TEAM by BROCKHAMPTON Lyrics Meaning – Unpacking the Anthem of Self-Reflection and Progress
Lyrics
Did you lie to him since you were seventeen?
How’s he holding up? Evanie
Do you cling to him like you would on to me?
Bet he needs you more than I, Evanie
Did you hide your neck to save him from his sleep?
I know how that feels, Evanie
Every chance you take you make me want to flee
Can’t you see?
You should move on
I swear you’ll be fine
Whenever you want
I’ll be your ride
And when you’re alone
And his love is gone
Maybe you’ll see that
Your company was the worst
Thing for him, your sin
Little old me, I thought my world was progressive
‘Cause my president was black, twenty-five lighters on the dresser
I had guilt trip on my back and a bulletproof vest
Inside my Uncle John’s Toyota was a walking Crayola
(Gimme that mic, nigga)
I got a hard time, I gotta watch myself
The way I move through a room full of suits
Ain’t no, ain’t no Constitution, I hate uniforms
I hate handcuffs, I can’t stand up (shut up, nigga)
They throw me in the crowd and tell me “boy, I’d lose that smile”
But see I got it from my dad and that’s the reason why we had
I raise my black fist, I got big lips
I’m strong as Samson, they cut my fuckin’ locks
I lose my fuckin’ strength, fuck
I’m running out of zips
My life been feelin’ tense, I won’t be on the fence
I put my phone on airplane mode ’cause I’m on autopilot
I need a lot of patience, I need a lot of silence
I hope this holy water burn me ’cause I ain’t worth this life
I ain’t worth the light of day, but for some I light the way
Nude along the banister, kitchen smell of lavender
Swimming in my Wranglers, I am another caliber
Ooh, yeah, la la la la
Soon, soon
Yeah, no, no, no, no, no, no
Soon, no, no, no, no, no, no
In a generation often characterized by its relentless pursuit of self-discovery and authenticity, BROCKHAMPTON’s song ‘TEAM’ stands as a poignant anthem. This track concludes their ‘Saturation III’ album, encapsulating not only the themes of the entire project but also the spirit of a youth navigating through the complexities of growth and self-actualization. ‘TEAM’ is a multifaceted conversation, weaving narratives of love, societal observation, and personal introspection.
The artistry with which BROCKHAMPTON approaches the song’s composition mirrors the layered meanings hidden within its lyrics. As they shuttle between vulnerability and assertiveness, the members explore the dualities that define the human condition. The song demands a closer examination beyond its melodic surface, begging society’s collective conscience to untangle the web of nuanced messages embedded in its verses.
The Prism of Love and Letting Go: Decoding ‘Evanie’
The opening verses confront a character named Evanie, diving into a reservoir of personal connections and existential wonderings. The questions poised to Evanie serve a dual purpose; they are both specific and universal, probing into her particular experiences while inviting listeners to reflect on their own relational ties. The steady repetition of ‘Did you lie to him since you were seventeen?’ encapsulates a deeper question about the nature of truth and the ease with which it can fracture across time.
The subtext in these lines suggests a navigation of the intricacies of love and the pains of maturation. In a nuanced turn of phrase, ‘Bet he needs you more than I, Evanie,’ there resides the bittersweet acceptance that love can be asymmetrical, and its release might be the ultimate act of compassion.
A Mirror into Society’s Complexities through Spirited Rebellion
BROCKHAMPTON never shies away from injecting their music with social commentary. ‘TEAM’ transitions into an examination of societal expectations, racial identity, and the burden of navigating a world structured by those in power. Reference to ‘twenty-five lighters on the dresser’ could be a nod to DJ DMD’s track but also points to the constant need to illuminate the darker corners of our culture.
Ambiguous and layered, the anthemic call, ‘Little old me, I thought my world was progressive,’ tells a story of disillusionment. The presidency of Barack Obama, symbolized here as progress, is contrasted with the personal battles waged daily, defined by racial profiling, systemic oppression, and the struggle for autonomy.
A Brush with Vulnerability in the Face of Strength and Heritage
Profoundly, ‘TEAM’ touches upon the personal struggle with identity and the burden of historical legacies. When asserting ‘I raise my black fist, I got big lips / I’m strong as Samson,’ the lyrics connect the individual with a collective narrative of strength in the face of adversity. The reference to the Biblical Samson, with his strength tied to his locks, highlights the importance of heritage and the ways in which society seeks to strip that away.
Then, with a rebellious flip, the line ‘they cut my fuckin’ locks / I lose my fuckin’ strength, fuck’ hits with the gravity of an individual fighting against systems designed to strip away identity and power. Here, each member’s battle with personal demons links to the broader cultural battles fought across generations.
The Quest for Inner Peace and Self-Worth
The introspective dive of ‘TEAM’ culminates in a moment of raw honesty: ‘I hope this holy water burn me ’cause I ain’t worth this life.’ The lyric wrestles with notions of self-worth and redemption. It is a gripping confession that despite outward success, the internal battle with self-esteem and purpose rages on.
In expressing such vulnerability, the group not only peels back layers of their own personas but also validates the feelings of their audience, many of whom grapple with similar insecurities. It’s a shared experience of seeking serenity in a tumultuous mental landscape and striving for a sense of value in a world that often makes one feel insignificant.
Memorable Lines That Etch a Narrative of Growth
When dissecting the memorable line, ‘Nude along the banister, kitchen smell of lavender,’ a fascinating imagery is painted. It’s a slice of life, intimate and open; suggesting a return to simpler, more sensory experiences as a counterbalance to life’s frenzy. The invocation of ‘lavender,’ a herb known for its calming properties, could be symbolic of seeking solace amidst chaos.
Each poignant phrase within ‘TEAM’ is not merely a collection of words, but brushstrokes contributing to a greater portrait. The variegated narratives of love lost, societal reflection, and personal struggle unify to depict an evolving picture of growth and the pursuit of understanding one’s place in a rapidly shifting world.
