Popular was released on June 2, 2023, as the second single from The Idol, Vol. 1, the soundtrack to The Weeknd’s HBO drama television series The Idol, released on June 4, 2023. – “I know that you see me (Oh), time’s gone by (Uh) Spent my whole life runnin’ from your flashin’ lights Try to own it (Uh), but I’m alright (Yeah) You can’t take my soul without a fuckin’ fight (Uh)”
As of June 2023, nineteen years into my adventure my project remained unknown.
I believed in my story wholeheartedly but it was primarily based on a trusting relationship with fate. The events of my life were guided by an energy different than my own, an unknown force that always came through for me no matter how many times I gave up and let go. Over time I grew to trust this guidance with all of my heart. I knew that if my project was meant to be discovered it would, but if it remained unknown there was something to learn from that, too.
I was never one to participate in a popularity contest. I was a loner, a nonconformist. Anything but a good old boy.
When I first heard Popular I listened to the lyrics and thought about what I would do if Madonna discovered my story and shared it with the rest of the world. How would I respond? Would I run from the flashing lights or would I meet the situation head-on? That remained to be seen.
Until then I would keep working on my project and leave everything up to fate, and proceed with no expectations. I could see very clearly the pros and cons of every outcome.
As fate would have it my niece called on June 1, 2023, to offer me lifetime rights to a house that she had in Wilmington, North Carolina. I had no bad memories in that part of North Carolina so I really liked the idea. It would be a brand new start for me. A clean slate. I figured I could start drawing Social Security and finish out the rest of my life close to family and friends on the coast of North Carolina.
Using the map above, Wilmington, North Carolina fell on my Neptune line (dark purple) in my Astrocartography chart, which stated:
Neptune/IC Line 160 km – A meaningful way to comply with the theme of these regions is to withdraw to the safety of your private life. Positive examples of making this a reality are meditation, a holiday in nature, and quiet days spent in the tranquility of a monastery. This way, you create a meaningful environment for your increased sensitivity and intuition. However, if you are after material success, this place is not very suitable. This is especially true for all economic and materialistic transactions, as well as professional ones. Neptune strengthens your imaginative and transcendental powers, but it also clouds your sense of reality and clarity of judgment. In an atmosphere where all material things seem to dissolve you may feel uncertain and confused, you may feel uprooted and homeless. But living here can give you the feeling of being at home in the cosmos rather than in the “real” world. – © Astro.com
This same line also passed through Washington, DC, where I had lived between the years 1995 and 2004. According to this map if I really wanted to be successful I would place myself somewhere between the yellow line (The Sun) and the violet line (Jupiter). These two lines passed through parts of the United States, Mexico, the west coast of South America, and the following parts of Europe.
Since I had no other opportunities I had to trust that I was being led in the right direction and so in June of 2023, I started making plans to move back to North Carolina.
The Weeknd ( Abel Tesfaye ) was an Aquarius. This is what Kabbalah had to say for someone who was born an Aquarius.
Guide for Aquarius:
Assets of an Aquarius: Brilliant, no limitations, inventive, humanist, independent, desires justice, sees beyond the big picture, ahead of their time
Main motivation: Humanitarian issues and saving the world
Challenges (and how to transform them): They tend to focus on global change rather than inner change. They also can sometimes be insensitive to the needs and pains of the person next door. Get in the habit of asking people, “How are you feeling? Is there anything I can do for you?” And listen to what they have to say. Really listen.
They tend to be rebellious and feel compelled to be different: There are times when it’s okay to be part of the pack, such as when you are part of a group that is working towards the greater good.
Their ego is legendary since they are very aware of their originality: All of your gifts are entrusted to you so that you can be a channel for others. You are just the medium – God is the source of the genius ideas.
They will channel wonderful ideas but can be so stubborn that they might not recognize when their ideas are inappropriate: When five people give you the same message, perhaps it’s time to let go and listen.
How to Improve Your Relationship with an Aquarius:
- Be sensitive to their need for personal freedom and space
- Listen to Aquarius’ visions for society and humanity
- Encourage involvement in small, short-term activities
- Give diplomatic feedback when Aquarians become lofty and removed from others
Will achieve fulfillment through:
- One-to-one relations with others and being part of this world
According to Kabbalah, I was an Aquarius in my previous lifetime.
Madonna was a Leo.
Guide for Leo
Assets of Leo: Generous, paternal, honest, natural leader, charismatic, good conversationalist, socially adept, inner strength, self-worth, creative, independent, handle stress and responsibility well, physical strength, attractive, goal-oriented
Main motivation: Gaining Respect
Negatives Qualities (and how to transform them): Prideful Ask God for help to control the ego, work on being a stronger vessel for God, not for selfish desires
Control freak: Use strengths to help others, not dominate them
Needs to be the center of attention: Understand you are not the center of the universe – only God knows best. God is everywhere, all the time, so it’s important to listen to others.
Lacks sensitivity: Ask for help to understand the pain and needs of others. Go beyond your own desires.
Self-centered: Be more empathetic, and try to understand others’ perspective
Susceptible to flattery: Understand that talents are given by God to be used for God. They are not earned or deserved. Generous, as long as they are recognized as the giver: Give in order to help others in their spiritual path, not in order to satisfy your own ego.
Lacks diplomacy: Think before speaking. Be sensitive to other person’s feelings. Sees the whole picture but overlooks the details: Slow down and take the time to see the details
How to improve relationships with a Leo:
- Show respect and trust
- Listen – don’t contradict
- Give feedback, help Leo see the impact his words and actions have on others
- Don’t be judgmental
How a Leo will find fulfillment:
- Giving purely for the sake of sharing
And according to Kabbalah, I was also a Leo.
Our job, Kabbalah teaches, is to transform the Desire to Receive for the Self Alone into the Desire to Share. (READ THIS ARTICLE)
Regardless of these facts, I loved this song and the fact that The Weeknd and Madonna had finally teamed up together. I always felt like their voices and art would be a great match. They sounded so good together. I hoped that they would create more art together.
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[Intro: Madonna & The Weeknd]
I’ve seen the devil
Down Sunset
In every place
In every face
Yeah, uh, u
Yeah, uh, uh
[Verse 1: The Weeknd]
Tell me, do you see her? (Yeah) She’s livin’ her life (Uh)
Even if she acts like she don’t want the limelight (Uh, yeah, uh, uh)
But if you knew her (Yeah; uh), she lives a lie
She calls the paparazzi, then she acts surprised
Oh
[Pre-Chorus: The Weeknd]
Oh-oh-oh, I know what she needs (Oh-oh)
She just want the fame, I know what she fiеnds (Oh-oh)
Give her a little tastе, runnin’ back to me (Oh-oh)
Put it in her veins, pray her soul to keep, ooh-ooh
Ooh-ooh, every night (Every night; uh)
She prays to the sky
Flashin’ lights is all she ever wants to see
[Chorus: The Weeknd]
Beggin’ on her knees to be popular
That’s her dream, to be popular (Hey)
Kill anyone to be popular (Hm)
Sell her soul to be popular
Popular, just to be popular (Uh-huh)
Everybody scream ’cause she popular (Hey)
She mainstream ’cause she popular
Never be free ’cause she popular
Money on top of me, money on top of her (Uh-huh)
Money on top of me, money on top of her (Uh-huh)
Yeah, shawty fuck with me ’cause she know I’m popular (No, no)
Yeah, shawty fuck with me ’cause she know I’m popular
[Verse 2: Madonna & The Weeknd]
I know that you see me (Oh), time’s gone by (Uh)
Spent my whole life runnin’ from your flashin’ lights
Try to own it (Uh), but I’m alright (Yeah)
You can’t take my soul without a fuckin’ fight (Uh)
Oh
[Pre-Chorus: The Weeknd, The Weeknd & Madonna]
Oh-oh-oh, I know what she needs (Oh-oh)
She just want the fame, I know what she fiends (Oh-oh)
Give her a little taste, runnin’ back to me (Oh-oh)
Put it in her veins, pray her soul to keep, ooh-ooh (Uh)
Ooh-ooh, every night (Every night)
She prays to the sky (Oh)
Flashin’ lights is all she ever wants to see
[Chorus: The Weeknd & Madonna, The Weeknd]
Beggin’ on her knees to be popular (Uh)
That’s her dream, to be popular (Hey)
Kill anyone to be popular
Sell her soul to be popular
Popular, just to be popular (Uh-huh)
Everybody scream ’cause she popular (Hey)
She mainstream ’cause she popular
Never be free ’cause she popular
[Post-Chorus: Playboi Carti & The Weeknd]
Money on top of me, money on top of her (Uh-huh)
Money on top of me, money on top of her (Uh-huh)
Yeah, shawty fuck with me ’cause she know I’m popular (Uh)
Yeah, shawty fuck with me ’cause she know I’m popular (Uh)
Money on top of me, money on top of her (Uh-huh)
Money on top of me, money on top of her (Uh-huh)
Yeah, shawty fuck with me ’cause she know I’m popular (Uh, uh)
Yeah, shawty fuck with me ’cause she know I’m popular
[Bridge: Playboi Carti, The Weeknd & Madonna]
I’m gettin’ money and I’m keepin’ it
I’m gettin’ cash and I’m keepin’ it
Money on top of me, money on top of her
Yeah, shawty fuck with me ’cause she know I’m popular
Pop-popular, born to be popular
She in debt, twenty mill’, but she run it up
She can never be broke ’cause she popular
Turn the webcam on for the followers (Hahahaha)
[Chorus: The Weeknd & Madonna, The Weeknd]
Beggin’ on her knees to be popular
That’s her dream, to be popular (Hey)
Kill anyone to be popular
Sell her soul to be popular
Popular, just to be popular (Uh)
Everybody scream ’cause she popular (Hey)
She mainstream ’cause she popular
Never be free ’cause she popular
