Meaning of The Real by Childish Gambino

In Childish Gambino's song "The Real," the overall theme revolves around the artist's confidence and self-assuredness. He delves into themes of success, sexuality, uniqueness, and even societal commentary. Let's explore some standout lyrics and the imaginative themes they help develop.The song starts off with Gambino proudly declaring, "Motherfuck a nigga, Hell yeah I do it bigger." This lyric sets the tone for his unwavering confidence and highlights his success in the music industry. The theme of ambition and success emerges as he boasts about his eight-figure earnings, comparing himself to someone skating in the winter. This imagery signifies his ability to conquer even the most challenging circumstances, further emphasizing his prowess.As the lyrics progress, Gambino touches on his sexuality, expressing his dominance and experience with women in a provocative manner. He mentions, "She said this dick is hers, I don't wanna take it from her." This lyric introduces a theme of sexual empowerment and freedom, suggesting that he respects and values his partner's agency. It also subtly addresses the perception of ownership and control in relationships.The line, "Your dick stay chilly, it's a cold, rough world," takes an unexpected turn, introducing the theme of resilience and adaptability. Gambino compares the coldness of the world to his ability to maintain composure and thrive in challenging situations. He implies that he possesses superhero-like qualities, paralleling himself to a PowerPuff Girl. This theme of resilience and strength highlights the artist's ability to rise above adversity.Continuing with the unexpected themes, Gambino mentions, "Shit just got real like Pinocchio turds." This line cleverly blends humor and wordplay to emphasize the authenticity of his lyrics. The theme of genuineness emerges as Gambino asserts the realness of his words, suggesting that he is unlike other artists who might fabricate their experiences and feelings.Another standout lyric is "I am just a rapper, man, I ain't got no clothing line." This line touches on the theme of identity and individuality, as Gambino asserts his primary talent as a rapper rather than diversifying his brand through clothing lines like many other artists. He embraces his uniqueness, signaling that he doesn't need external ventures to define his success.Moving forward, Gambino discusses his wealth and style. He states, "Yo boy got stacks like I'm standing in a Borders line." This line introduces the theme of materialism while subtly commenting on the changing landscape of the music industry. Borders, once a popular bookstore chain, faced bankruptcy due to the rise of digital media platforms. Gambino's reference juxtaposes his own success with the decline of traditional forms of media consumption, suggesting that he stands at the forefront of the industry's evolution.Towards the end of the song, Gambino veers into a meta-commentary on his own artistry. He says, "When rappers start rappin' over indie shit, just remember I was first to hit this shit." This line introduces the theme of innovation and influence, implying that Gambino was a pioneer in blending hip-hop with indie music. He asserts his position as a trailblazer, implying that his influence reverberates throughout the music landscape.In conclusion, Childish Gambino's song "The Real" weaves together various themes through its thought-provoking and often unexpected lyrics. From themes of ambition, sexual empowerment, resilience, and authenticity to individuality, materialism, and innovation, Gambino presents a multifaceted exploration of his confidence and self-expression. These imaginative themes intertwine to create a cohesive narrative, showcasing the artist's artistry and unique perspective.