The best Childish Gambino lyrics about Existentialism

Existentialism, a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and actions, can be found interwoven into the lyrics of Donald Glover, also known as Childish Gambino. Through his thought-provoking verses, Glover delves into introspective and existential topics, providing a unique perspective on the human experience. In this article, we will explore several examples of existential themes and ideas found in the lyrics of this talented artist.One of the most prominent songs where Childish Gambino explores existentialism is "Telegraph Ave (Oakland)" from his album "Because the Internet." In this track, Glover reflects on the transient nature of life and the importance of living in the present moment. He raps, "When we were coming down, they threw the lights up in the sky / Like they were shooting stars on a sober Spanish night." Here, he highlights the fleetingness of experiences and suggests the need to appreciate and seize the present without fixating on the past or future.Another track that delves into existential concepts is "3005" from the same album. In this song, Glover seemingly addresses the paradoxical idea of being alone in a crowd. He states, "No matter what you say or what you do / When I'm alone, I'd rather be with you." These lyrics convey a sense of isolation and longing, reflecting the existential fear of feeling disconnected in a world filled with people.Furthermore, Glover's exploration of existentialism can also be seen in his Grammy-winning song "This Is America." Through powerful imagery and symbolism, he touches on themes of identity, oppression, and the struggle for self-awareness. In the verse, "This a celly / That's a tool / On my Kodak / Black," he explores the paradoxical relationship between technology and social issues. By addressing the use of cell phones as tools, he questions whether our obsession with technology distracts us from confronting the existential crises around us.Childish Gambino continues to explore existential themes in the song "Flight of the Navigator" from his album "Because the Internet." Here, he ponders the pursuit of happiness and the search for meaning in a world characterized by constant change. Glover reflects, "Are we really livin' or just walking dead now?" This lyric encapsulates the existential question of whether modern life is leading to genuine fulfillment or merely an existence devoid of purpose.Another example of existentialism in Glover's lyrics can be found in "Sweatpants" from the same album. In this song, he grapples with the weight of societal expectations and the desire to break free from conventions. He exclaims, "I'm winning, so they had to dump the Gatorade." This line embodies the struggle to maintain authenticity in a world that often celebrates conformism, echoing existentialist ideas of individualism and the constant search for personal freedom.Lastly, examining the song "Urn" from the album "Awaken, My Love!" provides further evidence of existential themes in Childish Gambino's music. In this track, Glover explores the transient nature of life and the inevitability of death. He sings, "I'm in love when we are smokin' that la-la-la-la-la-la / Lala-lala-la-la." These lyrics emphasize the ephemerality of pleasurable experiences and the need to find meaning within the present moment, even in the face of our inevitable mortality.Through these selected examples from his lyrics and songs, it becomes evident that Childish Gambino incorporates existentialism into his work. His thought-provoking verses encourage listeners to reflect on their own existence, the transitory nature of life, the struggle for self-identity, and the pursuit of personal freedom. By seamlessly intertwining philosophical concepts within his music, Glover showcases his depth as an artist and invites fans to engage with existential ideas on a profound level.