Staples rose to prominence with appearances on albums by Odd Future members and his collaborative mixtape titled Stolen Youth with Mac Miller, who produced the project. In October 2014, he released his debut EP Hell Can Wait, which included the singles "Hands Up" and "Blue Suede". His debut album, Summertime '06, was released on June 30, 2015, to critical acclaim. He was also featured as a part of the XXL 2015 Freshman Class.[3] His second album Big Fish Theory incorporates avant-garde, dance and electronic influences. It was released on June 23, 2017, to further acclaim from critics. He was also featured on Gorillaz's album Humanz. On November 2, 2018, Staples released his third studio album, FM!.
Birds & Bees
Vince Staples Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Birds and the bees, they wannabes, they'll never fuck wit' me
Birds and the bees, they wannabes, they'll never fuck wit' me
Birds and the bees, they wannabes, they'll never fuck wit' me
Rounds up in that chamber, I'm a gangsta like my daddy
My mama caused another problem when she had me
They found another dead body in the alley
Stackin' paper, I'm a gangsta like my granny
It's money over everything if you ask me
They found another dead body in the alley
They found another dead body in the alleyway
I'm stoppin', poppin' like a shootin' guard
My seat is back, I'm too relaxed, not movin' out this car
I shot your child, so what? You know we wildin' after dark
The sun come down and guns come out, you know Ramona Park
Bandana brown, my skin is brown, I'm fightin' wit' the law
We runnin' 'round the city, east, west and the north
G check, better leap if you feelin' frog
You wit' the shit, getcho feet wet wit' the sharks
Not a choice in my heart
Choose to fly or fall, ohh
So if you fall, it might hurt
Choose to fly or fall
Birds and the bees, they wannabes, they'll never fuck wit' me
Birds and the bees, they wannabes, they'll never fuck wit' me
Birds and the bees, they wannabes, they'll never fuck wit' me
Birds and the bees, they wannabes, they'll never fuck wit' me
Rounds up in that chamber, I'm a gangsta like my daddy
In "Birds & Bees," Vince Staples reflects on his life in his hometown of Long Beach, California. The chorus repeats the phrase "Birds and the bees, they wannabes, they'll never fuck wit' me," using the metaphor of these natural creatures to represent those who try to imitate or challenge his authenticity, but ultimately cannot match it. Staples asserts that his life was shaped by violence and crime, as indicated by the references to his father and grandmother being gangsters, and the repeated mention of dead bodies in the alleyway. These experiences have made Staples wary of authority and quick to act in self-defense, as he states, "I'm stoppin', poppin' like a shootin' guard," and "Bandana brown, my skin is brown, I'm fightin' wit' the law."
However, in the bridge, Staples acknowledges that he still has a choice in how he lives his life, whether he flies or falls. The metaphor of flying or falling relates to his decision to either rise above his circumstances or succumb to them. The line "So if you fall, it might hurt" suggests that Staples understands the potential consequences of taking risks or making mistakes, but he still chooses to pursue his own path.
Overall, "Birds & Bees" is a reflection on the struggles and dangers of growing up in a violent environment, and the importance of staying true to oneself despite external pressures.
Line by Line Meaning
Birds and the bees, they wannabes, they'll never fuck wit' me
I am not someone to be messed with, and those who try to imitate me can't compare.
Rounds up in that chamber, I'm a gangsta like my daddy
I have a gun, just like my father, and I am not afraid to use it.
My mama caused another problem when she had me
My existence has created additional issues and difficulties for my mother.
They found another dead body in the alley
Violence is common in my neighborhood, and there are often dead bodies discovered.
Stackin' paper, I'm a gangsta like my granny
I am focused on making money, and my grandmother was also a hustler.
It's money over everything if you ask me
Money is the most important thing in my life and trumps everything else.
I'm stoppin', poppin' like a shootin' guard
I am shooting a gun like a professional basketball player takes shots.
My seat is back, I'm too relaxed, not movin' out this car
I am so comfortable and nonchalant that I refuse to leave my parked car.
I shot your child, so what? You know we wildin' after dark
We are reckless and dangerous, even harming innocent children, all while disregarding the consequences.
The sun come down and guns come out, you know Ramona Park
When the sun sets, violence increases in Ramona Park, the area where Vince grew up.
Bandana brown, my skin is brown, I'm fightin' wit' the law
I am a black man in America, and my race and appearance means I am often treated unfairly by law enforcement.
We runnin' 'round the city, east, west and the north
I move around the city freely, without being confined to one area.
G check, better leap if you feelin' frog
If you are trying to test me, you better be ready to face the consequences and jump out of the way.
You wit' the shit, getcho feet wet wit' the sharks
If you are involved in this lifestyle, you better be ready to fully commit and handle the danger that comes with it.
Not a choice in my heart
I feel limited in my options and opportunities due to my environment and upbringing.
Choose to fly or fall, ohh
I must choose between success or failure, there is no in between.
So if you fall, it might hurt
Making the wrong choice or decision can have significant consequences and impact.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Dacoury Natche, Michael Russell, Vince Staples, Gareth Daly, Adam Manella
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@cunninglinguist3605
Fuck this whole album invokes such an overwhelming sense of time and place. I'm not sure why but Summertime 06 more than any other project I can think of, puts me back into the head space I be was in when it first dropped and I listened to nothing else for a couple months straight. I can put any track on and almost every time I almost instantly feel the emotions I was feeling back when I was riding to nothing but this. It's kind of nice but it's also bittersweet cause of what I was going thru during said time frame. Suffice to say it was one of those very rare stresches of a couple/few weeks of your life that even it's happening you know it's something vital, something that is of huge importance in your story, even if you don't know how or why or what exactly is different at the time but you also know that it is different. And it is special. Anyou will never forget it for the rest of your time on this world...I probably sound like a crazy person, that's cause I am but right now but I don't know how else to explain it than that. Word to c murder...word to Turk, word to Lord Infamous, word to young Bleed.
@KiDDAnt22
I feel this. I ain’t no street dude but i lived in a gang neighborhood and i stared going outside in 06 i was 12 seen a lot of crazy shit and learned that lifestyle ain’t for me
@reekhavoc2932
Because it's a album about the black american struggle. It's heavy 🤷♂️
@Eshkanama
Every track on this album is such a banger.. Ill never forget my homie showing me this. Rest in peace Andy💔
@danielpattison2316
If a song ever needed a 2nd verse it's this one 😢
@sebs4238
Feel like my sub boutta blow up every time this song comes on
@estreyfelion2190
I get in my element when this bass begin grooving
@mostatease6466
Hardest. Beat. Ever.
@filete9916
nah
@Eshkanama
One of em for sure