Black Qualls
Thundercat feat. Steve Lacy Steve Arrington & Childish Gambino Lyrics


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I just bought a crib
On top of the hill
And I bought a brand new ride
Am I keeping it real?
There's nothing wrong
If you got it
I'm not living in fear
Just being honest

'Cause there's no more living in fear
No more living in fear
If we don't talk about it
(On the web)

I know I gotta vibe, yeah
I do what I like, how I like
I don't need your co-sign
'Cause I'm young enough
And I'm old enough, both at the same time
Hey don't trip on my aggression baby, oh
'Cause I can go in many directions, baby, ooh
I'm just trying to live my life
Doing my best and that's alright
Yes, I'm comfortable and that's what's tight

Just moved out the hood
Doesn't mean I'm doing good
Wanna post this on the 'Gram but don't think I should
Is it just me or am I paranoid?
Gotta keep it on the low 'cause I've been robbed before

Sometimes I wanna say that I'm blessed
Black man's grind gon answer the test, ahh
The box you try to throw me in don't fit me no more, no
Creative spirit talkin, creative spirit walkin

And I ain't trying to hurt nobody, hurt nobody, hurt nobody

There's no more living in fear
No more living in fear
If we don't talk about it
(On the web)
(On the web)

Ooh yeah
You know I gotta vibe, yeah
I'm just doin what I like, how I like
I don't need your co-sign
'Cause I'm young enough and old enough
Both at the same time, yeah
Ah ah, don't trip on my aggression, baby
Oh and I can go in many directions, baby




I'm just trying to live my life
I'm just trying to do what's right

Overall Meaning

In Thundercat’s song Black Qualls, he sings about his recent success and the fear that comes with it. He talks about moving out of the hood and buying a house on top of the hill, and although he feels comfortable, he still has some paranoia about sharing his success on social media, as he has been robbed before. He is trying to live a peaceful life without hurting anyone, and only wishing to express his creative spirit.


The lyrics reflect the dilemma that many artists face, where they want to share their success with the world but fear that it may bring unwanted attention or danger. Despite this fear, Thundercat understands that there is no more living in fear and acknowledges that if we don’t talk about it, we won’t bring attention to important issues.


The song shows us his vulnerable side, even with his success, he's still a human being experiencing emotions like fear and paranoia. However, he is finding a way to deal with them and continuing to live his life on his terms, rising above the expectations the world has set for him.


Line by Line Meaning

I just bought a crib
I have recently purchased a nice house.


On top of the hill
My new home is situated at a high altitude.


And I bought a brand new ride
I have also bought a fancy new car.


Am I keeping it real?
I am concerned whether my luxurious lifestyle is authentic and genuine.


There's nothing wrong
I believe there is no problem with wealth and success.


If you got it
If you have the means to achieve, then why not?


I'm not living in fear
I am not governed by the fear of financial insecurity.


Just being honest
I am simply stating my truth about my current situation.


'Cause there's no more living in fear
As a person of color, I am no longer bound by fear of racial persecution.


No more living in fear
I refuse to be relegated to a life of fear and anxiety.


If we don't talk about it
If we do not engage in open dialogue about race and systemic issues, we cannot make progress.


(On the web)
The internet provides an accessible platform for discussion and activism.


I know I gotta vibe, yeah
I have a unique energy and presence.


I do what I like, how I like
I live according to my own rules and preferences.


I don't need your co-sign
I do not require validation or approval from others.


'Cause I'm young enough
I have the energy and enthusiasm of youth.


And I'm old enough, both at the same time
I possess both the wisdom and experience of an elder and the vitality of a young person.


Hey don't trip on my aggression baby, oh
Do not be alarmed or intimidated by my assertiveness.


'Cause I can go in many directions, baby, ooh
I have multiple avenues and options for personal growth and success.


I'm just trying to live my life
I am simply trying to exist and flourish in my own way.


Doing my best and that's alright
I am putting forth my best effort and I am content with it.


Yes, I'm comfortable and that's what's tight
I enjoy my comfortable and secure lifestyle.


Just moved out the hood
I have recently left the impoverished neighborhood I grew up in.


Doesn't mean I'm doing good
However, my emotional and mental well-being may still be compromised.


Wanna post this on the 'Gram but don't think I should
I am hesitant to showcase my personal life on social media due to potential backlash or negative judgment.


Is it just me or am I paranoid?
I am unsure if my fears and distrust are warranted or simply unfounded.


Gotta keep it on the low 'cause I've been robbed before
I must be discreet about my wealth and assets due to past experiences with theft and crime.


Sometimes I wanna say that I'm blessed
Despite my reservations about flaunting my success, I acknowledge that I am fortunate and privileged.


Black man's grind gon answer the test, ahh
The hard work and determination of black men will prove successful and meaningful in the face of obstacles.


The box you try to throw me in don't fit me no more, no
Society's expectations and limitations for me are no longer applicable or relevant to my success.


Creative spirit talkin, creative spirit walkin
My inner creativity and passion drive my life forward and motivate my goals.


And I ain't trying to hurt nobody, hurt nobody, hurt nobody
My success and happiness do not come at the expense of others; I have no intention of causing harm.


Ooh yeah
An expression of agreement or affirmation.


Ah ah, don't trip on my aggression, baby
Again, a reassurance that my assertiveness and high energy should not be misconstrued as hostile or disrespectful.


Oh and I can go in many directions, baby
Reiterating my versatility and potential for success in a variety of avenues and fields.


I'm just trying to live my life
A reaffirmation of my goal of simply existing and enjoying life in my own way.


I'm just trying to do what's right
I am endeavoring to make positive choices and live a fulfilling life.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Charles Edward Dickerson, Ferguson Atwood, Stephen Lee Bruner, Steve Arrington, Steve Thomas Lacy-Moya, Steven D. Ellison

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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