The heart of "LIFE" beats with the memory of Saba’s cousin and fellow Pivot Gang member, , who was tragically killed in February 2017. In the lyrics, Saba painfully recounts seeing "Walter's body cold" and the survivor's guilt that follows, wishing he could "switch it with mine".
The song also explores a tragic family parallel involving his uncle:
: For Saba, these events define the "life" he describes—a series of fleeting moments and sudden departures that make the phrase "That's life" carry a heavy, cynical weight. Sonic Intensity and Performance Saba - LIFE (Official Audio)
: He dismisses "rap shit" and industry distractions, focusing instead on financial independence and building his own legacy as if Tupac were still here to witness it.
"That's Life": Deciphering the Grief and Resilience in Saba’s "LIFE" The heart of "LIFE" beats with the memory
Beyond its lyrical depth, "LIFE" has resonated massively with listeners, garnering over . It serves as a gateway to CARE FOR ME , an album that many consider a "candidate for Album of the Year" upon its release for its raw honesty. Through this song, Saba transformed his private mourning into a public monument for those he lost, ensuring that names like John Walt are never forgotten in the landscape of Chicago hip-hop.
: Only a year after his release, his uncle passed away in his sleep. Sonic Intensity and Performance : He dismisses "rap
Unlike the more melodic tracks on his previous project, Bucket List Project , "LIFE" features an aggressive, rapid-fire flow. Saba uses his voice as an instrument of anxiety, mirroring the "panicked tone" of the instrumental. Key lyrical themes include: