"That Place" by Apollo Brown & Joell Ortiz is a deeply emotional song that tells the story of two individuals and their experiences in a hospital setting. The song explores the feelings of hate, fear, and loss that can be associated with hospitals, while also acknowledging the important roles that nurses and doctors play in healing and miracles. In the first verse, the narrator describes pacing back and forth in a hospital hallway, anticipating a phone call. They receive news that their friend has been shot, and they rush to the hospital to find him. The narrator finds themselves in the emergency room, surrounded by the chaos and uncertainty of the hospital environment. Tragically, their friend passes away, leaving the narrator devastated. The chorus expresses the narrator's intense hatred for hospitals, associating the smell with sickness and death. They acknowledge the hard work and miracles that nurses and doctors can perform but highlight the obstacles that can arise when trying to help those they care about. In the second verse, the focus shifts to a different individual’s experience in the hospital. This time it is the narrator's baby's mother, who is giving birth. The narrator describes the nerves and anxiety surrounding the birth, specifically the fear of complications. The baby is born in a breech position with the umbilical cord wrapped around its neck, causing distress. However, the medical team successfully repositions the baby and delivers them safely. The narrator is overwhelmed with emotions and realizes that they are the first person their child sees. The song's powerful message explores the complex emotions and experiences that can happen in hospitals. It acknowledges the difficult and sometimes heartbreaking aspects of these environments while also recognizing the potential for miracles and new life. The lyrics reflect the personal perspectives and emotions of the narrators, giving listeners a glimpse into their raw and vulnerable experiences within "that place."
