FYI

Song Meaning

The track "FYI" opens with a direct, almost casual declaration: "FYI, just leaving this here." The speaker immediately establishes an opinionated stance, offering a series of observations and critiques on contemporary music culture. It sets a tone of unfiltered commentary, a public service announcement for the discerning listener. A core tension emerges from the speaker's struggle with authenticity and depth in a world seemingly dominated by the superficial. They contrast mainstream acts like "Rihanna" and "Lamar" with the raw, uncompromising spirit of "GG Allin and Diamanda Galás," lamenting what's been lost to the "dark underground." This isn't just about taste; it's a lament for substance, suggesting that "thoughts need words, words need thoughts." The lyrics masterfully employ stark contrasts and vivid, often intellectual, imagery to underscore this divide. The underground is described as "dark as Kant's sentences," a surprising and potent comparison that elevates the discussion beyond simple genre preference. This intellectual grounding is then juxtaposed with the fleeting nature of "hashtags and punchlines," which the speaker dismisses as lacking true "FYI" — genuine insight. The speaker's declaration, "I'll be writing about this, and you keep writing applications," further solidifies their commitment to artistic integrity over mundane pursuits. What makes these lyrics particularly effective is their defiant blend of nostalgia and forward-thinking perspective. While the speaker acknowledges a longing for the raw energy of "Woodstock" or "Jarocin," they firmly state, "I'm not tempted to return to any past era." This refusal to be confined by history, combined with the aggressive, almost gatekeeping skateboarding metaphor at the end — "If you can't land a flip, get out with that wood" — powerfully conveys a demand for skill, authenticity, and a willingness to push boundaries, not just mimic past glories. The speaker's "seven faces in a week" suggests a restless, evolving artistic identity.