Childish Gambino's "Got To Be": A Deeper Look
Childish Gambino (Donald Glover) paints a vivid picture of a self-destructive cycle in "Got To Be." He candidly describes a pattern of heavy drinking and smoking every weekend, acknowledging his awareness of the issue but questioning why he continues these habits. This internal conflict suggests deeper emotional struggles and a potential search for escape.
The 2020 Lockdown and Creative Output
The chorus references a "summertime lockdown" and "2020," which likely alludes to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on Glover's life and creativity. The 2020 lockdown forced people into isolation, which may have exacerbated Glover's personal struggles and fueled his artistic expression. Notably, Gambino released his unfinished album "3.15.20" during this time, further solidifying the connection between the song's lyrics and the events of 2020.
Lyric Analysis: Unveiling Hidden Meanings
The lyrics reveal a complex mix of bravado, vulnerability, and defiance. Gambino boasts about his success and sexual conquests while also expressing a sense of isolation and disillusionment. The line "If the world's gone blind, then I can see" could be interpreted as a commentary on his unique perspective as an artist and his ability to see through societal illusions.
Childish Gambino Got To Be Review
"Got To Be" is a multi-layered song that offers a glimpse into Childish Gambino's state of mind during a tumultuous period. It's a raw and honest exploration of self-destructive tendencies, the pressures of fame, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. The song's themes resonate with listeners who have experienced similar struggles, making it a relatable and impactful piece of music.
Listen to Childish Gambino Got To Be
Clidish Gambino Got To Be Meaning and Review
The meaning of "Got To Be" by Childish Gambino is a complex exploration of self-destructive tendencies, the pressures of fame, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. The lyrics reveal a multi-faceted narrative that delves into the artist's personal struggles and observations.
Intro:
The opening lines, "I be messed up every weekend, I'm like / 'I don't know why I've been drinkin' up' / I be messed up every weekend, I'm like / 'I don't know why I've been smokin' up,'" immediately establish a theme of self-destructive behavior. The repetition emphasizes the cyclical nature of this behavior, suggesting a lack of control and a sense of resignation. The line "Give me back my sounds!" could be interpreted as a plea for creative inspiration or a longing for a return to a more authentic self.
Chorus:
The chorus, with its repetition of "Can't stop, won't stop," further reinforces the theme of compulsive behavior. The phrase "Summertime, lockdown / 2020, my time" places the song in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting that the isolation and uncertainty of that time may have contributed to the artist's struggles. The word "Bando," which is repeated throughout the song, could refer to a trap house or a place of illicit activity, adding another layer of complexity to the narrative.
Verse 1:
 The first verse delves into themes of relationships, societal hypocrisy, and violence. Lines like "Bad girl wanna fuck hot guy / Fake man wanna play both sides" highlight the superficiality and manipulation that can exist in interpersonal connections. The references to "red tip" (likely a marijuana joint), "Popeyes," "Pac-Man," and "cop car" create a vivid picture of a hedonistic lifestyle fueled by drugs, fast food, and a disregard for authority.
Verse 2:
 The second verse continues the themes of excess and self-indulgence, with references to fast food and a "flash like a camera," suggesting a desire for attention and validation. The line "Why do I feel so special?" could be interpreted as a sarcastic remark or a genuine question about the artist's self-worth. The verse also touches on darker themes, with lines like "They gon' find your homeboy face up," hinting at violence and danger.
Outro:
The outro, sung by an unidentified voice, offers a stark contrast to the rest of the song. The lyrics "We can all go / Now, we are all in this / Close your eyes / And share our happiness" suggest a desire for unity and peace, but the repetition of these lines creates a sense of unease, as if this utopian vision is unattainable.
"Got To Be" is a multifaceted song that delves into the complexities of human nature, exploring themes of addiction, self-destruction, societal pressures, and the search for meaning. The lyrics are often cryptic and open to interpretation, but they offer a raw and honest glimpse into the artist's psyche.
Childish Gambino Got To Be Lyrics
[Intro]
I be messed up every weekend, I'm like
"I don't know why I've been drinkin' up"
I be messed up every weekend, I'm like
"I don't know why I've been smokin' up"
I don't know why (I don't know why)
I mess myself up every weekend
I don't know why (I don't know why)
I mess myself up every weekend
(Give me back my sounds!)
[Chorus]
Can't stop, won't stop
Ride around, smokin' that indo
Summertime, lockdown
2020, my time, uh (Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha)
It got to be (Bando!)
[Verse 1]
Just one girl's a lot for me (Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha)
I mean obviously (Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha)
If the world's gone down, I've got to see (Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha)
I mean, I got to see (Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha)
Bad girl wanna fuck hot guy
Fake man wanna play both sides
Red tip, lookin' like hot fries
Two-piece, give 'em that Popeyes
Hollow man die like rat man
Rude boy gonna get red banned (Bando!)
Eat 'em good like Pac-Man
It got to be
Two sticks, cop car
Two clips, pop star
Take back, Coolio
Shake that bootyhole
ASAP, Four Five
Both knees, both eyes
Too hot, don't stop
It got to be
[Chorus]
Can't stop, won't stop
Ride around runnin' that, too turnt
Summertime lockdown
2020, my time, uh
It got to be
Can't stop, won't stop
Ride around runnin' that, too turnt
Summertime lockdown
2020, my time, uh
It got to be
If the world's gone blind, then I can see
Only I can see
If the world's gone blind, then I can see
Only I can see
[Verse 2]
Pullin' up, Five Guys, red like ketchup
Why do I feel so special?
I'm on that run like (Bando! Bando!)
I got a flash like a camera
Sketchy like Joe Montana (Ha, ha, ha, ha)
(Don't stop)
Put it in my face
(Don't stop)
10.8
I'm out of breath, ho
Do it 'cause I said so
Trappin' out the Bando, Bando, Ban-
I told y'all niggas
Y'all thought I was playing but Gambino's back in this motherfucker
None of y'all are safe!
Someone turn the motherfuckin' bass up
They gon' find your homeboy face up
Lookin' for me like you gon' say somethin'
Talkin' that shit, you gon' pay for it
Talkin', I'm still on fire, fire
Happy, you still gon' die, die
Cappin', you still gon' lie, lie
Got to be
[Outro: ???]
We can all go
Now, we are all in this
Close your eyes
And share our happiness
We can all go
Now, we are all in this
Close your eyes
And share our happiness
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