Young, Wild and Free – Snoop Dogg & Wiz Khalifa ft. Bruno Mars
Released in 2011 as part of the soundtrack for the stoner comedy film Mac & Devin Go to High School, “Young, Wild & Free” by Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa, featuring the vocals of Bruno Mars, quickly became a cultural anthem. The song encapsulates a carefree, rebellious attitude toward life, with its lyrics reflecting themes of freedom, youthful exuberance, and an unapologetic embrace of life’s pleasures, particularly marijuana use.
A Song for the Youth
At its core, “Young, Wild & Free” is an ode to the joy of living in the moment, unbothered by the pressures of society or the consequences of one’s actions. The song speaks to a universal experience that resonates especially with younger generations: the desire to be carefree, make mistakes, and enjoy life to the fullest. This message is amplified by the inclusion of Bruno Mars’ catchy chorus, which sticks with the listener long after the song ends:
“So what we get drunk? So what we smoke weed? We’re just having fun, we don’t care who sees. So what we go out? That’s how it’s supposed to be. Living young and wild and free.”
This chorus embodies the essence of the song: a celebration of freedom, fun, and a rebellious attitude. The lightheartedness with which these themes are presented allows listeners to connect with the song as an anthem for living authentically, without the need for approval or permission from society.
The Collaboration: A Perfect Blend
The collaboration between Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa brought together two generations of rappers, both known for their laid-back personas and their love of marijuana culture. Snoop Dogg, who has been a major figure in the hip-hop world since the early 1990s, brings his signature West Coast flow to the song, while Wiz Khalifa, one of the most prominent rappers of the 2010s, complements him with a more contemporary style.
The two artists share a natural chemistry on the track, as both have built careers on promoting a relaxed, carefree lifestyle. Their verses, which touch on themes of youthful rebellion, enjoying life, and not caring about societal norms, fit perfectly within the overarching message of the song.
Snoop Dogg opens the track with a verse that sets the tone:
“So what I keep ’em rolled up, saggin’ my pants, not caring what I show, keep it real with my n****s, keep it player for these h**s.”
His casual, smooth delivery reflects the “do whatever you want” attitude that the song promotes. Snoop, as always, remains effortlessly cool, delivering his lines with the ease and confidence that has become synonymous with his persona.
Wiz Khalifa follows with a verse that brings a more modern touch to the song:
“And now I don’t even care, long as me and my team in here, there’s gonna be some weed in the air, tell ’em Mac.”
Wiz’s verse is a perfect representation of his carefree, “live in the moment” mentality that has defined much of his music. His love for marijuana culture is evident throughout his discography, and in “Young, Wild & Free,” it becomes a central theme.
Bruno Mars’ Hook: Catchy and Uplifting
One of the most memorable aspects of the song is the chorus, sung by Bruno Mars. His smooth, uplifting vocals add a different texture to the song, elevating it from a laid-back rap anthem to a pop sensation. Bruno Mars’ hook is what ties the song together and gives it a universal appeal. The contrast between his sweet voice and the more rugged rap verses by Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa creates a dynamic that makes the song stand out.
The lyrics of the chorus, with their simple yet effective messaging, invite listeners to embrace their youthful spirit, to let go of inhibitions, and to enjoy life’s fleeting moments. This message, combined with Bruno Mars’ soaring vocals, ensures that the song stays lodged in the listener’s mind.
The Music Video: A Visual Representation of Fun and Freedom
The official music video for “Young, Wild & Free” perfectly complements the song’s message. The video is set at a wild party in a high school environment, which mirrors the plot of Mac & Devin Go to High School. In the video, Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa, and a group of friends can be seen engaging in typical high school antics: hanging out, skipping class, and having fun at a party.
The playful tone of the video matches the laid-back vibe of the song, with scenes of the two rappers enjoying life without a care in the world. It shows them living freely, without worrying about the future or conforming to societal expectations. The visuals of partying, driving around, and carefree moments further emphasize the song’s themes of youth, freedom, and indulgence.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Upon its release, “Young, Wild & Free” quickly became an anthem for a generation. Its success was not limited to the charts — the song reached number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 — but also extended to its widespread cultural influence. The song became a favorite among high school and college students, and its lyrics were often quoted in social media posts and in real-life conversations.
The song’s celebration of marijuana use also resonated with a particular subculture. As conversations around the legalization of marijuana became more mainstream in the early 2010s, “Young, Wild & Free” was embraced by those who advocated for the normalization of weed in popular culture. In many ways, the song became symbolic of a larger movement toward breaking down the stigma surrounding cannabis use.
While the song was criticized by some for promoting substance use, it remained popular for its fun, carefree energy and catchy chorus. For many listeners, it represented a break from the more serious, intense themes often explored in hip-hop, offering instead a lighthearted, feel-good track that could be enjoyed with friends.
Conclusion: A Timeless Celebration of Freedom
In conclusion, “Young, Wild & Free” by Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa, and Bruno Mars remains an iconic track that celebrates the joys of youth, freedom, and living life on one’s own terms. The collaboration between two of hip-hop’s most laid-back artists, paired with Bruno Mars’ infectious hook, resulted in a song that resonates with listeners across generations. Whether you interpret the song as a lighthearted anthem for partying or as a deeper message about embracing life without fear of judgment, “Young, Wild & Free” stands as a testament to the power of music to encapsulate the spirit of a generation.
Is this thing on? (Word)
So what we get drunk
So what we smoke weed
We’re just having fun
We don’t care who sees (shit)
So what we go out
That’s how it’s supposed to be
Living young and wild and free,
Uh, uh-uhm, so what I keep ’em rolled up
Saggin’ my pants, not caring what I show
Keep it real with my niggas
Keep it player for these hoes
It look clean, don’t it?
Washed it the other day, watch how you lean on it
Give me some 5-0-1 jeans on it
Roll joints bigger than King Kong’s fingers
And smoke them hoes down ’til they stingers
You a class clown and if I skip for the day
I’m with your bitch smokin’ grade A
You know what
It’s like I’m 17 again
Peach fuzz on my face
Lookin’ on the case
Tryna find a hella taste
Oh my God, I’m on the chase, Chevy
It’s gettin’ kinda heavy, relevant, sellin’ it
Dippin’ away, time keeps slippin’ away
Zip in the safe, flippin’ for pay
Tippin’ like I’m drippin’ in paint
Up front, four blunts, like, “Khalifa put the weed in a J”
So what we get drunk
So what we smoke weed
We’re just having fun
We don’t care who sees
So what we go out
That’s how it’s supposed to be
Living young and wild and free
Uh, and I don’t even care
‘Cause if me and my team in there
There’s gon’ be some weed in the air
Tell ’em, Mac
Blowin’ everywhere we goin’ and now you knowin’
When I step right up, get my lighter so I can light up
That’s how it should be done
Soon as you thinkin’ you’re down
Find how to turn things around
Now things are lookin’ up
From the ground up, pound up, this Taylor Gang
So turn my sound up and mount up and do my thang
Now I’m chillin’, fresh outta class, feelin’
Like I’m on my own and I could probably own a building
Got my own car, no job, no children
Had a science project, me and Mac killed it
T-H-C, M-A-C, D-E-V, H-D-3, high as me
This is us, we gon’ fuss
And we gon’ fight and we gon’ roll
And live off life
So what we get drunk
So what we smoke weed
We’re just having fun
We don’t care who sees
So what we go out
That’s how it’s supposed to be
Living young and wild and free
Yeah, roll one, smoke one
When you live like this you’re supposed to party
Roll one, smoke one, and we all just having fun
So we just, roll one, smoke one
When you live like this you’re supposed to party
Roll one, smoke one, and we all just having fun
So what we get drunk
So what we smoke weed
We’re just having fun
We don’t care who sees
So what we go out
That’s how it’s supposed to be
Living young and wild and free
So what, we’re fine
We don’t care who sees
We don’t care who sees
That’s how it’s supposed to be
Living young and wild and free