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Childish Gambino In The Night Meaning and Review

Updated: Jul 28


Ethereal Opening and Melodic Yearning

Childish Gambino crafts a captivating sonic journey in "In The Night," a standout track from his album "Bando Stone And The New World." The song opens with an ethereal quality, luring the listener in with airy vocals and a subtle bassline. This sets a seductive, almost nocturnal tone that perfectly complements the lyrical content. Gambino's vocals are smooth and melodic, conveying a yearning for someone unattainable, effectively contrasting with the song's underlying tension.


Dynamic Chorus and Guest Artist Power

The chorus explodes with syncopated rhythms and a pulsating bassline, setting the stage for Jorja Smith's commanding presence. Her vocals effortlessly shift from singing to spoken word, injecting a raw emotional intensity. The third section takes an unexpected turn with glitchy effects and distorted vocals, adding a layer of intrigue and highlighting the song's thematic exploration of hidden desires and deception.





Lyrics of Longing, Infidelity, and Personal Context

As the lyrics reveal, the song delves into the complex emotions of two individuals caught in a web of desire and infidelity. It captures the internal conflict between longing for someone new and the fear of getting caught. The song subtly connects to Gambino's Georgia roots through references to Stone Mountain and Lithonia, adding a layer of personal depth and context to the narrative. Amaarae's verse introduces a third character who witnesses the infidelity, adding another dimension to the story and exposing the consequences of the characters' actions.


Masterful Storytelling Through Sound and Collaboration

"In The Night" is a masterclass in creating a mood and telling a story through music. The song's combination of catchy melodies, evocative production, and layered lyrics results in a compelling listening experience. It's a testament to Gambino's ability to push creative boundaries while maintaining a relatable emotional core. The top-notch production quality, Jorja Smith and Amaarae's invaluable contributions, and subtle cultural references further elevate the song's impact.



A Mesmerizing and Lasting Impression

In conclusion, "In The Night" is a mesmerizing track that lingers in the mind long after it ends. It's a testament to Childish Gambino's artistic prowess and ability to craft music that resonates on multiple levels


Listen to Childish Gambino In The Night Featuring Jorja Smith and Amaarae 


Verse 1: Longing and Imbalance

Gambino sets the scene with "I'm just a country boy from Georgia / Your body's made for California, my love." This line establishes a contrast between his humble origins and the allure of a seemingly unattainable woman. He questions her loyalty, wondering what her partner would think, hinting at the forbidden nature of their attraction.



Chorus: Dreams and Desires

The chorus reinforces the theme of longing with the repeated phrase "In the night, I dream of you." It underscores the inescapable nature of his desire, even in sleep. The "Oh, oh, oh" refrain adds an emotional layer, conveying a sense of yearning and desperation.


Post-Chorus: The Cost of Infidelity

Jorja Smith's post-chorus reveals the internal conflict of the affair. "I had to sneak around / 'Cause he could never know that." This speaks to the secrecy and deception involved in their relationship. The line "I never wanted happiness / I just wanna be with you" suggests a self-destructive impulse, prioritizing the thrill of the forbidden over personal well-being.


Verse 2: Deception and Guilt

Jorja Smith's verse mirrors Gambino's, expressing a similar sentiment of longing and deception. "I'm smiling in his face all daily / Last night, I said it was his baby" highlights the double life she's leading. She desires Gambino even as she maintains the facade of a happy relationship with her partner.



Verse 3: Confrontation and Consequences

Amaarae's verse introduces a third perspective – the one who catches the couple in their act. "Seen you with that nigga, I said no way" is a direct confrontation, bringing the hidden affair into the open. This verse serves as a wake-up call, exposing the potential consequences of their actions.


Outro: Lingering Desire

The outro returns to the haunting melody of the chorus, emphasizing the lingering desire despite the confrontation and potential repercussions. The repetition of "I can feel you in the night" suggests an emotional connection that transcends the physical world and continues to haunt them even after being caught.


Childish In The Night Meaning: Lyical Breakdown Interpretation

"In The Night" explores the complexities of forbidden desire, deception, and the consequences of infidelity. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of longing, guilt, and the thrill of the forbidden. The song's haunting melody and evocative vocals further enhance the emotional impact of the lyrics, making it a standout track on the album.


The song's connection to Gambino's Georgia roots, as mentioned in your previous notes, adds another layer of depth to the narrative. The contrast between the "country boy" and the woman from California could be interpreted as a metaphor for the cultural and social divide between his upbringing and the world of temptation he encounters.




Childish Gambino In The Lyrics Meaning Explained 

[Intro: Jorja Smith]

(Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh)

(Oh, oh, oh, oh)


[Verse 1: Childish Gambino, Jorja Smith]

I'm just a country boy from Georgia (Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh)

Your body's made for California, my love (Oh, oh, oh, oh)

Your man does nothin' but adore ya (Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh)

But I wonder, what would he say? (Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh)

You look so good, I can't afford ya (Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh)

He kissed your lips, it looked like torture for you (Oh, oh, oh, oh)

Just 'cause you're sweet don't make you loyal (Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh)

And I wonder, what would he say? (Oh, oh, oh, oh)


[Chorus: Childish Gambino, Jorja Smith]

If in the night, I dream of you (Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh)

Doesn't matter what I do (Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh)

In the night, I dream of you (Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh)

Every night, I dream of you


[Post-Chorus: Jorja Smith, Childish Gambino & Jorja Smith]

I had to sneak around

'Cause he could never know that

I never wanted happiness

I just wanna be with you

I know you'd drag me down

But you know I know that

You need me too

In the night



[Verse 2: Jorja Smith]

I'm smiling in his face all daily (Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh oh)

Last night, I said it was his baby (Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh)

Oh, no, I'm tryna see you when I close my eyes (Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh)

If he finds out, he might go crazy (Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh)


[Chorus: Jorja Smith, Childish Gambino & Jorja Smith]

'Cause In the night, I dream of you (Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh)

Doesn't matter what I do (Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh)

In the night, I dream of you (Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh)

But I wonder all through the day


[Post-Chorus: Jorja Smith, Jorja Smith & Childish Gambino, Childish Gambino]

I had to sneak around ('Round)

'Cause he could never know that

I never wanted happiness

I just wanna be with you

I know you drag me down

But you know I know that (You)

You need me too

In the night


[Verse 3: Amaarae, Childish Gambino]

Are you okay? (Okay)

Seen you with that nigga, I said no way (Oh, way)

Creepin' and I caught that bitch in 4K (4K)

Kissin' bitches, now you goin' both ways, (Okay, Oh, oh-oh, Yeah)

Are you okay? (Okay)

Your pocket baby girl, and is that cocaine? (Cocaine)

"You know he's just a friend," that's what they all say (All say)

Bitch, you know you got to see me on my off day (Off day)


[Chorus: Childish Gambino, Jorja Smith]

In the night, I dream of you

Doesn't matter what I do

In the night, I dream of you

Every night, I dream of you (Oh, oh, oh, oh)


[Outro: Childish Gambino, Jorja Smith]

Oh, woah, oh (Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh)

Oh, woah, oh (Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh)

Oh, woah, oh (Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh)

Oh, woah, oh (Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh)

In the night (Oh, woah, oh)

(Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh)

I can feel you in the night (Oh, woah, oh, woah)

(Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh)

I can see you in the night (Oh, woah, oh)

(Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh)

I can feel you in the night (Oh, oh, oh, oh)



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