Childish Gambino’s track “Yoshinoya,” featured on his new album Bando Stone and The New World, was released on July 19, 2024.
The song has garnered attention for its aggressive lyrics and perceived references to other artists, particularly Drake.
Yoshinoya Childish Gambino Lyrics
That’s my brother, don’t you know it?
I stuck around like Yoshinoya
Stone Mountain, Redan DeKalb, Sequoia
This my life, I must enjoy it
This my life, they bussin’ for it
We don’t hold back, we must move forward
Stay where you at, you’re supposed to, boy
Niggas is fake, I won’t ignore it
I put your boy in the seat, you got your biz in the streets
I wash my hands when I eat, I never handled a key
I don’t know no one BD but they dependent on me
Niggas don’t know where I’m at, I found your house on a app
People around you ain’t slatt, they plottin’ hard when you slack
They got a gun in your back, this who you trust whеn you sleepin’ at night
I’m in the mirror, I see what I like
It is what it is, I’m right when I’m right
Fuck with my kids, you fuck with your lifе
You fuckin’ these hoes, I’m fuckin’ my wife
AK not silent like knife, think he won’t do it, I might
I gotta do what I like, I gotta—
That’s my brother, don’t you know it?
Soup à l’oignon from Yoshinoya
Stone Mountain, Redan, Dekalb, Sequoia
This my life, I must enjoy it
This my life, they busting for it
We don’t hold back, we must move forward
Stay where you at, you’re supposed to, boy
Niggas is fake, I won’t ignore it
This is a code red for old heads
Who never liked my short shorts and PRO-Keds
Been a minute since he had to fit it on the notepad
I was busy buildin’ up the life that niggas don’t have
Told me that the money make you lonely, it ain’t so bad
Niggas jokes are so dad but haven’t seen they son in a month
Sold some Apple stock to buy a farm, I needed to stunt
I told ’em take the backend points, he wanted to front
Now his career’s in a blunt
These rappers cosplay, the industry Comic-Con
The industry evil people, me and fam got a trauma bond
Drive like the Autobahn
Integrity whore, say what I mean, apologize if I didn’t
Or clarify if it’s written in stone, freak it and leave it alone
Give it time, let the truth come to light, let ’em catch up
Niggas peepin’ like “Damn, he was right”
Rather have my foot on they neck than they hand on a mic
Rather die a good man with a bad wife
These niggas almost fifty, and they dressin’ like a hype beast
Used to get the peach milkshake and add the eight piece
White boy throwin’ dirt on my name for the think piece
Checks off, death, murder, and pain leave you empty
I curse you with that knowledge
Put they hands on a woman for the clout but said I’m wildin’
Death before dishonor, on my mom like Keke Palmer
I’m allergic to the drama, you saw me and Tyler
I’m allergic to this rap shit
Made a song, but spent more time writin’ the caption
I’m an actor, you can put that on set, I’m about that action
My tweets all lowercase, I saw these niggas cappin’
My homegirl said you a stalker, so we ain’t dappin’
I ain’t see you, man, what happened?
Man, the blog era over, takin’ all our stars
My favorite spot was ’bout to close, so I made some calls
Bitch nigga, eat a dick and doggy bag the balls
Hold up, he gon’ get this work
Innocent face
How do we change with more understanding?
You’ve never heard of Chaka Khan?
What are they teaching you in school?
Childish Gambino Yoshinoya Lyrics Meaning
- Lyrics and Themes: “Yoshinoya” includes lines that reflect on personal experiences and relationships, with Gambino asserting his authenticity and loyalty to his brother. The chorus emphasizes the enjoyment of life despite challenges, while verses touch on themes of trust, betrayal, and the pressures of fame. Notably, some lyrics have been interpreted as shots at Drake, particularly lines about fatherhood and industry dynamics.
- Musical Style: The song is characterized by a blend of triplet flows and a boom-bap beat, marking it as one of the more traditional hip-hop tracks on the album. Critics have noted its production quality and lyrical depth, making it a standout piece that contrasts with the more experimental sounds of other tracks on the album.
- Drake Diss Speculation: Fans and critics have speculated that certain lines in “Yoshinoya” are directed at Drake, especially references to “dad jokes” and the notion of being absent from one’s child’s life. This has led to discussions about the competitive nature of hip-hop and Gambino’s positioning within it.
- Cultural References: The title “Yoshinoya” refers to a popular Japanese fast-food chain, which adds a layer of cultural commentary to the song. The juxtaposition of personal and cultural themes reflects Gambino’s multifaceted artistry.