This Is America Lyrics – Childish Gambino ft. Young Thug

English 3 May 6, 2018
The lyrics of "This Is America" by Childish Gambino ft. Young Thug is a powerful and provocative song that addresses the complex and often troubling realities of American society, particularly focusing on issues such as gun violence, racism, and consumerism. The song juxtaposes upbeat, catchy music with stark and disturbing lyrics to highlight the contrast between the surface appearance of American culture and the underlying issues that plague it. The song critiques the systemic oppression of Black people in America and emphasizes the constant vigilance required to navigate a society rife with violence and inequality. The repeated phrase "This is America" serves as a reminder of the harsh truths about the nation, despite its facade of freedom and prosperity. ...Read More

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 dancing (Girl, you got me dancing)
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 dancing (Girl, you got me dancing, yeah)
Dance and shake the frame (Oh)

[Chorus: Childish Gambino]
This is America
Don't catch you slipping now
Don't catch you slipping now
Look what I'm whipping now
This is America (Woo)
Don't catch you slipping now
Don't catch you slipping now
Look what I'm whipping now

[Verse 1: Childish Gambino & Young Thug]
This is America (Skrrt, skrrt, woo)
Don't catch you slipping now (Ayy)
Look how I'm living now
Police be tripping 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 gone blow like, yeah (Straight up, uh)

[Refrain: Childish Gambino]
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh, 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]
This is America (Woo, ayy)
Don't catch you slipping now
(Woo, woo, don't catch you slipping now)
Don't catch you slipping now (Ayy, woah)
Look what I'm whipping now (Slime!)
This is America (Yeah, yeah)
Don't catch you slipping now (Woah, ayy)
Don't catch you slipping now (Ayy, woo)
Look what I'm whipping now (Ayy)

[Verse 2: Childish Gambino & Young Thug]
Look how I'm geeking 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 gone get it (Ayy, I'm gone get it)
Watch me move (Blaow)
This a celly (Ha)
That's a tool (Yeah)
On my Kodak (Woo) Black
Oh, know that (Yeah, know that, hold on)
Get it (Woo, get it, get it)
Oh, 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: Childish Gambino & Young Thug]
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh, tell somebody
America, I just checked my following list, and
You go tell somebody
You mothaf**kas 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)
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh, 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
Driving 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

Submitted by  Rollteam

Last Update: July 3, 2024

This Is America Lyrics Meaning

The lyrics of "This Is America" by Childish Gambino ft. Young Thug is a powerful and provocative song that addresses the complex and often troubling realities of American society, particularly focusing on issues such as gun violence, racism, and consumerism. The song juxtaposes upbeat, catchy music with stark and disturbing lyrics to highlight the contrast between the surface appearance of American culture and the underlying issues that plague it. The song critiques the systemic oppression of Black people in America and emphasizes the constant vigilance required to navigate a society rife with violence and inequality. The repeated phrase "This is America" serves as a reminder of the harsh truths about the nation, despite its facade of freedom and prosperity.

[Bridge]
The bridge speaks to the desire for enjoyment and material wealth. Gambino and Young Thug express a common societal aspiration: to party and make money. However, this seemingly carefree desire is underpinned by the harsh reality that these pursuits are often escapist responses to deeper systemic problems. The mention of dancing and shaking the frame implies a temporary distraction from these issues.

[Chorus]
The chorus is a stark warning: "This is America, don't catch you slippin' now." Gambino is cautioning Black Americans to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings because any lapse in attention can lead to dire consequences. The phrase "look what I'm whippin' now" refers to both the act of driving an expensive car (a symbol of success) and making drugs (a means of survival for some). This duality highlights the precarious balance between success and survival in America.

[Verse 1]
In the first verse, Gambino illustrates the dangerous reality of living in America. The line "Police be trippin' now" references the police brutality that disproportionately affects Black communities. "Guns in my area" points to the pervasive presence of firearms and the need for self-protection. The verse portrays a life where individuals must constantly navigate threats and assert their presence ("I got the strap, I gotta carry 'em"). The phrases "I'm so cold like, yeah" and "I'm so dope like, yeah" reflect a confident, almost defiant attitude in the face of these challenges.

[Refrain]
The refrain serves as a motivational mantra: "Get your money, Black man." Gambino channels advice from an older generation, emphasizing the importance of financial empowerment for Black individuals. This refrain underscores the necessity of economic success as a means of survival and resistance against systemic oppression.

[Verse 2]
In the second verse, Gambino delves into the trappings of consumer culture and the façade of success. Lines like "I'm on Gucci, I'm so pretty" and "This a celly, that's a tool" point to the superficial markers of success that are ultimately used as tools for survival. The mention of "contraband" and "the plug in Oaxaca" brings attention to the underground economy that many rely on. The final line, "They gonna find you like 'blocka,'" suggests the ever-present threat of violence.

[Outro]
The outro reflects on the status of Black men in America. "You just a barcode" implies dehumanization and commodification. Despite achieving material success ("Drivin' expensive foreigns"), Black men are still subject to systemic constraints and reduced to mere statistics. The imagery of being kenneled like a dog in the backyard highlights the continuous struggle for dignity and freedom.

[Popular Phrases Explained]

1. "This is America" - A reminder of the harsh realities and systemic issues present in the United States, particularly affecting Black communities.

2. "Don't catch you slippin' now" - A warning to remain vigilant and aware, as any moment of inattention can lead to severe consequences.

3. "Look what I'm whippin' now" - Dual meaning referring to both driving an expensive car (symbolizing success) and making drugs (a means of survival).

4. "Guns in my area" - Highlighting the pervasive presence of firearms and the need for self-defense in certain communities.

5. "Get your money, Black man" - An encouragement for financial empowerment and independence as a means of resistance against systemic oppression.

This is the end of "This Is America Song Lyrics" by Childish Gambino. If you discover any mistake in the song text, please send the correct lyrics by using the Contact Us form.

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FAQs & Knowledge

Who is the singer of "This Is America" song?

"This Is America" song is sung by Childish Gambino ft. Young Thug.

Who is the lyrics writer of "This Is America" song?

"This Is America" song lyrics written by Young Thug, Ludwig Göransson & Childish Gambino.

Who is the music producer of "This Is America" song?

"This Is America" song music composed & produced by Ludwig Göransson & Childish Gambino.

When was "This Is America" song released?

"This Is America" song was released on May 6, 2018.