The song has a smooth guitar vibe with original instruments, contrasting the lyrics which seem to have a hasty content.
The song was performed at the 2018 Grammys with JD McCrary.
Terrified
Childish Gambino Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You won't always be around
Catch a nigga coming quickly behind ya
People want you underground
Do you misbehave?
Haunt you to your grave
I'm going to eat you alive
Please don't find me rude
So don't run to me, baby
Uh, are not
Just hide, oh!
You know that you're the one, that's terrified, oh!
Just hide, oh!
You know that you're the one, that's terrified, oh!
La, la, la, la, la
La, la, la, la, la
I'm spinning, I'm spinning, I'm spinning you up
I'm spinning, I'm spinning, I'm spinning you up
I'm spinning, I'm spinning, I'm spinning you up
I'm spinning, I'm spinning, I'm spinning you up
I'm spinning, I'm spinning, I'm spinning you up
I'm spinning, I'm spinning, I'm spinning you up
I'm spinning, I'm spinning, I'm spinning you up
I'm spinning, I'm spinning, I'm spinning you up
Just hide, oh!
You know that you're the one, that's terrified, oh!
Just hide, oh!
You know that you're the one, that's terrified, oh!
No, no, no, no, no, no, no
Please
Oh-oh
No, no, no, oh
Oh you can't run from me
You can't hide from me
In "Terrified," Childish Gambino warns his lover of the dangers and chaos of their dynamic relationship. The first verse suggests that the heightened and fleeting nature of their relationship will ultimately lead to an end. The second verse continues the ominous tone by asking if the lover misbehaves and suggests that their actions will haunt them after they die, insinuating that they will eventually meet a deadly fate. However, Gambino quickly switches to ask his lover not to mistake his warning for rudeness, but to take it seriously because he doesn't partake in quick and short-lived relationships.
The chorus tells his lover to hide and acknowledge that she is the one who is terrified. The harmonious melody in the chorus creates a contrast to the dark lyrics of the verses. The repetition of "Just Hide" suggests that while Gambino's love interest is struggling with their relationship and herself, he is encouraging her to take a step back to take care of herself. This serves as a reminder to his lover to take the time to acknowledge her emotions and fears.
This song is not only a warning, but a story about a toxic relationship. Gambino creates a vivid imagery in his lyrics that portrays danger and uncertainty, highlighting the importance of acknowledging our emotions and listening to our fears. The song can serve as a reminder to individuals in toxic relationships that it's okay to walk away and acknowledge their feelings.
Line by Line Meaning
There's a bottom to the top of the moment
Every moment has a turning point, a peak that you have to go through
You won't always be around
You're not going to be alive forever
Catch a nigga coming quickly behind ya
Someone is going to come and get you when you least expect it
People want you underground
There are people who don't want you to succeed, and want to see you fail
Do you misbehave?
Do you act up or make bad decisions?
Haunt you to your grave
The consequences of your actions may stay with you for life
I'm going to eat you alive
I will overpower you and destroy you
Please don't find me rude
I hope I don't offend you by saying this
But I don't eat fast food
I'm not interested in anything that's quick or easy
So don't run to me, baby
Don't come to me expecting a quick fix or easy solution
Uh, are not
A statement of uncertainty, implying that something is not quite right
Just hide, oh!
It's safer to hide and stay out of sight
You know that you're the one, that's terrified, oh!
You are the one who is scared and worried
La, la, la, la, la
A meaningless sound used to break up the song and create a rhythm
I'm spinning, I'm spinning, I'm spinning you up
I'm putting you into a state of confusion or chaos
No, no, no, no, no, no, no
A sound of alarm or warning
Please
A plea or request for help or mercy
Oh-oh
An expression of anxiety or concern
No, no, no, oh
A sound of alarm or warning
Oh you can't run from me
You can't escape me or avoid what's coming
You can't hide from me
You can't avoid me or stay out of sight
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Donald Mckinley Ii Glover, Ludwig Emil Tomas Goransson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@yrntorr6180
There's a bottom to the top of the moment
You won't always be around
Catch a nigga coming quickly behind ya
People want you underground
Do you misbehave?
Haunt you to your grave
I'm going to eat you alive
Please don't find me rude
But I don't eat fast food
So don't run to me, baby
Uh, are not
Just hide, oh!
You know that you're the one, that's terrified, oh!
Just hide, oh!
You know that you're the one, that's terrified, oh!
La, la, la, la, la
La, la, la, la, la
I'm spinning, I'm spinning, I'm spinning you up
I'm spinning, I'm spinning, I'm spinning you up
I'm spinning, I'm spinning, I'm spinning you up
I'm spinning, I'm spinning, I'm spinning you up
I'm spinning, I'm spinning, I'm spinning you up
I'm spinning, I'm spinning, I'm spinning you up
I'm spinning, I'm spinning, I'm spinning you up
I'm spinning, I'm spinning, I'm spinning you up
Just hide, oh!
You know that you're the one, that's terrified, oh!
Just hide, oh!
You know that you're the one, that's terrified, oh!
No, no, no, no, no, no, no
Please
Oh-oh
No, no, no, oh
Oh you can't run from me
You can't hide from me
@mikasacus
Childish Gambino has found such a good balence between traditional soul and modern elements with this new album, some great grooves here
@TheYaadManShow
if you like this album as music as i do check out my channel for the review. Am gonna be doing a in depth review of each song. Talk about the lyrical content, vocals, rhythm etc... So subscribe to be updated. Childish Gambino the definition of talented.
@michaelrodriguez7596
Mikasacus how to actually listen to childish gambino?😂
@yessir6409
Mikasacus omg ily
@punkboybaby5593
ayeeeee wasn't expecting you here, love your content!
@lk0rpplays234
balance
@Ahsharah777
my mom was jammin to this.... asking when was this made... i said 1983 you remember...she said yea 😂😂😂😂🤔😂
@luxiriecapricorn1773
That's hilarious 😂😂😂
@TheKINGKANE46
😂😂😂 man!
@Cart3rB0yz
😂