Tamale by Tyler the Creator Lyrics Meaning – Deciphering the Chaos and Color in His Lyrical Palette
Lyrics
They say I’ve calmed down since the last album
Well, lick my dick, how does that sound? Um
Smell my gooch, you could kiss my buns
And I don’t give a shit, bend my rectum
Somebody said bands make her dance
You think you’re getting cash, no bitch, you’re dumb
The only thing that you’re gonna get is this dick
Wait turn this up, bitch, this my jam, (Where the drums at?)
Here, take a goddamn picture
And tell Spike Lee he’s a goddamn nigger
And while you’re at it, pass the lotion
And fapping and Xbox live, that fun
Before I come, I’m calling your sister
When she comes over, I take picture
Instantly put it on Instagram and suplex her off a building if I get banned
Tamale! Tamale! Tamale! Tamale!
Why y’all so salty, I do molly and zone
Can’t agree bitch I’m on, your boy is bad to the bone
Bring back the horns that was played in the beginning
And tell Tony Parker that I found his vision
And if he’s tripping off my sneak dissing
Then he has to deal with me and my minions
Tryna get a Bimmer, e46
Have you heard 48, motherfucka I’m great
Golf Wang prints always cover the sleeves
From cuts from the Biebs, ’cause he’s puffin’ the trees, please
Fuck I look like, got a new bike tire
Never popped like the pussy on a bitch dyke
Think I give a fuck, I do, I go balls
And I bust in her jaw like (Fuck that disease!)
My urethra, hole that I pee from
Bigger than an obese snack on Aretha
Now, turn that snare down
I’m back like I’m Rosa Parks fare on the same damn bus
Like “you’re going to jail now!”
Tamale! Tamale! Tamale! Tamale!
Why y’all so salty, I do molly and zone
Can’t agree bitch I’m on, your boy is bad to the bone
How much wood could a woodchuck chuck?
If a woodchuck could ever give a fuck?
Bitch suck dick, motherfuck you and your opinions, (Can you kick it?)
Yes I can sir
Where the lump is sicker than the last bar bold-er
I’m a C.O. Colorado, fuck Michael bitch I’m badder than my B.O.
Find me and Lance tryna dance during chemo
Before they repossess our strong arm bands and tuxedos
Yeah buddy, na na na na na na na
Golf wang, golf wang, go fuck you, na na na na na na
Why y’all so salty
I do molly and zone
Can’t agree, bitch I’m on
Your boy is bad to the bone
How many fags can a light bulb screw?
Well if I has a dick, they be two’s and sixes
And tell the NRA I’m about to lose my shit
Shoot through Wayne Lapierre’s hair with a crucifix
How many ladies in the house?
How many ladies in the house without a rich nigga, huh?
A little Jergens in my palm for the jerkin’
Hope my mom don’t catch me, tryna set mood
Little Redtube, fuck lotion, I don’t need lube, dry fit suits me
Up and down, friction with the sound, shit’s kind of disgusting
Fap time and before I flatline, Clancy chimes in my room and catch me
This shit’s so damn embarrassing like
Tyler, the Creator’s ‘Tamale’ is a high-energy banger that fiercely embodies the rapper’s notorious reputation for pushing boundaries. At first listen, the song appears to be a cacophony of irreverent chaos, with its relentless beat and provocative lyrics. Yet, as we delve deeper, we uncover layers of thematic complexity and artistic expression that demand a closer examination.
This track, from Tyler’s 2013 album ‘Wolf,’ showcases his adept skill at intertwining controversial topics with his own personal narrative to create a piece that is both a reflection of himself and a commentary on society. Below, we break down ‘Tamale’ to explore the meaning behind the madness and the method behind the man.
The Raw Energy of Self-Expression
The title and hook of ‘Tamale’ repeat the name of the spicy Mexican dish, symbolizing Tyler’s fiery nature and the bold flavors he brings to the rap game. The energetic repetition creates a almost hypnagogic state, inviting listeners into Tyler’s frenzied world. With every ‘Tamale,’ he seems to revel in his own hype, feeding off the adrenaline and chaos that he proudly generates.
‘Tamale’ is a manifestation of bold defiance, reflecting Tyler’s unabashed approach to music and life. Known for his outlandish antics, the rapper delivers each line with a confrontational swagger that is as unapologetic as it is calculated. This track doesn’t just burst through the door – it tears down the whole wall.
Irreverence and the Rejection of Norms
Tyler’s lyrics in ‘Tamale’ are littered with vivid sexual references and explicit candor. Phrases such as ‘lick my dick’ and ‘smell my gooch’ serve as more than shock value—they’re a middle finger to conventional decency and a challenge to the listener’s comfort zone. Tyler uses these brazen images to assert his autonomy over his own narrative, whether it’s politically correct or not.
More than just rebellion for the sake of it, this irreverence points to a deeper rejection of societal norms and the pressures of fame—all under the guise of maintaining his fiercely independent artistic vision. By refusing to conform, Tyler commands the very attention and discourse that he appears to disdain, which paradoxically secures his place as a provocative fixture in hip-hop culture.
Peeling Back the Provocation
Behind the raucous exterior, ‘Tamale’ harbors a nuanced critique of hypocrisy and social issues. Tyler, the Creator calls out director Spike Lee in a shocking and racially charged line, but it’s the audacity and complexity of such moments that force listeners to confront uncomfortable truths within the entertainment industry and beyond.
Lyrics like ‘Before I come, I’m calling your sister,’ and ‘Instantly put it on Instagram and suplex her off a building if I get banned’ might be interpreted as his commentary on the modern age’s obsession with social media and the disposability of relationships in a connected yet emotionally disjointed society.
Blurring the Lines of Celebrity and Vulnerability
In ‘Tamale,’ Tyler weaves in mentions of celebrities, including NBA player Tony Parker and Justin Bieber, adeptly playing with his own proximity to fame. By referencing these figures alongside personal anecdotes, Tyler both criticizes and participates in the cult of celebrity, acknowledging his own role in the system even as he critiques it.
This duality is stark—Tyler is aware of his platform and uses it brazenly to flaunt his success and confront the listener with societal flaws. Yet, he also exposes his vulnerability as he confronts his fears and insecurities in the limelight. This is perhaps most telling when he raps about purchasing a BMW e46—a nod to his success and desires, tenuous as they might be in the tumultuous world of fame.
Catchphrases as Cultural Commentary
Memorable lines like ‘Why y’all so salty, I do molly and zone’ and ‘Your boy is bad to the bone’ speak to more than just hedonistic bravado. They encapsulate the zeitgeist of Tyler’s generation— the quest for authenticity amidst a backdrop of drugs, materialism, and the relentless pursuit of one’s own truth, no matter how raw or unfiltered it may be.
Each line Tyler delivers is both an introspective journal entry and a pointed jab at society’s expectations. The song’s outro, with its absurd ponderings and a smattering of pop culture references, serves as a cryptic finale, leaving the analysis to the listener and preserving the song’s intent as both evasive and encompassing.
