The Meaning Behind The Song: “Ascension” by Gorillaz (featuring Vince Staples)

Gorillaz is a British virtual band, created in 1998 by musician Damon Albarn and artist Jamie Hewlett. Their music is a blend of various genres, including electronic, rock, hip-hop, and reggae, among others. One of their most popular songs is “Ascension,” featuring rapper Vince Staples. Released in 2017, the song has become an anthem of resistance, social commentary, and political activism.

Table of Contents

The Lyrics

The lyrics of “Ascension” are straightforward and poignant. The chorus repeats the phrase “The sky’s falling, baby, drop that ass ‘fore it crash,” which is both a call to action and a metaphor for the urgency of the present moment. The verses describe a world in chaos, with references to police brutality, political corruption, and social unrest.

Staples’ rap is biting and confrontational, with lines like “I’m ’bout to riot, fuck your quiet—don’t you hear my sirens comin’?” and “You should quit your bitchin’, it’s just a minor setback.” The song’s energy is high and aggressive, but it’s also imbued with a sense of purpose and determination.

The Music Video

The music video for “Ascension” is a neon-colored, frenetic visual feast. Directed by Jamie Hewlett and filmed in London’s Peckham district, the video features various characters dancing, rapping, and protesting in the streets. The video has a ’90s-era vibe, with references to video games, cassette tapes, and VHS tapes.

The video’s themes echo those of the song, with images of police brutality, political rallies, and burning buildings. However, there’s also a sense of celebration and community, as people of all ages and backgrounds come together to dance and sing. The video ends with a shot of Staples surrounded by a mob of people, the words “We the People” emblazoned on the screen.

The Meaning

“Ascension” is a song about the urgency of the present moment and the need for action. The repeated chorus of “The sky’s falling, baby, drop that ass ‘fore it crash” is a metaphor for the fleetingness of time and the importance of living in the present. The sky falling could reference climate change, politics, or just the rapid decay of society.

Staples’ rap speaks to the frustration and anger that many feel in the face of systemic injustices. His call to “riot” and refusal to remain quiet highlights the need for resistance and change. The song is a commentary on the state of the world, calling out issues such as police brutality, political corruption, and social injustice.

However, the song is not entirely bleak. There’s a sense of hope and community in the video, with people coming together to dance and celebrate despite the chaos around them. The song is a call to action, a reminder that we must act now, before it’s too late.

FAQs

1. What inspired Gorillaz to write “Ascension”?

“Ascension” is a response to the current political and social climate. The song was written in the wake of the 2016 U.S. presidential election and the subsequent political upheavals. Gorillaz wanted to address the feelings of anger and frustration that many were feeling at the time.

2. What is the message of “Ascension”?

The message of “Ascension” is that the world is in chaos, but we must act now. The song urges listeners to live in the present, to resist systemic injustices, and to fight for change. It’s a call to action, a reminder that we have the power to shape our collective future.

3. How does Vince Staples’ rap contribute to the song’s meaning?

Vince Staples’ rap is confrontational and unapologetic, reflecting the frustration and anger of many people in the face of systemic injustices. His call to “riot” and refusal to remain quiet highlights the need for resistance and change. Staples’ rap adds an urgency and authenticity to the song’s message.

4. What is the significance of the phrase “The sky’s falling, baby, drop that ass ‘fore it crash”?

The phrase is a metaphor for the fleetingness of time and the urgency of the present moment. The sky falling could reference anything from climate change to politics to the rapid decay of society. The phrase is a call to action, urging listeners to live in the present and to make the most of the time they have.

5. What is the meaning behind the music video for “Ascension”?

The music video for “Ascension” is a frenetic visual feast that echoes the themes of the song. The images of police brutality, political rallies, and burning buildings highlight the chaos and urgency of the current moment. However, there’s also a sense of celebration and community, as people of all ages and backgrounds come together to dance and sing.

6. How does “Ascension” fit into the larger political and social commentary of Gorillaz?

Gorillaz has always been a politically and socially engaged band. Their music often addresses issues such as climate change, immigration, and economic inequality. “Ascension” is a natural extension of this commentary, reflecting the band’s commitment to social justice and activism.

7. What impact has “Ascension” had on fans and listeners?

“Ascension” has become an anthem of resistance and political activism. The song and its message have resonated with listeners around the world, inspiring people to take action and fight for change. The song has become a symbol of hope and determination in the face of adversity.

8. How does “Ascension” compare to other Gorillaz songs?

“Ascension” is similar to other Gorillaz songs in its blend of various genres and eclectic musical style. However, the song is more overtly political and confrontational than some of their other work. It’s a clear call to action, urging listeners to stand up and fight for change.

9. What has been the critical response to “Ascension”?

“Ascension” has received critical acclaim for its timely and urgent message. The song has been praised for its blend of various genres and its powerful and authentic lyrics. The music video has also been commended for its visual creativity and social commentary.

10. What does “Ascension” say about the state of the world?

“Ascension” paints a picture of a world in chaos, with references to police brutality, political corruption, and social injustice. The song reflects the feelings of anger and frustration that many people are experiencing in the current political and social climate. However, the song also offers a sense of hope and community, reminding listeners that we have the power to make a difference.

11. Can “Ascension” inspire change?

“Ascension” has inspired many fans and listeners to take action and fight for change. The song’s message of political and social activism resonates with people around the world. While one song may not be enough to effect change on its own, it can be a powerful rallying cry for those seeking a better world.

12. What can we learn from “Ascension”?

“Ascension” teaches us the importance of living in the present and taking action to effect change. The song reminds us that we have the power to shape our collective future and that we must act before it’s too late. “Ascension” is a call to action, urging listeners to resist systemic injustices and to fight for a better world.