Lil Nas X “Star Walkin'” LoL Worlds 2022 Anthem: Lyrics Analysis and Cultural Significance

Montero “Lil Nas X” Lamar Hill, the groundbreaking American rapper and cultural icon, has been selected to deliver the official anthem for the League of Legends World Championship 2022. The track titled “Star Walkin'” was initially revealed through an innovative promotional campaign where Lil Nas X humorously assumed the role of “president of League of Legends.” Interestingly, the artist previewed this composition during recent live performances, generating significant anticipation among both gaming and music communities. Gaming content creator Big Bad Bear subsequently shared comprehensive lyrics, providing fans with early access to the anthem’s powerful message.

Pro Tip: World anthems typically release 2-3 weeks before the tournament begins, allowing teams to incorporate the music into their walkout rituals and fan engagement activities.

Lil Nas X “Star Walkin'” Worlds 2022 Anthem Lyrics Analysis:

[Chorus]

Don’t ever say it’s over if I’m breathin’

Racin’ to the moon light and I’m speedin’

I’m headed to the stars

Ready to go far

I’m star walkin’

Don’t ever say it’s over if I’m breathin’

Racin’ to the moon light and I’m speedin’

I’m headed to the stars

Ready to go far

I’m star walkin’

[Verse 1]

On the mission to get high up

I know that I’ma die reachin’ for a life that I don’t really need at all

Never listened to replies, learned a lesson from the wise

[Pre-Chorus]

You should never take advice from a n***a that ain’t try

They said I wouldn’t make it out alive

They told me I would never see the rise

That’s why I gotta kill ’em every time

[Chorus]

Don’t ever say it’s over if I’m breathin’

Racin’ to the moon light and I’m speedin’

I’m headed to the stars

Ready to go far

I’m star walkin’

Don’t ever say it’s over if I’m breathin’

Racin’ to the moon light and I’m speedin’

I’m headed to the stars

Ready to go far

I’m star walkin’

[Verse 2]

Been that n***a since I came out my momma (Woo)

Thankin’ God daddy never wore a condom (Woo)

Prove ’em wrong every time ’til it’s normal

Why worship legends when you know that you can join ’em? (Join ’em)

These n***as don’t like me, they don’t like me

Likely, they want to fight me

Come on, try it out, try me

They put me down, but I never cried out

Why me?

Word from the wise

[Pre-Chorus]

Don’t put worth inside a n- that ain’t try

They said I wouldn’t make it out alive

They told me I would never see the rise

That’s why I gotta kill ’em every time

[Chorus]

Don’t ever say it’s over if I’m breathin’

Racin’ to the moon light and I’m speedin’

I’m headed to the stars

Ready to go far

I’m star walkin’

Don’t ever say it’s over if I’m breathin’

Racin’ to the moon light and I’m speedin’

I’m headed to the stars

Ready to go far

I’m star walkin’

[Outro]

Don’t ever say it’s over if I’m breathin’

Racin’ to the moon light and I’m speedin’

I’m headed to the stars

Ready to go far

I’m star walkin’

Lyrical Analysis: The anthem powerfully captures the competitive spirit of esports through themes of relentless ambition and overcoming doubters. The recurring chorus emphasizes perseverance with the declaration “Don’t ever say it’s over if I’m breathin’,” mirroring the never-give-up attitude required in high-stakes tournament play. The verses explore personal transformation and rising above limitations, directly resonating with professional gamers’ journeys from obscurity to championship glory.

Common Interpretation Mistake: Many listeners misinterpret the “kill ’em every time” line as promoting violence, when it actually symbolizes defeating opponents competitively and proving critics wrong through exceptional performance.

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And what Lil Nas X has to do with it?

The selection of Lil Nas X continues Riot Games’ tradition of partnering with globally recognized artists to elevate the esports experience. Previous collaborations include Imagine Dragons’ “Warriors” for Worlds 2014 and the virtual group K/DA’s pop anthems. This strategic approach bridges gaming culture with mainstream music, expanding the tournament’s reach beyond traditional esports audiences.

Historical Context: World anthems have become integral to building pre-tournament hype, with songs like “Rise” by The Glitch Mob and “Phoenix” by Cailin Russo becoming synonymous with their respective championships. The music typically reflects the competitive journey while inspiring both players and fans.

Fan Engagement Strategy: Successful anthems often feature during opening ceremonies, player walkouts, and highlight reels, creating emotional connections that enhance viewer experience throughout the month-long tournament.

Lil Nas X “Star Walkin'” Worlds 2022 Full Song Production:

The production of “Star Walkin'” showcases Lil Nas X’s signature blend of hip-hop and pop elements with orchestral arrangements that build dramatic tension. The track demonstrates sophisticated layering of electronic elements with traditional instrumentation, creating an epic soundscape suitable for championship moments.

Technical Composition: The anthem features a tempo progression that mirrors tournament intensity, starting with contemplative verses before building to an explosive, anthemic chorus designed to energize both players and spectators.

Performance Timeline: Lil Nas X first teased the track during his September 2022 concert series, generating organic buzz before the official announcement. This rollout strategy maximizes exposure across both music and gaming communities.

Strategic Integration: Like mastering complex class mechanics in competitive games, the song’s structure carefully balances accessibility with complexity, ensuring broad appeal while rewarding repeated listening.

Pro Tip for Content Creators: When covering world anthems, analyze both the musical composition and its thematic alignment with the tournament narrative for more engaging analysis.