The song "Mona Lisa" by Apollo Brown & Joell Ortiz explores the concept of creativity and the beauty found within imperfections. The lyrics describe the process of creating art and the emotions that come with it. The song starts with the artist wiping away the "coal" from their eyes, symbolizing a clear vision and a fresh perspective. They invite the light in, representing inspiration and positivity. The artist acknowledges the various elements of nature and how they can impact their creativity. The lyrics also convey the artist's ability to transport themselves through writing. They can imagine and visualize different scenarios, emotions, and ideas, which they then transfer onto their palette with their pen. The artist describes their thoughts and ideas as "letters" swarming and forming into words and sentences. The song emphasizes the artist's passion for their craft and their dedication to creating meaningful and thought-provoking work. The artist mentions that their sound bites are at a 10, indicating the high quality and impact of their music. They feel a sense of belonging and unity with music and other instruments, describing it as a harmonious home. The artist also expresses their perception of the world through sensory experiences. They see sounds, hear colors, and feel a numbness that is unlike any other. Time becomes irrelevant, and they wish to capture these powerful moments forever. The song touches upon the uncertainty and vulnerability that artists face when sharing their work. The artist wonders how their art will be received and if the audience will truly understand the intended message. They contemplate if their creation is worth leaving their easel, but ultimately decide to move on to a new canvas, displaying their continuous drive for artistic expression. In summary, "Mona Lisa" is a reflection on the artistic process, the beauty found within imperfections, and the profound impact of creative expression.