"Pressed" by GRIP is a powerful and introspective song that delves into the struggles of life and the pressures that come with it. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the artist's personal experiences, as he confronts financial hardships, family issues, mental health struggles, and the pursuit of his dreams. The song begins by highlighting the artist's dire financial situation, with mounting bills and insufficient funds to cover them. However, he knows exactly who to turn to when he needs relief, referring to his faith and prayer as a source of support. GRIP then dives into the emotional toll of his circumstances, expressing the need to provide for his family, including his sister and brother. He acknowledges his mother's battle with depression while he, too, deals with it on a daily basis. Despite these challenges, he remains determined to excel in his music career, recognizing that success requires unwavering dedication and sacrifice. The artist reflects on the personal sacrifices he has made, including the strain it has put on his relationship, ultimately leading to a separation. He grapples with the choice between pursuing his passion in music or settling for a conventional 9-to-5 job. Rejecting the latter, GRIP embraces his self-worth and refuses to settle for a life that doesn't align with his dreams. The song continues to explore the artist's journey, as he faces homelessness, the need to support his children's education, and the endless layers of adversity he must peel back to achieve success in the music industry. He confronts the harsh realities of poverty, relying on government assistance and experiencing hardships such as sleeping on the floor. Despite the challenges, GRIP finds solace in music, utilizing it as a form of expression and release. He refers to it as soul food, serving it to his listeners through Pro Tools while metaphorically washing it down with a cold brew. The chorus emphasizes the recurring theme of pressure and its ability to either break or strengthen individuals. GRIP acknowledges that pressure can burst pipes, revealing the underlying pain and struggles he endures. However, within this acknowledgment lies a sense of resilience and awareness of the strength required to overcome these pressures. The song's bridge takes a nostalgic turn, exploring GRIP's upbringing in Atlanta and his mother's daily bus commutes. He reflects on missed opportunities for higher education and a subsequent legal issue, alluding to the impact it had on his finances. The final verses touch upon the lingering financial burdens, such as student loan debt and relying on government assistance programs. GRIP highlights the scarcity of sleep due to stress while expressing the need for a pressure relief valve, a metaphor for finding release from the hardships he faces. He also addresses the limits of his artistic talent, emphasizing that he can't provide his skills for free, given the difficult circumstances he has endured to reach this point. In the end, GRIP finds hope through his mother's words, believing in brighter days ahead despite the struggles they currently face. "Pressed" is an emotionally charged song that offers a glimpse into the artist's personal journey, resilience, and determination to overcome the pressures and hardships of life.
