BANK by BROCKHAMPTON Lyrics Meaning – Unpacking the Layers of Vulnerability and Bravado
Lyrics
Still the only one I do that with
Ain’t that some shit
Still the only one I do that with
Still the only one I do that with
Ain’t that some shit
See I’ve been trippin’ and fallin’
No more slippin’ and stallin’
Got no numbers I’m callin, just wanna be in the coffin
All this trouble we’ve been causin’
Benz I’m crossing, I’ve been saucin’
Exercising my endorphin’s since you told me you was walkin’
I’ve been searchin, huntin, crawlin
Whats it costin me it ain’t doing much, saucin me through a loop
I hush the voices in my head for a minute so I can listen to you
And all I ever heard was “I ain’t listenin”, shit is cripplin’
Still the only one I do that with
Still the only one I do that with
Ain’t that some shit
Still the only one I do that with
Still the only one I do that with
Ain’t that some shit
Niggas on that word of mouth, ’til they see them boys come out
I ain’t ever robbed a nigga, best believe I air ya out
See me in your area, ya’ll niggas hilarious
I’m addicted to writing shit that make niggas scared of us
Niggas on that word of mouth, ’til they see them boys come out
I ain’t ever robbed a nigga, best believe I air ya out
See me in your area, ya’ll niggas hilarious
I’m addicted to writing shit that make niggas scared of us
Niggas on that word of mouth, ’til they see them boys come out
I ain’t ever robbed a nigga, best believe I air ya out
See me in your area, ya’ll niggas hilarious
I’m addicted to writing shit that make niggas scared of us
Niggas on that word of mouth, ’til they see them boys come out
I ain’t ever robbed a nigga, best believe I air ya out
See me in your area, ya’ll niggas hilarious
I’m addicted to writing shit that make niggas scared of us
I got rubbers in my pocket, niggas like to gossip
If I need to drop em let me know
‘Cos I don’t do much talkin’, unless it’s ’bout the money
If you got an offer let me know
I was sellin’ cabbage, until I moved to Cali
Money in a mattress on the floor
Until I messed with niggas, with fingers on the trigger
We was runnin’ kickin’ in the doors
Niggas on that word of mouth, said they see them boys come out
I ain’t ever robbed a nigga, best believe I air ya out
See me in your area, ya’ll niggas hilarious
I’m addicted to writing shit that make niggas scared of us
I use protection, my nigga, so fuck direction, my nigga
And fuck yo section, my nigga, I got the rest of my niggas
My niggas rushed on my niggas, my niggas love all they niggas
I fell in love with a nigga, that nigga skipped out the picture
In the immigrant ecosystem of urban music tales, BROCKHAMPTON’s ‘BANK’ emerges as a multifaceted anthem. Within this sonic sphere, the track weaves a narrative of both personal introspection and external bravado, a push and pull that is emblematic of the human experience. The song oscillates between the intimacies of the self and the outward projection of toughness, a duality that is deeply embedded in the lyrics and delivery.
The juxtapositions within ‘BANK’ are not just about the content but also the form. The group uses their platform to bridge vulnerability with assertiveness, exploring themes of love, identity, and survival in a world that oscillates between accepting and threatening them. It’s a masterclass in lyrical density, where each verse packs a punch, both emotionally and intellectually.
The Dichotomy of Devotion: Analyzing Romantic Fixation
The recurring lines, ‘Still the only one I do that with,’ point to a fixation, one that remains even in the absence of reciprocity. It’s a raw and unfiltered look at the enduring attachments that outlive their shared experiences. This speaks volumes about human nature’s inclination toward romanticizing the past and holding onto connections that may no longer serve us.
The language of these lines use repetition to stress a point of singular focus within an ocean of alternatives. It’s a testament to the human heart’s stubbornness, even when logic dictates otherwise. This begs questions about loyalty, the morality of clinging on, and whether this fixation is a source of strength or a path to self-destruction.
Exposed Insecurities and the Quest for Solace
The introverted sentiments of ‘I just wanna be in the coffin’ and ‘I hush the voices in my head for a minute so I can listen to you,’ peels back the layers of a persona struggling with internal chaos. These lines are a battle cry for help, a wish to escape the constant noise for a moment of peace.
We see a character suspended between seeking relief and the harsh reality of their environment. The coffin metaphor suggests a final sanctuary, a potential end to the tumult, while the mention of ‘exercising my endorphins’ hints at a desperate attempt to find some happiness or at least some respite from the mental anguish.
The Mask of Toughness: Unraveling the External Image
In stark contrast to the intimate admissions, the song swings into a display of outward aggression. The lyrics ‘Niggas on that word of mouth, ’til they see them boys come out / I ain’t ever robbed a nigga, best believe I air ya out,’ serve as a reminder that beneath the facade of invulnerability often lies a protective mechanism.
The threat of violence expressed in these lines is a culturally complex reflection of how respect, fear, and reputation intertwine within certain environments. It reveals an addiction to crafting an image that distances oneself from being perceived as weak or susceptible.
The Streets’ Labyrinth: Navigating Survival and Identity
As we detangle ‘I was sellin’ cabbage, until I moved to Cali / Money in a mattress on the floor,’ we’re transported into a world that requires one to continuously adapt and redefine their methods of survival. The imagery of money hidden in plain sight on the mattress underscores the impermanence and instability that defines many lives.
The evolution from selling cabbage to an uncertain California dream embodies the pursuit of something more — whether that is wealth, safety, or a fresh start. It’s a poignant reflection on the shifts one undergoes when navigating life’s changing terrains, with each move promising potential yet fraught with risk.
An Anthem for the Misunderstood: The Song’s Hidden Meaning
BROCKHAMPTON’s ‘BANK’ isn’t merely a track; it’s a sonic refuge for those who have ever felt misunderstood. The ‘hidden’ lyrics (‘I fell in love with a nigga, that nigga skipped out the picture’) serve as an unexpected emotional climax, unveiling a theme of abandonment and the search for belonging.
At its core, the song captures the essence of contemporary youth — the struggle to maintain one’s identity in the face of societal expectations, the desire for connection amid isolation, and the facade of toughness concealing deep vulnerabilities. It’s a mirror to the listener’s own complexities, making ‘BANK’ a timeless piece in BROCKHAMPTON’s discography.
