Meaning of Tread Water by De La Soul

The De La Soul song titled 'Tread Water' is a rhythmic and lyrical masterpiece that delves into a multitude of themes and messages. At its core, the song carries an overarching theme of resilience, determination, and the necessity to keep moving forward in the face of adversity. Through vivid storytelling and clever wordplay, De La Soul weaves together a tapestry of unique and unexpected themes that add depth and intrigue to the song.One standout lyric in the song is "Mr. Crocodile said, 'Dove, you must look, for now the villains try to hold you underwater, but one thing we all must heed, Sony Walkmans keep us walking, De La Soul can help you breathe when you tread water.'" This lyric introduces the idea of external forces, symbolized by the villains, trying to hold us down. But rather than succumbing to their pressures, the lyric suggests finding solace and strength in music, namely De La Soul's music. Here, the theme of music as a source of inspiration and escape is introduced, emphasizing its ability to help us stay afloat even in the most difficult of circumstances.Another compelling lyric is "I've searched for you all over, now you're found, no time to waste. We must find the Preacher Man, we must find the P.A. Mase." This lyric introduces the character of Mr. Squirrel, who represents the idea of seeking guidance and support from others. In this case, the Preacher Man and P.A. Mase symbolize wisdom and knowledge. The theme of seeking guidance from mentors or individuals who have a deeper understanding becomes prominent in this lyric, highlighting the importance of learning from others' experiences to navigate through challenges successfully.As the song progresses, another lyric catches our attention, "Now one weary day I woke, my alarm said 'Plug time's up,' filled my bath up with the water, gargled with my gargle cup." This playful and imaginative lyric symbolizes the need for self-care and finding moments of peace amidst the chaos. It reminds us that even in the busiest or most overwhelming of times, it is essential to take care of ourselves and make time for personal well-being. The theme of self-care is subtly woven into the song, reminding us to find ways to recharge and rejuvenate so that we can continue to tread water and overcome any challenges.The song takes an unexpected turn with the lyric, "As my day went unexplained, time was finding nothing fun, as I walked along the sidewalk, I heard, 'Psst, excuse me, Plug One.'" Here, Mr. Monkey enters the narrative, representing unexpected encounters and opportunities. This lyric presents the theme of serendipity and the potential for finding solutions or assistance in the most unlikely places. It reminds us to remain open to new experiences, even when things seem dull or stagnant, as they may hold the key to our progress.In conclusion, 'Tread Water' by De La Soul is a song that encompasses several thought-provoking themes through its intricate storytelling and wordplay. From the power of music to navigate adversity to the importance of seeking guidance, self-care, and being open to unexpected opportunities, the song provides a diverse range of messages that all tie back to the overarching theme of resilience and determination. It reminds us that, no matter what challenges we face, we have the tools within us to keep moving forward. So, let the uplifting melodies and profound lyrics of De La Soul's 'Tread Water' serve as a reminder to tread water, find our strength, and continue on our journey despite the challenges we encounter along the way.

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