Story Behind The Song

"Catch 22's" is partially inspired by Meek Mill's song "Expensive Pain" when he reflects on his personal life struggles even as a successful rapper; I basically expanded on the idea that "money doesn't solve all problems" and noticed that the situations I talk about in "Catch 22's" all shared a common theme (as shown in my song title).

Song Description

"Catch 22's" is a song in which I point out situations in life that seem to make us feel "damned if we do, damned if we don't", as reflected in this song's hook. In the first verse - which is more personal - I bare all my frustrations navigating the job search as a formerly broke college grad (with the mindset that more education = better opportunities more quickly), and I reflect on the tough circumstances I'm faced with while making decisions on the job that I did get. In the second verse, I touch on more general situations others could face in the overall context of "Catch 22's." The production combines a subtle vocal sequence, hazy-sounding keyboards and heavy 808 drums and bass for a minimalist background to match the introspective vibe of the lyrics.

Lyrics

Intro
Life's a fuckin contradiction ain't it?
Gotta take the good with the bad...I guess

Chorus
Sometimes I feel damned if I do, damned if I don't
I'm screwed either way, so damnit I won't...
Sometimes I feel damned if I don't, damned if I do
I'm screwed either way so damnit I'll do...

1st Verse
I used to be used to that feeling of being broke as a grown man
Know how that feel with no two feet for your own stand?
Lame as it sounds right, lost in self-pity
No job as a college grad in a big-wealth city (ATX)
I was born and raised in at that, felt taken aback
Like damn, am I really that dumb, or they hate cuz I'm black? (What is it?)
That's that rabbit hole I was down, tryna break from that trap
I did everything by the book, but my pages was scratched (Damn)
Started out protecting store assets
Full time with benefits though, I got more established
At least I'm coming into my own, not bumming on the couch (true)
But mo money mo problems I gotta call em out (let's go)
I gotta make sure shits paid for, calm and nicely
But no matter how I ask, some just wanna fight me (well fuck you too)
And even then with some other customers I'll let 'em pass
Come to find out later the shit was stolen now managers wanna check my ass (mannn)
Must be a part of the game that I'm missing
Like yeah the meek shall inherit the earth, but the pain got expensive (whoa)
Even with cheese I'm at stake/steak like that philly meal
Life ain't fair, but it's really real

Chorus

2nd Verse
Can't help but think "but other niggas feel the same as I"
Getting the short end of the stick whatever lane you try
So on one hand you ain't tryna play the game cuz why (tell me)
But on the other, shittt might as well aim for the sky (I meannnn)
When rappers make it out the hood, they sold out if they don't come back (yep)
If they visit or rebuild, another one dead from a gun clap (pow)
And over what shit? Egos that's busted?
Make you kick up dust and say "You know what? Fuck this" (uh uh)
Or when fake fam and fake friends clowning your vision
When you chase your dream, they try to drag you down cuz they didn't
"Nigga stop, you'll never stand out"
But when you prove em wrong, they be the first to guilt trip you begging for a handout (hmmm)
Or the never satisfied fake woke on these socials
More concerned with what celebrities tweet than what they gon do (hahaha)
If they don't text "he don't care about the cause"
But when they really in the trenches "he just there for the applause"
Tshh, goes to show you can't please everyone
Might as well as be more selfish for your peace and be done...
I'm just saying

Chorus