Meaning of “L.E.S.” by Childish Gambino

“L.E.S.” is a love song which is set in New York City or more specifically, as abbreviated in the title, a notably trendy part of Manhattan known as the Lower East Side. So what the lyrics focus on is the vocalist’s relationship with this particular woman whom he apparently had a brief, albeit in hindsight very meaningful and edifying romance with. 

And since this is in fact Childish Gambino, the lyrics are far from straightforward, or let’s say feature the types of observations you wouldn’t likely come across via a standard rapper.

For instance, most other hip-hop emcees would focus on their romantic interests’ physical attractiveness and their own ability to exercise dominion over women. And whereas Gambino likewise presents the addressee as “the baddest”, i.e. a woman who is extremely sexy, as implied that would be more in his eyes than the world at large per se. 

Equals in the Relationship

Also it does appear that the two of them were equals in this relationship, i.e. homegirl not being someone he was just using for sexual gratification.

Or going back to the meaningfulness of their relationship, it’s as if the two of them had built up a genuine rapport which wasn’t based on her being the most-attractive woman in the world nor him being a moneybag, as such stories tend to go in this genre. Instead, they come to appreciate each other as the individuals they respectively are. 

For example, one of the most notable segments is when Childish observes that the addressee would rather ‘listen to old Freeway’ than the Notorious B.I.G. The latter is by far the more popular rapper, and if you’re living in NYC especially, it’s almost as if you have to be a Biggie fan by default. 

But as for said addressee, “she different”.  And that would seemingly be one of the main reason’s Gambino was/is diggin’ homegirl, due to her uniqueness.

Also, the lyrics go on to indicate that their romance wasn’t particularly ideal, in that they were dishonest to each other regularly. Or at least that’s what it appears Donald is saying circa the beginning of the second verse. But what’s also established is that the feelings between them were real. 

So conclusively as far as the verse goes, it seems as if their relationship wasn’t meant to be, i.e. an intended fling that turned into something more serious. Indeed, the chorus goes on to imply that their romance may have even been an illicit one, or something like that. And as insinuated in the bridge, the reason it didn’t last is because at the time neither one of them truly realized or respected, most simply put, that they were in love.

“Baby, you’re the baddest
Baby, you’re the baddest girl, and, uh
Nobody else matters
Nobody else matters girl, and, uh
We’re kissing in the bathroom
We’re kissing in the bathroom girl, and, uh
I hope nobody catch us
But I kinda hope they catch us, anyway”

Release Date of “L.E.S.”

“L.E.S.” was released through Glassnote Records on November 8 of 2011 as part of Gambino’s maiden studio album with the title “Camp”. The song has been listed 8th track of the album.

“Camp” was supported by the following singles:

• “Bonfire” Released on September 17 of 2011
• “Heartbeat” Released on November 15 of 2011
• “Fire Fly” Released on July 30 of 2012

Credits

Childish Gambino and Ludwig Göransson collaborated in both the composition and production of “L.E.S.”