lyme Like Old Times" is a nuanced exploration of ambition, success, and the ongoing struggle to maintain authenticity in a world that often demands conformity.

Apathy & Ryu - Rap, USA

Old Lyme Like Old Times

2 Plays

Duration: 1:27

[Verse 1: Apathy] Ayo, break out the champagne, shake it and blast off Y'all are gettin' money, I salute you, hats off Gone are the days we was gettin' them packs off Now it's all science, I'm Isaac Asimov Measurin' the weather, then I raise my sail It's better than my girlfriend raisin' my bail 'Cause she don't want to see me spendin' days in jail So now I'm back like Christ, watch me raise the grail Dinner reservation at The Ocean House Always watch my back 'cause the vultures out I never chew my food with an open mouth And I never discuss plans, all they hold is doubt Red sky at night, best time to write X5 is white, fresh rhymes for life Squeeze fresh limes in a bowl of ceviche Had a record deal, but I sold it on eBay I got Joe Rogan on replay Show up at your show and Hulk Hogan your DJ And even though I know it's cliche I'm tryna get my girl and some ho in a three-way I know it's wrong, so I throw on some Freeway And pose like Jordan when I dove from the sea ray Now I'm writin' dope rhymes like old times To buy a crib out in Old Lyme, it's go time [Chorus] Okay Happy today Okay Happy today [Verse 2: Ryu] Uh, I don't know a whole lot about an Old Lyme I like my peace and I protect it like an O-line You lookin' for beef? Well, I'm a different kind of bovine California love, I be huggin' this coastline The only cloud you're ever gonna see in the sky's because of me And all my people smokin' weed the whole time I'm like a seagull lookin' down on the beach, I'm that high Puffin' diesel when I'm in CT and NY They see me eatin', but they never get a piece of that pie I never feed 'em 'cause I'd rather just teach 'em to fly That's real freedom when you wake up in L.A. and go to sleep in Dubai You can do it if you use the tool between your two eyes I get mine, see the pitfalls and peep the design And follow me, I guarantee your Visa never declines Go to Pisa for some pizza and some freaky felines They love this cap, my Raider cap's givin' Eazy E-vibes (Eazy) No surprise that I'm hated and I'm widely despised 'Cause where I eat, they call 'em frites and not French fries In these streets, I'm like a reverend, givin' words to the wise You in a rush to get to Heaven, I can help you skip the line These rhymes are like a weapon, always stuck to my side So if I'm threatened, I can bust 'em like a P89 The repercussions when you fuckin' with a G so refined That I don't even say a word when I'm speakin' my mind, yeah [Chorus] Okay Happy today Okay Happy today [Bridge] Flying down the shore (Ah) Flyer than ever before (Down the shore) Flying down the shore (Flying down the shore) Flyer than ever before [Interlude] Shore Life, sure is [Outro] Flying down the shore (Ah) Flyer than ever, ever, ever Flyer than ever, ever, ever (Flyer than ever) Before The shore (Ah) The shore (Ah) Down the shore (Ah) Flying, the shore (Ah) Flyer than ever before (Ever, the shore) Fly–

Credits

Writers: Ryu
Apathy

Old Lyme Like Old Times

Old Lyme Like Old Times

Lyrics

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Credits