Chicago rapper/producer Saba first caught the attention of listeners as a frequent collaborator of Chance the Rapper. Saba's contributions to Chance songs like 2013's "Everybody's Something" and 2015's "Angels" showcased his range as both a rapper and vocalist and paved the way for his introspective debut studio album, Bucket List Project, in 2016. The loss of a close family member inspired 2018's Care for Me, a tragically beautiful album that explored death, mourning, and life after losing a loved one.
Saba (Tahj Malik Chandler) grew up on the West Side of Chicago, specifically within the Austin neighborhood, as part of a deeply musical family. That's also where he formed Pivot Gang, a group of longtime associates that has featured, among others, his brother Jerrel (aka Joseph Chilliams), cousin Walter Long (aka John Walt), Logan Yutters (aka MFn Melo), Frsh Waters, and DJ Damnage. Saba recorded several solo mixtapes -- his first were issued while he was an introverted high-schooler -- and gained traction with ComfortZone, a 2014 release inspired by his father's neo-soul recordings that capitalized on his contributions to awareness-raising tracks by fellow Chicagoans Chance the Rapper and Mick Jenkins. In 2015, Saba appeared as featured artist on several cuts, including Chance's "Angels," Jenkins' "Slumber," and Odd Couple's "What Kings Do." Additionally, he released the reflective Tink collaboration "Temporary," one of his most commercial songs to date.
In late 2016, Saba self-released the LP Bucket List Project, featuring artists like fellow Chicagoan rappers Noname and Twista. In February of 2017, Saba's cousin, mentor, and Pivot Gang collaborator Walter Long was violently murdered by a stranger. Saba reflected on the scars left by this horrible loss throughout his second album, CARE FOR ME, which was released in April of 2018. The vulnerable and emotionally complex album broke through with critics and took Saba's music to new audiences. He followed in November of that year with "Beautiful Smile," a collaborative single with Maryland rapper IDK.
Moody!
Saba Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Bass knockin', they jockin'
My five minutes take 'em two days
Stop it, what you have?
Tell me, will it die with you?
Impact bulletproof, so we don't got shit to prove
Suwoo, on my blood
But we still gon' rock the blue too
Sippin' Stella, this my era, baby, it's a new groove
It's water weight in diamonds
You could say I chew with Bluetooth
Eye spread, no illness
I snuck up like a mistress
We squeezin' like it's citrus
We ran it up like fitness
They want us gone, so vicious
You on the line, I finish
It's only been a minute
So can I get a witness?
OMG
I seen her on my newsfeed, like "Who's she?" (Who?)
Scary hours, spooky (ooh)
He love me 'cause I'm moody
Mwah, chef kiss when I'm in it, it's a movie
Wow, your bitch hella goin', but she bougie (yeah, yeah)
State property, I break in with the crew
With my shorty from the North who attitude on Baton Rouge
Bad and boug', I just stack it too, until I'm fat and full
I ain't never starved, nigga, play my cards like a fool
Like a joker, like a jester, I'm still on her, I'm Sylvester
I get both 'em, like a tether
I just told her, "What you tell her?" I say (what you tell her?)
This ain't featherweight, we got our cheese the Feta way
And anything that come between us
That'll be a fatal day (yeah, yeah)
Okay, I don't know if you know this or not (not)
Like hookin' a boat to a dock (yeah)
She comin' back over to mines (mines)
Like Howie, I open the box (box)
She call me bae, though I am not (not)
They say I'm the GOAT as of now (now)
But I'ma be doper tomorrow (yeah)
OMG
I seen her on my newsfeed, like "Who's she?" (Who?)
Scary hours, spooky (ooh)
He love me 'cause I'm moody
Mwah, chef kiss when I'm in it, it's a movie
Wow, your bitch hella goin', but she bougie
(No illness)
(I snuck up like a mistress)
(We squeezin' like it's citrus)
(We ran it up, it's fitne-)
In the first verse of "Moody!" by Saba, he starts by expressing his confidence and uniqueness. He mentions that his crew is only seen shocking people, and their bass-heavy music attracts attention (jocking). He talks about how his fame and success come effortlessly, as his five minutes of talent take others two days to match. Saba questions his listeners about what they possess in their lives and if it will make a lasting impact. He emphasizes that he and his crew have nothing to prove, as they are bulletproof and secure in their talent. He also mentions his affiliation with the Blood gang (suwoo), but despite that, they still wear blue (rock the blue) to assert their own style and identity. He then compares himself to a voodoo doll, suggesting that people may overlook his true power and potential. While sipping Stella (beer), he claims his era and style is innovative and fresh (new groove). Saba concludes this verse by metaphorically referring to the diamonds he wears as water weight, highlighting his lavish lifestyle.
In the second verse, Saba continues to assert his dominance and success. He uses the metaphor of spreading his eyes (eye spread) instead of spreading illness, suggesting his ability to navigate and control his environment. He sneaks up on people like a mistress, signifying his unexpected rise to fame or arrival in the music scene. The line "We squeezin' like it's citrus" denotes their relentless drive and pursuit of success, comparing it to the act of squeezing juice from citrus fruits. Saba mentions their rapid climb to success (ran it up like fitness) and the harsh treatment they receive from others who want them gone. Despite this, he persists and finishes his line of thought by asking for someone to witness his journey.
In the chorus, Saba exclaims "OMG" upon seeing someone he is attracted to on his newsfeed. He acknowledges that it's a scary time (scary hours) and describes the love he receives from others because he is moody. The line "Mwah, chef kiss when I'm in it, it's a movie" indicates that when he is involved or present in any situation, it becomes extraordinary or cinematic. He adds a playful line, describing someone else's girlfriend as going crazy, but being bougie (having high standards and being snobby).
The third verse delves into Saba's background and his determination to succeed. He references State Property, a hip-hop collective from Philadelphia, and claims that he breaks in (enters the industry) with his crew. He mentions a romantic interest from Baton Rouge with a bad and bougie attitude, but despite this, he remains faithful and focused on his goals. Saba asserts that he never starved or lacked opportunities, playing his cards (opportunities) like a fool (with confidence). He likens himself to a joker or a jester, constantly pursuing the interest of others. He mentions a conversation with a girl (what you tell her), indicating that he has the power and influence to manipulate situations. Saba further asserts his unique approach, using the metaphor of cheese and Feta (cheese) to describe their distinct, exclusive way of obtaining wealth and success. He warns that anything that comes between their crew will have severe consequences (fatal day). The verse concludes with Saba addressing the listener directly, stating that he may not be aware of his current status as the greatest of all time (GOAT), but he will continue to improve and surpass expectations in the future.
Overall, "Moody!" by Saba showcases his confidence, resilience, and determination to succeed in the music industry. He acknowledges his uniqueness and the attention he receives, both positive and negative. The song also emphasizes his ability to adapt and thrive in any situation, while maintaining his individuality. Saba's lyrics portray his commitment to his craft and his willingness to work hard to achieve his goals, making him a force to be reckoned with in the industry.
Line by Line Meaning
Stay shockin' and they only seen my crew
We continue to surprise and impress people, even though they have only witnessed our group.
Bass knockin', they jockin'
The powerful beats in our music attract attention and make others admire us.
My five minutes take 'em two days
The impact and influence of my short moments last much longer for others.
Stop it, what you have?
Questioning others about the significance or value of their possessions.
Tell me, will it die with you?
Asking if the things individuals possess will have any lasting importance or impact in the grand scheme of life and death.
Impact bulletproof, so we don't got shit to prove
Our influence is so strong and undeniable that we have no need to prove ourselves.
Suwoo, on my blood
Expressing loyalty to a gang or group and emphasizing their shared bond.
But we still gon' rock the blue too
Despite our loyalty, we will also embrace other opportunities or affiliations.
Call me a doll, but he don't know that it's voodoo
Although someone may see me as a simple object, they are unaware of the mystical power and influence I possess.
Sippin' Stella, this my era, baby, it's a new groove
Indicating that the current moment is their time to shine and establish their own unique style and vibe.
It's water weight in diamonds
Referring to the diamonds' elegance and beauty, suggesting they are as light and pure as water.
You could say I chew with Bluetooth
Playfully implying that they have such advanced technology and skills that they can control their actions remotely with a Bluetooth device.
Eye spread, no illness
Their vision and presence are expanding without any negativity or weakness.
I snuck up like a mistress
They approached or infiltrated a situation or person with secrecy and surprise, similar to how a mistress would act.
We squeezin' like it's citrus
Expressing determination and intensity in their efforts, comparing it to squeezing the juice out of a citrus fruit.
We ran it up like fitness
They have achieved great success and progress, using a comparison to the growth and improvement achieved through fitness activities.
They want us gone, so vicious
Others desire to eliminate them, showing the intensity and ruthlessness of their adversaries.
You on the line, I finish
They are so confident and skilled that they effortlessly overcome any challenges or opponents they encounter.
It's only been a minute
Despite a short period of time, they have accomplished a lot and made significant progress.
So can I get a witness?
Asking for confirmation or validation from others regarding their achievements and accomplishments.
OMG
Expressing surprise or excitement.
I seen her on my newsfeed, like 'Who's she?' (Who?)
Referring to coming across someone on social media and feeling intrigued or curious about their identity.
Scary hours, spooky (ooh)
Referring to a time or situation filled with tension, fear, or uncertainty.
He love me 'cause I'm moody
Someone is attracted to them because of their ever-changing moods, which may add excitement or intrigue to their relationship.
Mwah, chef kiss when I'm in it, it's a movie
Expressing that when they are fully engaged or involved in something, it becomes an extraordinary or cinematic experience.
Wow, your bitch hella goin', but she bougie (yeah, yeah)
Commenting on another person's partner being highly active or energetic, but also indicating they have expensive or high-class tastes.
State property, I break in with the crew
Asserting their dominance and ability to enter a situation or scene with their group, implying ownership and control.
With my shorty from the North who attitude on Baton Rouge
Referring to their partner from a specific location who possesses a bold and confident demeanor like that of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Bad and boug', I just stack it too, until I'm fat and full
Acknowledging their inclination towards a luxurious and refined lifestyle, emphasizing their dedication to accumulating wealth and abundance.
I ain't never starved, nigga, play my cards like a fool
Asserting that they have always been well-provided for and have taken risks in their life, sometimes appearing foolish to others.
Like a joker, like a jester, I'm still on her, I'm Sylvester
Comparing themselves to fictional characters known for their playful and mischievous nature. Expressing their persistence in pursuing someone, using Sylvester from Looney Tunes as a metaphor.
I get both 'em, like a tether
Boasting the ability to have control or influence over multiple people or situations simultaneously, likening it to a tether that connects and guides.
I just told her, 'What you tell her?' I say (what you tell her?)
Questioning the exchange of information between two individuals, perhaps inquiring about the secrets or private conversations they have shared.
This ain't featherweight, we got our cheese the Feta way
Asserting that they are not dealing with trivial matters, but instead, they handle significant or substantial situations in a unique or unconventional manner.
And anything that come between us
Regardless of any obstacles or conflicts that arise between individuals or groups.
That'll be a fatal day (yeah, yeah)
Suggesting that any interference or attempts to separate them will have severe consequences or negative outcomes.
Okay, I don't know if you know this or not (not)
Prefacing a statement indicating uncertainty about the listener's awareness or knowledge of a particular fact or situation.
Like hookin' a boat to a dock (yeah)
Drawing a comparison to securely connecting or anchoring a boat to a dock, illustrating the stability and assurance they provide in a given situation.
She comin' back over to mines (mines)
Highlighting the return or loyalty of someone towards them, emphasizing possession or control over the relationship.
Like Howie, I open the box (box)
Referencing Howie Mandel's role on the TV show 'Deal or No Deal,' implying that they have the power or ability to reveal surprises or hidden aspects in a situation.
She call me bae, though I am not (not)
Acknowledging that someone refers to them as their significant other or beloved, even though they do not actually hold that title.
They say I'm the GOAT as of now (now)
Others perceive them as the greatest of all time at this moment in time, recognizing their current achievements and stature.
But I'ma be doper tomorrow (yeah)
Despite their current success, they believe they will continue to improve and reach even greater heights in the future.
Lyrics Β© Ultra Tunes
Written by: Zoi Kachet Harris, Tahj Malik Chandler
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@wylderohm3384
Insane flow and really good writing especially in the chorus. This deserves way more recognition
@anunsashtray8244
this was in the Aboott Elementary show soundtrack on youtube, I feel like a proud grandma right now! immediately came to stream it! S2 E19 ;)
@the-missing-lync
Came up on my suggested on Spotify and I've played it on repeat ever since. π₯ππΌ
@pawelwasilewski-no2hm
SAME
@brug5814
came for saba, stayed for jean
@Mazi511
They always make dope music together
@Bux876
Lets keep these songs exclusive for the chosen ones who found it
@nonnobisnon3204
Canβt wait for the album!
@ThatsJeanDeaux
Thank you!
@tequillacampbell5886
Lawddd the flow is ridiculous π₯