This Is America: A Deep Dive into Childish Gambino’s Political Anthem

In the world of music, few songs have managed to capture the zeitgeist of contemporary America as poignantly as Childish Gambino’s This Is America.

With its compelling visuals and evocative lyrics, the song has become a cultural touchstone, sparking discussions and debates across the globe. But what is it about This Is America that resonates so deeply with listeners? Let’s unpack the layers.

The Lyrics: More Than Just Words

At first glance, the lyrics of This Is America might seem straightforward. But delve a little deeper, and you’ll find a tapestry of commentary on race, violence, and the American dream.

Phrases like “Don’t catch you slippin’ up” serve as stark reminders of the dangers faced by Black Americans daily.

The juxtaposition of cheerful choruses with grim verses underscores the duality of the American experience, especially for people of colour.

A Protest Song for the Modern Era

Is This Is America a protest song? In many ways, yes. Childish Gambino, whose real name is Donald Glover, has crafted a piece that holds a mirror up to society, forcing us to confront the contradictions and injustices that persist.

While protest songs have long been a staple of American music, from Bob Dylan to N.W.A., This Is America stands out for its rawness and immediacy.

It’s a call to action, a plea for awareness, and a lament for those lost to systemic violence.

The Music Video: A Visual Masterpiece

If the song is a journey, the music video is a destination. Filled with symbolism and allegory, it’s a visual representation of the song’s themes.

One of the most talked-about moments is the scene where Childish Gambino runs frantically. But why is Childish Gambino running at the end of This Is America?

Some interpret it as a representation of the relentless pursuit of black Americans by the spectres of racism and prejudice.

Others see it as a metaphor for the constant state of alertness and fear many feel in today’s America.

Political Undertones and Cultural Significance

Is This Is America a political song? Absolutely. It’s a reflection of the times, touching on issues from gun violence to racial profiling.

But more than that, it’s a statement on the state of the nation. As Highsnobiety points out, the song and its video are filled with references to America’s turbulent history and present, from Jim Crow to the Black Lives Matter movement.

In conclusion, This Is America is more than just a song. It’s a reflection of the times, a commentary on society, and a call to action.

Childish Gambino has given us a piece that challenges, provokes, and inspires.

It’s a testament to the power of music to effect change and a reminder that art, at its best, can hold a mirror up to society and force us to confront our deepest fears and hopes.

Childish Gambino This Is America Lyrics

Intro: Choir
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah, go, go away
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah, go, go away
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah, go, go away
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah, go, go away

Bridge: Childish Gambino & Young Thug
We just wanna party
Party just for you
We just want the money
Money just for you (Yeah)
I know you wanna party
Party just for free
Girl, you got me dancin’ (Girl, you got me dancin’)
Dance and shake the frame (Yeah)
We just wanna party (Yeah)
Party just for you (Yeah)
We just want the money (Yeah)
Money just for you (You)
I know you wanna party (Yeah)
Party just for free (Yeah)
Girl, you got me dancin’ (Girl, you got me dancin’, yeah)
Dance and shake the frame (Ooh)

Chorus: Childish Gambino
This is America
Don’t catch you slippin’ now
Don’t catch you slippin’ now
Look what I’m whippin’ now
This is America (Woo)
Don’t catch you slippin’ now
Don’t catch you slippin’ now
Look what I’m whippin’ now

Verse 1: Childish Gambino, Young Thug, Blocboy JB & 21 Savage
This is America (Skrrt, skrrt, woo)
Don’t catch you slippin’ now (Ayy)
Look how I’m livin’ now
Police be trippin’ now (Woo)
Yeah, this is America (Woo, ayy)
Guns in my area (Word, my area)
I got the strap (Ayy, ayy)
I gotta carry ’em
Yeah, yeah, I’ma go into this (Ugh)
Yeah, yeah, this is guerilla (Woo)
Yeah, yeah, I’ma go get the bag
Yeah, yeah, or I’ma get the pad
Yeah, yeah, I’m so cold like, yeah (Yeah)
I’m so dope like, yeah (Woo)
We gon’ blow like, yeah (Straight up, uh)

Refrain: Choir & Childish Gambino
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, tell somebody
You go tell somebody
Grandma told me
Get your money, Black man (Get your— Black man)
Get your money, Black man (Get your—Black man)
Get your money, Black man (Get your—Black man)
Get your money, Black man (Get your—Black man)
Black man

Chorus: Childish Gambino, Young Thug, Slim Jxmmi & Quavo
This is America (Woo, ayy)
Don’t catch you slippin’ now (Woo, woo, don’t catch you slippin’ now)
Don’t catch you slippin’ now (Ayy, woah)
Look what I’m whippin’ now (Slime!)
This is America (Yeah, yeah)
Don’t catch you slippin’ now (Woah, ayy)
Don’t catch you slippin’ now (Ayy, woo)
Look what I’m whippin’ now (Ayy)

Verse 2: Childish Gambino, Quavo, Young Thug, 21 Savage & BlocBoy JB
Look how I’m geekin’ out (Hey)
I’m so fitted (I’m so fitted, woo)
I’m on Gucci (I’m on Gucci)
I’m so pretty (Yeah, yeah, woo)
I’m gon’ get it (Ayy, I’m gon’ get it)
Watch me move (Blaow)
This a celly (Ha)
That’s a tool (Yeah)
On my Kodak (Woo) Black
Ooh, know that (Yeah, know that, hold on)
Get it (Woo, get it, get it)
Ooh, work it (21)
Hunnid bands, hunnid bands, hunnid bands (Hunnid bands)
Contraband, contraband, contraband (Contraband)
I got the plug in Oaxaca (Woah)
They gonna find you like “blocka” (Blaow)

Refrain: Choir, Childish Gambino, & Young Thug
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, tell somebody
America, I just checked my following list, and
You go tell somebody
You mothafuckas owe me
Grandma told me
Get your money, Black man (Black man)
Get your money, Black man (Black man)
Get your money, Black man (Black man)
Get your money, Black man (Black man)
Black man
(1, 2, 3—get down)
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, tell somebody
You go tell somebody
Grandma told me, “Get your money”
Get your money, Black man (Black man)
Get your money, Black man (Black man)
Get your money, Black man (Black man)
Get your money, Black man (Black man)
Black man

Outro: Young Thug
You just a black man in this world
You just a barcode, ayy
You just a black man in this world
Drivin’ expensive foreigns, ayy
You just a big dawg, yeah
I kenneled him in the backyard
No, probably ain’t life to a dog
For a big dog

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