“Dead Right Now” is the second track on Lil Nas X’s 2021 album ‘MONTERO.’ In the song, Lil Nas X talks about the struggles he had to overcome to be where he is today. So many people who didn’t bat an eye when he was struggling back then seem to have a newfound love for him now that he has a few million in his bank. To Nas X, these people are as good as dead!
‘MONTERO’ is Lil Nas X’s debut studio album, a journey that started with his mega-hit “Old Town Road” in 2019. Nas X has released one mixtape and extended play since. However, the ‘MONTERO’ album is the singer’s ‘baby,’ which he teased for weeks with fake pregnant images of himself.
Responding to a fan question on Twitter, Lil Nas X explained the emotional writing process of this song; “i had just moved into my new house and sat alone the entire day writing it while it was raining outside. cried a lot honestly. / i feel like a weight is lifted off my shoulder and i’m happy so many people love it.”
Lil Nas X also briefly touches on the topic of suicide, which he claims to have thought about when he was younger. Being a gay black man, unable to express himself, and his music career not kicking off, would have added to his frustrations.
Listen to “Dead Right Now” by Lil Nas X
Buy ‘MONTERO’ Album on Apple Music / Amazon
Lil Nas X “Dead Right Now” Lyrics Meaning and Song Review
Verse 1
In the first verse of the song, Lil Nas X talks about all the fake people who have grown in numbers around him ever since he burst into success in 2018. These people will jump ship when they discover a bigger star to leech on. Nas X cannot expect any loyalty from these people.
In the pre-chorus of the song, Nas X continues on the same topic. He never had these people around him when he was struggling. They were always around the corner, but never in front of him or behind him to support him when he needed them. They never called Nas X to ask him how he was back then. Why start now? Nas X prefers to keep the same distance now.
Chorus
As far as Lil Nas X is concerned, anyone who was not there to support him when he was no one, is dead to him right now.
Verse 2
Lil Nas X takes us back to pre-Old Town Road days. Back in 2018, Lil Nas X was under a lot of pressure. He had no place to live. He was living at his sister’s house, temporarily, until his music earns him enough money to afford his own place. But it did not look like it was happening. Lil Nas X’s debut mixtape ‘NASARATI’ was not gaining the traction he had expected. There was no plan B. Music is everything he had dedicated his life to. He dropped out of school to pursue music. Music had to work!
Lil Nas X reels back to the suicidal thoughts that loomed over his head back then. He was desperate for his music to work.
If I didn’t blow, I would’ve died tryna be here
If it didn’t go, suicide, wouldn’t be here
Lil Nas X released “Old Town Road” in December 2018 and everything changed overnight. He had no record deal back then. Now, Lil Nas X is on the front page of every music magazine. Now, Lil Nas X is collaborating with the likes of Elton John, Megan Thee Stallion, Jack Harlow, Doja Cat, and Miley Cyrus.
Verse 3
In the third verse of the song, Lil Nas X talks about his estranged relationship with his mother. He talks about how she was a drug addict and no matter how much he tried to help her, nothing ever worked. When his mother tells him that she loves him, Nas has a hard time believing her. Lil Nas X calls her a ‘deceiver’ for the fact that she keeps on lying to him that she will get off of drugs, but she never did. This made Lil Nas X and his mother fall out of touch.
These household conditions must have added to Nas X’s stresses and suicidal tendencies. For anyone who is going through a similar situation, know that it only took one song for Lil Nas X’s life to take a U-turn for the better. Your time will come, too. Stay strong!
Let us hear what you think about this song in the comments below. Check out the complete lyrics on Genius.