Song Analysis: “GBAD” – Jackson Wang

Song Details

• Title: GBAD (Gotta Be A Dick)
• Artist: Jackson Wang (王嘉爾)
• Genre: Hip-Hop / Rap / Alternative
• Themes: Self-preservation, trust, betrayal, resilience
• Mood: Defiant, introspective, rebellious

Lyrics Analysis and Meaning

“GBAD” is a song that blends introspection with a rebellious attitude, reflecting on trust, betrayal, and the necessity of standing up for oneself. The song suggests that in life, you sometimes have to be selfish or harsh to protect yourself from being taken advantage of.

Chorus: The Harsh Reality of Life

• “Life is great / Just gotta be a dick sometimes”
  • A seemingly contradictory statement—while life is good, being too nice can lead to being exploited.
• “You only live once”
  • A justification for standing up for oneself and not always being the “good guy.”

Verse 1: Betrayal and Trust Issues

• “One for the love, second to the trust / Three to the principle and that is us”
  • Emphasizes love, trust, and principles as fundamental values.
• “You call them facts, but they don’t line up”
  • Points out hypocrisy or deceit in relationships.
• “Done this, done that for love as a favor / It’s never enough ’cause they got used to the flavor”
  • Suggests that people take kindness for granted and exploit generosity.
• “I still believe in trust over a thousand times / But fuck your coin with yeses on both sides”
  • Despite being let down, he still values trust, but acknowledges that some people manipulate situations for their own benefit.
• “Insane when they still blame me ’cause I slide”
  • Even when he distances himself from toxic situations, he is still criticized or blamed.

Verse 2: Navigating a Corrupt System

• “Life is great when peace comes to your heart”
  • Inner peace is the ultimate goal.
• “A ride to find a place for your soul to park”
  • Searching for a place to belong or feel secure.
• “But now it’s hard, the game got no room for art”
  • Suggests frustration with the industry or society, where creativity is stifled by politics and personal agendas.
• “Watch the line ’cause the players can’t tell black, white apart”
  • Could imply moral ambiguity, where people blur the lines between right and wrong.
• “I even tried to change myself to another man”
  • Acknowledges personal struggles and adaptation, possibly trying to fit in but realizing it wasn’t worth it.
• “Devils never want to understand”
  • Some people are committed to negativity and won’t change or listen.

Overall Meaning

“GBAD” is an anthem of self-empowerment and self-protection. Jackson Wang conveys that while trust and kindness are important, they can be exploited. Sometimes, in order to survive and maintain integrity, you have to be firm, unapologetic, and even a little ruthless.

This song could also reflect his experiences in the music industry, dealing with manipulative people, false narratives, and personal growth. The repeated chorus reinforces the message that while life is great, you need to stand your ground and not always be the “nice guy.”