Heart of a Lion

Album: Man On The Moon: The End Of Day (2009)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Man On The Moon is a concept album split into five acts about the life so far of Cleveland rapper Kid Cudi (real name Scott Mescudi). Episodes such as his father's death and Mescudi's subsequent struggles as a teen are highlighted and this song concerns his efforts to inspire himself to be a "lion." HipHopDX.com noticed that Mescudi declares on this song that he's "not a loser." The Cleveland rapper replied: "When I was coming up you would think that I didn't have any potential to be anything. I drew a lot, so people that knew me really well thought that I was gonna end up doing something with art or drawing or being a cartoonist or something like that. But to the outside world I used to get in so much s--t in school, and I had very little motivation to do anything, you would think I was a completely worthless kid."
  • Many of the Man On The Moon tracks utilise heavy electronic, synth-pop beats. Cudi explained why to HipHopDX.com: "Well one thing I wanted to do was combine sounds that really bring out intense moods. Like on 'Heart Of A Lion' the synth is really intense during the 'no, no, no' part, the bridge and even at the end. It just adds to the triumphant nature; it makes it more mean. And I wanted it to always have that mean undertone like, this is no joke, this is a serious thing. Even though 'Heart Of A Lion' is kind of an uplifting joint, it's [got] some seriousness to it. It's like, 'Man, I'm not f--king playing.' The synth adds that really dope mean vibe. And I wanted that darkness on the album."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. Televangelists

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. TelevangelistsSong Writing

When televangelists like Jimmy Swaggart took on rockers like Ozzy Osbourne and Metallica, the rockers retaliated. Bono could even be seen mocking the preachers.

Jonathan Cain of Journey

Jonathan Cain of JourneySongwriter Interviews

Cain talks about the divine inspirations for "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Faithfully."

Gentle Giant

Gentle GiantSongwriter Interviews

An interview with Ray and Derek Shulman of the progressive rock band Gentle Giant to discuss counterpoint, polyrhythms, and... Bon Jovi.

Deconstructing Doors Songs With The Author Of The Doors Examined

Deconstructing Doors Songs With The Author Of The Doors ExaminedSong Writing

Doors expert Jim Cherry, author of The Doors Examined, talks about some of their defining songs and exposes some Jim Morrison myths.

Album Cover Inspirations

Album Cover InspirationsSong Writing

Some album art was at least "inspired" by others. A look at some very similar covers.

Artis the Spoonman

Artis the SpoonmanSong Writing

Even before Soundgarden wrote a song about him, Artis was the most famous spoon player of all time. So why has he always been broke?