Gummy

BROCKHAMPTON's song 'Gummy' delves into the complexities of fame, loyalty, and personal identity. The lyrics are a raw and unfiltered expression of the struggles and contradictions faced by the members of the group. The opening lines highlight a sense of being taken for granted and the fear of being forgotten if they were to disappear. This sentiment is juxtaposed with the loyalty they feel towards their close friends and the distrust they harbor towards outsiders. The mention of shooters who only speak Spanish and keeping their heart with their dogs suggests a tight-knit, multicultural community that values loyalty above all else.

The chorus, 'Cash don't last, my friends will ride with me,' underscores the theme of loyalty over material wealth. Despite the allure of money and fame, the members of BROCKHAMPTON emphasize that their true wealth lies in their friendships and shared experiences. The repeated line 'I don't wanna do it but they keep on pushing me' reflects the internal conflict between their desire to stay true to themselves and the external pressures of the music industry. This struggle is further illustrated by the lines about evading the law and dealing with the consequences of their past actions.

The song also touches on themes of racial identity and societal expectations. The line 'Call me king of the niggas, I need a crown made of thorns' is a powerful metaphor for the burden of being a black artist in a predominantly white industry. The reference to stepping off the ship with slaves and hitting the stage speaks to the historical and ongoing struggles faced by black individuals. The lyrics also critique the superficiality of fame and the lack of genuine support from the industry, as seen in the lines 'They love me when I'm a martyr, they hate me when I'm myself.' This duality of being celebrated and vilified is a recurring theme in the song, highlighting the challenges of maintaining authenticity in a world that often demands conformity.