Exploring ‘G Shock’ by AR Paisley: Mental Health in south asian communities
Music has an incredible way of capturing the essence of life’s highs and lows, and AR Paisley’s G Shock does just that. With its raw lyrics and hard-hitting beats, the song becomes more than just a track—it’s a testament to resilience and strength, themes that hold deep meaning in the realm of mental health.
This blog is important because it brings attention to the often-overlooked topic of mental health, especially within the South Asian community. Cultural expectations around strength and stoicism can create barriers for BIPOC (black, indigenous and people of colour) to acknowledge their emotional struggles and seek help when needed. Through exploring the themes in AR Paisley’s G Shock, the blog challenges these societal norms and highlights the importance of resilience, vulnerability, and self-acceptance in the healing process.
The G Shock watch is more than just an accessory—it’s a symbol of endurance, toughness, and the passage of time. Known for its unbreakable design, the watch represents resilience in the face of adversity, much like the struggles many South Asians face in their daily lives. For men in particular, a G Shock can serve as a reminder to stay strong despite pressure, whether from family expectations, financial burdens, or personal hardships. The song’s title itself reflects this idea: no matter how much life throws at you, you’re expected to keep going, and to never crack under pressure.
But beyond resilience, G Shock also speaks to status and ambition. In many South Asian households, success is measured by material achievements—owning luxury items, securing a high-paying job, and providing for the family. The lyrics, “Iced AP, I still remember wearing a G Shock,” highlight this transition from struggle to success. The G Shock represents humble beginnings, a time when things were tough, while the “iced AP” (Audemars Piguet, a luxury watch brand) symbolizes making it out of hardship. This contrast reflects the South Asian immigrant and first generation children of immigrants experiences: starting from nothing, grinding to build a better life, and using success as proof of survival.
Yet, while external achievements are celebrated, the emotional and mental toll of the journey is often ignored. The G Shock may be unbreakable, but the people wearing it are not.
Another theme that is present in G shock and the South Asian community is, betrayal among family and friends. Family and friends are meant to be a source of love and support, but for many in the South Asian community, they can also be the ones who cause the deepest wounds. AR Paisley captures this harsh reality in G Shock when he raps, “The people that I trust put a knife inside my back but I can never fold...” These lines reflect a painful truth: the very people we rely on can sometimes be the ones who betray us. Whether it's family placing unrealistic expectations, friends turning their backs when times get tough, or community members gossiping instead of offering support, the sense of isolation can be overwhelming. Talking behind people’s backs is deeply ingrained in South Asian culture—judgment often replaces empathy, and rather than supporting one another, many take pleasure in tearing each other down.
When AR Paisley raps “I can never fold” this aligns with the toxic masculinity deeply rooted in South Asian culture. The idea that a man must never “fold”—never show vulnerability, never ask for help, and never break under pressure—creates an impossible standard. This mindset extends beyond gender—daughters, too, are expected to uphold family honour, suppress emotions, and sacrifice personal happiness for collective gain. But true strength isn’t about enduring suffering in silence; it’s about knowing when to step away from toxic expectations and prioritize self-healing. But the truth is, it’s okay to fold. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, to ask for help, and to step away from toxic environments. True strength isn’t about suppressing emotions or enduring suffering in silence—it’s about knowing when to let go, when to heal, and when to choose yourself over societal expectations.
“I was down bad, now my money too long. I bought this Benz coupe, I’m used to using coupons.” This line captures a powerful shift—from struggle to financial success—but it also reveals a deeper truth: money can change circumstances, but it doesn’t necessarily heal emotional wounds. In many South Asian communities, financial success is often seen as the ultimate goal, a way to escape hardship and prove one’s worth. But even when the money comes in, the feelings of sadness, emptiness, or pressure don’t just disappear. The past lingers. The experiences of being “down bad” stay embedded in the mind, making it hard to truly enjoy success.
The contrast in the lyric—going from using coupons to owning a Benz—mirrors the immigrant and working-class struggle, where money is both a symbol of survival and a coping mechanism. Many people believe that wealth can provide security and happiness, but in reality, it often brings new pressures: the expectation to provide for family, the fear of losing it all, and the realization that material possessions can’t fix internal struggles. The South Asian community, which often prioritizes financial success over emotional well-being, rarely acknowledges this. Mental health takes a backseat, and instead of addressing deeper struggles, people push forward, thinking that wealth will be the solution. But no amount of money can truly erase the pain of the past.
Breaking the Cycle: Choosing Healing Over Endurance
The G Shock may be unbreakable, but the people wearing it are not.
For immigrants and first generation children of immigrants, the challenge is not just about surviving but about unlearning harmful patterns. The pressure to always be strong, to never express vulnerability, and to prove oneself through material success can be overwhelming. But resilience does not mean enduring in silence.
Therapy, self-reflection, and community support can help break the cycle. It’s okay to fold, to acknowledge pain, to seek help. Healing does not mean forgetting the struggle—it means learning to move forward without carrying its weight alone.
The G Shock mentality—the expectation to endure, to never break—has shaped many immigrant children into hardworking, ambitious individuals. But true strength lies in recognizing that healing is just as important as success.
If this resonates with you, know that you are not alone. As a South Asian counsellor, I understand the unique challenges faced by children of immigrants, from family expectations to cultural identity struggles. You don’t have to carry this weight alone. Book an appointment with me at Seven Rivers Counselling today, and let’s work together toward healing and growth.