Released: 2013 • Features: Childish Gambino
“Bed Peace” by Jhené Aiko, featuring Childish Gambino, is a vivid call to escape from the chaos of everyday life, focusing on the sensual sanctuary offered by an intimate relationship. The song pays homage to the countercultural ideals of peace, love, and leisure, using the bedroom as a metaphor for a utopian space where two people can express their love unhindered by societal pressures and norms.
The first verse sees Jhené Aiko depicting a typical day filled with social expectations such as waking up early, “gotta get this paper, get this cake up,” which alludes to the necessity of working to make ends meet. She expresses her disdain for the pretension and artificiality of societal norms with, “Gotta act like I care about this fake stuff.” Her desire is to wake up leisurely, fill her day with love, sex, and independence, reflecting a yearning for genuine interactions over forced societal roles.
In the chorus, Jhené proposes that love should be prioritized above everything else, “That love is ours to make, so we should make it. Everything else can wait.” Here, she underscores the importance of enjoying the moment, embracing the chance to make love amidst the chaotic outside world.
The second verse reinforces the theme of prioritizing leisure and intimacy over obligations as Jhené encourages, “Gotta heat the vape up, let’s get faded… Ain’t nobody here baby, let’s get wasted. We should just get naked.” These lines depict a disregard for conventional societal expectations, choosing to savor intimate moments over work responsibilities.
Childish Gambino’s verse adds depth to the narrative by detailing inner struggles, suggesting that their escapism may stem from a place of dissatisfaction or pain, “Buried in the drugs, but the feels keeps coming. Finally stop crying, but your nose is still running.” Gambino appears to deal with heartache and inner turmoil, using substances as a coping mechanism.
Interestingly, the line “Reading stories to some other nigga kid” reveals that the female character might have a child from a previous relationship, further complicating their romantic dynamic. Gambino expresses discomfort about this situation, hinting that their hedonistic lifestyle might not be completely fulfilling.
As the song winds down, the chorus repeats, emphasizing the core theme of love as an escape. The song culminates with the lyrics, “We should stay right here / We should lay right here / ‘Cause everything is okay right here.” This final refrain underlines the notion that despite the complexities and struggles in their lives, love provides a haven of peace and solace.
