“L.E.S.” is a thought-provoking track by Donald Glover, better known by his musical alter ego Childish Gambino, released in 2011 as part of his album “Camp.” The song’s title refers to New York City’s Lower East Side, a neighborhood known for its vibrant nightlife and hipster culture.
In “L.E.S.,” Glover delivers a raw and introspective look at urban relationships, identity, and the complexities of modern dating. The lyrics are a mix of witty wordplay, cultural references, and brutally honest self-reflection. Glover explores themes of superficiality in social interactions, the challenges of fame, and the often contradictory nature of human connections in a fast-paced urban environment.
The song’s narrative unfolds through vivid scenes of nightlife, casual encounters, and internal monologues, painting a picture of a young man navigating the intricacies of love, success, and self-discovery in New York City. Glover’s lyrics are both critical and self-deprecating, offering a nuanced perspective on hipster culture while acknowledging his own participation in it.
In this article, we’ll explore the message conveyed in the song’s lyrics.
Table of Contents
Lyrics Interpretation
Chorus
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
The chorus sets the tone for the song, highlighting a passionate and somewhat secretive relationship. The repetition of “you’re the baddest” emphasizes the woman’s uniqueness and attractiveness.
The act of kissing in the bathroom suggests a clandestine affair, with a mix of fear and thrill about being caught. This duality reflects the excitement and uncertainty of their relationship.
Verse 1
A New York nine’s an everywhere else six
Timewise, the opposite goes for chicks
I’m in a taxi, texting with my best friend
He’s sleeping with this girl that he met up on the West End
He’s lucky, she’s a career woman, no kids
Most girls see the clothes and try and gold dig
Most hoes poke holes in Trojans
Most people don’t fuck and hit the lotto but my folks did
Gambino begins by commenting on the superficial standards of attractiveness in New York, where a “New York nine” would be considered a “six” elsewhere. He then narrates a story about his friend who is dating a successful woman, contrasting this with the typical gold-digging behavior he perceives in others.
The line about his parents “hitting the lotto” suggests that his family achieved success against the odds, adding a personal touch to his narrative.
I’m a mess
That don’t rhyme with shit, it’s just true
Don’t bring your girlfriend here, it’s just you
When I’m depressed you’re someone I run to
But, I guess meet me at Pianos
They cross-fadin’ off of Nanos
Ugh, on that hipster shit
And you’s a hipster, bitch
Here, Gambino admits his own flaws, stating “I’m a mess.” He warns against bringing a girlfriend to his gatherings, hinting at his chaotic lifestyle.
He mentions Pianos, a popular bar in the Lower East Side, and describes the hipster culture prevalent there. His use of “hipster, bitch” is both a critique and an endearment, acknowledging her fit within this subculture.
Yo, but not in the lame way
Like, you ain’t livin’ out in BK
Like, you ain’t workin’ on a screenplay
Like, your baby daddy ain’t a DJ
Like, she listenin’ to old Freeway
‘Cause everybody listens to Biggie, but she different
Right, that’s why your friends need wristbands?
Fuck you
Can I have this dance?
Gambino differentiates the woman from stereotypical hipsters by listing what she is not, making her stand out. Her preference for old Freeway over the more popular Biggie Smalls signifies her unique taste.
The line about needing wristbands suggests exclusivity and pretentiousness in social circles, which he criticizes before asking her to dance, indicating a moment of connection despite his frustrations.
Verse 2
We can pretend if you want to, like
We in love and started dating at your art school
‘Cause either way we both lying more than half of the time
Except for when I’m home workin’ on your graphic design
In the second verse, Gambino suggests pretending to be in love, acknowledging the superficiality of their relationship. He admits that they lie to each other frequently, except when he is genuinely helping her with her work, indicating moments of real connection amidst the pretense.
Every time we see each other, I’m taking you home
Our relationship has gotten Sylvester Stallone
Yellow-911-Persian girl-in-the-back car
But me writin’ a verse would be the only way they buyin’ a bar
Their encounters consistently end with him taking her home, but he compares their relationship to Sylvester Stallone, implying it has become tough and resilient.
The imagery of a luxury car and a Persian girl in the back highlights a glamorous yet superficial lifestyle. He notes that his success as a writer is what enables such indulgences.
White boys used to trip and send me over a gin
But they busy showin’ off each other Indian friend
She got ironic tattoos on her back
That ain’t ironic bitch, I love Rugrats
Gambino reflects on past experiences with white friends who would buy him drinks, now more focused on showcasing their diverse friendships.
He critiques the trend of ironic tattoos, expressing genuine affection for the ’90s cartoon Rugrats, contrasting superficial trends with his own sincere interests.
Watching lames handle they fame, they bang any broad with bangs
In a band with an animal name
Hannibal came drinkin’ a handle of Jameson
Analling anyone is the plan for the evening
I’m kidding, stop
He observes how fame affects people, leading them to pursue superficial relationships. The mention of bands with animal names and the comedian Hannibal Buress drinking Jameson adds to the chaotic nightlife scene. The crude joke about anal sex is quickly dismissed, showing his awareness of crossing lines.
Girl cryin’ on Ludlow, she still look good though
Love is Eastside, who are you to hate?
Movie ass; not a 10, but a super 8
You ain’t see me at the show? I was super great
Hotel penthouse, gon’ and let it ruminate
City never sleeps, so I guess I’m never slept on
Did everything I could, then I kept going
Gambino describes a girl crying on Ludlow Street, still finding her attractive despite her distress. He questions who can judge love in the Eastside’s vibrant culture.
Comparing the girl to a “super 8” film, he acknowledges her imperfections. He boasts about his performance and reflects on his relentless pursuit of success in a city that never sleeps.
Bridge
Ooh, girl, I wanna know
Are you ready to cry? ‘Cause I’m no good, no good
Ooh, girl, I wanna try
I’m an awful guy and I’m always away
And I’m tryin’ to say I’m a piece of shit
Believe in this, I’m tellin’ you
‘Cause we barely knew what we had
I’m not that bad, the fun we had
Ooh”
In the bridge, Gambino expresses his self-awareness and vulnerability, admitting his flaws and acknowledging the transient nature of their relationship.
He confesses to being “no good” and often absent, yet he cherishes the fun times they had. This candid reflection adds depth to his character and the song’s narrative.
Music Video
Childish Gambino, also known as Donald Glover, released the music video for “L.E.S.” on January 9, 2013. Directed by photographer Ibra Ake, the video captures the vibrant and chaotic nightlife of New York City’s Lower East Side, the neighborhood from which the song takes its name. Filmed over several nights, the video provides a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the lives of young revelers as they navigate a debauchery-filled evening.
The visual narrative unfolds in iconic Lower East Side locations, including popular spots like Pianos, and features scenes of night-time adventures, cab rides, and street interactions. Interestingly, Childish Gambino himself does not appear in the video, allowing the focus to remain on the atmosphere and the characters inhabiting this dynamic urban landscape.
Set against the backdrop of Gambino’s introspective lyrics, the video enhances the song’s themes of fleeting connections, urban culture, and the search for authenticity amidst the superficiality of nightlife. The combination of slow-motion shots and candid moments creates a compelling visual experience that complements the reflective and candid nature of the track.
Deeper Meaning Behind “L.E.S.”
“L.E.S.” by Donald Glover, also known as Childish Gambino, is a song set in New York’s Lower East Side (L.E.S.), exploring the dynamics of relationships and hookup culture in a bustling urban environment. Glover paints a picture of fleeting connections, clandestine encounters, and the superficiality often found in city nightlife.
Throughout the song, Glover demonstrates a keen self-awareness, acknowledging his flaws and the complexities of his character. He presents himself as both a participant in and a critic of the culture he describes, showcasing his internal conflicts.
Glover offers a nuanced critique of hipster culture, simultaneously embracing and mocking various aspects of it. He points out the pretentiousness and superficiality while also admitting his own participation in this subculture.
The lyrics touch on Glover’s rising fame and success, contrasting his past experiences with his current status. He reflects on how success has changed his perspective and relationships.
There’s a constant tension between genuine emotions and pretense in the song. Glover explores the idea of “pretending” in relationships and social interactions, highlighting the difficulty of maintaining authenticity in a world of appearances.
Glover also subtly addresses racial dynamics and cultural appropriation, touching on his experiences as a Black man in predominantly white spaces.
Despite the bravado present in much of the song, Glover reveals moments of vulnerability, especially in the bridge where he admits to being “no good” and acknowledges the transient nature of his relationships.
The title “L.E.S.” not only refers to the Lower East Side but also serves as a metaphor for a certain lifestyle and mindset associated with urban, hipster culture. Through his lyrics, Glover offers a raw, honest, and sometimes contradictory portrayal of life, love, and identity in this environment, inviting listeners to reflect on their own experiences and perceptions of modern urban culture.
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