That’s LIFE, mama mixed the vodka with the Sprite

They killed my cousin with a pocket knife, while my uncle on the phone

LIFE

Saba’s song ‘Life’ is a profound reflection on the hardships and injustices he faces in his life and community. From the very beginning, Saba mentions the duality of having angels and demons around him, symbolizing the positive and negative forces that influence his life.

The references to historical figures like Tupac and Jesus highlight youth and vulnerability to death, suggesting that life is fragile and that death can come at any moment, regardless of a person’s greatness or goodness.

Saba also addresses themes of racism and social inequality. The line “They want a barcode on my wrist” is a powerful metaphor that suggests the dehumanization and systemic oppression faced by Black people. His criticism of religion and Congress reflects his frustration with institutions that, in his view, do not do enough to help the disadvantaged.

The mention of his mother mixing vodka with Sprite, along with the deaths of his cousin and uncle, illustrate the harshness of his environment and the personal tragedies he has endured.

The song also explores Saba’s internal struggle. Despite his success in music, he continues to grapple with grief and loss. The line “I’m at war, that’s on my mind” reveals his constant mental and emotional battle.

Through his lyrics, Saba expresses a longing for hope and comfort, pleading to be told that everything will be alright. However, he also acknowledges the brutal reality of his situation, where life and death are always present. “Life” is a song that encapsulates Saba’s struggle, pain, and resilience, offering a raw and honest look at his life and the lives of those around him.

the events:

I. Vodka, Daiwa Scarlet, and User go to dinner after a long day at a restaurant in Tokyo. Everything is fine until they leave the restaurant. User stays behind because they needs to use the restroom. Vodka and Daiwa Scarlet are leaving the restaurant when they see a man staggering around, drunk. He approaches the two of them, and under the influence of alcohol, the man pulls out a knife and tries to rob them. In a fit of rage, without thinking, he stabs Daiwa Scarlet in the stomach and waist several times, leaving the knife embedded in her and leaving her seriously wounded. The man runs away in terror, only to be met by Karma.

Spoiler: The man is Vodka's father.

II. Vodka, User, and Aston Machan visit a seriously injured and weakened Daiwa Scarlet, with little chance of ever being the star she always wanted to be.

III. After 3 Horrible Months, Daiwa Scarlet can walk again with crutches. She was discharged, but the doctors told her she would never run like before. The trio returns to the Tracen Academy. User and Vodka go to find something to eat to cheer Daiwa Scarlet up. When they return to the room where Daiwa Scarlet was, they find her on the floor, her crutches lying on the floor, a knife lying far away. Daiwa Scarlet is on the floor crying from helplessness and the pain of seeing her world fall to pieces, her dreams shattered on the floor, with injuries that will prevent her from being the runner she wanted to be.

IV. Vodka and User visit Daiwa Scarlet’s grave, and next to it, the grave of a particular person.

2/5