The lyrics also reference Florida water, which is a traditional spiritual cleansing product used in the African American community. It is believed to have healing and protective properties against negative energies and spirits.
The song features Playboi Carti, whose verse does not contribute to the original theme of the song, but rather emphasizes his wealth, with references to his diamonds, cash, and material possessions. The-Dream's ad-libs and refrain add to the leisurely, carefree vibe of the song, where the artists are content with just hanging out and enjoying each other's company.
Overall, "Almeda" is a powerful celebration of black pride and ownership, which are not only financial but also cultural and spiritual. It encourages the support of black-owned businesses and the healing of black communities through the collective strength of their identity and faith.
Almeda
Solange Lyrics
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Pour more drank, drank
Sip, sip, sip, sip, sip
Pull that Lac on 'em
Sip, sip, sip, sip, sip
Brown liquor, brown liquor
Brown skin, brown face
Brown leaves, brown keys
Brown creepers, brown face
Black skin, black braids
Black waves, black days
Black baes, black things
These are black-owned things
Black faith still can't be washed away
Not even in that Florida water
Not even in that Florida water
In that Florida water
So pour more drank
Sip, sip, sip, sip, sip, sip
I pour my drank on 'em
Sip, sip, sip, sip, sip
Brown liquor
Brown sugar, brown face
Brown liquor
Brown sugar, brown braids
Black skin
Black Benz, black plays
Black molasses, blackberry the masses
We just sittin' here foolin' around
We just sittin' here coolin' around
We just sittin' here high, comin' down
Hold up
Pour my drank on 'em (baby, my mind fuzzy)
Sip, sip, sip, sip, sip (baby, my mind fuzzy)
Still can't be washed away
Not even in that Florida water (doin' the dash)
Pour my drank (doin' the dash)
Sip, sip, sip, sip, sip (doin' the dash)
Brown liquor
Brown sugar, brown face
Brown liquor
Brown sugar, brown face
Black skin
Black Benz, black plays
Black molasses, blackberry the masses
We just sittin' here foolin' around
We just sittin' here coolin' around
We just sittin' here high, comin' down
All black coupe (hol' up, yeah)
Now I want you (hol' up, yeah)
Now I want you (hol' up, yeah)
What you wanna do? (Hol' up, yeah)
Take that boy to school (hol' up, yeah)
Young nigga too cool
Young nigga big bool
Smokin' that dope that is strong
I get that choppa, that dump
All of my diamonds, they lumps
All of my diamonds, big lumps
I get that cash, got a bunch
I'ma die lit, bitch, I'm promise (hol' up)
Tear the bitch up, break her heart
Young nigga, fresh from the start (hol' up)
Young nigga, fresh from the start (hol' up)
Badass bitch from the start (hol' up)
Young nigga, fresh from the start (hol' up)
When I come around, they don't talk down
Diamonds, they shine in the dark now
Diamonds, they shine in the dark now
Diamonds, they shine in the dark now
They takin' me in, what I done? (What?)
They takin' me in, what I done? (What?)
Solange's song "Almeda" is a celebration of Blackness and the resilience of Black culture in America. The song is a tribute to the historic Black neighborhood of Almeda in Houston, Texas, where many of Solange's family members and friends grew up. The opening lines of the song, "Hold up, Pour more drank, drank, Sip, sip, sip, sip, sip, For the lack on 'em" sets the tone for the song as Solange invites listeners to join in on a celebration of Blackness by pouring more drinks.
Throughout the song, Solange offers a powerful commentary on the ways in which Black culture has been appropriated and commodified by those outside of the Black community. The repeated refrain of "These are black-owned things" highlights the importance of ownership and control within the Black community. Solange also references the history and legacy of slavery and racism in America, acknowledging that the enduring faith and culture of Black people cannot be "washed away" even by the waters of Florida.
The second half of the song shifts to a rap verse by Playboi Carti, who delivers a playful and boastful verse about his own success as a young Black man. The ending lines, "They takin' me in, what I done?" suggest that even as Black people continue to celebrate and thrive, they still face systemic oppression and prejudice.
Line by Line Meaning
Hold up
Wait a minute
Pour more drank, drank
Let's have some more alcohol
Sip, sip, sip, sip, sip
Let's take small sips of the drink
For the lack on 'em
To make up for the absence of some people
Brown liquor, brown liquor
Let's have some brown colored alcohol
Brown skin, brown face
People with brown skin
Brown leather, brown sugar
Objects or ingredients colored brown
Brown leaves, brown keys
Natural objects colored brown
Brown zippers, brown face
Man-made objects colored brown
Black skin, black braids
People with black skin and hair braids
Black waves, black days
Black colored waves, days or times
Black baes, black days
Black significant others, days or times
These are black-owned things
These things belong to black people
Black faith still can't be washed away
Belief in black culture and values remains strong
Not even in that Florida water
No amount of washing can remove the faith
So pour more drank
Let's keep drinking
I pour my drank on 'em
I offer my drink as a tribute
Brown liquor
More brown colored alcohol
Brown sugar, brown face
Objects or people colored brown
Black skin
People with black skin
Black Benz, black plays
Black colored car and entertainment
Black molasses, blackberry the masses
Objects or ingredients colored black
We just sittin' here foolin' around
We are casually hanging out
We just sittin' here coolin' around
We are relaxing and having fun
We just sittin' here high, comin' down
We are under the influence and slowly sobering
All black coupe
A black colored car
Now I want you
I desire you now
What you wanna do?
What do you want to do?
Tell that boy screw
Disregard that guy
Young nigga, too cool
I am a cool young guy
Smokin' that dope, that is strong
I am smoking powerful marijuana
I get that choppa, that dumb
I acquire weapons
All of my diamonds, they lumps
My diamonds are large
All of my diamonds, big lumps
My diamonds are large
I get that cash, got a bunch
I earn a lot of money
I'ma die lit, bitch, I'm pump
I will live my life to the fullest
Tear the bitch up, bring her heart
I will break down the woman emotionally
Badass bitch from the start
A woman with a strong personality from the beginning
When I come around, they don't talk down
People respect me when I am present
Diamonds they shine in the dark now
My diamonds appear more attractive in low light
They takin' me in, what I done?
They are arresting me, what did I do?
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: John Kirby, Jordan Carter, Pharrell L. Williams, Solange Knowles, Terius Youngdell Nash
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind