DUCT TAPE
BROCKHAMPTON Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

It was cold in the summers when I needed ya
You left us at the port, I couldn't believe, yeah
Now that I'm older I can finally see
That you were tryin' your hardest and that you had to leave
2001's the year, I remember I could never breathe
My mama left, she had no choice but to go overseas
I held the baggage with me, all the things she couldn't keep
I had to get my shit together and roll up my sleeves
There was no runnin' away
All the times that we had, I forgive ya
You still loved me
All the moments behind and I missed ya
It's okay
It's okay, it's okay, it's okay
It ain't nothing (nothing)

Kids ain't got nothin' to talk about anymore (no)
Out in the streets, restless, but wanting more
The kids ain't got nothin' to talk about anymore (say what you need to say)
Out in the streets, restless, but wanting more (say what you gotta)

And when you wake, you're on the edge of confusion
'Cause the one you love no longer sleeps by your side
I try to make you understand what's the problem
But I can't reach it like I used to
And I wish I take it all away, away
No one there to hold you like yesterday, day
I'm barely holdin' on, and that's just all it take
Only thing you seem to miss, you can't save

Keep my-keep my eyes closed, keep my mind closed, baby
Switchin' time zones, get it right for me, baby
Get my money right, that's the life for me, baby
I don't waste no time, that's why these kids, they keep on playin'
Come out to the shows, I play they favorite songs
Peep this, hit my phone up, hey look, it's the telephone
I could do no wrong in lil' Jimmy's eyes, yeah
I am just a man with another side

Kids ain't got nothin' to talk about anymore (no)
Out in the streets, restless, but wanting more
The kids ain't got nothin' to talk about anymore (say what you need to say)
Out in the streets, restless, but wanting more (say what you gotta)
(Say what you gotta)

Dead to me, they don't mean to hurt you
Dead to me, ah
Duct tape screams, blood all on the backseat
Let you free, ah
Just say what's on your mind (yeah)
Just say what's on your mind (yeah)
Just say what's on your mind (yeah)
Just say what's on your mind (yeah)




Just say what's on your mind (yeah)
Just say what's on your mind (yeah)

Overall Meaning

"Duct Tape" by BROCKHAMPTON explores themes of abandonment, resilience, and the struggles of communication and understanding in relationships. The lyrics depict a personal journey of growth and reflection, as well as the breakdown of communication between individuals.


The first verse reflects on a difficult childhood experience, where the singer's mother had to leave them behind and go overseas. The line "I had to get my shit together and roll up my sleeves" demonstrates the singer's determination to overcome adversity and take control of their own life. Despite the pain of separation, the singer forgives their mother and acknowledges that she still loved them.


The chorus shifts the focus to the current generation, highlighting a sense of aimlessness and lack of meaningful conversation among young people. The phrase "Kids ain't got nothin' to talk about anymore" suggests a lack of substance or depth in discussions. The repetition of wanting more reflects a restlessness and dissatisfaction with the status quo.


The second verse delves into the breakdown of a romantic relationship. The singer expresses a desire to understand and resolve the issues but struggles to find a way to reach their partner. The line "And I wish I take it all away, away" conveys a longing to alleviate the pain and restore the connection they once had. The mention of not being able to save what is missed implies a feeling of helplessness and the realization that some things cannot be repaired or salvaged.


The final verse touches on themes of fame and the pressure it brings. The singer discusses the demands on their time and the constant need to prove themselves. The line "Kids keep on playin'" suggests that despite the challenges, they continue to entertain and provide for their fans. However, they also admit to having vulnerabilities, humanizing themselves and acknowledging that they too have their struggles.


Overall, "Duct Tape" portrays a complex mix of emotions, ranging from pain and loss to resilience and self-reflection. It tackles themes of abandonment, the breakdown of communication, and the struggles faced by young people, all while exploring the personal journey of growth and navigating the complexities of relationships.


Line by Line Meaning

It was cold in the summers when I needed ya
I felt a sense of emptiness and loneliness during times of vulnerability when I sought your presence


You left us at the port, I couldn't believe, yeah
I was shocked and unable to comprehend when you abandoned us without warning


Now that I'm older I can finally see
With maturity, I can now understand and perceive things more clearly


That you were tryin' your hardest and that you had to leave
I realize now that you were doing your best and had no choice but to depart from our lives


2001's the year, I remember I could never breathe
The year 2001 holds a significant memory for me, where I experienced suffocation and struggled to find my breath


My mama left, she had no choice but to go overseas
My mother had to make the difficult decision of leaving and traveling abroad without any other options


I held the baggage with me, all the things she couldn't keep
I carried the emotional burden of everything that my mother couldn't hold onto or take with her


I had to get my shit together and roll up my sleeves
I took it upon myself to gather my life and face my responsibilities head-on


There was no runnin' away
Escape or avoidance was not a viable option


All the times that we had, I forgive ya
I choose to forgive you for all the moments and experiences we shared


You still loved me
Despite everything, I recognize that you still held love for me


All the moments behind and I missed ya
I reflect on all the past moments we had together and long for your presence


It's okay
I assure myself that everything is alright and acceptable


It's okay, it's okay, it's okay
Repeating that it is alright, reiterating the reassurance


It ain't nothing (nothing)
The situation holds no significance or weight


Kids ain't got nothin' to talk about anymore (no)
The younger generation lacks meaningful topics of conversation and depth


Out in the streets, restless, but wanting more
They roam the streets, feeling unsettled and unsatisfied, desiring greater experiences


Say what you need to say
Express what is necessary and essential


And when you wake, you're on the edge of confusion
Upon awakening, you find yourself in a state of disorientation and perplexity


'Cause the one you love no longer sleeps by your side
The person you deeply care for is no longer there beside you while sleeping


I try to make you understand what's the problem
I make an effort to help you comprehend and grasp the issue at hand


But I can't reach it like I used to
Unfortunately, I am unable to achieve the same level of connection or understanding as before


And I wish I take it all away, away
I yearn to alleviate and remove all the pain and suffering


No one there to hold you like yesterday, day
There is no longer anyone to embrace and comfort you as they did in the past


I'm barely holdin' on, and that's just all it take
I am barely managing to cope, and sometimes that is all that is needed to feel overwhelmed


Only thing you seem to miss, you can't save
The one thing you long for, you are unable to rescue or preserve


Keep my-keep my eyes closed, keep my mind closed, baby
I choose to shut my eyes and close off my thoughts, dear


Switchin' time zones, get it right for me, baby
Moving between different time zones, ensure that it aligns perfectly for me, darling


Get my money right, that's the life for me, baby
Attaining financial stability is the ideal lifestyle for me, honey


I don't waste no time, that's why these kids, they keep on playin'
I don't squander any time, which is why the younger generation continues to engage in recreational activities


Come out to the shows, I play they favorite songs
Attend my performances where I perform their beloved songs


Peep this, hit my phone up, hey look, it's the telephone
Pay attention, contact me through the phone, hey, it's that device called a telephone


I could do no wrong in lil' Jimmy's eyes, yeah
In the perception of young Jimmy, I was incapable of any wrongdoing, indeed


I am just a man with another side
I am merely an individual who possesses multiple aspects or facets to my being


Dead to me, they don't mean to hurt you
They are devoid of significance in my life, they did not intend to harm you


Duct tape screams, blood all on the backseat
The screams muffled by duct tape, with traces of blood staining the car's backseat


Let you free, ah
I release you and grant you freedom


Just say what's on your mind (yeah)
Simply articulate your thoughts and emotions without hesitation


Just say what's on your mind (yeah)
Continuing to emphasize the importance of expressing one's true thoughts and feelings


Just say what's on your mind (yeah)
Reiterating the significance of vocalizing one's innermost thoughts and emotions


Just say what's on your mind (yeah)
Encouraging open communication and honesty regarding one's thoughts and feelings


Just say what's on your mind (yeah)
Urging the act of candidly expressing one's true thoughts and emotions


Just say what's on your mind (yeah)
Continuing to promote the notion of openly vocalizing one's genuine thoughts and emotions




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Baird Acheson, Clifford F. Simpson, Dominique Simpson, Dylan Neustadter, Jabari Manwarring, Jonah Alessandro Abraham, Koal Harrison, Masamune Kudo, Matthew Champion, Romil Hemnani, Russell Boring, Wesley Allen

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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@xionnafalse

[Verse 1: Jabari Manwa]
It was cold in the summers when you're needed, yeah
You left us at the port, I couldn't believe, yeah
Now that I'm older I can finally see it
That you were tryin' your hardest and that you had to leave
2001's the year, I remember I could never breathe
My mama left, she had no choice but to go overseas
I held the baggage with me
All the things she couldn't keep
I had to get my shit together and roll up my sleeves
Thеre was no runnin' away
All the times that wе had, I forgive ya
You still loved me
All the moments behind when I missed ya
It's okay
It's okay, it's okay, it's okay
It ain't nothing (Nothing)

[Chorus: Kevin Abstract & Jabari Manwa]
Kids ain't got nothin' to talk about anymore (No)
Out in the streets, restless, but wanting more
The kids ain't got nothin' to talk about anymore (Say what you need to say)
Out in the streets, restless, but wanting more (Say what you gotta)

[Verse 2: Matt Champion]
And when you wake up on the edge of confusion
'Cause the one you love no longer sleeps by your side
I try to make you understand what's the problem
But I can't reach you like I used to
And I wish I take it all away, away
No one there to hold you like yesterday, day
I'm barely holdin' on, and that's just all it take
Only thing you seem to miss, you can't save

[Verse 3: Kevin Abstract]
Keep my-keep my eyes closed, keep my mind closed, baby
Switchin' time zones, get it right for me, baby
Get my mind right, that's the life for me, baby
I don't waste no time, that's why these kids, they keep on playin'
Come out to the shows, I play they favorite songs
Peep this in my phone, right there, look, it's the telephone
I could do no wrong in lil' Jimmy's eyes, yeah
I am just a man with another side

[Chorus: Kevin Abstract & Jabari Manwa]
Kids ain't got nothin' to talk about anymore (No)
Out in the streets, restless, but wanting more
The kids ain't got nothin' to talk about anymore (Say what you need to say)
Out in the streets, restless, but wanting more (Say what you gotta)
(Say what you gotta)

[Outro: JOBA]
Dead to me, they don't mean to hurt you
Dead to me, ah
Duct-taped screams, blood all on the backseat
Let you free, ah
Be free (Just say what's on your mind)
Be free (Just say what's on your mind)
Be free (Just say what's on your mind)
Ahh
Free (Just say what's on your mind)
Be free (Just say what's on your mind)
Be free (Just say what's on your mind)
Be free (Just say what's on your mind)
Ahh



@nicksimons7391

[Verse 1: Jabari Manwa]
It was cold in the summers when you're needed, yeah
You left us at the port, I couldn't believe, yeah
Now that I'm older I can finally see
That you were tryin' your hardest and that you had to leave
2001's the year, I remember I could never breathe
My momma left, she had no choice but to go overseas
I held the baggage with me
All the things she couldn't keep
I had to get my shit together and roll up my sleeves
Thеre was no runnin' away
All the times that wе had, I forgive ya
You still loved me
All the moments behind and I missed ya
It's okay, it's okay, it's okay, it's okay
It ain't nothing (Nothing)



13.1M5.7K
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[Chorus: Kevin Abstract & Jabari Manwa]
The kids ain't got nothin' to talk about anymore (No)
Out in the streets, restless, but wanting more
The kids ain't got nothin' to talk about anymore (Say what you need to say)
Out in the streets, restless, but wanting more (Say what you gotta)

[Verse 2: Matt Champion]
And when you wake up on the edge of confusion
'Cause the one you love no longer sleeps by your side
I try to make you understand what's the problem
But I can't reach it like I used to
And I wish I take it all away, away
No one there to hold your like yesterday, day
I'm barely holdin' on, and that's just all it take
Only thing you seem to miss, you can't save

[Verse 3: Kevin Abstract]
Keep my-keep my eyes closed, keep my mind closed, baby
Switchin' time zones, get it right for me, baby
Get my mind right, that's the life for me, baby
I don't waste no time, that's why these kids, they keep on playin'
Come out to the shows, I play they favorite songs
Peep this in my phone, right there, look, it's the telephone
I could do no wrong in lil' Jimmy's eyes, yeah
I am just a man with another side

[Chorus: Kevin Abstract & Jabari Manwa]
The kids ain't got nothin' to talk about anymore (No)
Out in the streets, restless, but wanting more
The kids ain't got nothin' to talk about anymore (Say what you need to say)
Out in the streets, restless, but wanting more (Say what you gotta
Say what you gotta)

[Outro: JOBA]
Dead to me, they don't mean to hurt you
[?], ah
Duct-taped screams, blood all on the backseat
Let you free, ah
Ah, ah (Just say what's on your mind)
Ah, ah (Just say what's on your mind)
Ah, ah (Just say what's on your mind)
Ah
Ah, ah (Just say what's on your mind)
Ah, ah (Just say what's on your mind)
Ah, ah (Just say what's on your mind)
Ah (Just say what's on your mind)



All comments from YouTube:

@nameynamerson6754

Across both albums there's something about this one that hits me the hardest.

@royalwarlord2342

The kids aint got nothin to talk about anymoorreeee
Out of the streets, restless but wanting moreee

@user-gr3nz7ii7s

when Matt's energy increases halfway into his verse he just lifts me into another atmosphere

@Gattzby

Bruh, Bari absolutely fucking kills it and finds his place and they just split. This particular song has me extremely excited for Solo and collabs in the future. These guys became superstars!

@army

i can never understand wtf he’s saying most of the time lmao

@Devananta-Rafiq

@@army loool

@royalwarlord2342

@@army idgaf that mfer spittin 🔥🔥🔥

@ACB2K

Thats my son.

@bingleblorp993

@@army if you watch lyric videos you get used to it lol

@s_u_l_f_u_r

I think this song is about talking about the things that affect you emotionally and letting it out before they build up inside you. Hence it starts with Bari talking about how his mother had to leave him, but ultimately forgives her. The chorus says “kids ain’t got nothing to talk about anymore” alluding to young adults keeping their problems to themselves. Matt Champion on the other hand speaks to the people who don’t hear their loved ones when they speak. Kevin talks about his issues with stardom. Joba ties it all up by saying “Be free, just say what’s on your mind”.

Or maybe I’m just high and that’s what I took from it, lol.

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