Jul 206 min read

Childish Gambino Survive Meaning and Review

Updated: Jul 28

"Survive (Featuring Chlöe)": A Glitchy Summer Anthem with a Bite

Childish Gambino's "Survive," featuring Chlöe, is a deceptively simple yet impactful track that delves into themes of fleeting fame, societal pressures, and the relentless passage of time.

Survive Sound and Style:

The production is characterized by its glitchy, repetitive nature, mirroring the monotony and cyclical nature of life that Gambino explores in the lyrics. His distorted vocals add a layer of urgency and frustration, while Chlöe's melodic verses provide a contrasting sense of hope and resilience.

Lyrical Tones and Themes:

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the fleeting nature of success and the constant struggle to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world. Lines like "It's a new verse with my old flow / There's a new world and an old one" and "Made a comeback but ain't nobody checkin' now" speak to the ephemeral nature of fame and the pressure to constantly reinvent oneself.

The song also touches upon social commentary, with references to typecasting in Hollywood, the superficiality of online culture, and the commodification of black culture. Lines like "Got a role in a movie but he typecast" and "They in the minor leagues, but I'm pro-black" highlight the challenges faced by black artists in navigating an industry that often exploits and pigeonholes them.

The repeated phrase "Summer's always comin' / All I wanna do is get high" serves as both a catchy chorus and a commentary on the escapist tendencies that arise in the face of life's challenges. However, the line "But the weather's always changin'" reminds us that even fleeting moments of pleasure cannot shield us from the inevitable changes and struggles that life throws our way.

The outro, with its haunting repetition of "How come every summer / Everyone always says that it's never gonna end," further emphasizes the cyclical nature of life and the human tendency to cling to fleeting moments of joy in the face of uncertainty.

Childish Gambino Surive Review

"Survive" is a thought-provoking track that combines catchy melodies with insightful social commentary. It's a reminder that even amidst the glitz and glamour of fame and success, the struggle to survive and find meaning in life is a universal human experience.

The song's repetitive structure and distorted vocals may not be for everyone, but for those willing to delve deeper into its layers of meaning, "Survive" offers a poignant reflection on the challenges and contradictions of modern life.

Listen to Childish Gambino Survive

Childish Gambino Survive Lyrics Meaning Explained

The meaning of "Survive" by Childish Gambino delves into the complexities of fame, societal pressures, and the relentless march of time. It's a commentary on the ephemeral nature of success, the struggle to stay relevant, and the various coping mechanisms people adopt in the face of life's challenges.

Intro:

"Summer's always coming / All I wanna do is survive" – Sets the tone of the song, introducing the theme of survival and the cyclical nature of life. Summer, often associated with carefree enjoyment, is juxtaposed with the harsh reality of survival.

Verse 1:

"It's a new verse with my old flow / There's a new world and an old one" – Highlights the constant evolution of the world and the music industry, while acknowledging the artist's own growth and changing perspectives.
"He was 17 back in '01 / Now we forty-teen, havin' no fun" – Reflects on the passage of time and the loss of innocence that comes with age and experience.
"Got a role in a movie but he typecast" – Critiques the entertainment industry's tendency to pigeonhole artists and limit their creative expression.
"He on Drink Champs talkin' with a shot glass" – References the podcast known for its guests' candidness and often controversial statements, hinting at the pitfalls of fame and the pressure to maintain a certain image.
"Try to live below your means, that's a pro tip / 'Cause them streams pay a nigga like a slow drip" – Offers practical advice about financial responsibility in a world where artistic success doesn't always translate to monetary stability.

Chorus:

"Summer's always comin' / All I wanna do is get high" – Expresses a desire for escapism and temporary relief from life's pressures.
"But the weather's always changin'" – Acknowledges that even fleeting moments of pleasure can't shield us from the inevitable changes and challenges that life throws our way.

Verse 2:

"When a girl can't get thicker / And the house can't get bigger" – Explores the materialistic values and insatiable desires that often accompany success.
"When you hot, but you drink liquor / Feel like life go a lot quicker" – Suggests that indulging in vices can create the illusion of slowing down time, but ultimately, life moves on relentlessly.
"They in the minor leagues, but I'm pro-black" – Asserts a commitment to uplifting and empowering the black community, while potentially taking a jab at other artists who haven't achieved the same level of success or cultural impact. This line is interpreted by some as a diss towards Drake, who has been criticized for appropriating black culture and not using his platform to advocate for black issues.
"You got a podcast 'cuz you can't rap" – Takes a jab at individuals who gain fame through platforms other than theirartistic talents.

Outro:

"How come every summer / Everyone always says that it's never gonna end" – Reflects on the human tendency to hold onto fleeting moments of joy and ignore the inevitable passage of time.

"Survive" is a multi-layered song that explores the complexities of fame, societal expectations, and the human desire for escape. It's a poignant reminder that even amidst the highs of success, the struggle to find meaning and fulfillment in life is a universal human experience.

Childish Gambino Survive Lyrics

[Intro: Childish Gambino]

Summer's always coming

All I wanna do is survive

But the weather's always changin'

I'm just tryna save my life

My life, my life, my life

(Like that)

[Verse 1: Childish Gambino]

It's a new verse with my old flow

There's a new world and an old one

He was 17 back in '01

Now we forty-teen, havin' no fun

Man, I shake some on a livestream

It was summertime, had his icecream

But it melt fast, close your eyes and enjoy it and it might last (Like, like that)

Got a role in a movie but he typecast (Like, like that)

He on Drink Champs talkin' with a shot glass (Like, like that)

It be like that

I'm a soldier

When I die, say I did it for the culture

Try to live below your means, that's a pro tip

'Cause them streams pay a nigga like a slow drip

With my son, watching Bluey like we both Crip

They be scared to try, saying that they underground

Made him hunker down, saying he a prepper now

Had a crazy arm, picked him in the second round (Like, like that)

Tore his AC hiking on the second down (Like, like that)

Made a comeback but ain't nobody checkin' now (Like, like that)

He ain't stick around, yeah (Like, like that)

[Chorus: Childish Gambino, Chlöe]

Summer's always comin' (Uh)

All I wanna do is get high (Get high)

But the weather's always changing (Oh, woah-oh)

I'm just tryna save

My life (My life)

[Verse 2: Childish Gambino, Chlöe]

When a girl can't get thicker (Like that)

And the house can't get bigger (Like that)

When you hot, but you drink liquor (Yeah)

Feel like life go a lot quicker

How he lame but he that—

They in the minor leagues, but I'm pro-black (Like that)

I bet he hate his mom, how you know that? (Oh)

You got a podcast 'cuz you can't rap (Like that)

You on some Fresh and Fit shit, talking body counts (Oh)

I count a body every time I'm on tracks (Oh)

(Like that) Like that

[Chorus: Childish Gambino, Chlöe, Both]

Summer's always comin' (Yeah)

All I wanna do is get high, get high, get high (All I wanna do is get high)

But the weather's always changin' (Uh)

I'm just tryna save my life

My life (My life)

Woo

[Outro: Childish Gambino, Chlöe & Childish Gambino, Chlöe]

How come every summer

Everyone

Always says

That it's never gonna end

Every summer

Everyone (Everyone)

Hopes and prays (Hopes and prays)

That it's ever gonna end

La-la-la-la-la

La-la-la-la-la-la-la (All I wanna do, yeah, yeah)