Lean in Lil Nas X's Hit Song "Old Town Road" Means Exactly What You Think It Does

What does lean mean in "Old Town Road"? Fans have been asking questions about the term since the popular song dropped in 2019.

It’s an interesting week to be Lil Nas X. The “Old Town Road” rapper has been making headlines for his Satan shoes that have been said to have human blood and receiving backlash for his music video for “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)." And it looks like his name being in the headlines is far from over.

While Lil Nas X continues his reign at dominating the music charts, fans can’t get hit chart-topping single "Old Town Road" out of their heads — especially since people are saying that his music is inappropriate for children. On the first listen, fans thought that it was a song paying homage to country culture with a hip-hop flair, but there's actually a bit more to the song. And with references of lean on the record, fans are interested in knowing what it’s all actually about. 

So, what does lean mean in "Old Town Road"?

If you’re hip to pop culture terms and hip hop culture, chances are you’re familiar with the term "lean." We’ve long heard rappers and singers alike talking about the term, with it mostly being related to some type of beverage. Sure, acknowledging products via song is a thing for entertainers, but lean is something a bit different.

In the song "Old Town Road," Lil Nas X raps, “Ridin’ on a tractor / Lean all in my bladder / Cheated on my baby / You can go and ask her."

While context clues will have you believe that lean is a beverage, it's actually a type of drug that has become popularized over the last few years. And while drugs are not cool to use, the rapper explains that he is not about that lifestyle.  

According to Genius, the rapper shares that he is not actually interested in lean. “This second verse is where I’m in this better lifestyle,” he tells the publication. “I have me a brand new tractor. I’m on some lean — not trying to endorse that, by the way. But I’m in a higher place now.” 

Lean is a drug that packs a powerful punch that can leave you feeling disoriented. Healthline reports that lean — aka the purple drank some celebrities indulge in — "is a concoction of cough syrup (with codeine and an antihistamine), soda, hard candy, and, in some cases, alcohol.”

In fact, it has been dubbed the term lean since it leaves your body in a sort of slanted position. 

Hence why Lil Nas X says that he does not endorse lean. 

What are the side effects of lean?

While lean has become a popular drink among celebrities and other users, it’s looked down upon for a major reason.

Despite lean not being good for you, the side effects of drinking the syrup vary from dangerous to being fatal.

Healthline reports that hallucinations, extreme sedation, loss of coordination, and all the way to loss of consciousness can become a factor by drinking lean.

And with so many rappers who have admitted to using lean and the effects that it brings, it's important for everyone to know that this is not something to partake in. Since taking lean can become addictive, it's best to avoid this “drink” at all costs. 

Since Lil Nas X has a massive fan base, hopefully him speaking out about the negative effects of lean will help fans make the right decision and stay away from the drug. 

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