“CIRCUS MAXIMUS” is a new english song by Travis Scott featuring The Weeknd and Swae Lee, published on Travis Scott’s YouTube channel. The song was written by Travis Scott, The Weeknd, MIKE DEAN, Jahaan Sweet, Swae Lee, Noah Goldstein, and WondaGurl. It is part of the album UTOPIA, released on July 28, 2023.
The lyrics of “CIRCUS MAXIMUS” delve into the spectacle of fame and the toll it takes on performers and audiences alike. Drawing parallels to the ancient Roman venue, the song reflects on the entertainment industry, where artists often sacrifice their well-being for the sake of public approval. The track critiques the audience’s detached view of performers, highlighting the conflict between personal ambition and the inhuman expectations placed upon them. Through this exploration, the song reveals the darker side of celebrity culture, where the quest for fame can lead to personal and emotional sacrifices.
CIRCUS MAXIMUS Details
Song | CIRCUS MAXIMUS |
---|---|
Album | UTOPIA |
Artists | Travis Scott |
Featuring Artists | The Weeknd & Swae Lee |
Written By | Travis Scott, The Weeknd, MIKE DEAN, Jahaan Sweet, Swae Lee, Noah Goldstein & WondaGurl |
Produced By | Travis Scott, Noah Goldstein, Jahaan Sweet, WondaGurl & MIKE DEAN |
Label | Travis Scott |
Language | English |
Released Date | Jul 28, 2023 |
CIRCUS MAXIMUS Lyrics
[Intro: Swae Lee]
Unreal, what is this?
God done gave me strength
Are these the front row seats you wanted?
We’ll have our final moment
[Verse 1: Travis Scott]
A walk-in attraction
A walkin’ distraction
I’m naturally Black and
Unnaturally breathin’
Like a waist that is snatchin’
Welcome to my world where it’s packed in
At the top of the tavern
How I see when this happenin’
All the real have been dabbed in
All the, all the bumps and the grabbin’
Ain’t no cops here harassin’
All the looks and the laughin’
And outside, it got traffic
‘Cause inside, we wreak havoc
Yeah, I know when this
Yeah, I know when this drastic, where it’s goin’
When I back up emotions
All this here, I’m controllin’
When I’m back in the
When I’m back in the streets, on my side, I’m patrollin’
When I’m back in the, when I’m back in the (Ah)
[Interlude: The Weeknd & Travis Scott]
I know our love is forsaken (Woo)
But do you care if I was alive? (Whenever I’m back in the, ah)
Or do you wanna be famous? (Woo, yeah)
[Verse 2: Travis Scott]
I took the top off
Like she took her lil’ blouse off
Too hard to go drop off
You know that boy not soft
I never would travel
So I need me a time vault
I been up in Cabo
With my Bailey Osanto
In this world, look around, yo
It’s just mano y mano
I might still eat McDonald’s
But don’t think I’m a Ronald
I went back to my land
Move like Moses, walkin’ over seas
In my state because the country
Every part of it is part of me
Tell your parliament, “Pardon me” (Woo)
Off the saké, turned to Socrates (Woo)
Heavy moments on the ground
Feel it shapin’ in the sound
‘Cause we ri—, ’cause we right in yo’ house
And you know that we down
If yo’ ass don’t know nothin’
Gotta know that it’s time
I’m excited to jump in
So much that I’m flyin’
Put you right in the function
Took you right off a vine
Got this shit in a bind
We got it, we got it now (Ah, woo)
Whenever I’m duckin’ it (Ah, woo)
[Outro: The Weeknd]
I’m waiting on a let go
I’m waiting on a let go
I know myself, I know exactly how to make you special
Go, collect your fame
I’m waiting in an echo
I’m waiting in an echo
‘Cause you keep callin’ back, I thought I told you that we do not
Sorry, I didn’t let you out
Out, woah-oh
(Out)
(Out, woah-oh)
CIRCUS MAXIMUS Meaning
[Intro]
In the intro, Swae Lee sets a reflective tone, questioning the reality of their situation. The mention of “front row seats” evokes a sense of spectacle, highlighting the audience’s perspective and their desire for a climactic experience. This moment introduces the theme of performance versus reality, where the allure of fame is juxtaposed with the struggles behind it.
[Verse 1]
Travis Scott describes his existence as a “walk-in attraction,” emphasizing the constant scrutiny he faces as a public figure. The imagery of being “naturally Black” yet “unnaturally breathin’” suggests the pressures of identity and societal expectations. His reflections on the chaos within the stadium symbolize the tumultuous nature of fame, where external perceptions clash with personal struggles. This section reveals the dichotomy of being celebrated while simultaneously feeling trapped.
[Interlude]
In the interlude, the dialogue between The Weeknd and Travis touches on the theme of forsaken love amidst the chaos of fame. The rhetorical questions highlight the disconnect between personal relationships and public persona, suggesting that the pursuit of fame often comes at the cost of genuine connections. This moment emphasizes the emotional toll that fame can exert on personal relationships.
[Verse 2]
Travis continues to explore the complexities of fame, using metaphors related to wealth and privilege. His reference to taking the “top off” signifies both physical and emotional vulnerability. He alludes to personal growth and transformation, likening his journey to that of historical figures. The imagery of moving through life like “Moses” illustrates a sense of purpose despite the challenges, yet there remains an underlying tension between ambition and the sacrifices required to achieve it.
[Outro]
In the outro, The Weeknd reflects on the cyclical nature of relationships and the lingering echoes of past experiences. His mention of waiting for a “let go” encapsulates the struggle of releasing attachments that hinder personal growth. The repetitive structure highlights a sense of entrapment, where the desire for fame conflicts with the need for emotional freedom. This final section reinforces the theme of the burdensome nature of public life and the longing for authenticity amidst the performance.
CIRCUS MAXIMUS Official Video
UTOPIA Songs
FAQs
The "CIRCUS MAXIMUS" song is sung by Travis Scott featuring The Weeknd & Swae Lee
The "CIRCUS MAXIMUS" song by Travis Scott lyrics was written by Travis Scott, The Weeknd, MIKE DEAN, Jahaan Sweet, Swae Lee, Noah Goldstein & WondaGurl.
The "CIRCUS MAXIMUS" song by Travis Scott was produced by Travis Scott, Noah Goldstein, Jahaan Sweet, WondaGurl & MIKE DEAN.
Travis Scott released "CIRCUS MAXIMUS" song on Jul 28, 2023.