Liquid
BROCKHAMPTON - SATURATION III Lyrics
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My mom and dad fighting
I moved around a lot
I did a lot of fighting
I met my friend Ian
I seen a lot of cyphers
I did a lot of writing
I'm used to ramen noodles
Victims of mental illness
Products of neighborhoods
With broken souls and wounded spirits
Don't judge me by appearance (I moved to California)
Started getting paid (nigga, you broke) shit's already boring
Dashin' to the money like a hyphen
Fuck a pipe dream man, had this shit when I was in my diapers
Burnin' through my diapers, hot shit
It was hot shit, back when niggas looking for the Loch Ness
Stuck 'round dip spittin' assholes, make they mamas bashful
Got holes in my pockets so my shoes full of cash though
Cigar, Fidel Castro, car full of Castrol
See the sunset when I backstroke, can't swim but I could act though
I was playing rock paper scissors with imaginary friends
Imagine having no friends, ay
I was playing rock paper scissors with imaginary friends, ay
Imagine having no friends man
I was playing rock paper scissors with imaginary friends
Imagine having no friends man... Ay
Imagine having no friends man
In the song "LIQUID" by BROCKHAMPTON, the lyrics touch upon the artist's personal experiences and the emotions associated with their upbringing. The opening lines describe growing up in a tumultuous household, with parents constantly fighting, leading to a sense of isolation. The artist reflects on a transient lifestyle, frequently moving from place to place, which contributed to their involvement in conflicts as well.
The lyrics then introduce the presence of a friend named Ian, who likely played a significant role in the artist's life. The mention of cyphers and writing refers to a period of artistic exploration and self-expression. The artist also witnesses their uncles evading legal repercussions ("duck indictments"), which hints at the presence of illegal activities in their environment.
The following lines bring attention to the artist's impoverished background, where ramen noodles became a staple food. The mention of mental illness suggests a challenging environment, likely plagued by broken souls and wounded spirits due to the neighborhoods they grew up in. The lyrics take a turn towards self-perception, emphasizing the unfairness of being judged solely based on appearance. The artist then reflects on the transition to living in California and the realization that material wealth does not bring lasting fulfillment.
In the next verse, the lyrics metaphorically convey a sense of urgency and determination to acquire wealth by using phrases such as "dashin' to the money like a hyphen." The artist dismisses the notion of mere pipe dreams, indicating the presence of success from an early age. They recall burning through their diapers, symbolizing early developments and achievements. The mention of the Loch Ness refers to people searching for mythical or elusive things, implying that the artist already had what others sought.
The lyrics continue with a sense of rebellion, as the artist surrounds themselves with provocative individuals who make even their mothers uncomfortable. The mention of having holes in their pockets filled with cash symbolizes their newfound financial abundance. The references to Fidel Castro and Castrol juxtapose power and luxury, further emphasizing the artist's growing success.
The song closes by delving into themes of loneliness and isolation. The line about playing rock paper scissors with imaginary friends suggests a coping mechanism born out of lacking genuine companionship. The repeated refrain of "imagine having no friends" reinforces a sense of alienation and highlights the emotional toll it can take.
Overall, "LIQUID" provides a personal glimpse into the artist's life, touching on themes of struggle, ambition, wealth, and loneliness.
Line by Line Meaning
I grew up all alone
I didn't have any siblings or close companions to grow up with
My mom and dad fighting
The constant arguing and conflicts between my parents
I moved around a lot
I had to change homes frequently
I did a lot of fighting
I got into many physical altercations
I met my friend Ian
I encountered a person named Ian who became my friend
I seen a lot of cyphers
I witnessed numerous rap battles and freestyle sessions
I did a lot of writing
I engaged in extensive writing, perhaps expressing my thoughts and emotions
Watch my uncles duck indictments
I observed my uncles skillfully avoiding legal trouble and arrests
I'm used to ramen noodles
Eating cheap, instant noodles has become a familiar part of my life
Victims of mental illness
People who suffer from various mental health problems
Products of neighborhoods
The result of growing up in certain communities
With broken souls and wounded spirits
Individuals who have experienced significant emotional pain and trauma
Don't judge me by appearance
Please avoid forming opinions about me solely based on how I look
Started getting paid (nigga, you broke) shit's already boring
Once I started earning money, the excitement quickly faded as it became mundane
Dashin' to the money like a hyphen
Making quick moves and hustling to accumulate wealth
Fuck a pipe dream man, had this shit when I was in my diapers
I don't believe in unrealistic dreams; I've been involved in this lifestyle since I was very young
Burnin' through my diapers, hot shit
Engaging in intense activities even as a child, showing potential and talent
It was hot shit, back when niggas looking for the Loch Ness
I was highly regarded in the past when others were searching for something extraordinary
Stuck 'round dip spittin' assholes, make they mamas bashful
Being surrounded by vulgar and disrespectful individuals who even embarrass their parents
Got holes in my pockets so my shoes full of cash though
Despite having little money, I manage to have plenty of cash in my shoes
Cigar, Fidel Castro, car full of Castrol
Enjoying a cigar, reminiscent of Fidel Castro, while driving a car filled with Castrol oil
See the sunset when I backstroke, can't swim but I could act though
Even though I lack swimming skills, I can pretend and act as if I am backstroking while observing the sunset
I was playing rock paper scissors with imaginary friends
In my solitude, I played games like rock paper scissors with imaginary companions
Imagine having no friends, ay
Consider the experience of having nobody to rely on or share experiences with
Imagine having no friends man
Visualize the feeling of isolation and the absence of any close relationships
Imagine having no friends man... Ay
Envision the loneliness and emptiness, emphasizing the emotional impact
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Ameer Vann, Clifford Simpson, Dominique Simpson, Jabari Manwarringrring, Matthew Champion, Russell Boring, William Wood
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind