closing time: so it goes by mac miller
The final part of a series deep diving into the songs that finish your favorite album.
I am starting this by saying,
Mac Miller was always invited to the cookout.
In the space known as modern music, few artists have created an aura as emotionally resonant and universally celebrated as Mac Miller. His place in hip-hop culture was unlike many of his peers, particularly as a white man in a genre historically rooted in the experiences and struggles of Black communities. While other white rappers often faced skepticism or accusations of cultural appropriation, Mac managed to transcend these challenges through authenticity and genuine respect for the genre. His work was celebrated not for novelty but for its sincerity, skill, and the honest narratives he shared.
By the time he released Swimming in 2018, Mac Miller had undergone a significant transformation as both an artist and an individual. Swimming is a deeply introspective album that chronicles Mac’s journey toward healing and self-acceptance. Seen before slightly in his previous works, the project's eclectic blend of hip-hop, jazz, and soul influences, coupled with lyrics that reveal a profound vulnerability, was the one where Mac really “got it.” The album navigates themes of resilience, recovery, and the continuous process of self-discovery, offering a nuanced perspective on Mac’s struggles and triumphs. Serving as the cherry on top, or the bow that pulls it all together, fitting within context as the perfect conclusion and the sweetest goodbye is the closing track, “So It Goes.”
Among its many treasures, Swimming’s, “So It Goes,” shines with a distinctive brilliance. It is a song that not only concludes the album but also encapsulates the essence of Mac’s journey, both musically and personally. For us at NVR, Mac Miller, and specifically Swimming, holds a special place in our hearts, with two members bearing tattoos inspired by the album-one from “2009,” the track preceding the closing track “So It Goes,” and the other from that exact song itself. Let's dive into why it's special to us.
Thematically: "So It Goes" is thematically the perfect ending to Swimming. The title is a direct reference to Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-Five, where the phrase is used to signify acceptance and the inevitability of death. That thematic underpinning is crucial, as it mirrors Mac Miller's struggles with mortality, acceptance, and the human condition. The song follows "2009," a track laden with nostalgia and reflection, making "So It Goes" a fitting climax that looks forward with a sense of resigned peace. It’s a reflection of coming to terms with life’s temporary and transactional nature, an acknowledgment of the highs and lows that shape our journey.
Vonnegut's use of, "So it goes" after every mention of death in Slaughterhouse-Five serves to normalize mortality, a notion that Mac subtly infuses into the track. The phrase captures a sense of acceptance, an acknowledgment that life continues despite its inevitable end. Mac's journey through mental health struggles, addiction, and recovery is interwoven with this concept, providing a thematic depth that resonates deeply with listeners who have faced their own battles.
Lyrically: *I tried to ignore the elephant in the room for too long on this piece so I'm just going to come out and say it* The lyrics of "So It Goes" are hauntingly, hauntingly prophetic, in light of Mac Miller's untimely passing. Lines like "My god, it go on and on / Just like a circle, I go back to where I'm from" resonate with a poignant finality. The lyrical content is layered, weaving themes of cyclical existence, acceptance, and the transient nature of life. Mac’s words are infused with wisdom and melancholy that suggest he was grappling with profound existential questions or even potentially knew that his time was almost up. The eerie foresight in his lyrics adds a layer of depth, making the song not just a reflection of his state of mind but also a posthumous meditation on his legacy.
Musically: Musically, "So It Goes" is nothing short of special. The production is lush yet understated, with a dreamy quality that complements the reflective tone of the lyrics. The beat, produced by Jon Brion is ethereal, featuring a blend of smooth basslines, gentle synths, and subtle percussion. This sonic landscape provides a perfect backdrop for Mac’s contemplative verses, allowing his voice to take center stage. The song's structure, with its rising and falling dynamics, mirrors the emotional ebb and flow of the album, culminating in a crescendo that feels cathartic.Jon Brion's production is instrumental in crafting the song's otherworldly atmosphere. Known for his work with artists like Fiona Apple and Kanye West, Brion brings a nuanced touch to "So It Goes," blending organic and electronic elements to create an intimate soundscape. The subtle use of reverb and delay effects adds to the song's dreamlike quality, while the gentle progression of chords and melodies evoke a sense of serenity and introspection. On the morning of his death Mac tweeted, that he told Brion to “play the ascension into heaven” and “So it Goes” is what came of it.
The musical arrangement is meticulous, with each element carefully placed to enhance the song's emotional impact. The bassline, steady and comforting, grounds the track, while the synths and keys float above, creating a sense of weightlessness. The percussion is minimal but effective, driving the song forward without overwhelming the delicate balance of sounds. This careful orchestration allows Mac's voice and lyrics to shine, drawing the listener into and closing the door on his contemplative world.
"So It Goes" is a track that embodies the essence of Swimming—a journey through the perpetual motion of life. For us at NVR, it is more than just a song or an album; it serves as personal anthems, a tattooed testament to the impact Mac Miller has had on our lives. “So It Goes” thematic resonance, lyrical depth, and musical excellence make it a fitting and unforgettable end to an album that continues to inspire and move listeners. As Mac himself says, "So it goes," it's a simple phrase that encapsulates the profound and the mundane, the beauty and the sorrow of existence, and the stability and peace amidst chaos because, at the end of the day, you just gotta jump in to swim.
Rest Easy Mac.
