My Eyes

Album: Utopia (2023)
Charted: 65 19
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "My Eyes" is Travis Scott's raw story straight from the heart. He spits about all the struggles and hurdles he's faced in his life, giving us a glimpse into his world.
  • In the first part of the track, Scott laments the lack of love he feels, despite being surrounded by materialistic possessions that are supposed to make folks happy.
  • The lengthy third verse is braggadocios in nature, as he drops multiple' references to his wealth and his baller lifestyle. Behind that, Scott speaks about his personal view of life as well as referencing the Astroworld Tragedy.

    To push back the ceilin' and push back the feelings, I had to decide
    I replay them nights, and right by my side, all I see is a sea of people that ride wit' me
    If they just knew what Scotty would do to jump off the stage and save him a child


    A mass-casualty crowd crush occurred during Scott's performance at his Astroworld Festival on November 5, 2021. Ten fans were killed, including Ezra Blount, a 9-year-old boy who was crushed and trampled. Scott carries heavy guilt and feels responsible for that little boy's death.
  • Bon Iver (aka Justin Vernon) provides the melancholy and weary vocals in the pre-chorus. He also sings on another Utopia track, "Delresto (Echoes)." They represent the first time Scott has ever dropped songs with Justin Vernon's act.
  • British crooner Sampha comes in with the short but powerful second verse, telling us how his emotions just overwhelm him. It's Scott's first collab with Sampha, who's worked with big names like Drake and Kanye West in the past.
  • Scott, Bon Iver and Sampha wrote "My Eyes" alongside Buddy Ross (who worked on Frank Ocean's Blonde and Endless albums), Sudanese -American singer Dua Saleh, and producers Wheezy, WondaGurl and Vegyn.
  • Scott, Bon Iver, Wheezy, WondaGurl, Vegyn and Buddy Ross produced the song. The beat spends about two-thirds of its time in a warm, somber lane before switching to a faster, prickly soundscape.
  • The first part of "My Eyes" features a distorted synth piano loop that samples The Japanese House's 2023 In the End It Always Does track "Over There." That song was also co-produced by Justin Vernon.
  • Scott performed this at the Grammy Awards in 2024, where Utopia was nominated for Best Rap Album (it lost to Michael by Killer Mike).

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

AC/DC

AC/DCFact or Fiction

Does Angus really drink himself silly? Did their name come from a sewing machine? See if you can spot the real stories about AC/DC.

Rickie Lee Jones

Rickie Lee JonesSongwriter Interviews

Rickie Lee Jones on songwriting, social media, and how she's handling Trump.

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many Songs

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many SongsSong Writing

For songwriters, Johnny represents the American man. He has been angry, cool, magic, a rebel and, of course, marching home.

Grunge Bands Quiz

Grunge Bands QuizMusic Quiz

If the name Citizen Dick means anything to you, there's a chance you'll get some of these right.

Kerry Livgren of Kansas

Kerry Livgren of KansasSongwriter Interviews

In this talk from the '80s, the Kansas frontman talks turning to God and writing "Dust In The Wind."

Songs Discussed in Movies

Songs Discussed in MoviesSong Writing

Bridesmaids, Reservoir Dogs, Willy Wonka - just a few of the flicks where characters discuss specific songs, sometimes as a prelude to murder.