Breaking Down the Walls: Therapy Themes in Central Cee’s ‘Walk In Wardrobe
Understanding Central Cee’s 'Walk In Wardrobe' Through Themes of Survival, Success, and Vulnerability
Central Cee’s "Walk In Wardrobe" offers a raw, introspective look at the rapper’s life and emotions, blending themes of street survival, trust, fame, and emotional struggles. By diving into his lyrics, we can uncover how these themes resonate with mental health, emotional expression, and authenticity. We will also explore how we can work on these themes in counselling to promote healing and growth using therapeutic practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and grief counselling.
Theme: Survival and Past Struggles
lyrics: “Before I had a walk-in wardrobe / No car, I was ten toes, walkin' through the war zone”
These lines highlight Central Cee’s journey from a difficult, dangerous environment to his current success. The reference to walking "through the war zone" captures the struggles and risks he faced in his past, symbolizing resilience and survival against the odds.
Therapeutic Approach
CBT: Identifying survival-driven thoughts and reframing them can help. For example, CBT can help turn thoughts of "I’m always in danger" into "I’m safe now, and I have control over my environment." This shift reduces hyper-vigilance and stress responses.
Trauma Counselling: Exploring past trauma in a safe, supportive space allows individuals to process and release deeply held fear or pain.
Theme: Emotional Detachment and Vulnerability
Lyrics: "My girl said I'm emotionless / Heart cold like the Polar Express"
Central Cee expresses emotional numbness here, a common response to trauma or hardship. It shows how past struggles and betrayals can lead to detachment as a coping mechanism.
Lyrics: "Drop to my knees in a dirty bando, I talk to God like I need some answers"
This moment of vulnerability suggests a search for guidance or clarity amid difficult times. Spirituality often surfaces during moments of deep reflection or crisis.
Therapeutic Approach
CBT: Recognizing the automatic thought patterns behind emotional detachment can help identify when numbness sets in. From there, counselling can introduce healthier ways to acknowledge and process emotions.
Spiritual Counselling: Incorporating spirituality can offer an additional layer of support. Just as Central Cee turns to God for answers, individuals can explore how their faith or spiritual beliefs might be a source of comfort and guidance. Spiritual counselling can also assist clients in finding meaning and direction during moments of crisis.
Theme: Trust Issues and Relationships
Lyrics: Mum said, 'Don't ever trust no one that claims they're real'"
These lyrics highlight deep-rooted trust issues, often shaped by past betrayals or disappointments. They reflect a protective stance against false loyalty.
Lyrics: "How you my girl and don't know my lyrics?"
This points to feeling misunderstood or unappreciated within a relationship, showcasing the tension between expectations and reality in personal connections.
Therapeutic Approach:
Attachment-Based Therapy: Exploring the root of trust issues through early attachment experiences can help address and heal relational wounds.
CBT: Identifying and challenging unhelpful thoughts like "I can’t trust anyone" may open the door to healthier, more balanced relationships.
Theme: Success and Authenticity
Lyrics: "I don't need promo runs or PR stunts, everything organic"
Central Cee takes pride in his genuine rise to fame, emphasizing authenticity and rejecting the need for artificial promotion. This theme highlights staying true to oneself despite industry pressures.
Lyrics: “Nobody makes it far where I'm from"
A powerful statement about beating the odds in a challenging environment, underscoring how rare success stories like his are.
Therapeutic Approach:
Self-Identity Work: Therapy can help explore what authenticity means to the individual. This may involve unpacking societal expectations and finding clarity on personal values and beliefs.
Narrative Therapy: Rewriting one’s life story from a strengths-based perspective can empower individuals to celebrate their journey and growth.
Theme: Violence and Street Mentality
Lyrics: "Freedom riskin', the feds keep on friskin'"
A reflection of the constant surveillance and pressure faced in street culture. This theme highlights the fine line between freedom and risk.
Lyrics: "May the strong survive, may the pagans die"
Central Cee’s survival mindset is evident here, touching on loyalty, rivalry, and the ever-present danger in his environment.
Therapeutic Approach:
CBT for Anger Management: Uncovering the thought patterns behind aggressive responses and working on alternative coping strategies helps break cycles of violence.
Trauma-Informed Therapy: Creating safety in the therapeutic space is essential for processing the impact of living in high-stress or dangerous environments.
Theme: Internal Conflict and Anxiety
Lyrics: "I'm not in the mood for socialisin', I'm sittin' in silence"
This line reveals moments of introversion, hinting at anxiety or social exhaustion. It reflects a need for space and self-reflection in an overwhelming world.
Lyrics: "I'm sorry, I'm anxious, everyone's gangsters / Until it's time to ride and man start makin' excuse 'bout cameras"
Central Cee acknowledges his own anxiety while criticizing the performative nature of toughness in others. This duality of strength and vulnerability is a recurring theme.
Therapeutic Approach:
CBT: Therapy can help identify anxious thoughts and replace them with more balanced perspectives. Learning grounding techniques, such as deep breathing or visualization, helps manage physical symptoms of anxiety.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR): Practicing mindfulness helps individuals stay grounded in the present moment rather than getting overwhelmed by future fears or past regrets.
Theme: Coping with Fame and Pressure
Lyrics: "I can't even go to the petrol station, one wrong move and you'll slip in traffic"
Fame brings new pressures, hyper-vigilance, and caution. Central Cee’s heightened awareness of his surroundings reflects the mental toll of success and public scrutiny.
Therapeutic Approach:
Boundary Setting: Fame and public scrutiny can be overwhelming. Therapy can help identify and reinforce boundaries to create a healthy balance between public and private life.
CBT: Exploring perfectionism and fear of failure can help ease the pressure to meet public expectations. Reframing self-criticism into self-compassion can lead to healthier coping strategies.
Final Thoughts
Central Cee’s "Walk In Wardrobe" is more than just a celebration of material wealth and success. It’s a layered narrative of survival, emotional struggles, and authenticity in the face of fame and pressure. By delving into his lyrics, we see the complexities of his journey and the mental and emotional battles that accompany it. Themes like trust, anxiety, and resilience are not just personal to Central Cee—they’re universal. His vulnerability in sharing these struggles makes the song relatable and powerful, resonating with listeners from all walks of life.
If you or someone you know is struggling with emotional detachment or vulnerability, remember that healing is possible. Don’t let past pain control your future. Reach out for support, whether through therapy, spiritual guidance, or simply talking with someone you trust. At Seven Rivers Counselling, we’re here to walk alongside you as you rediscover emotional connection and strength.
Contact us today to begin your journey toward emotional well-being. Together, we can build a path to healing and growth.