The song "Back At 45" by Justin Courtney Pierre seems to reflect on the experiences and perspective of the artist as he reaches the age of 45. The lyrics express a sense of surprise and gratitude for still being alive, as well as a recognition of the challenges he has faced along the way. The opening lines, "I'm back at 45, It's good to be alive, Hell, I did not think I'd make it," suggest a sense of resilience and a realization that life is unpredictable. The phrase "Gotta fake it 'til you break it" implies that sometimes one must pretend to be okay until they overcome their struggles. However, the artist admits not fully understanding this concept, as he is "always inundated," possibly suggesting that he constantly feels overwhelmed or stressed. The repetition of "Take it off" could signify a desire to shed these burdens. The following lines, "Ride around on the past, You'll get kicked in the ass, It's not complicated, I am very good at doing math!" suggest that dwelling too much on the past can lead to negative consequences. The artist acknowledges their ability to calculate or analyze situations, implying they have learned from past mistakes. The lyrics further emphasize the theme of turning pain into pride and embracing challenges. They encourage the listener not to hide but rather find strength in their difficulties, stating "Turn your pain into pride, It's all integrated, Welcome to the shit show!" The verses continue to explore the artist's experiences and mindset. They acknowledge being part of a generation they consider "the illest generation" but admit to working twice as hard. Despite their hard work, their mind often feels "on vacation," possibly indicating a struggle with focus or finding meaning. The lyrics also mention "narrowing in on the truth" and unraveling youth, suggesting a process of self-discovery and growth. The line "Sell me something sassy from your stash!" could be interpreted as a call to embrace individuality and express oneself authentically. As the song progresses, it acknowledges the duality of life, stating that with the good comes the bad. The phrase "Pocket full of rainbows!" might be a sarcastic remark, highlighting the fleeting nature of happiness and the unpredictability of life. The lyrics conclude with a reflection on the artist's past struggles. They refer to themselves as a "punching bag" who never noticed they had been "hanged," implying a long history of enduring hardships without truly recognizing them. They claim their defiance and self-assuredness with the phrase "I owe this Fuck You," suggesting a newfound assertiveness. The song ultimately seems to convey the artist's journey of self-discovery, overcoming challenges, and embracing authenticity. It explores themes of resilience, embracing pain and struggles, and finding a sense of self amidst the chaos of life.
