The emotional pop-rock track narrates the story from a switching third-person and first-person view. The story is told from the perspective of the character Cody LaRae, likely a character from the upcoming film.
The song title comes from a city located in Georgia, about a 30-minute drive from Glover’s home city, Stone Mountain, Georgia. The word “Lithonia” means “city/town of stone”, telling that the song was likely named after the title of the film and soundtrack, as well as the character in the film, Bando Stone.
The song was first teased on May 12, when Glover took to Twitter to tweet the lyrics “nobody gives a fuck'. Soon after, Glover would post the same thing on other social media platforms, as well as making his bio the lyric.
Later that month, he would take to TikTok to tease the song with a snippet to create anticipation for the release.
Lithonia
Childish Gambino Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He had a break
He's findin' out
That nobody gives a fuck
I did my job
I paid my dues
Love is for fools
'Cause nobody gives a fuck
No one
No one
Nobody gives a fuck
I feel liberated
Overmedicated
It was overrated
Damn, what you want?
I can tell by the look on your face (oh)
Let me outta here (oh)
I've been gone so long
Don't you know that
This is the moment?
You're watching us throw it away
Cody LaRae (Cody LaRae)
He had a break (he had a break)
He's findin' out
That nobody gives a fuck (oh)
I did my job (I did my job)
I paid my dues (I paid my dues)
Love is for fools
'Cause nobody gives a fuck
Nobody gives a fuck
My sweet Lithonia
What have you done?
These are your children
I am your son
Cody LaRae (Cody LaRae)
What have you done? (He had a break)
(He's findin' out)
Nobody gives a fuck
Cody LaRae (Cody LaRae)
What have you done? (I paid my dues)
(Love is for fools)
Nobody gives a fuck
Cody LaRae
He had a break
He's findin' out
Nobody gives a fuck
In the song "Lithonia" by Childish Gambino, the lyrics paint a vivid picture of disillusionment and emotional turmoil, predominantly through the character Cody LaRae. This persona seems to be a representation of someone who has undergone significant struggles, encapsulated by a "break." This phrase suggests a mental or emotional breakdown, which hints at deeper issues tethered to one's sense of identity and purpose. The repetition of “nobody gives a fuck” serves as a powerful mantra that reflects feelings of abandonment and societal apathy toward individual suffering. By stating that he has paid his dues and done his job, the singer insinuates that he has fulfilled societal expectations yet still feels unrecognized and unappreciated, leading to a sense of futility in personal sacrifice.
The lyric “I feel liberated / Overmedicated / It was overrated” speaks to a complex relationship with mental health and the medication that often accompanies it. Liberation has a double-edge here; while it suggests a sense of stepping away from something oppressive, it also indicates a reliance on substances that can numb real struggles. The phrase "damn, what you want?" hints at frustration over external expectations that emerge from interactions with those around him. This notion of wanting to escape a reality that seems to drag him down is emphasized by the line “Let me outta here,” showcasing a yearning for solace but conflicting feelings about self-worth and societal validation. In this context, liberation becomes a paradox, as being free from societal norms may only lead to a deeper sense of isolation.
As the lyrics transition to the more poignant lines “My sweet Lithonia / What have you done?,” the song further hints at a collective identity tied to a geographical location or community. Lithonia, Georgia, likely symbolizes home or a foundational part of this person's identity, making the contemplative question directed at it both personal and poignant. The singer acknowledges that he represents its children and indeed is its son, which underscores a deep connection that is both loving and accusatory. This line captures a sense of responsibility to one’s roots while simultaneously expressing disappointment in the perceived failures of that environment or its people. The repeated inquiry into "what have you done?" can evoke a sense of loss—a look back at how the community might have contributed to feelings of neglect or disillusionment.
The cyclical repetition of the phrases throughout the song reinforces the existential crisis that Cody LaRae faces and amplifies the feeling that amidst personal hardship and societal neglect, individuals struggle to find meaning and significance. The assertion of “love is for fools” underscores a jaded perspective on relationships and emotional connections, suggesting that in a world where nobody seems to care, investing in love feels like a futile endeavor. It resonates with those who feel like they've been through the motions of life only to come out with little positivity, suggesting that personal pain is compounded by the absence of genuine collective support. Ultimately, “Lithonia” encapsulates the themes of isolation, disillusionment, and the pursuit of identity amidst the chaos of emotional breakdown, reflecting a resonant commentary on modern existence and the harsh realities of feeling unseen.
Line by Line Meaning
Cody LaRae
A name that represents a person facing hardship.
He had a break
He experienced a turning point or crisis.
He's findin' out
He is coming to realize something important.
That nobody gives a fuck
He discovers that people are indifferent to his struggles.
I did my job
I fulfilled my responsibilities and obligations.
I paid my dues
I’ve made sacrifices and faced challenges to earn my place.
Love is for fools
Romantic affection is seen as naive or unreciprocated.
'Cause nobody gives a fuck
Because ultimately, people remain apathetic.
No one
An emphasis on complete absence of concern.
No one
Reiterating the lack of empathy from others.
Nobody gives a fuck
Again highlighting the overall apathy encountered.
I feel liberated
I sense a newfound freedom, despite circumstances.
Overmedicated
Possibly feeling overwhelmed or numb from substances.
It was overrated
A realization that previous expectations were exaggerated.
Damn, what you want?
Expressing frustration at unclear expectations from others.
I can tell by the look on your face (oh)
Noticing unsaid emotions and tension in someone’s expression.
Let me outta here (oh)
Desiring escape from a stifling or oppressive situation.
I've been gone so long
Feeling estranged or detached from a previous reality.
Don't you know that
Challenging someone's awareness of the situation.
This is the moment?
Recognizing the urgency and significance of the present.
You're watching us throw it away
Observation of wasted potential or opportunity in real-time.
Cody LaRae (Cody LaRae)
Reaffirmation of the person dealing with these struggles.
He had a break (he had a break)
Reiteration of his crisis or pivotal moment.
He's findin' out
Reemphasizing his realizations.
That nobody gives a fuck (oh)
Reframing the previous sentiment of indifference.
I did my job (I did my job)
Emphasizing commitment to responsibilities.
I paid my dues (I paid my dues)
Reinforcing the idea of enduring hardships for respect.
Love is for fools
Highlighting an ongoing disillusionment with romantic ideals.
'Cause nobody gives a fuck
Restating that love and care are not reciprocated.
Nobody gives a fuck
A reiteration of the overarching theme of apathy.
My sweet Lithonia
A personal address to a place with emotional significance.
What have you done?
Questioning the state or fate of this beloved place.
These are your children
Pointing out the consequences of the environment on its people.
I am your son
Claiming identity and connection to this place.
Cody LaRae (Cody LaRae)
Reintroducing the central figure amidst recurring struggles.
What have you done? (He had a break)
Pondering the actions leading to the current crisis.
(He's findin' out)
Acknowledging his awakening to harsh realities.
Nobody gives a fuck
Restating the absence of concern from those around.
Cody LaRae (Cody LaRae)
Reenforcing the focus on this pivotal character.
What have you done? (I paid my dues)
Querying the impact of efforts and sacrifices made.
(Love is for fools)
Restating feelings of cynicism regarding love.
Nobody gives a fuck
Concluding with the grim understanding of indifference.
Cody LaRae
Revisiting the name tied to this poignant narrative.
He had a break
A final note on the pivotal moment in his life.
He's findin' out
Reflecting on ongoing self-discovery amidst chaos.
Nobody gives a fuck
Ending with the stark truth about societal indifference.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: Donald Glover, Ludwig Goransson, Max Martin, Michael Uzowuru, Riley Mackin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@janinso
Lyrics:
Cody LaRae
He had a break
He's finding out
That nobody gives a fuck
I did my job
I paid my dues
Love is for fools
'Cause nobody gives a fuck
Nobody gives a fuck
I feel liberated
Over-medicated
It was overrated
Say what you want
I can tell by the look on your face
Let me out of here
I've been gone so long
Don't you know that
This is the moment
You're watching us throw it away
Cody LaRae
He had a break
He's finding out
That nobody gives a fuck
I did my job
I paid my dues
Love is for fools
'Cause nobody gives a fuck
Nobody gives a fuck
My sweet Lithonia
What have you done
These are your children
I am your son
Cody LaRae
What have you done
He had a break
He's finding out
Nobody gives a fuck
Cody LaRae
What have you done
I paid my dues
Love is for fools
Nobody gives a fuck
Cody LaRae
He had a break
He's finding out
Nobody gives a fuck
@JAMJAMUNO
WE'RE FREAKING BACK!
i just screamed that in my apartment when the drums kicked in and the backing vocals and his voice!
This is the bino i missed so much.
I love all of his music, but this makes me feel young again, like im listening to his rap cover mixtape for the first time again.
I love this so much
@N0tMason
This shit sounds like the end of something, not a good ending or a bad one, just something you could cry a tear over, whether happy or sad.
@shasiins581
It was a good time. That’s all it was in the moment it was up nd downs but overall it was good experience.
@jonathand.t.5051
The funny thing is I'm 70% sure that this song is gonna play at the start of the film lmao
@VinegarAndSaltedFries
I mean it’s all about death.
@aishax1850
yesss, when I listen to this i think of an ending when the world falls apart or some shit or he’s trying to save something but fails
@aishax1850
@@jonathand.t.5051loll I had a feeling he would do that
@ZetaVII
Music video came out, it was awesome, but immediately came back to this one for no particular reason at all.
@j-Gappy-h
Real
@hannahnotes8194
Not because of any body parts
@IsntFunee
I like not throwing up tbh