Mask Off Lyrics - Future

Mask Off by Future is a song from his 2017 self-titled album. It gained significant popularity due to its catchy beat and introspective lyrics. The song delves into themes of success, struggle, and the duality of public personas. It paints a vivid picture of the artist's life experiences, balancing the glamour of success with the darker sides of fame and substance use. The repetition of the phrase "Mask On, Mask Off" serves as a metaphor for the contrast between public image and private reality.

[Intro]
Call it how it is (Call it how it is)
Hendrix
I promise, I swear, I swear
You heard, spit it, yo

Explanation of  Intro
Intro The introduction sets the tone for the song with a straightforward declaration. Future mentions his stage name "Hendrix," highlighting his persona, and makes a promise to deliver a raw and honest narrative.

[Chorus]
Percocets (Ya), molly, Percocets (Percocets)
Percocets (Ya), molly, Percocets (Percocets)
Rep the set (Yee), gotta rep the set (Gang, gang)
Chase a check (Chase it), never chase a bitch (Don't chase no bitches)
Mask on (Off), fuck it, mask off (Mask)
Mask on (Off), fuck it, mask off (Mask)
Percocets ('Cets), molly, Percocets (Percocets)
Chase a check (Chase it), never chase a bitch (Don't chase no bitches)

Explanation of Chorus
Chorus The chorus is the central hook of the song, emphasizing the use of drugs like Percocets and Molly. Future also speaks about loyalty to his crew ("Rep the set"), financial pursuits ("Chase a check"), and avoiding distractions ("never chase a bitch"). The phrase "Mask on, fuck it, mask off" symbolizes removing one's facade and being true to oneself, despite the consequences.

[Verse 1]
Two cups (Cup), toast up with the gang (Gang, gang)
From food stamps to a whole 'nother domain, ya
Out the bottom (Ye), I'm the livin' proof (Super)
Ain't compromisin' (Woah), half a million on the coupe (Gang, gang)
Drug houses (where), lookin' like Peru (Woah, woah, woah)
Graduated (Crazy), I was overdue (I'm on due)
Pink molly (Molly), I can barely move (Barely move)
Ask about me ('Bout me), I'm gon' bust a move
Rick James (James), thirty-three chains (Thirty-three)
Ocean air (Air), cruisin' Biscayne
Top off (Ya), that’s a liability (Big foreigns)
Hit the gas (Gas), boostin' my adrenaline (Big foreigns)

Explanation of Verse 1
Verse 1 In the first verse, Future reflects on his journey from poverty ("food stamps") to wealth ("half a million on the coupe"). He mentions the physical and mental toll of his lifestyle, with references to drug use and the high-paced life he leads. The verse also includes mentions of luxury and status symbols, such as cars and jewelry.

[Chorus]
Percocets (Ye), molly, Percocets (Big foreigns)
Percocets (Ye), molly, Percocets (Big foreigns)
Rep the set (Ye), gotta rep the set (Gang, gang)
Chase a check (Chase it) (Ye), never chase a bitch (Don't chase no bitches) (Big foreigns)
Mask on (Off) (Ye), fuck it, mask off (Mask) (Big foreigns)
Mask on (Off) (Ye), fuck it, mask off (Mask) (Big foreigns)
Percocets (Ye), molly, Percocets (Big foreigns)
Chase a check (Chase it) (Ye, ye), never chase a bitch (Don't chase no bitches)

Explanation of Chorus (repeated)
Chorus (repeated) The chorus is repeated, reinforcing the themes of drug use, loyalty, and financial ambition. The repetition underscores the cyclical nature of Future's experiences and thoughts.

[Verse 2]
Ford or Maybach (Ford or), I drive anything (Ye)
Buy my Range (Ye), make 'em go insane (Ye)
(Oh my Lord, praise him be)
My guillotine, drank promethazine (Drank prometh')
TEC and beams (Ya), go to those extremes (Let's go, let's go)
Parliament (Parliament), calamari Wednesday (Ya)
Parlay in Vegas, we was in attendance (What's good, what's good)
Before the business (Yeah), Theodore lenses
Theo-Dur prescriptions (Ya), focus on the missions (Fo' my)
Intermission (Hol' up), never take a break (We can pull up)
Switch states, touch down, foreign plates (Speech)
Ain't no way, ain't no fuckin' way (No)
We call the play, we didn't come to play (No)
Rob the bank, we gon' rob the game (Gang)
They gang, we gang (Gang)
But they are not the same (Freebandz)

Explanation of Verse 2
Verse 2 The second verse dives deeper into Future's lifestyle, highlighting his affluence and the extremes he goes to maintain it. He mentions high-end cars, lavish trips to Las Vegas, and his relentless pursuit of success. This verse also touches on the concept of taking risks ("Rob the bank, we gon' rob the game") and the inherent differences between Future's crew and others.

[Chorus]
Percocets (Ye), molly, Percocets (Big foreigns)
Percocets (Ye), molly, Percocets (Big foreigns)
Rep the set (Ye), gotta rep the set (Gang, gang)
Chase a check (Chase it) (Ye), never chase a bitch (Don't chase no bitches) (Big foreigns)
Mask on (Off) (Ye), fuck it, mask off (Mask) (Big foreigns)
Mask on (Off) (Ye), fuck it, mask off (Mask) (Big foreigns)
Percocets (Ye), molly, Percocets (Big foreigns)
Chase a check (Chase it) (Ye, ye), never chase a bitch (Don't chase no bitches)

Explanation of Chorus (repeated)
The chorus is repeated again, solidifying the core themes of the song.

[Outro]
Mask on, fuck it, mask off
Mask on, fuck it, mask off
Mask on, fuck it, mask off
Gas gone, never nod off
(Cold chills, prison cells)
(Oh my Lord, praise him be)

Explanation of Outro
The outro wraps up the song with a reiteration of the "Mask on, fuck it, mask off" mantra. It also briefly touches on the consequences of his lifestyle ("Gas gone, never nod off") and hints at the underlying struggles ("Cold chills, prison cells").

OVERALL
Mask Off is a compelling track that captures the essence of Future's complex life. It combines catchy rhythms with introspective lyrics, exploring themes of substance use, loyalty, and the dichotomy between one's public persona and private reality. The repetition of the chorus serves as a powerful reminder of the recurring cycles in Future's life, while the verses provide a detailed look into his journey from hardship to success. The song's raw honesty and memorable beat have made it a standout in Future's discography.