In "Ashes," MacDonald leans into a "rockstar" persona, explicitly referencing icons like , Kurt Cobain , and the Rolling Stones . This shift into a more "southern rock" sound—complete with staccato lyrics and quick-fire flows—showcases his versatility across genres. The song serves as a declaration of self-reliance, with MacDonald asserting that his success is fueled by his fans ("HOG Gang") rather than traditional industry support. Key Themes and Lyrics

: He positions himself as a "juvenile tyrant" who has been to "hell and back" without getting burned, symbolizing his resilience against mainstream industry pressures. Reception and Controversy

The track explores themes of destructive love, betrayal, and the "burn everything down" mentality required to succeed as an outsider: