I believe Big Sean’s song “Raised by the Wolves” is more than just a lyrical masterpiece; it’s an anthem for survival, adaptability, and growth. The phrase “raised by the wolves” evokes imagery of resilience, toughness, and learning to thrive in harsh environments. In the song, Big Sean reflects on the challenges he faced, the sacrifices he made, and the lessons he learned growing up in a world where only the strong survive. This message aligns seamlessly with the philosophy of TOP CTRL—taking control of your life and learning to pivot through life’s challenges.
Breaking Down the Meaning of “Raised by the Wolves”
To be “raised by the wolves” symbolizes being shaped by adversity. Wolves are known for their fierce survival instincts, their loyalty to their pack, and their ability to adapt to the most unforgiving environments. For Big Sean, the metaphor extends to his upbringing and the lessons life taught him—lessons often learned the hard way.
In the song, Big Sean explores themes such as:
1. Survival and Sacrifice:
He talks about doing what it takes to make it, even when the odds are stacked against you. Life’s challenges don’t give you a choice but to fight or fail, and for Sean, this fight has been his foundation.
2. Adaptability:
Wolves are adaptable creatures, capable of surviving in a variety of terrains. Similarly, Big Sean reflects on how he’s had to adjust to different situations in his life and career, often reinventing himself to stay relevant.
3. Loyalty and Growth:
While wolves thrive in packs, the pack’s strength depends on each member’s ability to contribute. Big Sean highlights the importance of loyalty, yet also the need to grow independently and leave behind anything or anyone that no longer serves your journey.
Connecting This to TOP CTRL
The message behind Raised by the Wolves is strikingly similar to the ethos of TOP CTRL: Take CTRL or Be CTRD. Life constantly throws obstacles in your path—unforeseen circumstances, failures, or moments of doubt. How you respond to these challenges defines who you are and who you will become. Just as Big Sean describes being shaped by life’s trials, TOP CTRL symbolizes the power to face those trials head-on and emerge stronger.
1. Resilience Through Challenges:
Whether it’s losing a job, failing at a business, or facing personal struggles, life requires you to develop resilience. The wolves’ metaphor reminds us that we’re often forced to learn and grow in environments that seem hostile. The ability to adapt, stay focused, and push forward, even in the face of adversity, is the essence of the TOP CTRL mentality.
2. Pivot and Adjust:
In life, you’ll face moments when your plans fall apart, and you’ll need to pivot. This is a core theme in Raised by the Wolves. Wolves constantly adjust their strategies to survive in ever-changing conditions. Similarly, if you want to grow and succeed, you must be willing to change course, learn from failure, and evolve.
3. Owning Your Path:
One of the most important messages in Big Sean’s song is ownership. Just as he took control of his narrative, his career, and his struggles, TOP CTRL encourages you to own your path. You can’t control what happens to you, but you can control how you respond.
Using This Message to Stay Afloat in Life
Life is unpredictable, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by setbacks. But Big Sean’s song teaches us that survival is about mindset. Here are practical ways to apply the lessons from Raised by the Wolves and the TOP CTRL philosophy to your life:
Embrace Failure: View failure as a lesson, not an endpoint. Every mistake is an opportunity to grow stronger, just as wolves learn through trial and error.
Stay Adaptable: When life doesn’t go as planned, don’t get stuck. Find new ways to approach your goals and keep moving forward.
Surround Yourself with the Right People: Wolves rely on their pack, but only if the pack works as a team. Surround yourself with individuals who support your growth and let go of those who don’t.
Take Ownership: Stop waiting for external circumstances to change. Take control of your decisions, actions, and mindset to create the life you want.
Conclusion
Big Sean’s “Raised by the Wolves” is a powerful reminder that life is full of challenges, but those challenges can shape you into a stronger, more resilient person. The wolves’ metaphor captures the essence of survival, adaptability, and self-determination—qualities that resonate deeply with the TOP CTRL philosophy.
In the end, life’s trials will either make or break you. Like Big Sean, you can choose to grow stronger through adversity, learning to take control of your path rather than letting life control you. Whether in your personal life, career, or relationships, the ability to pivot, adapt, and persevere is what will keep you afloat and thriving.
~ Take CTRL or Be CTRLD ~