All The Shine
Childish Gambino Lyrics

What the fuck do y'all niggas really want?
I am curious about what people truly desire.

I went with realness instead
I choose to express my thoughts honestly.

But all the real niggas I know either crazy or dead
People who are authentic and true to themselves often face challenges and adversity.

Yeah, I dropped the free EP for these other kids to feel a lot
I released my EP for others to have a meaningful experience.

Niggas keep asking on whether this dude's for real or not
People question my authenticity and genuineness.

I'm not trying to come hard, I'm trying to come me
I am not trying to be aggressive, but rather true to myself.

That's why these older songs that I used to make I'd release free
I share my past works for the purpose of being authentic and transparent.

What's the point of rap if you can't be yourself, huh?
The essence of rap is to express oneself authentically.

That's why I come first like my cell phone
I prioritize being true to myself.

I'm a role model, I am not these other guys
I aspire to be a positive influence, not like other rappers who portray negative behavior.

I rap about my dick and talk about what girls is fly
I express my sexual desires and opinions on attractive women.

I know it's dumb, that's the fucking reason I'm doing it
I understand that my behavior may seem unintelligent, but I choose to do it anyway.

So why does everyone have a problem with talking stupid shit?
I question why people have an issue with expressing oneself in a seemingly foolish way.

'Cause sometimes that stupid shit is real shit
Sometimes what may seem foolish contains truth and value.

Like when you make out with your best friend's baby sis
Example of a scenario that could be considered foolish, yet contain truth and real feelings.

You know the one with short hair you used to babysit?
Further description of the scenario used to illustrate the previous point.

You with a different girl like each and every fucking night
I engage in promiscuous behavior with different women frequently.

And kiss her while she's sleeping and sneak out the front to catch a flight
Description of a specific incident of promiscuous behavior.

That's not life, dude
I understand that this is not a fulfilling or healthy lifestyle.

It's just making up for fucks I missed in high school
I engage in this behavior as a way to compensate for past regrets and missed opportunities.

I keep it wrapped until I meet the right one
I choose to keep my promiscuous behavior private until I find the right partner.

'Cause I ain't Mumford, I ain't tryin' to have sons
I do not want to have children at this point in my life.

All I wanted was some more like Ashton
All I want is to have more success and recognition.

I ain't the coolest but I know I got passion
I may not be the most popular or trendy, but I have strong enthusiasm and drive.

I said, "Baby, I'm okay," she said, "Why you gotta act so strange?"
Conversation between the singer and his girlfriend, where she questions his behavior.

"Baby, I'm okay," she said, "Why you gotta act so strange?"
Continuation of the conversation where the girlfriend questions the singer's behavior.

"Baby, I'm okay," she said, "Why you gotta act so strange?"
Continuation of the conversation where the girlfriend questions the singer's behavior.

I said, "Baby, I'm okay," she said, "Why you gotta act so strange?"
Conclusion of the conversation where the artist assures his girlfriend that he's okay, but she still questions his behavior.

Am I serious? I don't even know
The artist questions whether or not he is taken seriously.

Are you hearing this? This shit is laughable
The singer questions why people may not take him seriously and finds it humorous.

I ain't trying, I'm doing, these other rappers are foolish
The singer asserts that he is not attempting to be successful, but is putting in the work to achieve success, and critiques other rappers' lack of effort.

I got fame, my A&R's a computer
The artist gained fame with the help of a computer program.

Is there room in the game for a lame who rhymes?
The artist questions whether there is space in the music industry for someone like him, who may be considered uncool or unpopular.

Who wears short-shorts and makes jokes sometimes?
The artist acknowledges that his style and behavior may be unconventional or humorous.

My nigga like, "I'd get you MTV if I could, man
The singer's friend agrees to help him gain recognition in the music industry.

But Pitchfork only likes rappers who crazy or hood, man"
The artist points out that hipster music critics may only appreciate rappers who have a certain image or background.

So, I guess we gon' see
The singer will continue to work towards success and see what happens.

I ain't Curren$y, but if there ain't money in my name please murder me
The singer states that if he is not successful and making money through his music, he would consider himself a failure.

Sometimes I feel like I ain't supposed to be here
The singer reflects on feelings of insecurity and uncertainty regarding his place in the music industry.

Sometimes I wake up, I don't want to be here
The artist struggles with a lack of motivation and doubts regarding his career.

My mom loved to text me Psalm verses
The artist's mother texts him verses from the Book of Psalms, which may provide comfort or guidance for him.

She don't look at me like I'm the same person
The singer feels that his mother may see him differently now that he is famous.

I used to be the sweet one, things change
The singer reflects on how he has changed since becoming famous and leading a different lifestyle.

And I don't want them missing a son like Bon's last name
The artist does not want his family to lose him like musician Bon Scott, who died at a young age.

And all my uncles alcoholics, shame on me
The artist feels guilty for his success and fame in comparison to his alcoholic uncles.

I drink whiskey till I'm grounded, no TV
The artist drinks whiskey until he cannot function, and does not watch television as a result.

I wanna go inside the club with no gold piece
The singer desires to attend a club without wearing any jewelry or flashy items.

And walk in with no I.D. and No I.D
The artist wants to enter a club without showing identification, and references his friend No I.D., who is a famous music producer.

No matter how far the hood seems
The singer asserts that he will always remember his humble beginnings and where he came from.

We all still got hood dreams
Despite achieving success, the singer and others still have aspirations and dreams to improve their lives and communities.

I always wanted to get picked on the cool team
The singer desires to be popular and accepted by those who are considered cool or trendy.

But alone is exactly how I should be
Despite his desire for popularity and success, the artist acknowledges that his true self may be better off alone and authentic.

We need to find
Continuation of the chorus, where the artist emphasizes the importance of finding meaning and purpose in life.

Oh
Exclamation used for emphasis and musical effect.

Need to find
Conclusion of the chorus, where the singer reiterates the importance of finding meaning and purpose in life.