Birthday Song

This is a poignant reflection on death and the meaning of life. "When I die, bury me up in that Gucci store," demonstrates how man's quest for riches will always be unattainable, because no amount of wealth will ever be enough. And yet, "all I want for my birthday is a big-booty ho," in other words, the expression of sexuality and the quenching of sexual desire does allow the male psyche a bit of a reprieve from the pressures of work and striving for success. The singer can also justifiably take pride in his admirable accomplishments attained thus far (such as creating this song, or, at least, the lyrics to it) - "how I come up with this shit in the studio". In his verse he expresses his admiration for a particular female of great beauty and talent, demonstrates his dominance over his peers ("You the realest nigga breathin' if I hold my breath") and furthermore gives evidence of his sexual dominance.

Yeezy's verse, however, seems out of place. Trapped in monogamous relationship with a woman for whom he provides financially, the phrase "all I want for my birthday is a big-booty ho" resonates within his mind as simply a desire for a ménage à trois, a desire upon which he has apparently become fixated. One could argue that this distracts from the themes at play in the rest of the song - or is it, in truth, a brilliant display of how sexuality itself can, like riches, become a vast unattainable quest to which there is no end, since Yeezy, apparently secure in a relationship with one big-booty ho, is now seeking the sexual conquest of another and for both women to demonstrate his sexual dominance by performing with each other for his pleasure. Nonetheless, I am inclined to think the former since, ending his verse unsuccessful in his aims, he resorts to threats and reminders of his power to pull financial support if his desires are not met.

This verse stands out as a personal issue of Kanye's that breaks suddenly with earlier portions of the song, but then irrevocably changes the themes, since the theme of money as granting power over sexuality becomes dominant in the final verse, shared by the two poets. Deuce and Ye become two buddies hanging out at the club. Ye clearly seems to be the sidekick, or less dominant male, here. He is simply seeking to vent his earlier-expressed frustrations over monogamy, while 2 Chainz is free to act as he pleases, not beholden to any woman. The two choose a favorite female and encourage her to perform further exaggerated displays of sexuality.

I also highly recommend the surreal video directed by Andreas Nilsson. I still cannot figure out why the people are beating up the clown, why they throw him down the slip and slide in a violent manner and why he then suddenly appears happy and unharmed, yet wearing a gas mask(?) while dancing and enjoying the party.

There is generally no point to this song, yet i go so freaking pumped up listening to it. i applaud you 2 chainz;*

I remember the first time I heard this song. Never will I forget the way in which Duece and Ye touched my heart with such beautiful lyrical meaning. Also, Kanye's ad-lib of "huh?" just puts a smile on my face. Finally, I had a real life experience during which I told the DJ to play my song. Guess which song came on? That's right. Birthday Song came on.