Funk, Fear, and Freedom: Dissecting Awaken, My Love!
Introduction
The year is 2021, I’m taking an English test in my 4th-period class. Counting the seconds until I'm able to exit. Finishing the test early, I turn to my phone and stumble upon an album cover I am familiar with. The song “Redbone” has been engraved in every young teenager's mind at this point. Curiosity is getting the better of me. I clicked on it and listened to the album it's off of, “Awaken My Love!” The sound of my pen dropping onto the desk turned heads in the quiet classroom as I sat there in awe. The title song, “Me and Your Mama,” has an eerie introduction lasting the first 2 minutes and 2 seconds before transcending the listener into a garden of instruments and orchestras, with a menacing laugh in the background. You instantly become immersed in the world Childish Gambino is generating, providing pain and anguish through his vocals and having background singers that could only be found in African American church choirs. This entrilling first track is just the start of a beautifully crafted album exploring the complexities of love, loss, and the human condition.
Donald Glover, stage name Childish Gambino, is an American hip-hop and rap artist who, in 2016, ventured into the funk genre. The album Awaken, My Love! It carries extreme emotional weight from Childish Gambino, exploring topics of fatherhood, societal fears, and generational connections. Spanning 49 minutes and including 11 tracks, there is not a wasted second on this project. “Awaken, My Love!“It debuted after a 5-year-long hiatus on social media. Glover broke the ice with a tweet, “Pharos.Earth”, an app link that, when clicked, showed a countdown. When this countdown hit zero, it offered concert tickets for performances that Childish Gambino was hosting at Joshua Tree, CA. If not able to attend, the app offered a virtual reality view of Gambino performing the lead song ‘Me and Your Mama.” At these performances, he provided the album and multiple singles. After this couple of months spread of time, the album officially released on December 2, 2016.
Me and Your Mama
The first song on the album is a beautifully crafted orchestra of music and emotions. Titled “Me and Your Mama,” it spans 6 minutes and 19 seconds, is written in a 6/8 time signature, and is composed in A Minor key. With a slow rising intro incorporating synthesizers and an addicting drum part, Gambino does an incredible job immersing the listener into the universe of this album. The lyrics, “I’m in love when we are smoking that, La-La-La-La-Laaa” Repeatedly flow throughout the intro. My feeling about this is that Gambino is closely relating his love for marijuana to his love for this woman and generating an ethereal feeling from both the substance and her.
Into the main chorus, at the 2 minute and 2 second mark, the song's gravity shifts entirely. The long-awaited buildup comes to a climax with Gambino introducing a menacing laugh and an entire ensemble of guitars, bass, drums, pianos, and synths. Gambino's raw and unhinged vocals flood your ears, preaching about his love and desire. The rock-infused instrumentals he delivers can only be compared to the greats of funk, like Jimi Hendrix, funkadelic, and classic soul. The lyrics like “Do what you want” and “You know that I love you, so let me into you” express Gambino's inner turmoil when he deals with the struggles of this relationship. Gambino seemingly expressed his thoughts that this love is karmic; however, further lyrics and ideas on the album show just how one-sided this love is.
My final thoughts on this track are overwhelmingly positive. I’ve found myself listening to this while being the happiest I've been and also the saddest. The loss of love Gambino exemplifies and discusses hits deep no matter one's personal experience. Something I love about this album is the complete rawness of Gambino's vocals; it's incredibly impressive knowing that Gambino used absolutely zero production magic on his voice. Every note you hear he sings himself, and when analyzing the lyrics, you become one with the pain and turmoil he is feeling over his love.
Have Some Love
Segwaying into the second track of the album, “Have Some Love” incorporates the same jazz/funk feel that “Me and Your Mama” incorporates. With the song being in an E Minor key and 4/4 time, its vibes immediately give off introspection and melancholy. The track incorporates many different voices on top of Childish Gambino’s, which further instills feelings of introspection and melancholy. Hearing so many voices of ranging pitches makes the listener feel like they're being talked to by the past or their subconscious.
Going into the lyrics, the chorus has the repetitive “Have a word for your brother, Have some time for one another, Really love one another, It's so hard to find.” This simple yet powerful plea for human empathy is extremely digestible. Childish Gambino created this chorus with a lot of cultural significance, and its simplicity resembles that of a mantra or a chant. Obviously, the African-American roots of this album are on full display. The album cover is associated with many of the African tribe's traditional headdresses. On top of this, it is a clear nod to Funkadelic's 1971 album, “Maggot Brain”. Back to the chorus, “Have some love for your brother” refers to the soulful African-American community. In this day and age, they are persecuted for a plethora of reasons every day and are constantly engaging in an uphill battle with societal and capitalistic norms. This systemic racism in America makes it a no-brainer for Gambino to speak about it, especially when taking into account all of the activism he has done so far in his career.
My final thoughts on the song are as follows: I believe this is one of the more solid songs on the track. The beat and tempo make it very digestible and a fun listen, while the chorus brings home the listenability aspect. The verses dive into topics like looking out for people around you, treating everyone like family, and using love as an action, not just a feeling.
Boogie Man
Continuing the train of thought from the previous song, “Boogieman” is the third song on “Awaken My Love”. Transitioning between C Major and A Minor, Boogieman is produced in 4/4 time. This song, along with the lyrics, is a combination of melancholy and revolution. “Boogie Man” has an addicting guitar riff that is continuous throughout the track, along with some of the funkiest drums on this album to complement the guitar.
Diving into the lyrics, “Boogie Man” is a track that is satirical yet socially conscious. It portrays how black men are perceived in America, using the word Boogieman to reference racism and the general fear African-Americans face in modern society. In verse 1, “With a gun in your hand, I'm the boogie man - I'm gonna come and get you.” This verse, off the bat, is making fun of the way black men are perceived in America. “I’m gonna come and get you” plays directly into this stereotype, where the other person has the gun, the weapon, while the black man is still the one delivering threats. This satire is easily missed; however, when diving into the context, it creates new levels to the listening experience. Boogeyman itself is a metaphor for being scared of something you don’t even know. A symbol of irrational fear that isn't properly justified by facts, just speculation. This, on top of Gambino’s vocal performance, really brings the song together. You can hear Gambino's sarcasm being delivered throughout the track, especially in portions that involve the “Boogieman.”
Zombies
As the fourth song on the album, “Zombies” is a psychedelic, funky type of track with an aerie voice presence from Gambino. Produced in the 4/4 time signature and in a F Major key, the song gives a feeling of mildness and contemplation. With the lyrics, Gambino portrays the “Zombies” as people who exploit others and himself. It is used as a parasitic metaphor, feeding off of others' energies and success.
Lyrics like “Eat You for Profit” are hidden in the background of the track. As whispering figures slowly sink into your subconscious. Unlike other tracks on this album, Gambino, in my opinion, puts his message in plain sight. There are very few hidden messages in this song, and what he wants to portray is handed to you on a silver platter.
This isn’t my favorite song on the album by any means; however, musically, it sticks out to me. The electric guitar tuning and the pedal are beautiful. When the keyboard comes in towards the end of the track, it genuinely ties the song together very nicely.
Riot
A raw release of energy is the only way to encapsulate this song. Funky guitar gives a post-punk feel on top of the pounding drums and the screaming vocals. The energy in this track is unmatched, rightfully so, given the name. Following the generalized theme of the album, the song can easily be taken in the context of being black in America. The title, “Riot,” provokes protests, upheaval, and a pure reaction to injustice.
Generally speaking, I am not too fond of this song, but listening to the context of the album, I believe it fits in very well. Clashing with the energies of the songs before it and after it. Lyrics like “seven in the morning and they in my home” follow the concept of the title, referring to police raids and feeling unsafe in your own space. This song perfectly contrasts the following song on the album “Redbone.”
Redbone
Undeniably, the most popular song on the album “Redbone” is a F*****g classic. Pardon the foul language, but this track has had a monstrous impact on my life, as I expect it did for many other people. I cannot remember a period in which this song wasn't in my life. It generates such a comforting feeling, along with its undeniable nostalgia. Deep Synths and beats, contrasting with Gambino's raw, unfiltered vocals. Safe to say this is a masterclass for a song. The sharp minor chord weirdly delivers feelings of paranoia, tagging along with the lyrics that urge people to be awake and aware.
Over time, “Redbone” became somewhat of an anthem for social awareness. The recurring “Stay Woke” that is announced at the end of every verse is used as a symbol for the black community. To fight systematic oppression in every way necessary. Gambino is portraying to the listener that we cannot be turning a blind eye to all the discrepancies in the world, with the current state of the world we are in politically. I strongly believe this message is the most important one to remember.
California
To be honest here, this song has never been a hit for me. In comparison to when I first listened to it all those years ago, over time, coming into now in my day-to-day life, it honestly has never hit me. This, however, does not discredit the meaning or message behind the song. I truly enjoy “California” for its beat. It's extremely comparable to songs off Gambino's future project, “Kauai.” Gambino’s now repetitive high-pitched voice is in good contrast to the funky beat displayed, and I enjoy the flutes in the background.
Gambino, however, is incredibly intentional in this track. His high-pitched and rather annoying voice is a subtle diss on the Californian lifestyle and the surface-level interactions had. “She wants to move to California, She must’ve lost her fucking mind.” is the repetitive chorus in this track. Portraying Gambino's viewpoint on individuals who move to the state expecting it to be a paradise of opportunities. However, in reality, it is a shallow and self-centered community. This obviously is referring to the major cities and entertainment industry, not the state as a whole.
Terrified
Such a beautiful contrast between “California” and “Terrified.” On the previous track, Gambino delivers a spunky and high-energy vibe, with an instant deep baseline on “Terrified” to contrast. It’s a nice breath of fresh air leading into the heart of the track; Gambino’s soft and subtle vocals slowly rise up, creating an ethereal feel. When listening deeply to the album, this is a portion I’ve viewed as the beginning of a deeply emotional and vulnerable section of the album. Beautiful electric guitar riffs fill the background as the chorus begins.
It is good to note that from my perspective, these final four songs on the album follow a semi-cohesive storyline. He discusses his triumphs with love and family and the deep sorrow/loss he's dealt with.
Gambino here is in an emotionally vulnerable state. Discussing his love interest for this girl, He tackles this intense double-edged fear that is generated when you're truly in love. Gambino is terrified of being hurt, terrified of his feelings and actions not being enough, and terrified that he will lose control of his emotions. “You said you want to be alone, but someone loves you more than you know.” Through my personal experience, this is a truly raw lyric. Gambino feels like none of his actions are getting through to his love, that no matter what he tries, he cannot get her to open up and reciprocate, or at the very least acknowledge his efforts. This could be taken into the context of his love not understanding their own worth as well. Either way, the song generates a comforting feeling, especially if you've experienced heartbreak before.
In the context of the album, following the songs “California” and “Riot,” it resembles those moments after a long day where you are alone with your thoughts. It is the complete opposite of the energy presented in those two tracks, which is honestly very needed to make this album a good listening experience. In all, this song is an emotional turning point for the album, with it being sonically softer and presenting a deeper self-reflection on emotional trauma and trust.
Baby Boy
“Baby Boy” is undeniably my favorite track on this album. It is a hidden gem that doesn't get enough praise. It follows the story of a father (Gambino’s perspective) who discusses the dynamic of his relationship with his son and the son's mother. Soft guitar, dreamy synths, and Gambino’s undeniably addicting falsetto voice come in strong on this track. The starting verse describes the intrinsic beauty he sees in his son. Due to the production, you hear Gambino as if he were singing from the room over, further exploring his sense of distance from his son.
“Don't take my baby boy” is a line that is repeated throughout the track. It is such a raw plea towards the baby's mother, simply begging her not to distance his son anymore. Gambino is completely raw on this track, putting all his emotions out on the table. Gambino, on top of his vulnerability, is pushing away his masculine side, especially as a black man in America. It's a Challenge in all communities to be emotionally vulnerable as a man; however, Gambino, throughout this album, including this song, has tackled these societal norms and is fully letting his emotions run free.
This song hits me especially due to personal issues I’ve dealt with in my life. It is a recurring track that has found its way onto a multitude of personal playlists of mine, and I cannot recommend it enough.
The Night Me and Your Mama Met
The second-to-last song on the album is perfectly crafted and executed. The wordless song is a breath of fresh air that is much needed after the emotional ride this album has been. Starting with a simple guitar riff, it then transitions into a beautiful choir. This song is a perfect bridge between “Baby Boy,” which covers pain and sorrow, and “Stand Tall,” which is all about resilience in the face of fear and defeat. It is a musical snapshot about the moment love began between Gambino and his fictitious love life with his baby’s mother. The song's gospel and blues aura tell this beautiful story through feelings and feelings alone. My recommendation is to listen to these final three songs and close your eyes when this one comes on. It genuinely is beautiful, and I thank Gambino for crafting a track like this.
Stand Tall
The final track on the album “Stand Tall” is one of my favorites. It starts slow and melodic and flows seamlessly into a beautiful plethora of instruments and vocals. This song makes it feel as if Gambino is talking to his son, encouraging him to keep his head up through all the pain. However, when taking into account Gambino’s reflection throughout this album, it would behoove the listener to believe that Gambino is saying this to himself as well. The track as a whole feels like a setting sun for such a beautiful album.
“Keep all your dreams, keep standing tall / If you are strong, you cannot fall” is a motto repeated throughout the song. Pretty self-explanatory; however, it’s needed to promote the naive optimism one must have to live and prosper in life. Transitioning at the 4:15 mark, the song changes into a more funky and upbeat feel. Choirs of children in the background chanting “Stand Tall” make you feel light and happy. Throughout the emotional rollercoaster that this album is, Gambino perfectly ties it all together with “Stand Tall.” A song that truly feels like the sun setting on a sunny day, reminding you that everything will be alright.
