Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: hip-hop
Song Meaning of “22 Offs” by Chance the Rapper
In his song “22 Offs,” Chance the Rapper paints an image of a young man, facing the realities of growing up in a world where one’s successes and opportunities can rapidly come and go. The song is an ode to the struggle of making something of oneself in such a shifting landscape and is packed with vivid imagery of life in the city.
The song title refers to the term ‘off days’, which encompasses days where one’s stress, especially in the context of making it in the city by any means necessary, is unparalleled. The protagonist of this song is trying to make the most of the time he has, despite the odds being stacked against him.
“22 Offs” evokes many of Chance’s personal experiences growing up in the city. He speaks to listeners with raw emotion, depicting the moments he feels lost and struggling, his determination to make something of himself, and the hope that ultimately one day everything will be okay.
The song symbolizes Chance’s desire to forge his own unique path, even when the odds are against him. This can be seen in the chorus lyrics, “Every day’s a trial, every night I’m counting facts; it’s like one year’s a check and the next I have 22 offs”. This line speaks to Chance’s momentary successes contrasted to the longer-term struggles of finding his place in the world.
As the song winds to its conclusion, Chance reflects on his hardworking nature and determination to not give up, no matter what. Ultimately, “22 offs” is a song of hope and resilience, reminding the listener that no matter what life throws at you, as long as you strive to keep going, you can achieve anything.