At its core, “Me Myself and I” by De La Soul is an anthem of individuality and staying true to oneself. The song emphasizes the importance of being genuine and not conforming to societal or industry standards. The members of De La Soul share their experiences and frustrations with misconceptions and label stereotypes, driving home the message: they are uniquely them, unaffected by outside opinions. Their dedication to originality? Unwavering.
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“Me Myself and I” Lyrics Meaning
The lyrics begin with a reflection: “Mirror, mirror on the wall / Tell me mirror, what is wrong?” This line suggests a moment of introspection, questioning society’s expectations and false perceptions about them. Their mention of “De La Clothes” and “De La Soul” touches on the challenge of staying authentic while navigating a world obsessed with surface appearances.
The recurring line “It’s just me, myself and I” serves as a powerful mantra. No matter what others may think or say, the artists remain true to their unique selves. They address the stereotypes directly with lines like “You say Plug One and Two are hippies / No we’re not, that’s pure plug bull.” De La Soul is confronting and dispelling the myths surrounding them.
“Proud, I’m proud of what I am / Poems I speak are Plug Two type” emphasizes their pride in their individual voices and unique style. They call out the media and the industry for trying to put them into a box with “Write is wrong when hype is written.” The line “De La Soul is from the soul” is a reminder that their art comes from a genuine place.
The verses also touch on societal stereotypes about race, particularly with the lines, “People think they diss my person / By stating I’m darkly pack.” They stress unity and staying true to oneself, regardless of society’s prejudices.
The Story Behind “Me Myself and I”
The late 80s and early 90s hip-hop scene was flooded with artists trying to establish their identity. While some leaned into industry stereotypes to fit in, De La Soul was on a different journey. Comprised of Posdnuos, Trugoy, and Maseo, De La Soul stood out with their unique sound, aesthetic, and commitment to authenticity.
The members have spoken in various interviews about the challenges they faced. This song is a direct reflection of the trio’s experiences with the music industry and society at large. The pressures to conform, the need to fit into a certain mold, and the misjudgments based on their look and style were all too real for them. But instead of buckling under the weight of these expectations, De La Soul turned to music to voice their stance.
“Me Myself and I” was a product of their desire to communicate the importance of self-awareness and authenticity. The song was not just about their personal experiences but served as an anthem for anyone who felt misunderstood or pressured to be someone they’re not.
Their dedication to staying true to their roots and not succumbing to the pressures of the industry is evident in their later works as well. Throughout their career, De La Soul has always remained a beacon of originality and a testament to the power of authenticity.