Breaking down a Track:

Creating "Forrest Gump"

Sep 16, 2024

1. Opening Reflections

Forrest Gump is one of those songs where I ran faster than I thought I could just because someone was chasing me. After the opening track Drop the Wait, which sets up the album’s core themes, Forrest Gump picks up the relay baton, continuing the story. Geode (an alternate personality) hints that there’s more to come at the end of Drop the Wait and Forrest Gump delivers it. Setting the tone with the tagline: “I have a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore,” a nod to The Wizard of Oz. It hits home for me because I was born in Kansas!

From the first line, “I got the keys in my pocket,” the track establishes a sense of authority: “I have the access, I'm that guy.” Then I back it up with who's in my circle now: “...the lawless the prophets / The sages, the sinners / lieutenants and sergeants.” This reflects the incredible journey I've been on—from spiritual experiences to the dark corners of the streets. There's a lot packed in these lines.

2. Themes and Moods

Forrest Gump flows like a stream of consciousness—fluid, powerful, purposeful. When I mention, “I just checked the ‘Gram, I think Michaelangelo just hearted this,” there's a lighter, humorous tone, mixing vintage artists (and my admiration for them) with modern-day culture. It’s a subtle flex, combining art, and humor while positioning myself as someone the greats would respect.

As the song progresses, the energy shifts: “I'm feeling magically delicious, on some majestically vicious / snap a neck with a thumb click.” Here, the mood becomes sharper and more intense, transitioning into the idea of power and danger. It's a bold contrast, showing a more dangerous side to my character.

Then there’s “I’m crossing the line, drawing an X like my name is Depp, Johnny.” This moment drives the ambition forward—referencing Jack Sparrow and embracing the daring, confident leader who seizes what's his. The song transitions into this adventurous, determined energy.

It ends on a self-assured note: “I'm Forrest Gump with chocolates, I'm lapping the starters.” It’s about defying expectations, surprising people, and wrapping it all up with humor.

3. Songwriting Process

The songwriting process for Forrest Gump was all about capturing that feeling of moving fast—being on a journey and knowing that no one else can take control but me. I wasn’t focused on typical song formats like verses or a chorus; it was about letting the words flow in a stream-of-consciousness style.

The lines flowed naturally as I reflected on who I am now and how I’ve been shaped by my past experiences— “perhaps it was just perspective / that there's more to what meets the mental / conscious is just a rental / y'all got me all sentimental.” The process was about embracing my evolution, not just as an artist, but as a person.

4. Production and Energy

The production of Forrest Gump mirrors the duality of being in motion and the stillness that comes when the wind suddenly dies down. From the start, the beat reflects the determined movement of jogging at a brisk pace, chasing something important. It’s rhythmic and bouncy, allowing the words to flow freely. The beat change one-third of the way through adds depth and signals a shift in mood, giving the narrative distinct layers.

A little secret: Forrest Gump wasn’t recorded in a studio or soundproof environment. I used a BOSE Portable Speaker and recorded myself on my phone while reading the lyrics on the phone’s screen. Timing it all perfectly was a challenge, but it pushed me to come up with creative workarounds. That improvisation became a defining part of the track.

As the song builds, the raw intensity mirrors the aggressive tone of lines like “they took me off of JV / when I threw with the left hand / that's when I found out / I could be whatever I wanted.” By the time I rap “I'm Forrest Gump with chocolates, I'm lapping the starters,” the production pulls back, letting the lyrics take center stage, closing the song with humor and vision.

5. Closing Reflections

Forrest Gump holds a special place for me on Save Your Own Soul. Every time I listen to it, I’m reminded of how far I’ve come, and I still feel a sense of accomplishment. It’s a reminder that despite the challenges, I can do far more than I think if I just put my head down and run with it.

The creation of this track, much like Forrest himself, was about persistence—pushing past limitations and trusting that each step forward, no matter how small, gets me closer to where I need to be. Forrest Gump is a reflection of that raw truth, both in its style and its delivery.

What I hope listeners take away from this track is the idea that we all have our own race to run. There’s no map or compass guiding us; it’s up to us to keep pushing, even when it feels like we’re running in circles. The important part is to keep moving. Keep Going.

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"If this story resonates with you, I’d love to hear how you’ve saved your own soul. Let’s continue the conversation in the comments below, and don’t forget to check out my album, Save Your Own Soul, for more of my journey in sound."