Khalid’s hypnotic track “Out Of Body,” from his album after the sun goes down, is a masterclass in atmospheric storytelling, exploring an attraction so intense it feels like a transcendent, psychedelic experience.
At its core, the song uses the dual metaphor of a marijuana high and a reckless emotional plunge to describe a connection that is both physically intoxicating and dangerously vulnerable. It masterfully blurs the line between a literal high and the metaphorical high of a desire so all-consuming it takes the narrator completely out of his normal state of consciousness.
The Euphoric Plunge: What “Out Of Body” is Really About
Released on September 26, 2025, “Out Of Body” serves as a lush and immersive exploration of a singular, overwhelming moment of connection. The song’s central theme is the equation of intense human desire with a powerful, mind-altering substance. The narrator is so captivated by someone that the experience of being with them, combined with the haze of “exotic” marijuana, creates a euphoric state that he can only describe as being “out of body.”
The narrative is not just about physical lust; it’s about a profound and willing surrender. The narrator describes himself as being “way too gone off the deep end,” consciously diving into a situation he knows he isn’t prepared for. This isn’t just a casual hookup; it’s a reckless act of emotional vulnerability, a conscious choice to fall for someone completely, regardless of the consequences.
The song creates a private, hazy world for just two people, where secrets can be shared and the outside world fades away. It is a tribute to the kind of connection that feels both fated and forbidden, where the lines between physical pleasure, emotional intimacy, and a chemical high are completely dissolved, leading to a state of pure, unadulterated ecstasy.
Anatomy of a Transcendent High: A Lyrical Breakdown
Khalid crafts “Out Of Body” with meticulous care, with each section of the song drawing the listener deeper into its hypnotic and intoxicating world. The lyrical journey mirrors the progression of a powerful high, moving from initial fixation to a reckless plunge, culminating in a euphoric, out-of-body climax.
The Intro: Setting a Hazy, Hypnotic Mood
The song begins before a single proper lyric is sung, using ad-libs and vocalizations to establish its unique atmosphere. The signature “Darkchild” producer tag immediately signals a sleek, R&B-infused soundscape. This is followed by a series of melodic, chant-like “Nah-nah-nah” vocals.
These vocalizations are not meaningless. They function like a mantra, creating a hypnotic, relaxed, and slightly hazy feeling from the very first second. They draw the listener into a dreamlike state, preparing them for the song’s themes of altered consciousness and overwhelming sensation. It’s the sonic equivalent of the first intake of smoke, the moment the world begins to soften at the edges.
Verse 1: The Initial, Irresistible Fixation
The first verse is short, direct, and powerful, capturing the instantaneous and overwhelming nature of the narrator’s attraction. He begins by describing the object of his desire as “so conspicuous.” This person doesn’t just catch his eye; they dominate his entire field of vision, standing out from everything and everyone around them. They are impossible to ignore.
This initial observation quickly escalates into a more active, almost predatory feeling. The narrator admits, “Now I’m hauntin’ you.” The word “haunting” is a strong choice, suggesting a pursuit that is persistent, focused, and almost obsessive. It’s not a passive crush; it is an active, undeniable pull that he feels compelled to act upon.
He concludes the verse by acknowledging the sheer irrationality of his feelings. He says, “It’s too ridiculous / How bad I’m wantin’ you.” The desire is so intense that it defies logic and reason. It’s not a calculated attraction; it’s a raw, primal need that has completely taken him over. This verse perfectly sets the stage for the reckless decisions he is about to make.
Pre-Chorus: The Metaphor of Drowning in Devotion
The pre-chorus is the lyrical and emotional heart of the song, where Khalid uses the powerful metaphor of drowning to describe the act of falling for someone. It’s a section rich with imagery of vulnerability, risk, and total surrender.
He begins with the line, “Way too gone off the deep end.” This is a classic idiom for being in a situation that is out of one’s control, but he pairs it with a shocking admission: “No, I can’t swim but I still dive for you.” This is the core metaphor of the entire song. He is fully aware of his own emotional vulnerability (he “can’t swim”), but the pull towards this person is so strong that he is willing to take a life-threatening risk. He is consciously choosing to plunge into these deep emotional waters for them.
The imagery then shifts to light and dark, fitting perfectly with the album’s title, after the sun goes down. He sings, “Sun goes down in the evening on the East end / But it still shines for you.” This beautifully poetic line elevates the connection beyond mere physical lust. In a world of darkness, this person is his singular source of light and focus. It frames the attraction as something almost spiritual or fated.
The pre-chorus then pivots from metaphorical devotion to a plea for real, tangible intimacy. He begs, “Stay right there, don’t you leave yet,” revealing a fear of this perfect moment ending. This is followed by a profound offer of vulnerability: “All my secrets, wanna share it all for you.” He is not just offering his body; he is ready to open up his soul, to be completely transparent and intimate with this person.
He repeats the “deep end” imagery, but this time concludes with “but I still fall for you,” solidifying the emotional nature of his plunge. He is not just diving; he is falling, completely surrendering to the gravitational pull of his feelings.
Chorus: The Euphoric, Mind-Blowing Climax
The chorus is the song’s explosive climax, where all the tension and desire culminate in a shared, transcendent experience. It begins with an urgent, direct call to action: “C’mon now, let’s get it started.” The period of observation and internal debate is over; it’s time to act.
He confirms that the desire is mutual with the line, “You want it and I’m about it.” This is crucial, as it establishes the experience as consensual and shared. He is not forcing this connection; they are both willing participants, ready to embark on this journey together.
Then, the song introduces the literal element that fuels the metaphorical high: “Marijuana, smokin’ exotic.” This is the anchor for the “out of body” feeling. The physical high from smoking is used as a direct parallel and catalyst for the emotional and physical high he is experiencing with his partner. This creates a brilliant ambiguity: Is the “out of body” feeling from the drug, the person, or the perfect synthesis of both? The song suggests it is the combination that creates this unique, transcendent state.
The chorus culminates in the ultimate description of this peak experience: “Blowin’ my mind out, so out of body.” The connection, amplified by the marijuana, is so powerful that it completely detaches him from his normal consciousness. It is a state of pure euphoria, where his physical and mental self are completely overwhelmed by pleasure and sensation.
Verse 2: The Crave for Exclusivity and a Private World
After the explosive chorus, the second verse brings the energy back down to a more intimate, personal level. It focuses on the narrator’s desire to create a secret, exclusive world for just the two of them.
He begins by stating, “Inside, I wouldn’t wanna share with anybody else.” This reveals a possessive quality to his desire. The experience is so special and profound that he wants to protect it from the outside world. He reinforces this by saying, “Now that we’re alone I want you to myself.” This isn’t just a physical encounter in a room; it is the creation of an intimate bubble where they are the only two people who exist.
The secrecy of their connection is emphasized with the line, “No one has to know, it’s only you and I.” This adds a layer of forbidden excitement to the encounter, suggesting a world of their own, with its own rules, separate from reality.
The verse ends with a moment of surrendering control back to his partner. He says, “The place your lips could go, it’s for you to decide.” Despite his obsessive want and the possessive nature of his feelings, this line shows that the dynamic is ultimately consensual. He is giving her agency, making the shared experience even more intimate and powerful.
The Outro: The Lingering, Hazy Afterglow
The song doesn’t end abruptly. Instead, it fades out with the same hypnotic “Nah-nah-nah” chant that began it. This musical choice is significant. It acts as the lingering afterglow of the experience, the sonic representation of the come-down after the euphoric peak.
The repetition feels like the hazy, dreamlike state one might be in after such an intense encounter. It’s the sound of the smoke clearing, the mind slowly returning to the body. It’s a soft, gentle landing after a wild, transcendent journey, leaving the listener in the same peaceful, slightly disoriented state as the narrator.
Thematic Deep Dive: Beyond the Haze
“Out Of Body” is a richly layered track that explores several profound emotional and psychological themes, making it far more than a simple ode to getting high with a partner.
Theme 1: The Dual High – The Synergy of Drugs and Desire
The central and most brilliant theme of the song is the way it masterfully blurs the line between a chemical high and an emotional one. The “marijuana” is not just a background detail; it is a key player in the narrative. The song constantly poses the question: is the drug a catalyst for the emotional vulnerability, or is the intense connection itself the ultimate drug?
The answer the song provides is that it’s both, and that they work in perfect synergy. The marijuana lowers inhibitions, creating a space for the raw, unfiltered emotional connection to take place. In turn, the intensity of the human connection amplifies the euphoric effects of the drug. The “out of body” state is the perfect description for both experiences—the detachment of a powerful high, and the feeling of losing oneself completely in another person.
Theme 2: Vulnerability as a Reckless, Thrilling Plunge
The imagery of the “deep end” and the narrator’s admission that he “can’t swim” is a profound metaphor for modern vulnerability. He is not cautiously wading into a new connection; he is taking a reckless, exhilarating plunge. This theme suggests that true, intense connection requires a willingness to risk everything.
The narrator understands the danger. Drowning is a real possibility—he could get hurt, his heart could be broken. But the thrill of the dive and the allure of the person waiting for him make the risk worth taking. The song romanticizes this kind of all-or-nothing emotional risk-taking, framing it as a brave and passionate act rather than a foolish one.
Theme 3: The Creation of a Private, Psychedelic World
“Out Of Body” is fundamentally about escapism. The combination of the intimate lyrics (“no one has to know,” “want you to myself”) and the hazy, atmospheric production creates a sense of a secret world being built for two. This world is euphoric, transcendent, and completely separate from the mundane rules and pressures of everyday reality.
This private bubble functions much like a psychedelic experience. It alters perception, heightens sensation, and creates a profound sense of connection and meaning within its limited timeframe. The song celebrates the power of two people to create their own reality, even if only for a night, fueled by mutual desire and a shared state of altered consciousness.
Theme 4: The Powerful Intersection of Lust and Intimacy
While the song is intensely physical and rooted in desire (“how bad I’m wantin’ you”), it is simultaneously a quest for deep, emotional intimacy. The narrator’s plea to share “all my secrets” is just as important to the narrative as his desire for physical touch.
“Out Of Body” collapses the often-held distinction between physical lust and emotional intimacy. In the world of the song, they are not separate forces; they are intertwined aspects of a single, overwhelming experience. The physical act is a gateway to the emotional vulnerability, and the emotional vulnerability makes the physical act more profound. For the narrator, in this transcendent moment, the body and the soul are one and the same.
Conclusion
“Out Of Body” is not just a song about smoking and hooking up. It is a complex, atmospheric, and beautifully crafted exploration of a desire so powerful it completely alters consciousness. Khalid uses the “out of body” metaphor to capture the absolute peak of human connection, where physical pleasure, reckless emotional vulnerability, and a shared high combine to create a truly transcendent and unforgettable experience.
The track stands as a testament to Khalid’s ability to capture nuanced, modern emotional landscapes. It is a hazy, hypnotic, and deeply romantic ode to losing oneself—in a substance, in a moment, and most importantly, in another person. It explores the psychedelic nature of intense attraction, reminding us that sometimes the most profound journeys are the ones we take within the confines of a single room, with a single person.