Kanye West - Everything We Need Lyrics

Everything We Need

Everything We Need Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

"Everything We Need," featuring Ty Dolla $ign and Ant Clemons, is a standout track from Kanye West's 2019 album, JESUS IS KING. Released visually with a song video on October 25, 2019, the song encapsulates many of the themes central to the album's spiritual direction. It offers a reflective and ultimately hopeful message, conveyed through minimalist production and layered vocal performances. The collaboration between Kanye, Ty Dolla $ign's smooth delivery, and Ant Clemons' resonant vocals creates a poignant soundscape that underscores the lyrical content.

The core message of the song is immediately presented in the refrain: "We have everything we need." This declaration, repeated multiple times, serves as a powerful affirmation of contentment and sufficiency, suggesting that true fulfillment is not found in external possessions or circumstances but is an inherent state. This idea is further explored in the chorus, which speaks of beginning "after the storm inside" and seeing "just the morning light." This imagery suggests overcoming internal struggle, doubt, or past turmoil to arrive at a place of peace, clarity, and a new beginning. The storm represents inner conflict or hardship, while the morning light symbolizes hope, spiritual renewal, or a peaceful resolution.

Kanye West's verses add layers to this foundational message. He urges listeners, and perhaps himself, to "Switch your attitude," "level up yourself," and embrace a "different latitude." These lines speak to personal growth, a shift in perspective, and a conscious effort to improve one's state of mind or being. The acknowledgment that "Life too short, go spoil yourself / Feel that feel, enjoy yourself" within this context implies appreciating the present and finding joy in one's current condition, reinforcing the idea that happiness and sufficiency are accessible now, despite life's brevity. In the second verse, Kanye turns the focus inward, stating, "Switch my, switch my attitude / I'm so, I'm so radical." This speaks to his own transformation and the potentially unconventional path he has chosen, recognizing that this shift might lead to opposition ("All these people mad at dude"). He clarifies his audience, stating the message is "for who it matter to," emphasizing the personal and spiritual significance over external validation.

The verse then introduces a specific biblical reference, questioning the traditional narrative of the Fall: "What if Eve made apple juice? / You gon' do what Adam do? / Or say, 'Baby, let's put this back on the tree'." This speculative line prompts a re-evaluation of the original sin story from the Book of Genesis (Genesis 3). By framing it with "apple juice" and suggesting the possibility of returning the fruit, it challenges the inevitability of the Fall and questions subsequent actions based on the original choice. Within the song's context, this can be interpreted as considering alternative choices, perhaps suggesting the possibility of turning away from temptation or conventional paths, aligning with the theme of radical change and seeking a different spiritual direction. This reflection on the Genesis story serves as a pivot point, leading back to the refrain's assertion that despite past narratives or perceived shortcomings, "We have everything we need."

Ultimately, "Everything We Need" functions as a declaration of spiritual peace and inherent worth found after navigating internal challenges. It suggests that moving past personal "storms" reveals a state of grace or contentment where one realizes they possess all that is truly necessary. The song's message, amplified by the contributions of Ty Dolla $ign and Ant Clemons, is one of finding sufficiency and hope within oneself and a spiritual framework, moving forward with a renewed perspective and appreciation for life's simple, essential blessings after periods of difficulty. It stands as an inspirational piece encouraging listeners to recognize their own completeness and the dawn that follows inner turmoil.