Telekinesis
by Travis Scott (featuring Future & SZA)

Album: Utopia (2023)
Charted: 31 26
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Songfacts®:

  • "Telekinesis" was originally "Future Sounds," a leftover demo gospel track that featured Travis Scott from Kanye West's 2021 album, Donda. After Yeezy didn't use the song, he passed it onto Scott, who heavily reworked it to feature Future and SZA.
  • Telekinesis is the ability to move objects with the mind. Here, Travis Scott discusses his perspective on glimpsing into forthcoming events. The chorus, initially originating as his verse in "Future Sounds," delves into themes of the return of Jesus and the concept of everlasting life.

    I can see the future, it's lookin' like we level through the sky
    I can't wait to live in glory in eternal lastin' life
    Won't you take the wheel? And I recline and I sit still
    Might as well turn up now, He gon' pop up unannounced
    To the trumpets, do you like the way it sounds?


    Scott's ability to peer into the future comes from the eschatological vision outlined in the Book of Revelation, a segment of the Bible that prophesies the victorious return of Jesus, accompanied by the triumphant sound of trumpets.
  • "Telekinesis" is a slightly misleading title, as there's nothing here about the ability to move objects with the mind. It's possible Scott chose this title because he believes the ability to see the future is a form of telekinesis. He can see the future, and he knows that Jesus will return. In a way, he is able to move the future into the present moment. Perhaps titles like "Precognition" or "Prophecy" might have better captured the essence of the concept.
  • Both Future and SZA's contributions to "Telekinesis" revolve around the dynamics they share with their respective partners. Future candidly acknowledges his multiple baby mamas and past toxic behavior. Recognizing his shortcomings, King Pluto acknowledges his flaws while also acknowledging the magnetic pull he exerts on women despite his less-than-virtuous tendencies.

    SZA mirrors a comparable perspective during her emotive closing verse. She's acutely aware of her partner's lack of commitment and his infidelity, yet she chooses to overlook these shortcomings because of the personal benefits she derives from the relationship.
  • Travis Scott, Future and SZA wrote "Telekinesis" with co-producers Jahaan Sweet and Hudson Mohawke. Kanye West, Victory, Farsi, Nizzy, Nabeyin and BoogzDaBeast all get also get credited because of their contributions to "Future Sounds."
  • "Future Sounds" didn't go completely unused on Donda as the track "Heaven And Hell" features an instrumental that incorporates elements from the demo.
  • Another Utopia track, "God's Country," was also originally demoed for Donda with a verse from Scott and the chorus from West. Again, Scott re-recorded the song for Utopia without West's vocals.
  • A singer named Victory Boyd brought legal action against MBW, Travis Scott, SZA and Future, claiming "Telekinesis" ripped off lyrics from her song "Like The Way It Sounds."

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