The track was previewed on August 28, 2019, during Travis Scott’s Netflix documentary Look Mom I Can Fly, where Travis offered insight into how he discovered Toliver and their music-making process. The snippet was played at the 57-minute mark, where Travis boasts about how good it sounds.
Later that day, Toliver quoted some lyrics from the song on Twitter, further teasing its impending release.
Cardigan
Don Toliver Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You be on my back like a cardigan (cardigan)
Call her again, I'm in love with your friend (call her again)
We be doing dirt, you hide the evidence (evidence)
It's evident that you're ready to rock (ready to rock)
Hop up in my Jeep and put your pride to the side (pride to the side)
Go against the gang, you must be ready to hide (ready to hide)
Swangin' on the corner, bang my TEC 'til it pop (TEC 'til it pop)
Burn marijuana, deep down in designer
Hotter than the sauna, I met her at Salata
Bought lil' baby Prada, she popped it for the dollar
Don't stick around, you should save yourself (save yourself)
But you can hit my phone if you need some help (needed some help)
Don't stick around, you should save yourself (save yourself)
But you can hit my my phone if you need some help (needed some help)
I'm finna stand tall in it, I'm all in it (uh-uh)
You be on my back like a cardigan (cardigan)
Call her again, I'm in love with your friend (call her again)
We be doing dirt, you hide the evidence (evidence)
It's evident that you ready to rock (ready to rock)
Hop up in my Jeep and put your pride to the side (pride to the side)
Go against the gang, you must be ready to hide (ready to hide)
Swangin' on the corner, bang my TEC 'til it pop (TEC 'til it pop)
I thought I was a goner, blessed to your honor
Burn marijuana, deep down in designer
Hotter than the sauna, I met her at Salata
Bought lil' baby Prada, she popped it for the dollar
Don't stick around, you should save yourself (save yourself)
But you can hit my phone if you need some help (needed some help)
Don't stick around, you should save yourself (save yourself)
But you can hit my my phone if you need some help (needed some help)
I'm finna stand tall- (tall)
I'm all- (all)
You be on my back like a cardigan (cardigan)
We be doing dirt, you hide the evidence (evidence)
Call (call)
I'm all- (all)
You be on my back like a cardigan
We be doing dirt, you hide the evidence
Don Toliver's song "Cardigan" is a fast-paced trap mix that showcases his distinct voice and skillful delivery. The lyrics describe the persona's high-flying lifestyle and his involvement in illegal activities, highlighting a life full of excitement, danger, and luxury. In the first verse, Don Toliver declares his dedication to the game, standing tall in it and going all in, suggesting a no-holds-barred approach to his endeavors.
He further refers to his partner, who is always on his back, like a cardigan, highlighting the suffocating nature of their relationship. The song's chorus advises his partner to save themselves and leave the dangerous and illegal lifestyle behind but offers help if needed. Don Toliver also talks about his attraction to his partner's friend and their readiness to commit crimes, emphasizing their solidarity in the face of danger. The last portion describes his love for marijuana, his material possessions, and a chance encounter with a woman he met at Salata.
In summary, the song's lyrics depict a life full of risks, living on the edge, and the allure that such a lifestyle brings. Don Toliver celebrates his fast-paced life, highlighting the dangers and thrills that it holds.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm finna stand tall in it, I'm all in it (uh-uh)
I'm going to rise to the occasion and fully commit to this situation.
You be on my back like a cardigan (cardigan)
You're always right behind me, like a cardigan sweater that I'm wearing.
Call her again, I'm in love with your friend (call her again)
Contact her again, I'm romantically interested in your friend.
We be doing dirt, you hide the evidence (evidence)
We're engaging in illegal or immoral activity, and you're responsible for getting rid of any incriminating evidence.
It's evident that you're ready to rock (ready to rock)
It's clear that you're prepared to handle anything that comes our way.
Hop up in my Jeep and put your pride to the side (pride to the side)
Get in my car and set aside your ego or self-importance.
Go against the gang, you must be ready to hide (ready to hide)
If you go against our group, you should be prepared to disappear or go into hiding.
Swangin' on the corner, bang my TEC 'til it pop (TEC 'til it pop)
Hanging out on the street corner, firing my gun until it's empty.
I thought I was a goner, blessed to your honor
I believed I was going to die, but thanks to your intervention or protection, I'm still here to honor you.
Burn marijuana, deep down in designer
Smoking cannabis while wearing high-end designer clothing.
Hotter than the sauna, I met her at Salata
She's extremely attractive, and I met her at a health food restaurant called Salata.
Bought lil' baby Prada, she popped it for the dollar
I purchased a small piece of designer clothing for her, and she danced provocatively or seductively for money.
Don't stick around, you should save yourself (save yourself)
Don't stay here, it's in your best interest to leave and protect yourself.
But you can hit my phone if you need some help (needed some help)
However, if you require assistance, you can contact me through my phone.
I'm finna stand tall- (tall)
I'm all- (all)
You be on my back like a cardigan
We be doing dirt, you hide the evidence
Reiterating the earlier lines to emphasize my confidence and commitment to the situation, as well as your role in it.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Adam King Feeney, Caleb Zackary Toliver, Chris Kim, Mohamed Elkhalifa, Sonny Uwaezuoke
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@dontolivermusic
"BanDiT" OUT NOW!! 🏴☠
Stream/DL: https://DonToliver.lnk.to/BanditAY
@ayden6698
Bandit is good asf
@27253i
bandit is literally the best
@fullseaworthiness4440
Bandit
@R6___XW
Next album better be good or be ready to oil up
@bman6781
Director: hey don what scene do u want to be in
Don: Nah
@zuriellove2437
I was lookin' for this.
😂😂💯
@NightmareGermanota
i was like okat imma wait he pop out in the video
@Mike.325
I’m dead🤣🤣
@doom4157
Dun said “nope”