I'll Never Be Sober

On January 10th, one of the most artistic music videos (ever seen... by my heart) was released on Youtube. Click here for the video.

The video was for Childish Gambino's song "Sober" from the "STN MTN/KAUAI" mixtape EP ensemble. The production alone is filled with a series of juxtapositions to make the audience wonder why he put these scenarios and symbols together or separate. For example: the STN MTN mixtape is free to the public, while the KAUAI EP is to be purchased (or searched through YouTube, if you're like me). Some would say that this has to do with how effortless it is to produce music with the same style and rhythm as other rappers with Atlanta mixtapes have, but the EP is more of that side of him that he honestly wanted to express through music, ultimately taking more work and cost. Or just the mere fact that he juxtaposed a largely populated urban area to a tranquil tropical island may be his way of expressing: the world around you vs. your mentality, trying to fit in vs. undeniable uniqueness, day and night, yin and yang, and so on. If flipped to Kauai on top, the STN MTN side looks like the water, as if to say one can drown in society.

This video takes the same concept of juxtapositions and puts a lot into perspective for viewers. The main summary: Glover is in a diner and begins to hit on a girl who expresses no interest. at first he seems a bit creepy, but he keeps trying and does a series of dances and pantomimes to show he's actually quite heartfelt, The girl eventually gets up and leaves, and Gambino returns to the seat he was in when the video began. 

There are a series of details that are symbolic towards what the video is about:

*The song itself sounds reasonably jovial, yet the diner they're in has a dreary essence. Bino and the lady were the only people in the diner (other than the employees behind the counter, but they don't appear until the end of the video, so they don't count), and it's snowing outside. Not to mention Glover looked a bit like a zombie with his expressions and mannerisms. The mixture of these elements make a sense of irony and understanding of the beauty or happiness that could be found in the most unusual places.

*The clock in the background was at 9:30 when it started, and 9:30 when it ended. When I discussed this with a friend of mine, she said (like some commenters on the internet) that this meant it was all in his imagination. When I watched it, I felt that everything that happened was way too real (at least emotionally) to have just been imagined. My take on it is that after it was over, he had to start all over again. Like after she left and he had no reason to do those things anymore, it left a vacant feeling that made him go back to doing the exact same thing he was doing before she was a component of his reality. But I also recall of seeing 9:30 somewhere in the middle of the video, so maybe the nothing was happening since she wasn't participating. Or moments like those makes it seem like time stops. 

*The Lady seems to be like any other person, with her attention mainly on her phone. Glover looked a bit lifeless, but seemed to have more life than the Lady did. There's no end to the vivacious dancing and passion coming from Gambino, despite his zombie distinction. There appeared to have been nothing wrong with the Lady, but she spent a lot of time doing who knows what on her phone. This comparison goes really well with the lyrics "If you let it shine, you can free your mind." She barely is aware of what is in front of her.

*Her only response was when she got up to take her order of food and leave. That was the most attention she had given him. The Lady got up and danced with him for a little bit, but ultimately walked away. She didn't say a word to him, as if he was incapable of understanding what she was thinking about him. I guess that way, all she had to worry about was herself, and getting attached to him could only make it worse. (I guess she was like, "all I wanted was some waffles.")

*From a certain perspective, who's to say that their interaction isn't legitimate? Another thing my friend mentioned is the fact that he looked as if he were on drugs and was very creepy. So considering the fact that it's late and they were alone and she probably had someplace to be, maybe there was no other way  to react to him but with shade. I think the only reason I am taking Glover's side is because I believe I understand where he's coming from with his intentions, but that may be dramatic irony since she probably doesn't. Especially if she can't hear the music that he's dancing to. In that case, it's not her at all. That's just the world we live in, but I wish it could be more understanding of people's ways.

Those were some of the main points I wanted to make. I didn't go through every thing that happened, like how she moved away from him when he showed a " piece of his mind." And there was a dove that flew out his armpit and an egg with a note in it that read, "I'm so high." That can be a lot to decipher. What do you think it means? Let's discuss. On any element of his work you'd like. If you are unfamiliar with his recent work (or him entirely), here's some info on him. 

"The world can be what you want it to be... if you can handle it."
             -Harmony wisdom