MANIFESTO
Tyler the Creator Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Lil white bitch gon' say
"You need to say something about that"
"You need to say some 'bout Black"
Bitch, suck my
Yeah

That ain't your religion, you just followin' your mammy
She followed your granny, she obeyed master
Did y'all even ask her?
Questions, it's holes in them stories
Is it holes in your blessings? Yeah, I'm bold with the message
I know I ain't got the answer, but I ain't gon' cheerlead with y'all
Just to be a dancer
I'ma groove to my own drums, sunlight in my shadow, baby
Move 'til my soul comes, let them serpents rattle, baby

Crackin' light, broke porcelain, bitch
We ocean deep if you just pour us in a portion of shit
Them people try to twist my view, on some contortionist shit
I had to reevaluate what was important and shit
Finder's keeper's when you creep inside, my mind is madness
If I see peace, I'm like a fiend, uh, gotta have it
Lord, cover me I'm goin' in, walls closin' in
How I'm supposed to be protected when the laws want us in?
Y'all want us dead, just 'cause our skin is the Black type
Teach me everything and be amazed I don't act right
What the fuck?
I'm tappin' the matrix, I'm back and they hated
I'm Black and make 'em pay me capital statements, you dig?
Word on my back, I'm tryna fashion a statement
I ain't no bastard, we the master of the path that we blazin', you dig?
What?
On God now

I came a long way from my past, nigga, it's obvious
V12 engine, I'm fishtailing on some sloppy shit
Internet ringin', no lyrics up, like I hide this shit
What's your address? I could probably send you a copy, bitch
I was cancelled before cancelled was with Twitter fingers
Protestin' outside my shows, I gave them the middle finger
I was a teener, tweetin' Selena crazy shit, didn't want to offend her
Apologize when I seen her, back when I was tryna fuck Bieber, just in
I say with my chest out, you say with your chest in, nigga (say it with your chest, nigga)
Black bodies hanging from trees, I cannot make sense of this
Hit some protests and retweeted positive messages
Donated some funds, then I went and copped me a necklace
I'm probably a coon, your standards based on this evidence
Am I doing enough or not doing enough?
I'm tryna run with the baton, but see, my shoe's in the mud
I feel like, anything I say, dog, I'm screwin' shit up (Sorry)
So I just tell these Black babies, they should do what they want
Freedom, need 'em
My niggas, seen 'em
Free 'em
Don't fuck with the law, like damn, Gina
So calm the fuck down before we duck rounds
And fire balls that make your family have to duck the fuck down
We frontline, we got the mazel tov that we can chuck now
'Cause anytime we movin' up, it's like a "what the fuck?" now
They playin' games, we strappin' up, we cock and aim
We aim to shoot, we shoot to claim what we need
We done with pain and the grieving
Niggas is done with the peace
Whether it's personal or for the whole of niggas, indeed
I might not have dreadlocks, I might have these gold teeth
But I'm a nigga like you, and you's a nigga like me
So let's be niggas together, and let's be niggas with plans
But put this plastic on first, 'cause shit is hittin' the fan, Scott

Shit like this make me wanna turn my baseball cap to the side
You know, with the T.I. lean
Y'all fake mad
Catch up, niggas
Gettin' y'all identity, huh? (Gangsta Grillz)
Go get a fuckin' hobby, shit




Ain't nobody perfect
Well, at least y'all ain't

Overall Meaning

In Tyler the Creator's song MANIFESTO, he talks about the issues of race, religion, cancel culture, and social justice in America. He starts by calling out a "lil white bitch" who tells him to speak about Black issues. Tyler dismisses her and questions her own religious beliefs, saying that she is just following her ancestors blindly without questioning their actions. He also acknowledges that there are holes in our stories and blessings and is not willing to be a cheerleader for anyone. He decides to move to his own rhythm and let the serpents rattle.


As the song continues, Tyler touches on various topics such as his past tweets directed at Selena Gomez and his apology to her, the cancel culture, donating money to protests, and questioning his role in everything. He talks about the fear of saying something wrong that may offend someone and how it makes him feel like he is screwing things up. Tyler shares his hopes for Black individuals to have the freedom to do what they want while he tries to run with the baton but feels like his shoes are in the mud.


Through his song, Tyler tries to identify with the black community, acknowledges the issues the community faces, and encourages unity among individuals. He understands that they are "niggas like me" and we need to be together with plans to bring about positive change.


Line by Line Meaning

Lil white bitch gon' say
A white person is telling me to speak up about Black issues


"You need to say something about that"
They specifically want me to address Black issues


"You need to say some 'bout Black"
They want me to address Black issues


Bitch, suck my
I don't care what they think, they can suck my...


That ain't your religion, you just followin' your mammy
You're not following your own beliefs, just mindlessly copying your ancestors


She followed your granny, she obeyed master
Your family has a history of being subservient to authority figures


Did y'all even ask her?
Have you ever questioned your family's beliefs and choices?


Questions, it's holes in them stories
There are inconsistencies in your family's stories and beliefs


Is it holes in your blessings?
Are there inconsistencies or flaws in the things you believe to be blessings?


Yeah, I'm bold with the message
I'm not afraid to speak my mind and share my beliefs


I know I ain't got the answer, but I ain't gon' cheerlead with y'all
I don't claim to have all the answers, but I won't blindly support what you believe


Just to be a dancer
I won't just go along with the crowd and blindly follow popular beliefs


I'ma groove to my own drums, sunlight in my shadow, baby
I'll follow my own path and find positivity in the negative aspects of life


Move 'til my soul comes, let them serpents rattle, baby
I'll keep moving forward until I find inner peace, despite any obstacles or negativity around me


Crackin' light, broke porcelain, bitch
I'm breaking through to a new level, like cracking light or shattered porcelain


We ocean deep if you just pour us in a portion of shit
There's more to us than what people see at first glance


Them people try to twist my view, on some contortionist shit
Others try to change my perspective and beliefs, even if it means twisting them in unnatural ways


I had to reevaluate what was important and shit
I had to reflect on my own beliefs and what was truly important to me


Finder's keeper's when you creep inside, my mind is madness
The things you find when you dig deeper into my thoughts are mine to keep


If I see peace, I'm like a fiend, uh, gotta have it
I crave peace and positivity in my life and will actively seek it out


Lord, cover me I'm goin' in, walls closin' in
I need protection and guidance as I go through difficult times


How I'm supposed to be protected when the laws want us in?
The laws are unjust and don't protect people like me, making life even harder


Y'all want us dead, just 'cause our skin is the Black type
There are people who want us dead just because of the color of our skin


Teach me everything and be amazed I don't act right
Teach me what you will, but I'll always be my own person and won't conform to what you think I should be


I'm tappin' the matrix, I'm back and they hated
I'm speaking out against the system and those in power, and they don't like it


I'm Black and make 'em pay me capital statements, you dig?
I'm proud to be Black and will make a statement and demand the respect and recognition we deserve


Word on my back, I'm tryna fashion a statement
I'm using my words and actions to create a powerful message


I ain't no bastard, we the master of the path that we blazin', you dig?
I'm not a nobody and we are in control of the path we're creating, understand?


On God now
I swear, this is how I truly feel


I came a long way from my past, nigga, it's obvious
I've come a long way from my old ways and people can see it


V12 engine, I'm fishtailing on some sloppy shit
I'm living a lavish lifestyle and having fun


Internet ringin', no lyrics up, like I hide this shit
People on the internet are speculating about my songs, but I'm not hiding anything


What's your address? I could probably send you a copy, bitch
If you want to hear my music, I'll send you a copy, but don't call me names


I was cancelled before cancelled was with Twitter fingers
People tried to end my career before it was even called 'cancel culture'


Protestin' outside my shows, I gave them the middle finger
People were protesting me, but I didn't let it affect me


I was a teener, tweetin' Selena crazy shit, didn't want to offend her
I was young and said some crazy things about Selena, but didn't mean to offend her


Apologize when I seen her, back when I was tryna fuck Bieber, just in
I apologized when I saw Selena and used to be trying to hook up with Justin Bieber


I say with my chest out, you say with your chest in, nigga (say it with your chest, nigga)
I say what I mean and stand by my words, unlike those who speak timidly


Black bodies hanging from trees, I cannot make sense of this
I can't understand why Black people were lynched and hung from trees


Hit some protests and retweeted positive messages
I've shown support for the Black community by protesting and sharing positive messages online


Donated some funds, then I went and copped me a necklace
I've donated money to help the Black community, but also bought myself something nice


I'm probably a coon, your standards based on this evidence
People might think of me as a 'sellout' for certain actions, but it's based on their own biased standards


Am I doing enough or not doing enough?
I question if my actions are making a real difference


I'm tryna run with the baton, but see, my shoe's in the mud
I'm trying to make a difference, but feel held back by obstacles


I feel like, anything I say, dog, I'm screwin' shit up (Sorry)
I feel like I can't speak or act without making things worse


So I just tell these Black babies, they should do what they want
I encourage Black youth to follow their own dreams and be their own person


Freedom, need 'em
Freedom is necessary for us to thrive


My niggas, seen 'em
My people have seen oppression and hardship


Free 'em
We need to be freed from this oppression


Don't fuck with the law, like damn, Gina
We have to be careful and avoid getting into trouble with the law


So calm the fuck down before we duck rounds
Everyone needs to relax before a violent conflict breaks out


And fire balls that make your family have to duck the fuck down
The violence will have serious consequences and harm innocent people


We frontline, we got the mazel tov that we can chuck now
We're on the frontlines and have weapons to defend ourselves


'Cause anytime we movin' up, it's like a "what the fuck?" now
Whenever we make progress, people are surprised and taken aback


They playin' games, we strappin' up, we cock and aim
People are trying to play with us, but we're getting ready and preparing to fight back


We aim to shoot, we shoot to claim what we need
We're not just shooting to cause chaos, but to protect ourselves and fight for what we believe in


We done with pain and the grieving
We're tired of feeling pain and grief


Niggas is done with the peace
We're done with just accepting the status quo and want real change


Whether it's personal or for the whole of niggas, indeed
Whether it's on a personal level or for the entire Black community, change is necessary


I might not have dreadlocks, I might have these gold teeth
I may not fit into the typical mold of what a Black person looks like, but I'm part of this community


But I'm a nigga like you, and you's a nigga like me
We may come from different backgrounds, but we're all Black and share that identity


So let's be niggas together, and let's be niggas with plans
Let's come together as a community and make plans for change


But put this plastic on first, 'cause shit is hittin' the fan, Scott
But be prepared for the worst, because things are getting bad out there




Lyrics Β© Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Barry Eugene White, Dominique Cole, Tyler Okonma

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@ethanfreiman8500

[Intro: Tyler, The Creator & DJ Drama]
Lil' white bitch gon' say
"You need to say something about that"
"You need to say somethin' 'bout blackβ€”"
Bitch, suck myβ€”
Yeah
Go time

[Verse 1: Tyler, The Creator]
That ain't in your religion, you just followin' your mammy
She followed your granny, she obeyed master
Did y'all even ask her? Questions, it's holes in them stories
Is it, holes in your blessings? Yeah, I'm bold with the message
I know I ain't got the answer
But I ain't gon' cheerlead with y'all just to be a dancer
I'ma groove to my own drums, sunlight in my shadow, baby
Move 'til my soul comes, let them serpents rattle, baby

[Verse 2: Domo Genesis & DJ Drama]
Crackin' like broke porcelain, bitch
We ocean deep if you just pour us in a portion of shit
Them people try to twist my view on some contortionist shit
I had to reevaluate what was important and shit (O-F)
Finders, keepers, when you creep inside my mind it's madness (Yeah)
If I see peace, I'm like a fiend (Ooh), uh, gotta have it
Lord, cover me I'm goin' in, walls closin' in (Uh)
How I'm supposed to be protected (Huh?) when the laws want us in?
Y'all want us dead, just 'cause the skin is the black type (Ah)
Teach me everything and be amazed I don't act right
What the fuck?
I'm tappin' the matrix, I'm back and they hate it
I'm black and make 'em pay me capital statements, you dig? (Ching)
Word on my back, I'm tryna fashion a statement
I ain't no bastard, we the master of the path that we blazin', you dig? (What?)
(On God, now)


[Verse 3: Tyler, The Creator & DJ Drama]
I came a long way from my past, nigga, it's obvious
V12 engine, I'm fishtailin' on some sloppy shit (Skrrt)
Internet bringin' old lyrics up, like I hide the shit
What's your address, I could probably send you a copy, bitch
I was canceled before canceled was with Twitter fingers (Haha)
Protestin' outside my shows, I gave them the middle finger (Fuck 'em)
I was a teener, tweetin' Selena crazy shit
Didn't wanna offend her, apologize when I seen her
Back when I was tryna fuck Bieber, Just-in
I say with my chest out, you say with your chest in, nigga (Say it with your chest, nigga)
Black bodies hanging from trees, I cannot make sense of this (Uh)
Hit some protest up, retweeted positive messages (Uh)
Donated some funds then I went and copped me a necklace
I'm probably a coon, and your standard's based on this evidence
Am I doin' enough or not doin' enough?
I'm tryna run with the baton, but see, my shoe's in the mud
I feel like anything I say, dawg, I'm screwin' shit up (Sorry)
So I just tell these black babies, they should do what they want
Freedom, need 'em, my niggas, seen 'em
Free 'em, don't fuck with the law like, damn, Gina
So calm the fuck down before we duck rounds
And fireballs that make your family have to duck the fuck down
We frontline, we got the mazel tov that we can chuck now (Woo)
'Cause anytime we movin' up, it's like a "What the fuck now?"
They playin' games, we strappin' up, we cockin' aim (Yeah)
We aim to shoot, we shoot to claim what we need
We done with pain and the grievin', niggas is done with the peace
Whether it's personal or for the whole of niggas, indeed (Yah)
I might not have dreadlocks, I might have these gold teeth
But I'm a nigga like you, and you's a nigga like me (Yeah)
So let's be niggas together, and let's be niggas with plans
But put this plastic on first, 'cause shit is hittin' the fan, Scott

[Outro: Tyler, The Creator & DJ Drama]
Shit like this make me wanna turn my baseball cap to the side
You know, with the T.I. lean
Y'all fake mad
Catch up, niggas
Gettin' y'all identity, huh?
Gangsta Grillz
Go get a fuckin' hobby
Shit
Ain't nobody perfect
Well, at least y'all ain't, hah



@kathy582

"That ain't your religion, you just followin' your mammy
She followed your granny, she obeyed master
Did y'all even ask her?
Questions, it's holes in them stories
Is it holes in your blessings? Yeah, I'm bold with the message
I know I ain't got the answer, but I ain't gon' cheerlead with y'all
Just to be a dancer"


I feel so seen 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭



All comments from YouTube:

@zenooo1083

β€œ i got canceled before canceled was with twitter fingers” insane bar

@kerwinhilario602

"I got canceled before canceled was with twitter fingers"

@dexterslab2663

nice edward pfp

@zenooo1083

@@kerwinhilario602 oh I didn’t hear it right

@Max25670

@@zenooo1083 smh over 400 people and counting liked a fake bar

@dissclout47

@@Max25670 Lmao

13 More Replies...

@shartluvr6744

tyler’s reference to his tweets about selena gomez…… genius. he’s too goated.

@tamekapaterson4642

https://youtu.be/_SSFXAMhAAw

@leahfaye5404

nice pfppp

@juanmabarrionuevo3315

he's a legend in life

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