Childish Gambino / Donald Glover Atavista Track Review
Originally debuted as the intro to “Algorythm” at his Atlanta performance, the song was later confirmed to be a separate song from Gambino’s final album when a setlist from his PHAROS 2018 concert revealed the track’s name to be “Atavista.” The title refers to the root word ‘atavistic’ which means “relating to or characterized by reversion to something ancient or ancestral.”
The song starts off with pulsating synths, almost tribal, almost 80s. With some weird experimentation setting in. The song comes out about 40 seconds in which sees piano licks chime through before Gambinos verse comes in with a drumbeat and a very summer sound.
An Eclectic Blend of Sounds
"Atavista," the opening track of Childish Gambino's surprise album, sets an intriguing tone with its blend of primal energy and summery vibes. The song begins with pulsating synths that evoke a tribal atmosphere, reminiscent of 80s electronic music, with a touch of experimental flair.
A Journey to Ancestral Roots
As the track progresses, a playful piano melody emerges, leading into Gambino's smooth vocals and a laid-back drumbeat. The lyrics touch upon themes of survival, societal pressures, and the pursuit of a higher purpose. The repeated refrain, "You think I'm crazy, but I'm high all the time," suggests a sense of detachment from conventional expectations, while lines like "There are beasts untamed who will eat the young" hint at a darker undercurrent.
The chorus, with its catchy repetition of "Atavista," reinforces the song's central message of returning to one's ancestral roots and embracing a primal instinct for survival. The song's title, referencing the word "atavistic," further emphasizes this theme of connecting with ancient or ancestral instincts.
A Captivating Introduction
"Atavista" serves as a captivating introduction to the album, showcasing Gambino's eclectic musical style and thought-provoking lyricism. The track leaves the listener curious to see where the rest of the album will lead, promising a journey that blends both lighthearted and profound elements.
Listen to Childish Gambino Atavista
Childish Gambino Atavista Lyrics Meaning Explained
The meaning of "Atavista" by Childish Gambino is rooted in the concept of returning to one's ancestral instincts and embracing a primal drive for survival and self-discovery. This is reflected in the song's title, which references the word "atavistic," meaning "relating to or characterized by reversion to something ancient or ancestral." The lyrics paint a picture of a world filled with challenges and societal pressures, where individuals must constantly strive to survive and protect themselves.
Detachment from Societal Norms
The repeated refrain, "You think I'm crazy, but I'm high all the time," establishes a sense of detachment from conventional expectations and norms. This "high" could be interpreted as a metaphor for a heightened state of awareness or a refusal to conform to societal pressures. It suggests a rejection of the superficial and a desire to connect with something deeper and more meaningful.
Survival in a Challenging World
The verses paint a picture of a harsh world filled with "beasts untamed" that prey on the vulnerable. This imagery suggests a dog-eat-dog mentality where individuals must constantly strive to survive and protect themselves. The line "And you'll become the same if you stay too long" warns against complacency and emphasizes the need to keep moving forward.
The Pursuit of a Higher Purpose
The chorus introduces the concept of "Atavista," a term rooted in the idea of returning to one's ancestral instincts. It suggests that in a world where the "drug is faint" (possibly referring to fleeting pleasures or distractions), true fulfillment comes from embracing a primal drive and a deeper understanding of oneself. The second verse questions the fairness of the "game" of life, but acknowledges the need to participate nonetheless. It also touches upon the apathy of others who may not care about the struggles faced by individuals. The line "You can have your cake if it's all you need" hints at the superficiality of material desires, while "There are mouths to feed" emphasizes the responsibilities and challenges that come with survival.
Collective Belief and Hope
The final chorus offers a glimmer of hope, suggesting that collective belief in a higher purpose can offer solace and meaning in a seemingly chaotic world. The repetition of "Atavista" reinforces this idea of returning to a primal state of being as a way to find truth and purpose.
Glover's lyrics in "Atavista" encourage listeners to question societal norms, embrace their instincts, and seek a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. The song serves as a reminder that even in a harsh and unforgiving environment, there is still hope for finding meaning and purpose by connecting with one's ancestral roots.
Childish Gambino Atavista Lyrics
[Refrain]
You think I'm crazy, but I'm high all the time
And every day I wake, my life is on the line
You know I've got to keep on movin', yeah
[Verse 1]
There are beasts untamed
Who will eat the young
And you'll become the same
If you stay too long
[Chorus]
If the drug is faint
Then the high is low
Atavista, Atavista
Atavista
[Refrain]
You think I'm crazy, but I'm high all the time
This life is something that is more than a lie
And every day I wake, my life's on the line
You know I've got to keep on movin', yeah
[Verse 2]
The game we play ain't fair, but play it, do we dare?
But people, do they care 'bout what's happenin'?
Now, you can have your cake if it's all you need
And what can you do? There are mouths to feed
[Chorus]
And it's not insane
If we all believe
Atavista, Atavista
Atavista