Unveiling the Deeper Meaning of 'East Side' by Benny Blanco, Halsey, and Khalid

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Lyrics Explained: East Side by Benny Blanco, Halsey, and Khalid
3. The Concept Behind the Song
   • 3.1 Falling in Love at a Young Age
   • 3.2 Growing Up and Touching
   • 3.3 The Disapproval of the Father
   • 3.4 Sneaking Out and Yearning for Freedom
   • 3.5 Finding Solace in the East Side
   • 3.6 Enjoying the Carnival
   • 3.7 Love Conquers All
4. Analysis and Interpretation of the Lyrics
   • 4.1 Holding Hands and the Bond with the Dog
   • 4.2 Convincing the Father and the Dog's Love
   • 4.3 Sneaking out at Night
   • 4.4 Climbing the Drainpipe to Freedom
   • 4.5 Meeting on the East Side
   • 4.6 Riding the Blue Corvette at the Carnival
   • 4.7 Going Anywhere and Taking the Leap
   • 4.8 Love Overcomes All Obstacles
5. Conclusion

Lyrics Explained: East Side by Benny Blanco, Halsey, and Khalid

The song "East Side" by Benny Blanco, Halsey, and Khalid has become one of the biggest hits in the music industry. Its beautiful melody and the performances by these talented artists have captivated listeners worldwide. However, upon closer examination, the lyrics of this song reveal a deeper conceptual meaning that may not be immediately apparent. In this article, we will analyze and interpret the lyrics of "East Side" to provide a better understanding and appreciation of the song.

The Concept Behind the Song

3.1 Falling in Love at a Young Age

The opening lines of the song, "When I was young, I fell in love. We used to hold hands, man that was enough," portray a story of young love. The protagonist reminisces about a time when they were a child and experienced the innocence of affection. This sets the foundation for the emotional journey depicted throughout the song.

3.2 Growing Up and Touching

As the characters in the song grow older, their love begins to evolve. The line, "Then we grew up, started to touch," signifies the progression of their relationship. It goes beyond mere hand-holding and enters a new phase of intimacy and connection.

3.3 The Disapproval of the Father

Obstacles arise as the protagonist's father disapproves of their relationship. The lyrics, "Oh no, your daddy won't like me much, and he didn't believe me when I said you were the one," reflect the challenges faced in gaining the father's acceptance. Despite their genuine affection, the father remains skeptical.

3.4 Sneaking Out and Yearning for Freedom

In their desire to be together, the characters resort to sneaking out. The line, "She found a way out the window to sneak out late," portrays their longing for freedom and the lengths they are willing to go to be with each other. This escapism adds an element of adventure and rebellion to their narrative.

3.5 Finding Solace in the East Side

The East Side serves as a symbolic location in the song. It represents a place where the characters can find solace and acceptance. By meeting on the East Side, they can escape the disapproval of the father and bask in the warmth of their love. The lyric, "We both got a sign in the city where the Sun don't set," metaphorically describes the perpetual sunshine they experience when they are together.

3.6 Enjoying the Carnival

The song takes a playful turn as it depicts the characters enjoying a carnival. They ride a blue Corvette, symbolizing their carefree and exhilarating experiences together. The joy and laughter shared during these moments reinforce the strength and happiness they find in each other's presence.

3.7 Love Conquers All

The overarching theme of the song is the power of love. The lyrics, "We can do anything if we put our minds to it, take your whole life, then you put a line through it, my love," embody the belief that love can conquer any obstacle. The characters are willing to sacrifice everything for their love, demonstrating the unwavering commitment they have towards each other.

Analysis and Interpretation of the Lyrics

4.1 Holding Hands and the Bond with the Dog

The concept of holding hands is not limited to human relationships in this song. It represents the bond between the protagonist and a German Shepherd named Pokey. As a child, the protagonist develops a deep connection with the dog at a shelter. The physical act of holding hands with the dog through the fence creates a bond that resonates throughout the song.

4.2 Convincing the Father and the Dog's Love

The lyrics also portray the struggle of convincing the father to accept the dog into their lives. The protagonist's relentless desire to have the dog mirrors the determination to be with their human love interest. The dog's unconditional love becomes the driving force behind the protagonist's actions.

4.3 Sneaking out at Night

The lyric, "Every day she found a way out the window to sneak out late," delves into the dog's perspective. Unable to bear the separation, the dog yearns to be with the protagonist and takes risks to escape the shelter. The howling at night symbolizes its longing for freedom and companionship.

4.4 Climbing the Drainpipe to Freedom

The dog's determination to reach the protagonist leads it to climb the drainpipe outside the shelter. This act represents the dog's resilience and unwavering devotion. It signifies the lengths one is willing to go for love and the pursuit of happiness.

4.5 Meeting on the East Side

The characters finally meet on the East Side, a place where their love can bloom freely. It becomes a sanctuary where societal constraints and disapproval hold no power. The East Side represents a world where their love can thrive without obstacles.

4.6 Riding the Blue Corvette at the Carnival

The line, "Every day, you know that we ride through the backstreets of a blue Corvette," takes us to a carnival setting. It portrays the carefree nature of their relationship, where they can escape reality and revel in the joy of being together. The blue Corvette represents their shared adventures and the thrill they find in each other's company.

4.7 Going Anywhere and Taking the Leap

The lyrics, "Baby, you know I just want to leave tonight. We can go anywhere we want, drive down to the coast, you jump in the sea, just take my hand and come with me," exemplify their yearning for a life free from constraints. They are willing to embark on new adventures and explore the world together, emphasizing their willingness to take risks for love.

4.8 Love Overcomes All Obstacles

The underlying message throughout the song is that love conquers all. The protagonist's love for Pokey, the German Shepherd, showcases the unwavering dedication one can have towards their pet. It highlights the deep bond that exists between humans and their dogs, illustrating the significance of companionship and the lengths one will go to be with their beloved pet.

Conclusion

"East Side" by Benny Blanco, Halsey, and Khalid is a song that explores the complexities of love in various forms. It's not just a love story between two humans but also a tale of affection and devotion shared with a furry companion. The lyrics touch upon themes of young love, familial disapproval, influence, escapism, and the triumph of love over adversity. By diving deep into the lyrics, we gain a greater appreciation for the emotional depth and complexity of this popular song.

Highlights:

• "East Side" by Benny Blanco, Halsey, and Khalid is a concept-driven song that explores the intricacies of love and the bond between humans and their pets.
• The lyrics reveal a story of young love, disapproval from a father figure, escapism through sneaking out, and finding solace on the East Side.
• The song portrays the determination and dedication of the protagonist in their pursuit of love, whether it is with a person or a beloved pet.
• The symbolism of the blue Corvette and the carnival adds a playful element to the song, representing carefree moments and shared adventures.
• "East Side" ultimately conveys the idea that love knows no bounds and can triumph over any obstacle, be it societal disapproval or personal sacrifice.

FAQs:

Q: What is the significance of the East Side in the song? A: The East Side represents a place of solace and acceptance, where the characters can be free from the disapproval of others and enjoy the warmth of their love.

Q: Who is Pokey in the song lyrics? A: Pokey refers to a German Shepherd at a shelter that the protagonist falls in love with as a child. The dog becomes a symbol of unconditional love and deep connection.

Q: What does the blue Corvette symbolize? A: The blue Corvette represents the joy and adventure shared by the characters. It signifies their carefree moments and the thrill they find in each other's company.

Q: What is the central theme of "East Side"? A: The central theme of the song is the power of love. It emphasizes that love can overcome obstacles and can be found in both human relationships and the bond between humans and their pets.