“Perfect Circle/Godspeed” by Mac Miller Revealed his Struggles With Addiction Prior to his Tragic Passing

In September of 2018 multi-genre artist, Mac Miller tragically passed away, in his home in Los Angeles, of a drug overdose at the age of 26. The news of this tragedy shattered the hearts of his fans all over the world. Even though his career was cut drastically short, he still had an extensive career with over 250 songs spread over 12 albums/mixtapes, and a rumored 8,000 unreleased tracks and snippets.

In 2015, years before Mac’s overdose, he released, “Perfect Circle/Godspeed” where he combined two different songs together making a near eight-minute track. Within the song, Miller opens up about his battle with drug addiction and how it affects many aspects of his life. Throughout the song, Mac shows both the chaotic and the shameful sides of drug addiction by connecting both parts of the track together, writing lyrics to share his honest experience, and adding in background voices and effects.

Both halves of the song play a crucial role in explaining different parts of drug addiction. The first half of the song is called “Perfect Circle”. This portion of the song makes listeners feel as if they are a fly on the wall witnessing the chaotic blur of drug-use that is Mac’s reality. The music is very fast paced and has a upbeat sound. As the song continues, it transitions into the second half which is called “Godspeed,” where we start to see Mac’s reflection on his own actions and the shame that follows it.

The two different parts are very distinct, and it is very clear that Mac wanted to show both the high highs, and the low lows that come with his drug use. The opposition of the two halves make each one rely on the other.

It is also unique for an artist to pair songs together in this way, so it is not to be ignored. He wanted everyone who listens to the first part to have to listen to the second part as well.