DENIAL IS A RIVER Lyrics – Doechii

DENIAL IS A RIVER Lyrics Meaning

[Intro]
In the intro, Issa Rae acts as a supportive friend checking in on Doechii after some time apart. Issa references Doechii’s earlier work, hinting that success has come with emotional struggles. The conversation feels light at first, but the concern grows as Issa mentions getting calls from people worried about Doechii. This part sets up a reflective tone, signaling that Doechii is about to open up about her personal and professional challenges. It conveys the feeling of reconnecting with someone who used to be a trusted confidant and hints at the need for vulnerability and honesty.

[Verse 1]
This verse tells a story of betrayal and personal growth. Doechii recounts a painful experience from 2019 when she dated someone who was secretly married. The shock of discovering this through social media is palpable, as she humorously describes zooming in on messages to confirm the truth. She then reveals an unexpected twist: the other woman was actually a man. Instead of staying hurt, she retaliates (getting her “lick back”) and metaphorically diminishes her ex’s importance. By the end, she reflects on how much has changed since then, mentioning her musical achievements and record deal, showing resilience and progress despite the emotional damage.

[Interlude 1]
This brief interlude highlights Issa trying to steer the conversation toward processing past trauma, particularly the infidelity Doechii faced. However, Doechii brushes it off, showing a mix of deflection and frustration. It portrays how people often struggle to confront pain head-on, using humor or avoidance to cope with difficult emotions.

[Verse 2]
Here, Doechii reflects on her rapid success and the pressures that come with it. She mentions hit records, viral fame, and the overwhelming pace of her career. The mention of creating music tailored for TikTok highlights the industry’s demands, which she finds frustrating. Despite her achievements and financial success, she craves rest and clarity but feels trapped by the relentless push for more hits. This verse illustrates the conflict between fame and personal well-being, with Doechii acknowledging the cost of living in the fast lane.

[Interlude 2]
Issa’s continued attempt to explore Doechii’s struggles leads to a candid admission about substance use. Doechii initially downplays it as “natural,” but the conversation touches on the stigma and self-denial associated with addiction. She insists she’s not an addict, reflecting a common defensive response. This part emphasizes the internal battle of knowing something is harmful but justifying it to maintain control or avoid judgment.

[Verse 3]
In this raw confession, Doechii lays bare her vices—pills, drügs, partying, and the seductive yet destructive Hollywood lifestyle. She admits that these habits provide temporary relief but come at the cost of self-worth. The verse takes a darker turn as she describes an ex damaging her belongings, leading to feelings of rage. The “oops” moment, costing a large sum, symbolizes how chaos and poor decisions spiral out of control. Her warning about being pushed too far reveals simmering anger beneath her humor, showing the thin line between control and breakdown.

[Outro]
The outro returns to a calmer tone, with Issa guiding Doechii through a breathing exercise to regain composure. It’s a symbolic attempt to ground her, showing the importance of mindfulness and self-care amid emotional turmoil. The repetition of breathing sounds and “woosah” creates a sense of momentary peace, even if the deeper issues remain unresolved. This ending emphasizes the need for healing, patience, and reflection.