[1][2] In the song, Lil Nas X addresses his younger closeted self, reflecting on his struggles with bullying and coming to terms with his homosexuality growing up.

In contrast to his past music videos carrying surrealistic and futuristic elements, this one is more grounded in reality to reflect the more contemplative nature of the song.

He notes that the song was about his life, of which 6 years were "dedicated" to her, addressing his past as a former Barb, a term for someone who is part of the fandom surrounding Minaj.

Throughout the song, Lil Nas X describes his feeling of not fitting in with his peers while growing up, noting that the Nicki Minaj fandom community on social media was the only place where he felt he belonged.

He then enters a memory of himself in high school, first at his work at Taco Bell, and later being depicted praying in his bedroom to God to take away his gay thoughts.

[15] After composing himself in front of the mirror, his older self appears behind him, lending him a supporting hand, leading him back to the prom, where he is now far more comfortable, being depicted dancing with his friends.