7 Deepest Secrets Hidden In Sleepy Hallow & Doechii's 'A N X I E T Y' Lyrics

The collaborative track "A N X I E T Y" by Sleepy Hallow featuring Doechii is far more than just a viral hit; it's a raw, unfiltered confessional that has resonated with millions globally since its release. As of late 2025, the song continues to be a powerful anthem for those battling inner turmoil, with its success fueled by a massive TikTok bump and a fascinating backstory involving a 2019 bedroom recording. The track’s enduring relevance is a testament to the artists’ courage in laying bare their deepest fears and struggles with mental health, transforming personal pain into a universal piece of art.

Released on September 15, 2023, the song is a masterclass in blending melodic rap with a haunting, repetitive hook that perfectly encapsulates the feeling of being trapped by one's own mind. The lyrics dive deep into themes of paranoia, the heavy burden of fame, and the relentless fight against internal "demons." To truly appreciate the song's impact, you must understand the artists behind the music and the unique journey the track took from a solo YouTube upload to a chart-topping collaboration.

Artist Profiles: Sleepy Hallow & Doechii

The synergy between the two artists on "A N X I E T Y" is rooted in their distinct but complementary styles, each bringing a unique energy and vulnerability to the track.

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Sleepy Hallow (Tegan Joshua Anthony Chambers)

• Full Name: Tegan Joshua Anthony Chambers
• Born: December 20, 1999
• Origin: Jamaica-born, based in Brooklyn, New York
• Genre: Jamaican-American Rapper, Singer-Songwriter, specializing in Brooklyn Drill and melodic rap.
• Key Projects: Mixtapes like Don't Sleep (2019) and the album Still Sleep? (2021).
• Style: Known for his moody, introspective lyrics and distinct, often melancholy delivery, which perfectly suits the subject of "A N X I E T Y."

Doechii (Jaylah Ji'mya Hickmon)

• Full Name: Jaylah Ji'mya Hickmon
• Born: August 14, 1998
• Origin: Tampa, Florida
• Genre: American Rapper, Singer, and Songwriter, known for her dynamic flow and genre-bending sound.
• Key Achievements: Reached new heights with her work, including becoming a Grammy-winning musician.
• The "Anxiety" Connection: Her original 2019 song, recorded in her bedroom and uploaded to YouTube, serves as the sampled foundation and emotional core of the collaborative track.

The Viral Backstory: How a 2019 Bedroom Demo Became a 2023 Hit

The most unique aspect of "A N X I E T Y" is its timeline. The collaboration is not a simple studio session; it’s a cross-generational musical conversation between two versions of the same song.

In November 2019, Doechii—then an emerging artist—self-released a song titled "Anxiety" to YouTube. This raw, emotional track, recorded in her bedroom, became a quiet favorite among early fans. Fast-forward to 2023, and Brooklyn drill artist Sleepy Hallow, known for his moody style, came across the track.

Recognizing the powerful, haunting quality of Doechii's chorus, Sleepy Hallow and his producer, Great John, decided to sample it for a new track. The result was "A N X I E T Y," a single released in September 2023. The track quickly gained a massive following, thanks in part to a viral surge on platforms like TikTok.

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The renewed interest in the sample led to Doechii re-recording and officially re-releasing her original version in 2025, further fueling the popularity of the collaboration and cementing its status as a cultural touchstone for mental health awareness in hip-hop.

7 Deepest Secrets Hidden in the 'A N X I E T Y' Lyrics

The lyrics of "A N X I E T Y" are a profound exercise in vulnerability, with Sleepy Hallow using the track as a form of "therapy" to confront his inner demons. Here are the seven most revealing secrets hidden within the verses:

1. The Personification of Anxiety as a Relentless Foe

The chorus, primarily delivered by Doechii, personifies anxiety as a constant, physical presence:

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• "Anxiety, keep on trying me, feel it quietly, tryna silence me, yeah..."
• "Somebody's watching me, it's my anxiety."

This is the core emotional hook. It suggests that anxiety isn't just a feeling but an active, malicious entity that is always observing and attempting to shut down the artist. The use of "quietly" highlights the insidious, creeping nature of a panic disorder that can escalate without warning.

2. The Struggle with Paranoia and Trust Issues

Sleepy Hallow's verses reveal a deep-seated paranoia, a common side effect of fame and mental distress. He raps about not knowing who to trust in his inner circle, suggesting that success has amplified his isolation.

• Hidden Secret: The lyrics hint at the pressure of the music industry—where friends can turn into enemies, and every move is scrutinized—making it impossible to relax or distinguish real threats from imagined ones.

3. Using Music as a Form of Psychological Therapy

Sleepy Hallow openly admitted that writing the song was a therapeutic process. The act of putting his mental struggles into a track, rather than bottling them up, serves as a coping mechanism. The song isn't just a performance; it’s an emotional release.

This confession transforms the song from a simple rap track into a genuine mental health outlet, encouraging listeners to view their own struggles through a lens of expression and healing.

4. The Battle Against "Demons" and Inner Conflict

The lyrics frequently reference "fighting with my demons," which is a metaphorical entity for depression, self-doubt, and destructive thoughts. Sleepy Hallow is not just talking about external pressures but the internal war that is often the hardest to win.

The raw honesty about this internal conflict is what makes the track so powerful, connecting with anyone who has felt overwhelmed by negative self-talk or intrusive thoughts.

5. The Financial Burden and Pressure of Success

While the song is primarily about mental health, the pressures of financial stability and the expectations that come with a successful career are woven throughout the verses. The artist touches on the need to maintain a certain lifestyle and the anxiety that comes with it. The pressure to provide for family and crew only adds another layer to the mental load.

6. The Production's Role in Amplifying the Theme

The production by Great John is a secret weapon in the song's emotional impact. It features a moody, melancholic beat that perfectly complements the dark subject matter. The simple, almost haunting melody creates a sense of unease and introspection, mirroring the feeling of being in a constant state of worry. The atmosphere is as important as the words themselves.

7. The Generational Mental Health Dialogue

The combination of Sleepy Hallow's drill-infused verses and Doechii's soulful, repetitive hook creates a dialogue between two distinct voices in contemporary hip-hop. Doechii’s original track was a raw, solo moment of confession, while Sleepy Hallow's version expands that confession into a narrative about the specific anxieties faced by a successful male rapper. This collaboration is a powerful statement on how mental health struggles transcend genre, gender, and specific life experiences.

Topical Authority: The Legacy of 'A N X I E T Y'

"A N X I E T Y" has secured its place in the modern hip-hop landscape by contributing to a growing movement of artists openly discussing mental health. Its success is intrinsically linked to its authenticity and the timely nature of its message in a world where stress and digital scrutiny are at an all-time high. The track's ability to be both a Brooklyn drill banger and a deeply therapeutic piece is what gives it lasting topical authority.

The song’s continued popularity, driven by the 2023 release and the subsequent 2025 re-release of Doechii’s original, ensures that the conversation around anxiety, paranoia, and the struggles of fame remains at the forefront of music culture. It stands alongside other influential songs about mental struggles, offering listeners a moment of recognition and solidarity.