Woke Up White
Imani Coppola Lyrics

I woke up white today
I became aware that my white privilege exempts me from many struggles and injustices faced by people of color.

And everything went right today
Because of my skin color, I'm given unfair advantages that increase my chances of success and positive social interactions.

I woke up white today and everything was a-ok
My white privilege grants me safety, comfort and reassurance as I navigate through the world.

I woke up Caucasian
I am acknowledging my ethnicity, which has historically been granted power and privilege in society.

Had a realization
Through self-reflection, I became aware of the unearned advantages and benefits that come with being white.

I should take advantage of
Instead of denying my privilege, I should use it to challenge systemic oppression and uplift those who are marginalized.

This fucked up situation
The system of white supremacy and oppression is unjust and damaging to people of color, and realizing this is a difficult truth to accept.

I walk up in a store
As a white person, I am able to enter and shop in stores without facing racial profiling or assumptions about my intentions.

I don't get hard looks no more
Because of my skin color, I'm not viewed as suspicious or a threat in public spaces.

I'll go rob a bank real fast
As a thought experiment, I recognize how easy it would be for me as a white person to commit a crime and use my privilege to evade consequences.

And surely they'll blame your black ass
I understand that if a person of color committed a similar crime, they would be disproportionately criminalized and punished compared to me as a white person.

Everyone said hi to me
Because of my skin color, I'm often greeted warmly and given a level of respect and hospitality that people of color are often denied.

'Cause I exude excellency
Because of my white privilege, success and authority are often assumed to be inherent in me without any proof or justification.

I'm starched and yuppified
I'm dressed in a socially acceptable and expected way, which grants me more access and privilege in certain spaces.

No way I make you terrified
Because I'm white, I don't pose a threat or danger to those around me and am less likely to instill fear or anxiety in others.

I'm-a go electric slide my way up to the upper east side
I'm able to easily access and navigate through affluent neighborhoods and spaces as a white person without suspicion or harassment.

I'm the embodiment of a fine upstanding citizen
Because of my white privilege, I'm assumed to be respectable and moral without any proof or evidence.

And the cops just drive on by
I'm not viewed as suspicious or criminal by law enforcement, and am often protected and defended by them, even if I commit crimes.

Even though I'm super high
Because of my white privilege, my drug use is often normalized, ignored or dismissed compared to people of color who are often criminalized for drug possession and use.

I know black folks real well 'cause I watch me some Dave Chapelle
As a white person, I may think I understand the experiences of people of color through media consumption or entertainment, which is a shallow and inadequate substitute for genuine relationships and understanding.

In a fancy restaurant they don't assume I want chicken
Because of stereotypes and prejudices, people of color are often assumed to like certain foods, which is a form of marginalization and dehumanization.

Hey hey
An interjection used to convey excitement or emphasis.

I woke up white today
I became aware that my white privilege exempts me from many struggles and injustices faced by people of color.

Yeah, woke up white today
Reinforcing and emphasizing that I'm aware of and acknowledging my privilege.

Oh, white today
An expression of surprise or disbelief at the realization of white privilege.

Oh, I woke up white today
An expression of the continued realization and acknowledgement of white privilege and how it affects me and those around me.