Modern Slavery
Travis Scott & Quavo Lyrics

It's early in the morning
The song opens with a statement about the time of day and sets the scene for what's to come.

All these damn chains, modern slavery (ice)
The singer draws a parallel between expensive jewelry (referred to as 'ice') and the oppressive system of slavery that existed in the past.

But this ain't 1800 so they pay me (cash)
Despite the reference to slavery, the singer implies that they are being compensated monetarily for their work or talent.

Uh, yuh, shaking my demons off (shake 'em)
The artist references a personal struggle and the idea of shaking off or releasing negative emotions or thoughts.

Dippin' my dreams in sauce (dreams)
The artist describes their hopes and aspirations as being metaphorically 'dipped in sauce', perhaps referring to the idea of adding flavor or zest to one's aspirations.

Never been food for sharks (nope)
The singer suggests that they have never been taken advantage of or preyed upon by others, like a shark would prey on smaller fish.

Wrist like fins on dolphins (splash)
The singer boasts of their expensive jewelry once again, comparing their wrist to the fins on a dolphin and implying that their jewelry is as sleek and streamlined as the aquatic mammal.

Pop hella bands and I'm paid (oh yeah)
The artist declares that they have made a lot of money and that they are wealthy as a result of their success.

Whip got a switch, I go brainless (oh yeah)
The artist references the controls in their car, stating that they can 'go brainless' and stop thinking while driving due to a switch that controls the car's movements.

Sip after sip, I feel painless (oh yeah)
The artist references drinking alcohol and suggests that it helps them escape negative emotions or feelings of pain.

Yeah yeah, do it one time for team (yeah)
The singer acknowledges their team or crew and suggests that they are about to do something impressive or noteworthy for the group's benefit.

Burn it like gasoline (it's lit)
The artist suggests that what they are doing is 'lit' or cool, and compares it to the explosive quality of gasoline catching fire.

Downing these jolly beans (alright)
The singer references taking drugs, specifically what are known as 'jolly beans'.

Diamonds they frolicking (ice)
The singer once again references their expensive jewelry and suggests that the diamonds are glistening or 'frolicking'.

Red and blue matching drugs
The singer references taking drugs that are colored red and blue, suggesting perhaps that they are taking a combination of different substances.

Did 'em both just because (pop it)
The artist suggests that they took the drugs for no particular reason or just because it seemed like a fun or exciting thing to do.

They hoodie and maskin' up (nah)
The artist describes people who are putting on hoodies and masks, suggesting that they are getting ready to do something illegal.

They the real Robin Hoods
The singer suggests that the people wearing the masks see themselves as doing good or stealing from the rich to give to the poor, like the legendary character Robin Hood.

Yeah, if I, let my
The next several lines seem to reference a hypothetical scenario and suggest that the singer's approach to dealing with threats or rival gangs is to be violent and fight back.

Gang out, bow down (gang)
The artist references their 'gang' and suggests that they are strong and tough.

Come 'round, gun you down
The artist implies that if someone were to come around and threaten them or their crew, they would respond with lethal force (using guns to 'gun you down').

Hunt down (pew pew), hunt down (shoot)
The artist continues to describe the hypothetical scenario in which they would respond violently to threats, using 'pew pew' as a sound effect to mimic gunfire.

Rampage, campaign
The singer continues to describe the hypothetical scenario, suggesting that they would go on a 'rampage' to survey the area and then launch a 'campaign' of violence against their enemies.

Champagne (ayy), I gain
The artist returns to boasting about their wealth and success, referencing drinking champagne and suggesting that they are always gaining more money and success.

Decades of no pain
The singer suggests that they have had years of success without experiencing any significant setbacks or hardship.

At this age, they fugaz'
The singer suggests that they are at an age where it's important to avoid fake people or false friends.

Who did you thought you was (who?)
The singer is questioning someone's sense of identity or confidence, perhaps suggesting that they are being arrogant or pretending to be something they're not.

Get 'em knocked off for dubs (pew)
The artist returns to describing violence, suggesting that they would have someone killed for money or 'dubs' (20 dollars).

Sit in the trap with bugs (trappin')
The artist references being in a dangerous or illegal situation, potentially referring to 'trapping' or selling drugs.

Walk in the lab with scrubs (ayy)
The singer references being in a science lab wearing scrubs or protective clothing, perhaps hinting at drug production or some other illegal activity.

Niggas tried to count us out (no)
The singer suggests that people have underestimated or dismissed them in the past, but they have managed to succeed nonetheless.

Fuck you thought this was (huh)
The artist is challenging someone's expectations, questioning what they thought would happen or how they thought things would turn out.

Up like a coffee mug (up)
The artist is referencing the idea of being 'up' or successful, comparing it to a coffee mug that is full to the top or overflowing.

Save your salt for slugs (save it)
The artist suggests that someone should stop being negative or critical and save their insults ('salt') for their enemies instead ('slugs').

Hot on the block, you told 12, got the drop
The singer describes being active in their neighborhood, but also suggests that they are wary of being targeted by law enforcement ('told 12').

Rubber bands and they pop, so we weigh up the knots
The artist references using rubber bands to hold money together, and the satisfying sensation of releasing them ('pop') when counting or weighing their wealth ('knots').

Cuban link cost a lot, Houston cred with a lot
The singer references their expensive jewelry ('Cuban link') and their reputation or status in Houston ('Houston cred').

Let it fall from the top, she gon' bend, she gon' pop, oh
The song ends with a sexually suggestive line, suggesting that a woman will be attracted to the singer's wealth and success ('fall from the top') and will submit to him ('bend she gon' pop').