"Escapism" by RAYE and 070 Shake was a huge hit after its release in 2022 and continues to be a big hit for them. The song contains lyrics which many people relate to and has an uplifting sound with a sense of empowerment when trying to forget about a difficult time. It became a viral hit, and was popular on Spotify and TikTok, where it gained worldwide recognition. Below we explore key elements of the song, from its meaning to how it became viral.
The Lyrics: A Raw Take on Escaping Pain
The song "Escapism" is about seeking relief from a painful situation. The relief may only be temporary, but it is still time away from focusing on a difficult issue. The lyrics highlight the inner struggle of wanting to get out of a toxic relationship and show how feelings of sadness and frustration can come into effect. This is a personal song for the artist and how she was feeling at the time.
The opening lines of the song highlights the stuggle and the feeling of wanting to forget the pain and makes 'Escapism' a relatable song to many people. The upbeat sound of this song, along with the raw lyrics, creates a captivating song.
The Meaning: A Reflection on Self-Healing
At its core, "Escapism" explores themes of self-preservation and healing. Both RAYE and 070 Shake reflect on the escapist behaviour many engage in to avoid confronting painful realities. The song speaks to the desire to numb emotional turmoil through distractions—whether through relationships, substances, or other means.
The chorus of this song has thought provoking lyrics of "I just want to get away; I just want to feel okay," which shows how the artist wants to feel temporary relief from the pain she is feeling. This is the main essence of the song, where she wants to feel escapism. Another element the song highlights is facing issues when they arrive, instead of running away from them.
This longing is universal—many people experience the urge to escape when life feels overwhelming. The song balances the desire to forget and the recognition that escaping is only a short-term solution. It's a message that resonates with all of us, making 'Escapism' more than just a song but a reflection of our shared human experience.
The Viral TikTok Trend: Why It Took Off
TikTok algorithm was key in making "Escapism" go viral, as it matched the song to many video creations. The emotional element of the song was relatable to many people, so it was the perfect match for their video post. The song was featured on many posts that had the context of personal growth, heartbreak, and self-reflection and connected with audiences throughout the world. The beat of the music also worked well with many video creations, making it ideal for TikTok trends, and has made it one of the most-played tracks on the platform.
Why "Escapism" Was a Perfect Fit for TikTok
"Escapism" by RAYE and 070 Shake powerfully reflects modern emotional struggles, so it's no surprise that it went viral on TikTok. The song's relatable themes of heartbreak and emotional release found a home in social media, where users are eager to share and connect over shared experiences.
Thanks to TikTok's broad reach, 'Escapism' reached a global audience and became a cultural phenomenon. The song explores the importance of dealing with emotions and how, in times of pain, we want to escape. Many people contributed to the popularity of this song and made it part of their own journeys, too.
