"Pretty Boy" by Joji is a song about self-image and the struggles of maintaining a facade of confidence and happiness. The lyrics depict Joji as a "pretty boy" living on the West side, where he appears to have a glamorous and vibrant lifestyle. However, beneath this seemingly perfect exterior, Joji admits to feeling pain and shedding tears in private. Despite the internal struggles he faces, he chooses to keep up appearances while living in a fast-paced and materialistic world. The song also touches on themes of escapism and self-medication. Joji mentions popping blue pills and sipping on the finest wine, implying that he seeks solace and distraction from his troubles through substances. The lyrics suggest that he tells himself lies to find comfort and escape reality. Additionally, Lil Yachty's verse explores similar themes, emphasizing the pressure to maintain a perfect image and the detachment between the public persona and one's inner thoughts and emotions. Overall, "Pretty Boy" reflects on the challenges of presenting a flawless image to the world while battling personal struggles and the desire for validation. It explores the longing for acceptance and the lengths people may go to hide their vulnerabilities.
