The song "Kids Are Growing Up (Part 1)" by The Kid LAROI reflects on the journey of growing up and the realization that things are not always as they seem. It touches on themes of loss, the pressure of success, and the emotional toll of fame. The artist shares personal experiences, including the death of his uncle, the changing nature of friendships, and the challenges of maintaining relationships in the music industry.
The song also highlights the contrast between the idealized version of success that many young people dream of and the harsh realities that come with it. The reference to "Ben Franklin" is a metaphor for the power of money and how it can change people's behavior. The lyrics suggest that while The Kid LAROI has achieved success, he still faces personal struggles and uncertainties.
Throughout the song, there is a sense of disillusionment and reflection, as the artist looks back on his past and realizes that the truth about life and success is more complex than he once believed.
The opening lines talk about the artist's childhood admiration for his Uncle Wayne, who passed away, symbolizing the loss of innocence and the reality of mortality. The mention of a Jeep Wrangler represents the initial dreams of success, while driving a Range (a luxury car) shows the achievement of those dreams.
The line "Until I saw the money change 'em" refers to how friendships can be affected by wealth, showing the artist's disappointment in people who changed after gaining money. The mention of "a lot of h*es" indicates the desire for romantic relationships, but the phrase "until I met Ben Franklin" suggests that the real power lies in money, not in relationships.
The artist also talks about the pressure of success, the stress on family members, and the difficulty of maintaining authenticity in the music industry. The references to "smoke and mirrors" imply that some aspects of his life are illusions or not entirely genuine.
Overall, the song serves as a reflective piece on the complexities of growing up, the pursuit of success, and the realization that not everything is as it seems.