The meaning of the lyrics of the song "By Now" by the artist "Will Jay"

In his song "By Now," Will Jay delivers a heartfelt and raw reflection on the pressures of success and how his life choices have impacted his career and sense of self.

He expresses a sense of being lost and lagging behind his peers, who have graduated college and are building "normal" lives, while he dedicated himself to music that hasn't brought him recognition yet. The phrase "By Now" serves as a haunting question, reflecting both external expectations and his own ambitions.

He sacrificed a lot – education, closeness with family, stability – for his dream, yet success remains elusive. This leads to frustration, self-doubt, and even guilt, especially considering his father's illness and his family's relocation.

Despite the doubts and hardships, a glimmer of hope shines through in the final lines: "I could have been somebody by now." This statement is not so much a statement of fact but rather a mantra, a reminder of his potential and belief in himself despite all the obstacles.