Childish Gambino’s Redbone, released as part of his 2016 album “Awaken, My Love!” is a sonic revelation.
With its slinky groove, haunting falsetto vocals, and enigmatic lyrics, the song is a compelling exploration of love, paranoia, and infidelity.
Written by Donald Glover (Childish Gambino) and produced by Ludwig Göransson, the song’s unique blend of funk, R&B, and psychedelic elements has captured the hearts of listeners worldwide.
The song was initially premiered at Glover’s Pharos concert experience in 2016 and quickly gained a cult following.
However, the track truly exploded in popularity after its inclusion in Jordan Peele’s groundbreaking horror film “Get Out.”
The Sound: A Tapestry of Funk and Soul
Musically, Redbone is a love letter to the 1970s funk and R&B sounds pioneered by acts like Funkadelic and Bootsy’s Rubber Band.
The song’s core is a hypnotic bassline punctuated by a wah-wah guitar, shimmering synths, and distant chimes.
Glover’s vocals, a soulful falsetto, glide over the instrumentals, adding an ethereal and introspective quality.
The phrase “stay woke,” a cornerstone of the song’s message, is delivered with a unique urgency that cuts through the track’s laid-back groove.
Redbone Lyrics: An Exploration of Paranoia and Infidelity
Beneath the groove-inducing melodies lies a poignant exploration of the insecurities and doubts that can plague even the strongest relationships.
Gambino’s emotive falsetto vocals convey a sense of vulnerability as he grapples with the fear of losing his partner’s affection.
“Daylight / I wake up feelin’ like you won’t play right / I used to know, but now that shit don’t feel right.”
The lyrics of Redbone delve into the notion of infidelity and the constant struggle to maintain trust, with Gambino expressing his willingness to put aside his pride in an effort to keep the relationship intact.
“It made me put away my pride / So long / You made a nigga wait for some, so long.”
The pre-chorus and chorus serve as a powerful reminder to stay vigilant and “woke” in the face of potential threats to the relationship, with Gambino warning, “Nigg*s creepin’ / They gon’ find you / Gon’ catch you sleepin’, ooh.”
Explore the Deeper Meaning Behind “Redbone” by Childish Gambino
While Redbone lyrics touch on themes of love, mistrust, and infidelity, the term “redbone” itself holds a deeper significance.
In African American vernacular English, “redbone” refers to a light-skinned black person of mixed racial heritage.
This addition of racial undertones adds another layer of complexity to the song’s narrative, inviting listeners to interpret the lyrics through the lens of their own experiences and perceptions.
Like many of Childish Gambino’s works, the true meaning of “Redbone” lies in the eye of the beholder.
Whether you interpret it as a commentary on personal relationships, social awareness, or a blend of the two, the song’s power is undeniable.
Its mix of vintage sounds and contemporary sensibility has ensured its enduring popularity.
A Cultural Phenomenon and Critical Acclaim
Redbone quickly became a cultural phenomenon, earning widespread critical acclaim for its faithful homage to 1970s R&B and funk while maintaining a fresh and contemporary sound.
The song’s inclusion in the opening credits of Jordan Peele’s groundbreaking film “Get Out” further solidified its status as a cultural touchstone.
In a 2017 interview, Peele explained his decision to feature Redbone in the film, stating, “Well, first of all, I love the ‘Stay woke’—that’s what this movie is about. I wanted to make sure that this movie satisfied the black horror movie audience’s need for characters to be smart and do things that intelligent and observant people would do.”
The song’s impact was further cemented when it won the Grammy for Best Traditional R&B Performance at the 2018 Grammy Awards, solidifying Childish Gambino’s place as a creative force to be reckoned with.
Listen to the Captivating Sound of “Redbone” by Childish Gambino
If you haven’t experienced the mesmerising allure of Redbone by Childish Gambino, now is the time to immerse yourself in its soulful melodies and thought-provoking lyrics.
Let the infectious grooves and powerful messages resonate deep within you.
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Childish Gambino Lyrics
Verse 1
Daylight
I wake up feelin’ like you won’t play right
I used to know, but now that shit don’t feel right
It made me put away my pride
So long
You made a nigga wait for some, so long
You make it hard for boy like that to go on
I’m wishin’ I could make this mine, oh
Pre-Chorus
(If you want it) Yeah
(You can have it) Oh, oh, oh
(If you need it) Ooh
(We can make it, oh)
If you want it
You can have it
Chorus
But stay woke
Niggas creepin’
They gon’ find you
Gon’ catch you sleepin’, ooh
Now stay woke
Niggas creepin’
Now, don’t you close your eyes
Verse 2
Too late
You wanna make it right, but now it’s too late
My peanut butter chocolate cake with Kool-Aid
I’m tryin’ not to waste my time
Pre-Chorus
(If you want it) Oh
(You can have it) You can have it
(If you need it) You better believe in somethin’
(We can make it, oh)
If you want it
(You can have it) Ahh!
Chorus
But stay woke (Stay woke)
Niggas creepin’ (They be creepin’)
They gon’ find you (They gon’ find you)
Gon’ catch you sleepin’, ooh (Gon’ catch you sleepin’, put your hands up now, baby)
Now stay woke
Niggas creepin’
Now, don’t you close your eyes
But stay woke (Ooh-ahh)
Niggas creepin’ (They gon’ find you)
They gon’ find you
Gon’ catch you sleepin’, ooh (Gon’ catch you, gon’ catch you)
Now stay woke
Niggas creepin’
Now, don’t you close your eyes
Outro
How’d it get so scandalous?
Oh, how’d it get so scandalous?
Oh, oh, baby you, how’d it get
How’d it get so scandalous?
How’d it get so scandalous?
But stay woke
But stay woke
