"With a gun in your hand, I’m the boogieman."
This mystical, almost witchdoctor-like view perception is a strongly criticised African American stereotype. Notably, the image also parallels the album cover art.
Boogieman
Childish Gambino Lyrics
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I'm gonna come and get you
If you point a gun at my rising sun
Though we're not the one
But in the bounds of your mind
We have done the crime, yeah
You've got to help us, can you? (Yes I can)
Boogieman
You've got to help us, can you? (Yes I can)
With a gun in your hand, I'm the boogieman
I'm gonna come and get you
Every boy and girl all around the world
Knows my nigga's words
But if he's scared of me, how can we be free? Yes
Boogieman (yes)
You've got to help us, can you? (Yes I can, oh)
Boogieman
You've got to help us, can you? (Yes I can, oh)
(Boogieman)
(Boogieman)
"Boogieman" by Childish Gambino is a political rap that speaks to the issue of gun control in America. The opening lines of the chorus, "With a gun in your hand, I'm the boogieman, I'm gonna come and get you," confront the gun lobby and implies that the weapons they are so fiercely protecting, are to blame for the gun-related tragedies in the country. The lyrics point to the idea that a gun in the hand of someone who is mentally unstable or dangerous, only creates fear and destruction.
The next lines of the verse, "If you point a gun at my rising sun, though we're not the one, but in the bounds of your mind, we have done the crime," continue the theme of guns and crime; however, it shifts its focus to the racial tension in America. The figurative language in the lyrics hints at both violence and racism, and the message is to shine a light on the injustice of people being judged based on the color of their skin.
The chorus, "Boogieman, you've got to help us, can you? (Yes, I can)," repeats with increasing urgency, asking the boogieman, a mythical creature of childhood nightmares, to help. However, the boogieman is not meant to be taken literally but represents the voices of people who are crying out for help.
Line by Line Meaning
With a gun in your hand, I'm the boogieman
If you are armed with a gun, I, Childish Gambino, am the personification of your fear and will come after you
I'm gonna come and get you
I am going to take action against those who are fearful and attempt to harm me
If you point a gun at my rising sun
If you stand in the way of my hopeful future
Though we're not the one
Although I am not the only one who seeks a hopeful future
But in the bounds of your mind
But in your own mind and personal fears
We have done the crime, yeah
We have been labeled as criminals or suspicious based on our identity or past actions
Boogieman
I, Childish Gambino, represent the fear and anxiety of those who are seen as a threat
You've got to help us, can you? (Yes I can)
You must help me and my community against the fear and oppression placed upon us, and I am willing to help in return
Every boy and girl all around the world
Young people everywhere
Knows my nigga's words
Are aware of the struggle and messages expressed by my fellow black men
But if he's scared of me, how can we be free? Yes
However, if even members of my own community are fearful of me, how can we work towards true freedom and equality?
(Boogieman)
Reinforcement of my title as the boogieman
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Donald Mckinley Ii Glover, Ludwig Emil Tomas Goransson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Bianca Barbosa
With a gun in your hand, I'm the boogieman
I'm gonna come and get you
If you point a gun at my rising sun
Though we're not the one
But in the bounds of your mind
We have done the cry, yeah
Boogieman
You've got to help us, can you? Yes you can
Boogieman
You've got to help us, can you? Yes you can
With a gun in your hand, I'm the boogieman
I'm gonna come and get you
Every boy and girl all around the world
Knows my niggas' words
But if he's scared of me, how can we be free? Yes
Boogieman, yes
You've got to help us, can you? Yes you can, oh
Boogieman
You've got to help us, can you? Yes you can, oh
jessiepaege
I CAN'T STOP LISTENING
Zodiea
jessiepaege
Omfg jessie????
Peachy.va
WE STAN
samara tivona
yesss jessyee
Huzayfa
are you still listening?
DANTE!
did u stop?
Michael Schaefer
Cant tell if this new sound is taking me back a few decades or 20 years into the future
Seventeen
Michael Schaefer HA!
VuittonDona
Michael Schaefer I hear a heavy funk influence.
0o I Died In A Time Machine o0
lol thats the vibe I get from it.. like classic 70s funk but its also kinda futuristic too.