Ever find yourself humming Redbone but blanking on the exact words right when the best part hits? It happens to the best of us.
Childish Gambino wrote something truly special with this one, a smooth, soulful track that’s impossible not to feel deep in your chest.
If you’re prepping to perform it, singing along in the car, or just trying to finally nail every line, you’re in the right place.
Here, you’ll find the complete Redbone lyrics so you can sing every word with confidence.
All About the Song
“Redbone” is one of those songs that sounds smooth at first, but the more you listen, the more emotional it feels. It has a dreamy, late-night vibe that makes the message hit softly rather than loudly.
The song connects because it feels honest, like someone trying to stay cool while dealing with love, doubt, and trust.
| Details | Information |
| Writer | Donald Glover and Ludwig Göransson, |
| Singer | Donald Glover |
| Producer | Donald Glover and Ludwig Göransson, |
| Album | Awaken, My Love! |
| Genre | R&B, Psychedelic Funk, Neo-Soul, Progressive Soul |
| Release date | November 17, 2016 |
| Length | 5:27 |
Complete Lyrics of Song “Redbone”
[Verse 1]
Daylight
I wake up feelin’ like you won’t play right
I used to know, but now that shit don’t feel right
It made me put away my pride
So long
You made a nigga wait for some, so long
You make it hard for boy like that to go on
I’m wishin’ I could make this mine, oh
[Pre-Chorus]
(If you want it) Yeah
(You can have it) Oh, oh, oh
(If you need it) Ooh
(We can make it, oh)
If you want it
You can have it
[Chorus]
But stay woke
Niggas creepin’
They gon’ find you
Gon’ catch you sleepin’, ooh
Now stay woke
Niggas creepin’
Now, don’t you close your eyes
[Verse 2]
Too late
You wanna make it right, but now it’s too late
My peanut butter chocolate cake with Kool-Aid
I’m tryin’ not to waste my time
[Pre-Chorus]
(If you want it) Oh
(You can have it) You can have it
(If you need it) You better believe in somethin’
(We can make it, oh)
If you want it
(You can have it) Ahh!
[Chorus]
But stay woke (Stay woke)
Niggas creepin’ (They be creepin’)
They gon’ find you (They gon’ find you)
Gon’ catch you sleepin’, ooh (Gon’ catch you sleepin’, put your hands up now, baby)
Now stay woke
Niggas creepin’
Now, don’t you close your eyes
But stay woke (Ooh-ahh)
Niggas creepin’ (They gon’ find you)
They gon’ find you
Gon’ catch you sleepin’, ooh (Gon’ catch you, gon’ catch you)
Now stay woke
Niggas creepin’
Now, don’t you close your eyes
[Outro]
How’d it get so scandalous?
Oh, how’d it get so scandalous?
Oh, oh, baby, you, how’d it get
How’d it get so scandalous?
How’d it get so scandalous?
But stay woke
But stay woke
Live Performane of “Redbone”
The live performance of “Redbone” feels even more intense and soulful than the studio version.
Childish Gambino brings this calm but powerful energy, like he’s not trying too hard, yet every note still pulls you in.
The vocals, the band, and the mood all make it feel personal, almost like you’re sitting in the room with him.
It’s the kind of performance that makes the song feel warmer, deeper, and more real.
Similar Songs Like Redbone
1. Pink + White by Frank Ocean: A soft, dreamy track with emotional vocals and a floating, late-night feeling.
2. Come Through and Chill by Miguel: Smooth R&B with a relaxed groove and a romantic, slightly mysterious mood.
3. Cranes in the Sky by Solange: Soulful and airy, with a calm sound that hides a lot of quiet pain.
4. Get You by Daniel Caesar ft. Kali Uchis: Warm, intimate, and slow-burning, perfect for the same mellow headspace.
5. Them Changes by Thundercat: Funky, rich, and emotional, with a bass-heavy sound that feels both cool and emotionally raw.
Similar Artists Like Donald Glover
1. Frank Ocean: Blends soul, R&B, and storytelling in a way that feels deeply personal and cinematic.
2. Miguel: Brings sensual vocals, smooth production, and a confident modern R&B style.
3. Anderson.Paak: Mixes funk, soul, rap, and live-band energy with a playful but emotional touch.
4. Steve Lacy: Creates groovy, offbeat songs with warm guitar tones and a laid-back experimental feel.
5. Daniel Caesar: Known for gentle vocals, romantic themes, and soft soulful arrangements that feel intimate.
Final Thoughts
Now you’ve got everything you need: the full redbone lyrics and a little more appreciation for what Childish Gambino created with this classic track.
From Donald Glover’s soulful writing to the funky, late-70s production style, there’s a lot to love once you dig a little deeper.
If you are singing it on stage, in the shower, or just vibing on repeat, you’re ready to own every word. Next time redbone comes on, you won’t just hear it; you’ll truly feel it.
