Doechii’s song “Anxiety” samples “I Get Lifted” by George McCrae. The sample is a prominent part of the track’s production, providing the soulful and upbeat foundation over which Doechii delivers her verses. The song itself addresses themes of pressure, paranoia, and the struggle to maintain composure, creating a powerful contrast between the classic, warm sample and the raw, modern subject matter.
What Is the Exact Song Doechii Sampled?
The sample in question is from George McCrae’s 1974 hit “I Get Lifted.” This track was a product of the Miami disco and soul scene, produced by the legendary Harry Wayne Casey and Richard Finch of KC and the Sunshine Band. The distinctive bassline and the rhythmic, percussive elements of “I Get Lifted” are instantly recognizable in Doechii’s “Anxiety.”
Doechii and her producers took the core instrumental loop from McCrae’s record and built a new, modern beat around it. The tempo is adjusted, and the sound is slightly pitched or filtered to fit the mood of the new song, but the original melodic hook remains the central piece. This is a classic example of a flip, where an artist takes a recognizable sample and recontextualizes it for a new audience.
The choice of this particular sample is notable because of its warmth. “I Get Lifted” is an uplifting, joyful song about feeling good. Placing that sound underneath lyrics about anxiety and mental strain creates a deliberate musical irony. The listener hears a happy, familiar groove while the words describe a very different internal reality.
How Does the Sample Relate to the Song’s Meaning?
The contrast between the sample and the lyrics is the core artistic statement of “Anxiety.” The music feels nostalgic and positive, while the content of the verses is heavy and personal. This juxtaposition mirrors the experience of many people with anxiety: presenting a composed, functional exterior while feeling chaotic inside.
Doechii uses the sample to anchor the listener in a familiar, almost comforting soundscape. This makes the lyrics hit harder. When the beat is inviting but the words are distressing, it forces the listener to pay attention to the message. It suggests that anxiety can exist even in moments that should feel good or safe.
The production choice also connects generations of music. By sampling a classic soul record, Doechii places her contemporary story within a broader musical history. It demonstrates that the feelings she describes are not new, even if the language she uses to express them is modern. The sample is not just a backing track; it is a deliberate narrative tool.
Is the Sample Cleared and Official?
Yes, the sample is officially credited on the released version of the song. For a major release on a label like Capitol Records, sample clearance is a standard legal requirement. The songwriters of “I Get Lifted,” which include Harry Wayne Casey and Richard Finch, are credited as co-writers on “Anxiety” alongside Doechii and her collaborators.
This official clearance means the original artists and publishers receive royalties from the song’s success. It is a legal and financial arrangement that allows Doechii to use the master recording or the composition legally. Without this clearance, the song could not have been commercially released through standard streaming and retail channels.
This process is standard practice in the music industry. It protects the rights of the original creators while allowing new artists to build upon existing work. The official credit is a sign that the sample was handled properly and that all parties involved are being compensated for their contributions.
Why Did the Song Go Viral on Social Media?
“Anxiety” gained significant traction on platforms like TikTok before its official release. The song became popular for several reasons, including its catchy beat and the relatability of its lyrics. However, the use of the recognizable sample played a major role in its spread.
Users on social media were drawn to the familiar sound of “I Get Lifted.” The sample provided an immediate hook for listeners who recognized it from older music or from other media. This familiarity lowered the barrier to entry, making the new song feel instantly accessible even on a first listen.
The lyrical content also resonated deeply with a broad audience. Many users created videos using the song to express their own feelings of stress, burnout, or social anxiety. The song became a shorthand for describing a specific mental state, which fueled its use as a sound for thousands of user-generated videos. The combination of a familiar groove and a deeply relatable message proved to be a powerful formula for viral growth.
What Other Songs Sample “I Get Lifted”?
“I Get Lifted” is a widely sampled record. Its distinctive bassline and drum break have been used in hip-hop and pop music for decades. Some of the most prominent uses include tracks by artists like 2Pac, The Notorious B.I.G., and Junior M.A.F.I.A.
These earlier uses often leaned into the soulful, funk-driven elements of the original track. Producers have used it to create head-nodding beats for rap verses. Doechii’s use of the sample follows in this tradition but applies a different sonic treatment, giving it a more modern and slightly darker feel than some of the classic 90s hip-hop flips.
The fact that the song has been sampled multiple times across different eras speaks to its quality and durability. A great sample is one that can be reinterpreted in multiple ways without losing its core appeal. “I Get Lifted” has proven to be exactly that kind of record, serving as a creative foundation for multiple generations of artists.
Where Can You Listen to the Official Version?
The official studio version of “Anxiety” is available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. The song was released as a single and later included on Doechii’s mixtape “Alligator Bites Never Heal,” which was released in 2024.
There are also live performance versions available on video platforms. These live renditions often feature a full band, which changes the texture of the sample significantly. Hearing the song performed live highlights the musicality of the production and shows how the sample interacts with live instrumentation.
For those interested in the original source material, “I Get Lifted” by George McCrae is available on streaming services as well. Listening to both songs side by side offers a clear view of how the producer flipped the original. It is a useful exercise for anyone interested in how sampling works in modern music production.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the original song sampled in “Anxiety” by Doechii?
The original song is “I Get Lifted” by George McCrae, released in 1974. The sample provides the main instrumental loop for Doechii’s track.
Is the sample in “Anxiety” officially cleared?
Yes, the sample is officially cleared and credited. The original songwriters receive royalties from the release.
Why does “Anxiety” sound upbeat if the lyrics are sad?
This is a deliberate artistic choice. The contrast between the joyful sample and the heavy lyrics highlights the tension between how someone appears and how they feel inside.
