"To Be Hunted": A Funky Exploration of Beauty, Envy, and the Cost of Happiness
A Funk-Fueled Warning
"To Be Hunted" opens with a pulsating synth swell that transitions into a driving funk beat, instantly grabbing the listener's attention. Gambino's vocals, enhanced with a subtle delay, ride the rhythmic wave, adding a layer of urgency to the song. The lyrics deliver a potent message about the burden of beauty and the inevitable envy it attracts.
The Paradox of Beauty
The song's central theme revolves around the idea that beauty is a double-edged sword. Gambino reflects on a childhood memory of his father warning him about the world's coldness and the price of being "gorgeous." The lyrics suggest that beauty, while admired and desired, can also be a source of vulnerability and exploitation. The line "Nothing's really worth your time" hints at the disillusionment that can come with constantly being the object of others' attention.
The Price of Happiness
The chorus, with its infectious repetition of "To be beautiful is to be hunted," reinforces the song's central message. It emphasizes the idea that beauty can make one a target, constantly pursued and envied by others. The song explores the tension between individual happiness and the inevitable jealousy it can evoke in others.
A Funk-Infused Soundscape
The song's instrumentation is a masterful blend of funk, pop, and R&B elements. The driving beat, punctuated by sharp synth stabs and groovy basslines, creates an irresistible urge to move. The chorus explodes into a more pop-oriented rhythm, adding a layer of dynamism to the track. As the song progresses, it slows down around the two-minute mark, allowing the listener to fully immerse themselves in the funky groove.
A Danceable Exploration of Complex Themes
"To Be Hunted" is a captivating track that seamlessly blends infectious funk rhythms with thought-provoking lyrics. The song explores complex themes of beauty, envy, and the sacrifices often made in the pursuit of happiness. Its catchy melodies and danceable beat make it an enjoyable listen, while its deeper message invites reflection on the complexities of human nature and the societal pressures that can accompany beauty and success.
Listen to Childish Gambino To Be Hunted
Childish Gambino To Be Hunted Lyrics Meaning Explained
The meaning of "To Be Hunted" by Childish Gambino is a poignant exploration of the burdens and complexities that come with beauty and success. The song delves into the idea that being beautiful or possessing desirable qualities often makes one a target for envy, exploitation, and unwanted attention. It raises questions about the true nature of happiness and the sacrifices one may have to make in its pursuit.
Gambino's opening lines, "I remember, uh, back when I was six years old, uh / Daddy said, 'The world's so cold,'" establish a sense of caution and foreboding. The father's warning about the world's harsh realities foreshadows the song's central theme of the challenges faced by those deemed beautiful or successful. The line "Nothing's really worth your time" hints at the disillusionment that can arise from constantly being objectified or pursued.
The chorus, with its repetitive phrase "To be beautiful is to be hunted," reinforces the song's central message. It emphasizes the idea that beauty can be a burden, attracting unwanted attention and making one vulnerable to exploitation. The lyrics suggest that the pursuit of happiness can be a double-edged sword, as one's success may breed envy and resentment in others.
The second verse further explores the complexities of human relationships and the inherent conflict between individual happiness and societal expectations. The lines "You do what the hell you want, uh / But someone's gonna smell yo' funk" suggest that even when one exercises their freedom, there will always be those who try to undermine or exploit them. The line "To be happy really means that someone else ain't" speaks to the competitive nature of society and the idea that one person's happiness can often come at the expense of another's.
The outro, with its repetition of the phrase "To be beautiful is to be hunted," reinforces the song's central message and leaves the listener pondering the complexities of beauty, success, and the sacrifices one may have to make in the pursuit of happiness. The song ultimately serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us that even the most desirable qualities can come with a heavy price.
Childish Gambino To Be Hunted Lyrics
[Intro]
Ooh
Ooh-ooh
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Uh
Let me tell you somethin' true
[Verse 1]
I remember, uh, back when I was six years old, uh
Daddy said, "The world's so cold"
"There is somethin' that you should know"
Uh
"You're so gorgeous," thank you, daddy
"Nothing's really worth your time"
"But someday soon, you just might find"
"The truth about the world's design," oh
[Chorus]
To be beautiful is to be hunted
I can't change the truth
I can't get you used to this
No, no, no, no, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah
To be beautiful is to be hunted
I can't change the truth
I can't get you used to this
Oh, no no
Ooh-ooh
[Verse 2]
Now remember, uh
You do what the hell you want, uh
But someone's gonna smell yo' funk
You're exactly what they want (Truth)
To be happy
Really means that someone else ain't
And balance ain't a one-food plate
Everything is give and take, oh, oh
[Chorus]
To be beautiful is to be hunted
I can't change the truth
I can't get you used to this
Oh, oh, yeah
Oh yeah
To be beautiful is to be hunted
I can't change the truth
I can't get you used to this
Oh, no-no
[Post-Chorus]
Gon', do it like this, okay (Woo)
Shoulder shake, yeah (Oh no)
Do it in and out (Nah-nah-nah-nah)
Ayy, ayy, uh (Ooh)
[Chorus]
To be beautiful is to be hunted
I can't change the truth
I can't get you used to this
Can't get you used to this
No, no, no, no
To be beautiful is to be hunted (I can't, I know)
I can't change the truth (I said)
I can't get you used to this
Ooh
Give it to me now
Bring the strings back, uh
[Outro]
To be beautiful is to be hunted
We are beautiful, yeah
That's so beautiful
That's so beautiful, uh