Jamila released her debut album HEAVN on her SoundCloud page on July 11, 2016. HEAVN featured Chance the Rapper, NoName, Saba, Lorine Chia and Donnie Trumpet.
Bubbles
Jamila Woods Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Floating quietly out of trouble, trouble
They call you shy
Always ask why you listen before you speak
Black girl braids filled with bubbles, bubbles
Jump in puddles in double, double
How many different oils we know, we know?
(You can't bust up my bubble busta)
You should know that (you can't bust up my bubble, bubble)
I keep knives (you can't bust up my bubble busta)
Inside my kitchen (you can't bust up my bubble, bubble)
Oh not the one you're thinking (you can't bust up my bubble busta)
I've been picking my hair out (you can't bust up my bubble, bubble)
And I know, now (you can't bust up my bubble busta)
How tall I really be (bust up my bubble)
The song "Bubbles" by Jamila Woods is a celebration of black girl magic and the resilience of black women in the face of adversity. The opening line "Black girl be in a bubble, bubble" refers to the bubble that black girls create around themselves for protection from the outside world. In this bubble, black girls can be themselves and express themselves freely without fear of judgment or criticism. The bubble also serves as a shield against negative stereotypes and biases that black girls face. Black girls float in this bubble to avoid trouble and to find peace and quiet in a world that often seeks to silence them.
The next few lines discuss how black girls are often labeled as shy and are expected to listen before they speak. This is a common stereotype that black girls face, and it is important to recognize that it is not always accurate. Black girls have a lot to say and should be allowed to express themselves freely without being silenced or dismissed.
The chorus of the song, "You can't bust up my bubble, busta" is a powerful declaration that black girls will not allow anyone to burst their bubble. The lyrics suggest that black girls are equipped with knives in their kitchen, but they are not the type of knives that one would expect. Rather, black girls have the tools, self-awareness, and self-confidence to protect themselves and their bubble from those who seek to harm them.
Line by Line Meaning
Black girl be in a bubble, bubble
The Black girl isolates herself from the surrounding environment to avoid any issues or troubles.
Floating quietly out of trouble, trouble
The Black girl keeps to herself and avoids making trouble or getting involved in any problems.
They call you shy
People describe the Black girl as timid or introverted due to her reserved behavior.
Always ask why you listen before you speak
People often question why the Black girl prefers to listen and observe before sharing her own opinions or speaking up.
Black girl braids filled with bubbles, bubbles
The Black girl's hair is styled in braids filled with small, symbolic bubbles representing her protective bubble.
Jump in puddles in double, double
The Black girl still wants to enjoy simple pleasures despite being in her bubble, like jumping in puddles with a companion.
How many different oils we know, we know?
The Black girl wonders how many oils exist that can transform her natural brown skin to a more golden complexion.
To turn our skin from brown to gold (na na na na na na na na na)
The Black girl desires to have a more golden skin tone due to societal norms and pressures.
(You can't bust up my bubble busta)
The Black girl feels confident in her protective bubble and believes that no one can destroy it.
You should know that (you can't bust up my bubble, bubble)
The Black girl addresses those who may try to penetrate her protective bubble, asserting that it is impenetrable.
I keep knives (you can't bust up my bubble busta)
The Black girl is prepared to defend her bubble and protect herself from any external threats.
Inside my kitchen (you can't bust up my bubble, bubble)
The Black girl finds solace and refuge in cooking, which is a personal space within her protective bubble.
Oh not the one you're thinking (you can't bust up my bubble busta)
The Black girl clarifies that her knives are not for violence or harm, but for practical purposes like cooking and protection.
I've been picking my hair out (you can't bust up my bubble, bubble)
The Black girl takes care of her hair, which is a personal and intimate practice within her bubble.
And I know, now (you can't bust up my bubble busta)
The Black girl has a newfound sense of confidence and self-awareness within her bubble, making her feel even more secure.
How tall I really be (bust up my bubble)
The Black girl reflects on her true height and size, which may have been diminished or overlooked due to her bubble and reserved demeanor.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Hipgnosis Songs Group
Written by: Jamila Woods
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind