Boogieman

About Boogieman

Gambino conjures a new version of the traditional ‘bogeyman’ used to scare children into behaving. The “boogieman” is a portmanteau explained here. He uses this image to illustrate racial fear in the United States, specifically involving African Americans. The refrain seemingly takes a critical view of the police: "With a gun in your hand, I’m the boogieman." This mystical, almost witchdoctor-like view perception is a strongly criticised African American stereotype. Notably, the image also parallels the album cover art. .

Text from Last.fm, available under CC BY-SA.

About this song

Credited to

Childish Gambino

Album

"Awaken, My Love!" · Track 3 of 10

Released

December 2, 2016

Duration

3:36

On Last.fm

367,125 listeners on Last.fm

More from Childish Gambino

1. Letter Home · 909 plays
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3. Bed Peace · 205 plays
4. Heartbeat · 161 plays
5. 3005 · 105 plays
6. Lithonia · 49 plays
7. This Is America · 47 plays
8. Running Around (feat. Fousheé) · 45 plays
9. Feels Like Summer · 39 plays
10. Redbone · 38 plays

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From the album: "Awaken, My Love!"