Maggot Brain
Funkadelic Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Mother Earth is pregnant for the third time
For y'all have knocked her up
I have tasted the maggots in the mind of the universe
I was not offended
For I knew I had to rise above it all
Or drown in my own shit

Go on, Maggot Brain
Go on, Maggot Brain





Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Funkadelic's song Maggot Brain are bursting with imagery and symbolism that is open to the interpretation of the listener. The song starts with a reference to Mother Earth being pregnant for the third time, which can represent the cycle of birth and rebirth, and the idea that the earth is constantly renewing itself. The next line talks about humans knocking her up, which may indicate how humans contribute to the destruction of the planet. The third line 'I have tasted the maggots in the mind of the universe' can be interpreted as a reference to death and decay, and how all things eventually come to an end. The singer seems to accept this truth, as they are 'not offended' by the idea.


The next lines of the song talk about the singer's personal journey. They state that they knew they had to 'rise above it all' or they would 'drown in my own shit'. This could be a metaphor for the singer's desire to overcome their internal struggles and achieve enlightenment. The final lines of the song are a repetition of the title, 'Go on, Maggot Brain', which is likely referring to the instrumental guitar solo that follows these lyrics. The solo is said to have been recorded by Eddie Hazel with no input or direction from the band leader, George Clinton. The extended guitar solo that follows the lyrics is a powerful moment that captures the emotion and intensity of the song in a way that words cannot.


Line by Line Meaning

Mother Earth is pregnant for the third time
The world is on the verge of a paradigm shift, similar to a woman giving birth for the third time.


For y'all have knocked her up
Humans have caused the environmental and societal issues that have led to this shift.


I have tasted the maggots in the mind of the universe
I have experienced the unsettling and unpleasant aspects of the universe's thoughts and consciousness.


I was not offended
Despite the grotesque nature of my experience, I did not take it personally nor was I insulted.


For I knew I had to rise above it all
I recognized the importance of transcending the negativity and challenges of the world around me.


Or drown in my own shit
If I didn't rise above it, I would become overwhelmed and sink into my own despair.


Go on, Maggot Brain
Continue on, exploring the darker and more complex aspects of the universe and human experience.


Go on, Maggot Brain
Persist in the pursuit of truth and insight, regardless of what you may uncover.




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Eddie Hazel, George Jr. Clinton

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@thomasmorton6810

Was told I had stage 4 cancer yesterday thank you George for all the years you've given me in funk

@mrstep2me

Join the club. I got the same diagnosis in October. Trying to enjoy the time I have left.

@mojonaw3211

here for you brothas

@skorpio419

I LOVE U...

@miamiheatbaby87

Sorry to hear this. I hope both of you stay strong and get better.

@bishopgutierrez5772

They’re 2 life’s everybody has. First is when you’re living and the Second is when you realize you only have 1 life left to live. I don’t know you but you better Walter White that shit and leave your mark

480 More Replies...

@jameshorton6201

They play this every Saturday night at midnight in Cleveland on a local station I’ve been listening to this for over 30 years it’s epic.

@007bogossemre007

That's great. I would never get sick of tuning in to listen to it :)

@onefastneonrt

98.5 Saturday night house party with Mr. Classic
This is the closing song played at midnight every Saturday.

@thelotuslover4757

Thank you james

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