The song "FOR SELF" by Jerreau explores themes of self-reliance, self-preservation, and the importance of staying true to oneself. The lyrics suggest that there is nothing stopping individuals from acting in their own best interest except for their own selfishness. The first verse speaks about the protagonist's perspective on the world. They live on the edge of the world, close to the ocean, symbolizing their proximity to limitless possibilities. The line, "I barely put my feet in the sand can count on one hand," suggests that they have not fully embraced all the opportunities available to them and may have not taken enough risks. They highlight that some people never leave their comfort zones, and the protagonist feels a desire to experience more. The next few lines express the protagonist's fearless and determined nature. They mention jumping into the ocean feet first and not allowing anything to stop them. This can be interpreted as their resilience and willingness to take on challenges. The chorus emphasizes the idea of claiming what is rightfully yours, being humble about your achievements, and surrounding yourself with people who are willing to fight alongside you. The line "Devils don't play nice" implies that there will be obstacles and adversity, but it's important to have the right people by your side. The second verse addresses the issue of talking without actions. The protagonist calls out individuals who spend their time talking negatively without having accomplished anything substantial themselves. They ask, "How does that sound?" as a rhetorical question to highlight the pointlessness of such behavior. The next few lines express the desire to be remembered and to make a meaningful impact. The protagonist acknowledges their own success and the fact that they have been fortunate enough to overcome struggles. They emphasize the importance of not settling for less and needing more than just love in life. They also criticize the notion of offering empty thoughts and prayers without taking any real action. The third verse highlights the protagonist's individuality and their refusal to conform to societal expectations. They express independence and a sense of self-preservation. The line "My crib ain't care friendly I'm still single still" suggests that they prioritize their own well-being and aren't concerned with conforming to societal norms or expectations in terms of relationships or material possessions. The lyrics also mention the importance of setting boundaries when it comes to personal relationships. The protagonist states that they won't engage in petty arguments or play mind games through text messages. They recognize the need to protect certain aspects of their life and refrain from sharing everything with the world. The chorus is repeated, emphasizing the themes of self-reliance, asserting oneself, and standing for something meaningful. The line "These days are numbered ain't no future in fronting" suggests that time is limited and it's important to be genuine and authentic in one's actions. The song concludes with the notion of working hard, not giving up, and believing in oneself. The line "Get up and do some work about it, keep everything yourself and don't you ever doubt it" conveys the importance of taking action, being self-sufficient, and maintaining confidence in one's abilities.
