Childish Gambino

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Daylight
I wake up feeling 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 wishing 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 trying 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 something
We can make it, oh
If you want it
You can have it, ah

[Chorus]
But stay woke (Stay woke)
Niggas creepin' (They be creepin')
They gon' find you (They gon' find you)
Gon' catch you sleepin' (Gon' catch you sleepin', put your hands up now, baby)
Ooh, now stay woke
Niggas creepin'
Now, don't you close your eyes
But stay woke (Ooh)
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

Childish Gambino's hit song "Redbone" is a mesmerizing blend of psychedelic funk and soulful vibes that delves into the themes of paranoia and infidelity in a relationship. Through its catchy melodies and thought-provoking lyrics, the song takes listeners on a captivating musical journey that explores the complexities of love, trust, and fear.

About Redbone

At its core, "Redbone" is a song that showcases Childish Gambino's artistic versatility and his ability to seamlessly blend different musical genres. The track was heavily inspired by the 1970s psychedelic funk band Funkadelic, led by iconic musician George Clinton. In fact, Gambino even sent Funkadelic's music to the song's producer, Ludwig Göransson, as a reference for the production. This collaboration resulted in a rich tapestry of live instrumentals that elevate the song to a whole new level.

The song first made its debut at Gambino's Pharos concert experience and later premiered on BBC Radio 1 as Annie Mac's Hottest Record. Its infectious groove and Gambino's soulful vocals caught the attention of a global audience, quickly climbing to #12 on Billboard's Hot 100 list. Furthermore, "Redbone" gained new life when it became a popular meme, solidifying its status as a cultural phenomenon.

The impact of "Redbone" goes beyond the music scene. The song was featured in the opening credits of Jordan Peele's critically acclaimed horror film, "Get Out." Peele specifically chose "Redbone" for its thematic relevance to the movie, emphasizing the need for characters to stay alert and aware in the face of danger. This connection further solidified the song's place in popular culture.

Recognizing its brilliance, "Redbone" received a Grammy for Best Traditional R&B Performance at the 2018 Grammys. This recognition not only highlights Gambino's exceptional talent as a musician but also confirms the song's enduring impact on the R&B genre.

In essence, "Redbone" is a song that captivates and engages listeners from the very first note. Its fusion of psychedelic funk, soulful melodies, and thought-provoking lyrics make it a standout track in Gambino's discography. Whether it's the groove that gets you moving or the introspective exploration of love and fear, "Redbone" invites you to experience a musical journey unlike any other.

• Release Date: November 17, 2016
• Artist: Childish Gambino