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

Yoko Ono

Yoko OnoSongwriter Interviews

At 80 years old, Yoko has 10 #1 Dance hits. She discusses some of her songs and explains what inspired John Lennon's return to music in 1980.

"Stairway To Heaven" Lawsuit: A Timeline

"Stairway To Heaven" Lawsuit: A TimelineSong Writing

Untangling the events that led to the "Stairway To Heaven" lawsuit.

Famous Singers' First Films

Famous Singers' First FilmsSong Writing

A look at the good (Diana Ross, Eminem), the bad (Madonna, Bob Dylan) and the peculiar (David Bowie, Michael Jackson) film debuts of superstar singers.

Director Paul Rachman on "Hunger Strike," "Man in the Box," Kiss

Director Paul Rachman on "Hunger Strike," "Man in the Box," KissSong Writing

After cutting his teeth on hardcore punk videos, Paul defined the grunge look with his work on "Hunger Strike" and "Man in the Box."

Dar Williams

Dar WilliamsSongwriter Interviews

A popular contemporary folk singer, Williams still remembers the sticky note that changed her life in college.

Grateful Dead Characters

Grateful Dead CharactersMusic Quiz

Many unusual folks appear in Grateful Dead songs. Can you identify them?