: He dismisses "rap shit" and industry distractions, focusing instead on financial independence and building his own legacy as if Tupac were still here to witness it.
The song also explores a tragic family parallel involving his uncle: Saba - LIFE (Official Audio)
Unlike the more melodic tracks on his previous project, Bucket List Project , "LIFE" features an aggressive, rapid-fire flow. Saba uses his voice as an instrument of anxiety, mirroring the "panicked tone" of the instrumental. Key lyrical themes include: : He dismisses "rap shit" and industry distractions,
: He speaks of having his "grandaddy's soul" and being "at war," framing his personal struggles as part of a larger, inherited battle for stability and wealth. The Legacy of "LIFE" Key lyrical themes include: : He speaks of
Beyond its lyrical depth, "LIFE" has resonated massively with listeners, garnering over . It serves as a gateway to CARE FOR ME , an album that many consider a "candidate for Album of the Year" upon its release for its raw honesty. Through this song, Saba transformed his private mourning into a public monument for those he lost, ensuring that names like John Walt are never forgotten in the landscape of Chicago hip-hop.
When Chicago rapper Saba released "LIFE" as a single for his 2018 album CARE FOR ME , it wasn't just another track—it was a visceral outpouring of grief that would eventually anchor one of the most critically acclaimed hip-hop albums of the decade. While the official audio presents a frantic, almost panicked production, the lyrics reveal a deeply personal narrative of family loss and the survivalist mindset of the West Side of Chicago. The Core Narrative: A Cycle of Loss