NOID Lyrics – Tyler, The Creator

[Part I]

[Intro: Tyler, The Creator, Tyler, The Creator & WILLOW]
In this opening, Tyler voices his growing paranoia, referencing his unease and a sense of everything being out of place. He conveys a deeply ingrained distrust as he feels surrounded by recording devices and cameras, suggesting that privacy has become a luxury he cannot afford. This relentless surveillance disrupts his peace, illustrating his struggle to reconcile his desire for solitude with the intrusions that accompany fame.

[Chorus: Paul Ngozi & Tyler, The Creator]
Paul Ngozi's lyrics in a foreign language emphasize respect and a boundary Tyler wishes people would recognize. Tyler's use of the word "paranoid" here is a declaration of his constant vigilance, hinting that he feels misunderstood. The foreign language chorus deepens the song’s universal reach, suggesting that Tyler’s feelings of paranoia and mistrust are relatable across cultures.

[Post-Chorus: WILLOW & Tyler, The Creator]
This section reflects Tyler's heightened perception of being monitored. The recurring "shadow" motif signifies the omnipresence of an unknown figure or force observing him. He runs in circles, literally and metaphorically, from an undefined threat. This imagery aligns with the thematic sense of being "hunted," reinforcing the intrusive nature of his fear.

[Verse: Tyler, The Creator]
Tyler dives into specific triggers of his paranoia, such as home invasions and the discomfort of constantly being monitored. He feels vulnerable in his own home, mistrusting even his neighbors. The lyrics reveal Tyler's cautious behavior, checking his surroundings and harboring a defensive mindset. He highlights his struggles with both genuine threats and the psychological toll of incessant fear, questioning the loyalty of those around him.

[Chorus: Paul Ngozi & WILLOW]
Revisiting the chorus, Tyler intensifies the impact of his paranoia, the chant-like repetition amplifying his obsession with self-protection. Here, he emphasizes "noid," a term reflecting his defensive stance as he attempts to ward off the intrusive forces around him.

[Post-Chorus: WILLOW & Tyler, The Creator]
Returning to the shadow motif, Tyler’s paranoia reaches a peak, sensing that someone is lurking close by. His reference to "shadow" suggests that the perceived danger has followed him everywhere, leaving him unable to escape. He feels watched and pursued, amplifying the song’s tension.

[Bridge: Tyler, The Creator]
The bridge encapsulates Tyler’s obsession with being surveilled, resonating with a deep-seated fear of betrayal. He repeatedly voices his awareness of someone watching, intensifying the atmosphere of unease. This section crystallizes Tyler’s inability to trust his surroundings, reinforcing the song's core message of paranoia.

[Part II]

[Interlude]
The interlude takes a conversational tone, almost as if Tyler is cautioning listeners. He advises vigilance and self-reliance, as he has learned not to trust anyone, even those who appear close. This adds a reflective element, suggesting that Tyler’s experiences with betrayal have led him to adopt a more guarded outlook on life.

[Refrain: Tyler, The Creator]
The refrain captures the irony in Tyler’s struggle; despite his fame, he cannot feel secure. He describes constantly watching over his shoulder, looking out for hidden dangers. The refrain’s rhythmic repetition underscores the exhaustion of living in perpetual fear and distrust, underscoring the duality of wanting connection but fearing vulnerability.

[Verse: Tyler, The Creator]
Here, Tyler confronts the invasive nature of fame, highlighting experiences with paparazzi and unauthorized recordings. He alludes to contracts, prying eyes, and people crossing boundaries. His frustration with privacy breaches showcases his discomfort with public exposure, portraying fame as a prison rather than a privilege.

[Outro: Tyler, The Creator]
In the outro, Tyler’s paranoia reaches a crescendo as he repeatedly tells others to leave him alone, ending with a plea to escape his own anxieties. The obsessive surveillance has turned into a nightmarish trap, showing Tyler’s desperation for peace.