Meaning of "Ring A Bell" by Death Grips

"Ring A Bell" by Death Grips delves into various themes, showcasing the band's unique blend of aggressive and disjointed musicality with thought-provoking lyrics. The opening lines, "America, America, now I'm coming Africa / My death is money," present a juxtaposition between the powerful nations of America and Africa, implying the speaker's desire for success and wealth. This concept of power and dominance continues throughout the song.

The use of the phrase "Whose bad? His bad / Who's looking shitty? Not me" suggests a sense of superiority and a refusal to accept blame or criticism. The speaker positions themselves as someone who is above reproach and above the failures of others. This arrogance is further emphasized with the line "You think he's listening? Probably," insinuating that the speaker is oblivious to the opinions or thoughts of others.

The lyrics also touch on the objectification and exploitation of women. Lines like "Fuck your middle man, throw that towel in, you irk me / Yeah, yeah, go tell a friend / You're irrelevant, ain't shit but a skank" demonstrate a dismissive and derogatory attitude towards women. The imagery of the "holding tank" and the refusal to "touch a fake bitch with latex here" reinforces the idea of viewing women solely as sexual objects and refusing to engage with them on any other level.

The phrase "She's so, she's so" repeated throughout the song represents the shallow nature of society, where people are often judged solely by their appearance or perceived value. It highlights how individuals are reduced to mere commodities and are thirsty for attention, fame, and material gain. This is further reinforced with lines like "Party full of thirsty, lurkers hella worried / All in six high glass heels / Cinderella water hole climbing for a pot of goldie / Flip you for a twenty bill."

The lyrics also critique the music industry, depicting it as a place where individuals have to compromise their integrity and engage in exploitative practices to gain success. The lines "Try your luck in porn / You're so thirsty, all you'll ever earn is frills" suggest that achieving success in the industry often requires sacrificing one's dignity and engaging in activities perceived as low or demeaning.

Overall, "Ring A Bell" comments on the power dynamics, the shallow nature of society, the objectification of women, and the compromises individuals must make to achieve success. It serves as a critique of the music industry and a reflection on the dark side of fame and fortune.