The song "Screens" by Joell Ortiz reflects on the nostalgia of the artist's childhood and the shift in society due to the increasing reliance on technology and screens. The lyrics vividly describe the experiences and activities that children used to engage in outdoors, such as playing tag at night, riding bikes, and participating in playground games like double Dutch and skelly. Ortiz nostalgically reminiscences about his own childhood activities, like front flipping off the fence and backflipping off swings, showcasing the thrill and bravery that was once a part of children's play. However, he laments the disappearance of these traditional games and the loss of physical activities like skateboarding and climbing monkey bars. The chorus emphasizes the prevalence of screens and technology in contemporary society. Ortiz highlights the excessive use of phone screens, tablet screens, computer screens, and large TVs, which have become a dominant force in children's lives. These screens not only serve as a source of entertainment but have also taken over the role of raising children and babysitting them. The artist expresses concern that this overreliance on screens is resulting in a detachment from the real world and a lack of physical engagement and social interaction. The lyrics also touch upon the contrast between the past and present. Ortiz describes his desire to go out and play in the rain as a child, with his mother initially saying no but eventually giving in. He contrasts this with the current generation, who are more likely to be found indoors playing video games or using various apps. The song's storyline evokes a sense of longing for the simpler times of childhood and advocates for more outdoor and physical activities for children. It serves as a commentary on the rapid changes in society and the impact of technology on the younger generation.
