BERLIN by BROCKHAMPTON Lyrics Meaning – Unraveling the Complexity of Identity and Evolution
Lyrics
I make the wristwatch full of diamond fill my sink
If I got colors on my neck what would my mama think?
We cut the record, took time, let’s make these boys extinct
Nah nah nah
Traded that noose they put around us for a Cuban link
So my ancestors can see me shining, tell me what you think
I remember the illusions that they tried to move to me
Revolution still, ain’t sell my evolution, what you choosin’?
No chip on my shoulder, hunnid leaves under the seat (woo!)
We live life like cheetah power up like Hummer diesel
Golden chain for niece and nephew
Pessimistic, I do not hang ’round them boys
Metaphysics need another dimension I can enjoy
She said, baby boy, why you lookin’ grimy as shit?
I make the wristwatch full of diamond fill my sink
If I got colors on my neck what would my mama think?
We cut the record, took time, let’s make these boys extinct
Nah nah nah
Baby boy, why you lookin’ grimy as shit?
I make the wristwatch full of diamond fill my sink
If I got colors on my neck what would my mama think?
We cut the record, took time, let’s make these boys extinct
Nah nah nah
Reporting for the operation, I learned that the beauty is in the creation
I added my deed itself for decoration
Said, baby boy, what’s the occasion?
You dressed like you ’bout to take over a nation
Avoiding social litigation when the admiration turns into aberration
Y’all can find another station, otherwise stay tuned
Evolution coming soon, rolling deeper than a dune
Howling at the moon, I’ll be back in June
Tell my baby, I’ll be back in November
Did some Beatles shit to kick off this September
Crazy ’cause in 2010 I had some old friends, that thought I’d be another
Go fucking figure
If I pull up out the tool
Riding still up on the roof
Seems like only legends do
Bitch and that’s the fucking move
(I feel you)
She said, baby boy, why you lookin’ grimy as shit?
I make the wristwatch full of diamond fill my sink
If I got colors on my neck what would my mama think?
We cut the record, took time, let’s make these boys extinct
La la la
Baby boy, why you lookin’ grimy as shit?
I make the wristwatch full of diamond fill my sink
If I got colors on my neck what would my mama think?
We cut the record, took time, let’s make these boys extinct
La la la
Good riddance, goodbye
Out of sight, out of mind
Cutthroat every time
This time I get what’s mine
Where the hell is you back bone
Ducking me like whac-a-mole
Looking like an inflatable at a car show, a spectacle
Lick my finger bet I found the wind
I follow that shit wherever it blows
You hung yourself that’s not my fault, I just supplied the rope
Most thoughts, I don’t think twice
Make decisions I’ll die by
Never asked for the drama but I’ll turn it into dollars
Dollars, dollars, dollars
Do you feel good about me?
BROCKHAMPTON’s ‘BERLIN’, from their album ‘iridescence’, is far from just another track to get lost in the mix of hip-hop beats. It stands out as a confluence of introspection, societal critique, and the assertion of individual and collective identity. BROCKHAMPTON, known for their diverse and boundary-pushing music, uses ‘BERLIN’ to deliver a powerful narrative.
Peeling back the layers of this track reveals a complex story—a story where vulnerability clashes with empowerment, the past with the present, and personal success is examined through the lens of cultural heritage. Each verse in ‘BERLIN’ carries the weight of personal stories and the shared experiences of those within the group.
The Glitter and Grit – A Duality Explored
In the hook, ‘She said, baby boy, why you lookin’ grimy as shit?’, there is a stark juxtaposition between external perception and internal reality. The mention of a ‘wristwatch full of diamond’ sinking into opulence suggests the acknowledgment of indulgence in luxury—one that’s sharply contrasted by the word ‘grimy’, perhaps a nod to the dirt and effort it took to attain that success.
This duality poses the question of authenticity and whether the superficial glamor negates the grimier, authentic struggle behind it. The group is openly wrestling with their standings—the embellishments on their wrists symbolizing the spoils of their hard-won battles.
Legacy Woven Into Lyrics – The Hidden Meaning
There’s a powerful narrative in the line, ‘Traded that noose they put around us for a Cuban link.’ This lyric refutes a history of oppression, turning it into a symbol of opulence and strength. BROCKHAMPTON boldly acknowledges their ancestors’ struggles, the noose being a disturbing historical symbol, and reclaims their narrative through present successes.
The ‘Cuban link’ is emblematic of their triumph, a metaphorical nod to the breaking of chains. The representation of their ancestors seeing them ‘shining’ complicates the notion of prosperity—it becomes not just about wealth, but about visibility, representation, and the breaking of cycles.
Turning Struggle into Stardom – The Verse that Hits Hard
Reflective and self-assured, ‘Reporting for the operation, I learned that the beauty is in the creation’ speaks to the heart of BROCKHAMPTON’s philosophy. This lyric empowers creation as an act of beauty and resistance, suggesting a hands-on approach to controlling one’s narrative and the refusal to be another cog within the traditional industry.
The subsequent lines encapsulate the band’s rise, hinting at both scrutiny (‘social litigation’) and the fickle nature of fame (‘admiration turns into aberration’). In this fast-paced industry, BROCKHAMPTON recognizes the necessity of evolution and self-determination.
Memorable Lines that Echo Long After the Song Ends
Embedded in ‘BERLIN’ is the piercing line, ‘Lick my finger bet I found the wind. I follow that shit wherever it blows.’ The imagery here is one of intuition and adaptability. The speaker’s confidence in their path, regardless of its unpredictability, speaks to autonomy and the kind of innate guidance that has steered BROCKHAMPTON through the industry’s tumult.
This line lingers as a mantra for perseverance, a declaration of independence from societal expectations. The member of BROCKHAMPTON standing as a self-reliant entity alludes to the broader theme of the group’s music: carving out and owning one’s space.
Dollar Signs and Drama – The Intersection of Finance and Friction
BROCKHAMPTON does not shy away from the financial aspect of their careers, and ‘BERLIN’ echoes this sentiment: ‘Never asked for the drama but I’ll turn it into dollars.’ Here, the group acknowledges the inevitable drama that comes with fame but takes a savvy entrepreneur’s stance on converting adversities into opportunities.
The line is not just about monetary gain—it’s a commentary on resilience and the ability to harness even the most negative experiences for growth and success. It’s a declaration that they are in control of their own narrative, monetarily and otherwise.
