Entertainment

Wiz Khalifa's "Stranger Things" Lyrics Are Unqiue

by Michelle Lulic

The television and music industries are merging with the release of Wiz Khalifa's new single, "Stranger Things" (featuring J.R. Donato). Following the Netflix release of the '80s-style sci-fi, Stranger Things, the rapper decided to take the Upside Down into his own hands and create something totally new from the critically-acclaimed new series. However, there's something a little (dare I say) strange about the song that was named after the show. While it does sample the Stranger Things TV show's theme song (produced by the band Survive's Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein), the lyrics to Wiz Khalifa's "Stranger Things" don't match-up with the Netflix show it was inspired by.

Wiz Khalifa is placing an entirely new message over the show's '80s-throwback-sounding theme song. If anything, "Stranger Things" could have been inspired by the success of the show — not the show itself. And that fact is readily apparent from the very beginning of the song.

Wake up and bakeNever hate, gotta get to this cakeI never stress but this money I stakeI brush my teeth, pray, wash my faceAnd thank God I stay far away from the fakesRemember days wasn't safeNow we got thousands tucked in the safe

It's pretty clear that these lyrics are more about Wiz Khalifa's career and personal rise to fame, kind of like his own version of Drake's hit song "Started From The Bottom." But, as the song goes on, I see a possible metaphor between the success of the show and his successful career, especially as soon as the song really starts to get into its chorus.

It's like I'm talking to a strangerA stranger, a stranger, a strangerNow everybody getting strangerThey're stranger, they're stranger, they're strangerI think I'm in danger, gotta wake my game upGotta stay the same, watching everybody changeAh now they're getting stranger

They're stranger, they're stranger, they're stranger

By repeating the word "stranger," Wiz Khalifa is pointing out just how different the people and world around him seem now that all of this time has passed. This emotion can also apply to the life and careers of the kids on Stranger Things, not to mention their characters' newfound awareness with the Upside Down. According to Wiz Khalifa, finding fame isn't much different than finding a whole second dimension. Or, at least, that's my interpretation of the song.

While there isn't a direct correlation between the song and the actual plot of Stranger Things, one thing is certainly clear: Wiz Khalifa is a huge fan of Stranger Things. Based off of the single's artwork alone, the "Black and Yellow" rapper may even be angling for a cameo on the next season. Even if that's not true, who could blame him for making use of the show's opening track? The theme song gets better and better with each episode.

So, Stranger Things fans, it's time to rejoice over the ways Stranger Things is changing the world. Let the power of fandom live on.