Meaning: “Like Him” Tyler, The Creator: Lyric, Quotes (ft. Lola Young)

Meaning: “Like Him” Tyler, The Creator: Lyric, Quotes (ft. Lola Young)

Tyler, The Creator – Like Him: A Pursuit of an Ideal

Lyric: "Like Him" by Tyler, The Creator (feat. Lola Young)

Damn, nigga, every time I look at you, I swear to God
Nigga, you got that nigga feet
You got that nigga body
You got that nigga long arms, fingers and shit
Flat feet, big di—

She said that I make expressions like him
My legs to my shoulders and my chin like him
My waist and my posture like him
Like him
Like him, like him, like him

Mama, I’m chasing a ghost
I don’t know who he is
Mama, I’m chasing a ghost
I don’t know where he is
Mama, I’m chasing a ghost
Do I look like him? (Like what?)
Like him (Like what?)
Like him (Like what?)
Like him (La-la-la-la)

(La-la-la-la)

Give me love and affection
Attention, protection (Go)
How could I ever miss a chance (Go)
That I never had?
I would never judge ya
‘Cause everything worked out without him (Like what?)
Like him (Like what?)
Like him

Mama, I’m chasing a ghost
I don’t know who he is
Mama, I’m chasing a ghost
I don’t know where he is
Mama, I’m chasing a ghost
Do I look (Huh?)

Like him
Like him

I decided to really get that love inside of you
I would never ever lie to you (Yeah)
You ain’t ever gotta lie to me
I’m everything that I strive to be
So do I look like him?
Do I look like him? (Like him, like him, like him, like him)
I don’t look like him (Like him)

It was my fault, not yours, not his, it was my fault
I’m sorry
You know, it was my fault
Not him ’cause he always wanted to be that for you
And I’m sorry I was young, but he’s always wanted to be a father to you
So I-I fucked up and I take ownership of that, of my choices and decisions and I’m sorry for that
He’s a good guy
So don’t hold that against him because it was my fault
Just you know, forgive me

Unpacking “Like Him” by Tyler, The Creator

Okay, so let’s talk about Tyler, The Creator’s “Like Him,” featuring Lola Young. This song, man, it’s a whole mood. It’s not just a catchy beat (though it totally is). It’s like Tyler’s digging deep, exploring this complex relationship with an absent father figure. It’s raw, it’s honest, and it’s something a lot of us can probably relate to on some level. Ever felt like you’re chasing something, or someone, you can’t quite define? Yeah, this song captures that feeling perfectly.

A Ghost of a Father

The core of “Like Him” revolves around this “ghost” of a father. Tyler sings about wanting to be “like him,” mimicking his mannerisms, his physical traits. It’s like he’s trying to piece together this image of a man he barely knows, or maybe doesn’t know at all. It’s a search for identity, a yearning for connection. It’s almost heartbreaking, you know? This desire to emulate someone who’s absent, to fill that void. It makes you think about your own relationships, the people who’ve shaped you, even if they weren’t always there. It’s powerful stuff.

Love, Affection, and Protection

Then there’s the plea for “love and affection, attention, protection.” These are basic human needs, things we all crave. But in the context of the song, it feels like Tyler’s longing for these things from this absent father figure. It’s like he’s saying, “If only I had that, maybe I’d be more like him.” It’s that classic struggle of wanting to be accepted, to be loved, especially by a parent. It’s a universal theme, and Tyler nails it.

Taking Ownership

The bridge of the song takes a sharp turn. Tyler’s mom comes into the picture, and she’s apologizing. She admits that the absence of the father figure was her fault, not his. She acknowledges his desire to be a father and takes responsibility for her choices. This is huge. It’s a moment of honesty, of vulnerability. It adds another layer to the story. It’s not just about Tyler’s longing; it’s about the complexities of family dynamics, the ripple effects of decisions. It’s messy, it’s real, and it’s relatable.

Inspirational Quotes from “Like Him”: Finding Strength in Vulnerability

Now, let’s dive into some of the lyrical gems from “Like Him” that really resonate. These aren’t just words; they’re snapshots of human experience, capturing the essence of longing, regret, and self-discovery.

“Like Him” Inspirational Quotes: The Search for Self

“Mama, I’m chasing a ghost / I don’t know who he is.”

This quote perfectly encapsulates the feeling of chasing an ideal, an image of someone you barely know. It’s about the struggle to define yourself when a key figure in your life is absent. It makes you think, “Who am I, if I’m not like him?” It’s a powerful question that many people grapple with.

“Like Him” Inspirational Quotes: Longing for Connection

“Give me love and affection / Attention, protection.”

These lines are a simple yet profound expression of basic human needs. We all crave love, attention, and a sense of security. In the context of the song, it highlights the longing for these things from an absent parent. It’s a reminder of how important these connections are in shaping who we become.

“Like Him” Inspirational Quotes: Taking Responsibility

It was my fault, not yours, not his, it was my fault. I’m sorry.

This quote, spoken by Tyler’s mom, is a powerful acknowledgment of responsibility. It’s a reminder that our choices have consequences, and sometimes, we have to own up to them. It’s a moment of vulnerability, but also of strength. It’s about taking control of the narrative and acknowledging your part in it.

So, there you have it. “Like Him” is more than just a song; it’s a story. It’s a story about family, identity, and the search for connection. It’s a story that resonates because it’s real. It’s a reminder that we’re all on a journey, trying to figure things out, and sometimes, that means chasing ghosts. Now, I’d love to hear your thoughts on the song. What does “Like Him” mean to you? Do you interpret it differently? Let’s chat about it!

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