The track features vocal contributions from every vocalist of the group, as well as production from each producer, making it their only track that involves all of the group’s vocalists and producers. It covers a wide range of topics, from boastful lyrics about the group’s growing success, to introspective moments about its members' traumatic pasts and upbringings.
In July 2019, the track was revealed and played for the first time live at the Bilbao BBK Live festival in Spain, which made it the first song on the album to be performed live.
BOY BYE
BROCKHAMPTON Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ayy, everybody ask me how I deal with my depression
Man, look (man, look), I don't got the answer to your question
If I did, you would probably never hear from me again
That's a promise, not a threat and it ain't no half steppin' (hey)
Can't let it compromise the pace I'm settin' (hey)
Grandma told me don't forget to count my blessings (woo)
Breakin' up botanicals to ease my stressin'
Was the one that you needed but you weren't expectin'
Game need refreshin' (hey), what you been suggestin'? (Hey)
Wrote a new Constitution, we don't need amendin' (hey)
I go Johnnie Cochran when I'm raisin' my defenses (yeah)
Man, I feel like Michael Keaton when a nigga start ascendin' (hey)
Never second guessin' (hey), had to do a lot of restin' (hey)
Like I played for Popovich, tryna find our new direction (woo)
Listen, I ain't for the shelvin', what you niggas tellin'?
My team be rebellin' from wherever you were headin' (Goddamn)
My shit bump like a belly when it's pregnant (mhm)
Bona fide big bird lookin' like a Yeti (mhm)
Swift feet cheetah, that's a real big kitty
Made y'all judges, that's a real ass feelin'
I don't like the style, won't forget it, man, I did it (yeah)
Always got the shit, like constipated reverend (alright)
Y'all like to shit talk, no pun, all fun
But I make a bitch crack a giggle with the next one (oh)
Goofy ass boy, look like Elmer Fudd cousin (jeez)
Heavy ass feet, man, people heard you comin' (shit)
Actin' like Regina, you a lil' bit dramatic (George)
I been in the cockpit, I been in the cabin (right)
Take the eagle out just to ride around the planet (right)
Did a lot of curvin', man, I don't take damage
Oh so hot, so, sst, get branded
I'm just havin' fun, cops hit me, goddamn it (oh yeah)
Trauma got me fucked up, my mama got me fucked up
My lil' nigga locked up, it's like Hakuna Matata
Never liked Sci-Fi, empathetic Wi-Fi
Keep it in the back room, hide it with my dry eye
Put it in the vacuum, I got love for my label
15 million on the table, none of my niggas are stable
Need a personal connection, I just wanna feel you, baby
Bein' sober made me realize how poorly I been behavin', uh
My bitch is so pretty, pretty (mmm)
I get cash like really, really
Tell the DJ, man, he ain't slick 'cause he ain't playin' hits
He silly, silly (mmm)
My bitch is so pretty, pretty (mmm)
I get cash like really, really (get it)
Tell the DJ, man, he ain't slick 'cause he ain't playin' hits
He silly, silly (boy, bye!)
Ringin' their ears like a bark
Always feel left in the dark
Trauma the price for the patience
Character shaped like a arc
Move like my shit stay in park
Don't feel the love or respect
Grip like a hand on my neck
This is the year, place your bets
Boy, bye!
Ooh, ooh, beautiful and bashful
Ooh, ooh, ooh (mmm)
I'm beautiful and bashful
Boy, bye! (God damn! Mmm)
Boy, bye!
Boy, bye! (God damn! Mmm)
I'm beautiful and bashful
The opening line of "Jabari, me paddy!" refers to the group's producer Jabari Manwa, and serves as a shoutout to him while also setting the tone for the song's aggressive and chaotic energy. The rest of the song deals with various themes, including mental health, success, and relationships. The first verse addresses mental health, with the singer acknowledging that there is no easy answer to depression and that he can't offer a solution. He also talks about the importance of counting blessings and finding ways to ease stress, suggesting that he has found solace in botany or herbal remedies. The second verse touches on his ambition and skill in the music industry, comparing himself to the famous lawyer Johnnie Cochran when it comes to defending his craft. He also references Michael Keaton's character in the film "Birdman," who grapples with personal issues while trying to resurrect his career, perhaps hinting at the struggles that come with fame.
The chorus of "Boy Bye" is a playful and dismissive line, telling someone who is no longer wanted or needed to leave. The final lines of the song, "I'm beautiful and bashful," may suggest a sense of self-love and confidence, or perhaps a chiding of those who have underestimated or overlooked the group in the past.
Line by Line Meaning
Jabari, me paddy!
An expression of excitement or greeting
Ayy, everybody ask me how I deal with my depression
I am often asked how I manage my depression
Man, look (man, look), I don't got the answer to your question
I do not have an answer to their question
If I did, you would probably never hear from me again
That's a promise, not a threat and it ain't no half steppin' (hey)
If I had the answer, I would never speak publicly about it. It is a sincere promise, not a threat or bluff.
Can't let it compromise the pace I'm settin' (hey)
I cannot let my depression slow me down
Grandma told me don't forget to count my blessings (woo)
My grandmother advised me to appreciate my blessings
Breakin' up botanicals to ease my stressin'
I use natural remedies to manage my stress
Was the one that you needed but you weren't expectin'
I was the person they needed, but they didn't realize it
Game need refreshin' (hey), what you been suggestin'? (Hey)
The game needs innovation. What are you suggesting?
Wrote a new Constitution, we don't need amendin' (hey)
I wrote a new set of rules, and there is no need to change them
I go Johnnie Cochran when I'm raisin' my defenses (yeah)
I defend myself like a skilled trial lawyer
Man, I feel like Michael Keaton when a nigga start ascendin' (hey)
I feel like Michael Keaton's character in the movie Birdman when I am rising to the top
Never second guessin' (hey), had to do a lot of restin' (hey)
I never doubt myself, and I have to take a lot of breaks
Like I played for Popovich, tryna find our new direction (woo)
I feel like I played for NBA coach Gregg Popovich, and we are trying to find a new path
Listen, I ain't for the shelvin', what you niggas tellin'?
I am not interested in being put on the shelf. What are you guys telling me?
My team be rebellin' from wherever you were headin' (Goddamn)
My team is rebelling against the direction you were taking us
My shit bump like a belly when it's pregnant (mhm)
My music hits hard, like a pregnant belly bumping
Bona fide big bird lookin' like a Yeti (mhm)
I am an authentic and unique individual, like a big bird that looks like a Yeti
Swift feet cheetah, that's a real big kitty
I move fast like a cheetah, which is a big predator
Made y'all judges, that's a real ass feelin'
Being judged by others is a powerful yet liberating feeling
I don't like the style, won't forget it, man, I did it (yeah)
I didn't like my past style, but I won't forget it because I did it
Always got the shit, like constipated reverend (alright)
I always have something to say, like a reverend who is constipated
Y'all like to shit talk, no pun, all fun
But I make a bitch crack a giggle with the next one (oh)
You all like to talk negatively, but I make someone laugh with my next joke
Goofy ass boy, look like Elmer Fudd cousin (jeez)
You look silly, like you are related to Looney Tunes character Elmer Fudd
Heavy ass feet, man, people heard you comin' (shit)
You make a lot of noise when you walk because you are heavy-footed
Actin' like Regina, you a lil' bit dramatic (George)
You are overreacting and being dramatic, like a character from the movie Mean Girls
I been in the cockpit, I been in the cabin (right)
I have been in both a pilot's cockpit and a passenger's cabin
Take the eagle out just to ride around the planet (right)
I take my personal jet out just to fly around the world
Did a lot of curvin', man, I don't take damage
I have avoided a lot of things, so I am not easily hurt
Oh so hot, so, sst, get branded
I am very popular, so be quiet and accept my brand
I'm just havin' fun, cops hit me, goddamn it (oh yeah)
I am just enjoying myself, and if the cops arrest me, so be it
Trauma got me fucked up, my mama got me fucked up
My lil' nigga locked up, it's like Hakuna Matata
I have issues with trauma, my mother, and my incarcerated friend, but I try to remain carefree like in the movie The Lion King
Never liked Sci-Fi, empathetic Wi-Fi
Keep it in the back room, hide it with my dry eye
I do not like science fiction, so I keep my emotions and empathy hidden in the back room, hidden behind my dry eyes
Put it in the vacuum, I got love for my label
15 million on the table, none of my niggas are stable
I package and store my emotions, and I love my recording label. There is a lot of money on offer, but none of my friends are settled
Need a personal connection, I just wanna feel you, baby
Bein' sober made me realize how poorly I been behavin', uh
I need a personal connection and to feel a genuine bond with someone. Being sober has made me aware of my poor behavior
My bitch is so pretty, pretty (mmm)
I get cash like really, really
Tell the DJ, man, he ain't slick 'cause he ain't playin' hits
He silly, silly (mmm)
My partner is incredibly attractive, and I have a lot of money. However, the DJ is not playing popular songs, which is quite foolish
Ringin' their ears like a bark
Always feel left in the dark
Trauma the price for the patience
Character shaped like a arc
I speak loudly and bluntly, but I feel ignored. I have experienced trauma while waiting patiently, and my character has been shaped by this journey
Move like my shit stay in park
Don't feel the love or respect
Grip like a hand on my neck
This is the year, place your bets
Boy, bye!
I feel like I am not progressing, and I am not receiving love or respect. I feel trapped, like a hand is always on my neck. Despite this, I'm placing my bets on this year being the one to change things. Boy, bye!
Ooh, ooh, beautiful and bashful
I'm beautiful and bashful
Boy, bye!
I am both beautiful and shy, but I don't have time for negative energy. Boy, bye!
Writer(s): Reza Attaei, Varoujan, Romil Hemnani, Dominique Simpson, Clifford F Simpson, Isaiah Merriweather, Matthew Champion, Ciaran Mcdonald, William Wood, Russell Boring, Jabari Manwarring
Contributed by Dominic G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@user-eo6vz1ve4y
[Intro: Merlyn Wood]
Jabari, me paddy!
[Verse 1: Dom McLennon]
Ayy, everybody ask me how I deal with my depression
Man look (Man look), I don't got the answer to your question
If I did, you would probably never hear from me again
That's a promise, not a threat and it ain't no half stepping (Hey)
Can't let it compromise the pace I'm setting (Hey)
Grandma told me don't forget to count my blessings (Woo)
Breaking up botanicals to ease my stressing
Was the one that you needed but you weren't expecting
Game need refreshing (Hey), what you been suggesting? (Hey)
Wrote a new Constitution, we don't need amending (Hey)
I go Johnnie Cochran when I'm raising my defenses (Yeah)
Man, I feel like Michael Keaton when a nigga start ascending (Hey)
Never second guessing (Hey), had to do a bit of resting (Hey)
Like I played for Popovich, try'na fine our new direction (Woo)
Listen, I ain't for the shelving, what you niggas telling?
My team be rebelling from wherever you were heading (Goddamn)
[Verse 2: Matt Champion]
My shit bump like a belly when it's pregnant (Mhm)
Bona fide big bird lookin' like a Yeti (Mhm)
Swift feet cheetah, that's a real big kitty
Made y'all judges, that's a real ass feeling
I don't like the style, won't forget it, man, I did it (Yeah)
Always got the shit, like a constipated reverend (Alright)
Y'all like to shit talk, no pun, off 'em
But I make your bitch crack a giggle with the next one (Oh)
Goofy ass boy, look like Elmer Fudd cousin (Jeez)
Heavy ass feet, man, people heard you comin' (Shit)
Actin' like Regina, you a lil' bit dramatic (George)
I've been in the cockpit, I been in the cabin (Right)
Take the eagle out just to ride around the planet (Right)
Did a lot of curving, man, I don't take damage
Oh so hot, so, sst, get branded
I'm just havin' fun, cops hit me, goddamn it (Oh yeah)
[Verse 3: Kevin Abstract]
Trauma got me fucked up, my mama got me fucked up
My lil' nigga locked up, it's like Hakuna Matata
Never liked Sci-Fi, empathetic Wi-Fi
Keep it in the back room, hide it with my dry eye
Put it in the vacuum, I got love for my label
15 million on the table, none of my niggas are stable
Need a personal connection, I just wanna feel you, baby
Bein' sober made me realize how poorly I been behavin', uh
[Chorus: Matt Champion & Merlyn Wood]
My bitch is so pretty, pretty (Mm)
I get cash like really, really
Tell the DJ, man, he ain't slick cause he ain't playin' hits
He silly, silly (Mm)
My bitch is so pretty, pretty (Mm)
I get cash like really, really (Get it)
Tell the DJ, man, he ain't slick cause he ain't playin' hits
He silly, silly (Boy, bye)
[Verse 4: bearface]
Bringing in hits like I'm 'Bari
Always feel left in the dark
Trauma the price for the patience
Character shaped like a arc
Move like my shit stay in park
Don't feel the love or respect
Grip like a hand on my neck
This is the year, place your bets
Boy, bye
[Outro: Joba & Merlyn Wood]
Ooh, ooh, beautiful and bashful
Ooh (Mm), ooh, ooh (Mm)
I'm beautiful and bashful
Boy, bye (God damn! Mm)
Boy, bye
Boy, bye (God damn! Mm)
I'm beautiful and bashful
@SB_WZRD
wow this video really perfectly sums bh up. music and personality in mv’s.
dom usually has the stellar verses, best lyrics and some of the best delivery in the group, and in videos hes always seen with other people turning up.
matt is the showstopper, every time you hear his voice you know its him and hes got a huge bag of tricks to pull from. and in videos hes always really close to the camera and in your face just like his verses.
kevin is usually either really serious or really hype and goofy, no in between. a lot of the time in videos hes also very sincere and dramatic, hence the matched turning off with every issue he states.
bearface is always very isolated in the track almost as if hes remixing/stealing the song. and in videos he usually alone in a corner somewhere or not feeling it, unless hes by himself which then he’ll start getting hype.
joba always runs up on the track to throw you off from whatever balance there was, which is good, he knows that sometimes you need to upset the balance.
merlyn is superrrrrr hyyype. every verse, every bar, even if you dont get what hes saying you’re probably gonna be dancing. hes also really stern facially, but super loose and dances alot.
@anthpo
1:25 Contrary to popular belief, Matt and Merlyn are unedited in this scene and they are actually those sizes.
@chlchlochloe1781
i love you
@jay_sthetic
anthpo omfg did not expect you to be here
@ansar4454
Fun fact: Merlyn yells the adlib 'Merlyn!' so frequently because his name is Merlyn Wood
@flufflenuggit6499
You joining BROCKHAMPTON?! Bring Kermit and Fat Yoshi wit you!
@cozella_
ight bruh
@timeparadox888
therapist: "mullet joba IS real and he WILL hurt you"
mullet joba: "HOO HOO"
@charmofknlypi
i would let him hurt me
@piercetvenjoyer2003
I CANT STOP LAUGHING AT HOO HOO
@loverboymils
i’m crying