Released: 2018 • Features: Bruno Mars, Kodak Black
At first glance, “Wake Up in the Sky” from Gucci Mane, featuring Bruno Mars and Kodak Black, seems like an ode to high living, a representation of hip hop’s fascination with success, wealth, and excess. Dig a little deeper, however, and one might see this song as a narrative of personal transformation, self-confidence, and resilience in the face of adversity.
“Fly, fly, fly” is the precursor to a decadent day-in-the-life portrait of Gucci Mane’s transformation. He references his past struggles with addiction in “I drink ’til I’m drunk, smoke til I’m high”, showing his hedonistic tendencies. But in contrast, “Castle on the hill, wake up in the sky” illustrates his rise to stardom, living a life that’s elevated—literally and metaphorically—from where he started.
Gucci Mane’s chorus, which echoes throughout the song, affirms his self-confidence and belief in his success – “You can’t tell me I ain’t fly…I know I’m super fly”. This is more than just braggadocio; it’s a powerful statement of self-affirmation and resilience, a mantra of survival in the face of adversity.
When Bruno Mars steps in with his lines—”The ladies love the luxury, That’s why they all fuck with me”—he’s painting a picture of a celebrity lifestyle filled with expensive tastes and admirers. This isn’t just about monetary wealth but also the ‘wealth’ of respect he commands in his field.
Kodak Black’s verse, on the other hand, provides a more tangible, gritty portrayal of his rise from obscurity: “I ain’t never had no pot to piss in, yeah, Now all my records trendin'”. This line contrasts sharply with his current flight on a G5 and record-breaking success, reinforcing the song’s theme of overcoming hardships.
In the outro, they sing “Now watch me fly, fly…You can’t tell me I ain’t fly…I know I’m super fly, I know I’m super fly”. It’s a triumphant proclamation of having overcome struggle and adversity to achieve the success they now enjoy, underscoring the overall theme of ascension and self-confidence.
Ultimately, “Wake Up in the Sky” is a sonic portrait of rags-to-riches filled with flashy symbolism and swagger—it’s an anthem for anyone who’s ever fought through the struggle and come out the other side flying.
