Released: 2017
“Bank Account” by 21 Savage is a bold anthem that flaunts wealth, street credibility, and the harsh realities of his life. The song is heavy with imagery about money, luxury, and violence, reflecting a life that has been shaped by struggle and triumph in the streets.
21 Savage starts off by talking about his lavish lifestyle. He mentions buying a new car for a woman and shopping extravagantly. He contrasts his high-end taste, like wearing Gucci, with others who wear lesser brands like Lacoste. He boasts about rolling in a Ferrari with “choppers and Harley’s,” mixing luxury and street elements. This sets the tone for his assertion of power and status.
Continuing with references to high fashion and life-threatening situations, he mentions his “Moncler” jacket and how a “triple homicide” almost landed him in the electric chair. He underscores that his life hasn’t been easy. His “tennis chains” are “real blingy,” and the “Draco” (a type of gun) makes enemies dance involuntarily, tying back to street life. Spending “$7,500 on a Saint Laurent jacket,” he highlights his wealth but also warns against treating him lightly due to his rough upbringing.
The chorus is repetitive but impactful, emphasizing the significant “1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8 M’s in my bank account.” This repetition drives home the extent of his wealth. Then, he asserts the presence of “1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8 shooters ready to gun you down,” indicating his readiness to retaliate against threats. This duality of wealth and danger is a recurring theme.
21 Savage’s verse delves deeper into his street credibility and dominance. Coming “straight up out the 6,” a reference to his Atlanta neighborhood, he mentions having shooters on standby, ready to handle any disrespect. He talks about being a “real dawg” in contrast to “lil’ dawg,” flaunting his superiority and ruthlessness.
The theme continues with more vivid imagery and wordplay. He mentions dunking on someone’s girl like “O’Neal” and shooting like “Reggie Mill’,” linking athletic prowess to his dominance. Violence is underscored by lines like the “chopper sting you like a eel.” Again, the refrain “I got 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8 M’s in my bank account” and shooters ready to act is repeated, reinforcing his power and wealth.
In the last part, he talks about “ruler clips” and “spraying” blocks, showcasing more of that street life mentality. He later refers to himself as “Mad Max” and a “whole bastard,” reiterating his unorthodox and tough upbringing. The outro circles back to his wealth and street cred, cementing his image as both wealthy and dangerous.
