Grind
Childish Gambino Lyrics

Ooh, aah, oh yeah
Expressing excitement and determination to start working hard.

Got to get on my grind
The need to focus on working hard to achieve success.

Fallin' out, ooh, down
Acknowledging struggles and difficulties encountered while trying to succeed.

Oh, fallin' down, oh yeah
Continuing to recognize the challenges and difficulties faced while working hard to achieve goals.

I turn 'em like Tina, I don't tote ninas
I outmaneuver my opponents, but I don’t carry guns like ninas (slang for 9mm guns).

But a nigga walked up and get served like subpoenas
Even without carrying a gun, I can still serve my opponents and defeat them easily like they received subpoenas in court.

And I ain't broke neitha, I got a in-between
I'm not excessively rich nor broke, but I have enough to get by.

So when I say about a million what I mean is bitch fiend
When I talk about having a million dollars, I mean it's my ultimate goal like a drug addict needs a fix of cocaine (referring to a slang term 'bitch fiend' for a cocaine addict).

I gotta keep grinding, my name Tony Hawk
I need to keep hustling and working hard to get ahead, referring to Tony Hawk who persevered and became a successful skateboarder despite early setbacks.

'Cause I grind with my boys sometimes at the park
I work hard and sometimes with my friends during my free time, even if it's at a park or any place for that matter.

A heavy-ass kid, easy on the cake
I was overweight but loved eating desserts.

Until I got to New York and I started losin' weight
I lost weight after moving to New York and changing my diet and lifestyle.

And when I say 'weight,' I do mean 'weight'
I'm emphasizing that I'm talking about losing actual body weight, not any other type of 'weight'.

Now I'm thin like the line between love and hate
I'm now slim and my weight is as thin as the borderline between love and hate.

Cause I used to go skate
I used to enjoy skateboarding.

Nigga I'm paid, this kid don't play like a high-top fade
I'm successful and not to be underestimated, similar to how a high-top fade haircut was a popular and fashionable hairstyle that shouldn't be mistaken for being playful or silly.

I don't get laid, I'm back at the studio
I don’t waste my time on casual relationships or sex, as I prefer to work hard in the studio.

The closest girls get is watchin' old Derrick videos
The women closest to me are those who only watch old videos of Derrick Rose, an NBA player who also had to persevere through injuries and setbacks to reach success.

Girls don't get it, say I work too much
Women don't understand my work ethic and criticize me for working too hard.

Pass boo the cell phone and say, 'Girl, be in touch'
I dismiss their criticism and pass my phone to my friend to let them know to stay in touch instead.

But we won't be in touch, I know that for sure
Despite their promises, I know deep down that we won't really stay in touch.

You ain't in love with me, you like my décor
The people who are interested in me don’t really love me for who I am, but rather for how I present myself aesthetically like a decoration.

Christian Dior, pastel and Jack
Brands and fashion items that I enjoy and find visually pleasing, Christian Dior clothing, pastel colors, and Jack Daniels whiskey.

If it's in hot pink then it's on my back
If it’s in the color hot pink, then I will wear it on my back or carry it with me.

I'm young and I'm black and the world is my oyster
Despite any obstacles, I'm young and black and believe that the world is still full of opportunities for me.

Watchin' Top Chef on my European sofa
Enjoying luxurious moments while watching Top Chef on my expensive sofa imported from Europe.

These niggas so fake like an old toupee
The people around me are fake and untrustworthy, much like an old, fake hairpiece.

So clear call this shit Blu-Ray
The truth of their fake behavior is as clear as a high-definition Blu-Ray disc.

Take me to a hospital, call me Ebola
My flow is so sick and infectious that it can be compared to the Ebola virus, a deadly disease that requires hospitalization.

And a nigga flow sweet, so I spit Coca Cola
My rap style is so smooth and flavorful, just like how Coca Cola ads are often portrayed with catchy and sweet tunes.

And my boys sold boulders, but I gotta do it my way
My friends may have sold drugs, but I'm determined to work hard and succeed on my own path.

We grindin' the same, but we usin' different pathways
We have a similar work ethic, but we choose different approaches to achieving success.

Gotta make ends meet, a means to an end
I need to earn enough money to meet my basic needs to ultimately achieve my goals.

And I hate seein' niggas usin' 'grind,' for pretend
I dislike seeing people using the term 'grind' insincerely or falsely, pretending to work hard when they're not.

This ain't pretend, and I ain't pretendin'
I'm emphasizing the realness of my hard work and dedication, making it clear that I'm not pretending or faking it.

We eatin' out late like I hang with the gremlins
I'm able to afford eating at expensive restaurants late at night, as if I'm friends with fictional creatures known for causing chaos and destruction.

Call David Geffen, we about to switch places
Referring to David Geffen, a billionaire and music industry executive, I'm looking to change positions with him in terms of success and wealth.

The game is a hold, got a pocket full of aces
Despite the game and its challenges, I'm holding onto a strong hand like having a pocket full of aces in poker.

Boy, I'm a phenom, I can't be stopped
I'm a phenomenon with a unique talent that can’t be halted or thwarted by anyone.

Had my RA pager on my first day at 30 Rock
I was so determined to succeed that I started working on my first day with a RA pager at 30 Rock, a TV network building where I was likely interning or working.

Headed for big things like I'm runnin' Salma Hayek
I'm aiming for great accomplishments like running the life of Salma Hayek, a successful actress, producer, and entrepreneur.

Four Seasons plus no more work at the Hyatt
I'm staying at Four Seasons hotels rather than the more basic Hyatt, and I no longer need to work there anymore.

I'm fly and I'm high like a pilot
I'm stylish and confident, like a pilot soaring through the skies.

But you can't see me like an eyelid, vibin', uh
Despite my success, I remain low-profile and under the radar, vibing and living the good life.