Oliver Francis – Motivation

Song Details

• Title: Motivation
• Artist: Oliver Francis
• Genre: Hip Hop / Rap
• Release Year: 2020
• Language: English
• Themes: Success, Self-Improvement, Wealth, Personal Growth, Motivation
• Mood: Confident, Inspirational, Chill, Reflective

In-Depth Lyric Analysis

Intro

The song opens with a confident and laid-back vibe. Oliver introduces the tone of the song with a relaxed “Yeah, ooh,” and “Yeah, yuh,” setting the stage for a track centered around self-assurance and celebration of his personal success.

Verse 1: Embracing Success and Work Ethic

• “I like PRL, not no YSL” Oliver makes a distinction between personal style preferences, choosing PRL (Polo Ralph Lauren) over YSL (Yves Saint Laurent). This could signify a choice to go for a more classic, timeless look rather than following high-end or trend-driven fashion.
• “Oil on the spliff, look like caramel” This line uses the imagery of a spliff (joint) with oil, making it look like caramel. It could be a subtle reference to the luxury of his lifestyle, enjoying the finer things while being grounded in his day-to-day routine.
• “New calisthenics every day, I’m focused on my health” Oliver emphasizes his commitment to physical health, a key part of his lifestyle. By mentioning calisthenics, he signals a preference for natural, bodyweight exercises and personal wellness, implying that success isn’t just about material wealth but also about being mentally and physically fit.
• “Got a lot of sneakers in my closet, floor to ceiling shelves” Here, Oliver refers to his love for sneakers, a popular symbol of status and style in hip hop culture. Floor-to-ceiling shelves suggest a large collection that represents his success.
• “Hunnids on the table, twenties on the floor” This line describes a display of wealth, with hundreds stacked on the table and twenties casually thrown on the floor, symbolizing abundance and the carelessness of wealth.
• “I never thought a Jeezy bar would be my scenario” Oliver reflects on the fact that he never imagined being in the same position as Jeezy, a well-known rapper, whose lyrics and lifestyle influenced him. This line speaks to his growth and how far he’s come in his career.
• “Pressin’ espresso in some caramel macchiato Timbs” This line combines high-end coffee culture (espresso, caramel macchiato) with the iconic Timberland boots, creating a picture of Oliver as someone who blends luxury with street culture.
• “My whip from ’93 but still got that factory scent” Oliver proudly drives a ’93 car that, despite its age, still maintains the freshness and appeal of a new car, signifying that even in the face of new trends and luxury, he values timelessness.
• “When they see him off in traffic they like, ‘Oli on some other shit'” His unique approach to life is acknowledged by others when they see him in traffic. The line suggests that Oliver stands out from the crowd, and people recognize his distinctive style and way of living.
• “Trusted in a risk even when I felt my spirit drift” Oliver reflects on the risks he took to reach his current position. Even when he was uncertain or struggling mentally, he continued to take leaps of faith toward his goals.
• “Lookin’ back, realize them hunger pains was nourishment” He reflects on his past struggles—what seemed like painful hunger or hardship was actually nourishment, feeding his growth and strengthening him for the future.
• “Pockets lined with growth, that’s a testament to diligence” The growth in his pockets (money) is a direct result of his hard work and diligence. He’s emphasizing that his wealth is the product of sustained effort, not luck.

Chorus: Flexing and Motivation

The chorus repeats the central theme of the song: flexing his success while encouraging others to see it as a form of motivation.

• “Don’t hate, just let me flex right quick” Oliver tells others to accept his success instead of hating on it. Flexing is a way to showcase wealth, style, and confidence. It’s about showing off what he’s earned without apology.
• “Got some cash in my pockets, let me spread that shit” Oliver is expressing the satisfaction of having financial freedom and being able to share that wealth. It’s also a subtle way of saying that money is no longer a constraint for him.
• “Just for the Instagram flick” The phrase suggests that much of the social media-driven world’s motivations come from the desire for validation through Instagram and similar platforms. Oliver’s showing off is a conscious decision to inspire others.
• “I’m tryna motivate you, homie, you can flex like this” Despite the focus on luxury and wealth, Oliver frames it as motivation for others to work hard and achieve similar success. It’s not just about boasting, it’s about inspiring others to push for their own goals.

Verse 2: Reflecting on Overcoming Challenges

• “Sippin’ matcha latte on a flight to Prague” This is a classic example of blending luxury with lifestyle. Oliver drinks a matcha latte (a sophisticated beverage) while traveling on a flight to Prague, a sign of the global lifestyle he now enjoys.
• “Ready for the runway, somethin’ like November in Milan” Milan is a hub of fashion, and Oliver is ready for it, symbolizing his entrance into a world of high fashion and style. He likens it to November, perhaps indicating a season of change or new beginnings.
• “Step in to the breeze and let it carry what I’ve overcome” Oliver reflects on the struggles he’s faced. As he steps forward, he feels the wind carry away the burdens of his past, signifying growth and the ability to move on.
• “Tommy with my dirty Vans, pull the socks up” Mixing luxury (Tommy Hilfiger) with streetwear (dirty Vans), Oliver displays his personal style of blending high-end fashion with casual wear—showing that he doesn’t need to fit into a specific box.
• “Culinary vision, every sample gettin’ chopped up” Oliver is not only focused on his music but also on creating and crafting things, like an artist or chef who carefully prepares their work. It’s a metaphor for the attention to detail he applies in every aspect of his life.
• “Whisk up the drums, snare crackin’ like an egg” A music reference where Oliver compares the cracking of drums and snares to the sound of cracking an egg, illustrating his creative process and how he approaches music production with precision and attention.
• “I’m in a space where time slows and my mind free” This line symbolizes mental peace, where Oliver feels in control, and his mind is free from external pressures or distractions.
• “1990’s bimmers and some weed just help me find peace” He describes a moment of peace and clarity while driving a 1990’s BMW with some weed, symbolizing a chill, carefree atmosphere and a reminder to enjoy the present.
• “Built my name out the cracks and learned to let the pain go” Oliver reflects on his journey, how he built his name from humble beginnings, and how he let go of the pain and struggles that once held him back.

Song Meaning

“Motivation” is a celebration of success, personal growth, and self-confidence. Oliver Francis reflects on how hard work, taking risks, and overcoming struggles have led him to achieve his current level of success. The track is a motivational anthem, encouraging others to stay focused, work hard, and embrace their own journey. It’s not just about wealth or luxury; it’s about the dedication that leads to these rewards. The song also critiques how society often focuses on external validation, especially in the age of social media, but ultimately, it’s about self-belief and empowerment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What does “flexing” mean in this song? In this context, “flexing” refers to showing off or displaying success. Oliver is using his achievements, wealth, and style as a way to inspire others to strive for their own success.
2. Is the song just about materialism? While the song highlights luxury items and wealth, its core message is about personal growth, hard work, and the motivation to

push beyond obstacles to achieve success.

3. What does Oliver mean by “the hunger pains was nourishment”? This line speaks to the idea that struggles and hardships (symbolized by “hunger pains”) were actually nourishing because they taught him valuable lessons and helped him grow stronger.
4. What is the significance of the “1990’s bimmers” reference? The 1990’s BMW symbolizes nostalgia and classic style. It represents Oliver’s love for timeless things, showcasing that he values more than just the latest trends or fads.
5. How does Oliver motivate others in this song? Oliver motivates others by showing that he worked hard to achieve his success, and by sharing his journey, he encourages his listeners to pursue their own dreams and believe in themselves.

“Motivation” is not just about showcasing wealth, it’s about emphasizing that hard work, perseverance, and growth are the true keys to success. Oliver Francis crafts a story of self-motivation and confidence, inviting others to aspire to a life of personal fulfillment and achievement.