Read the lyrics to “Bando” from the “HOPE!!” project by Angelique Kidjo, Pharrell Williams, Quavo and sing along. Produced by Pharrell Williams.
The lyrics for “Bando” from the “HOPE!!” project by Angelique Kidjo, Pharrell Williams, Quavo provide a closer look at the themes that shape the song. Produced by Pharrell Williams, the track uses its words to paint a picture that fans have embraced for singalongs and karaoke sessions. The writing reflects a style that balances directness with a touch of narrative ambiguity, leaving room for interpretation.
angelique kidjo, pharrell williams, quavo
For those looking to follow along, the full lyrics are available below. The song runs for 3 minutes and is out now via Label Parlophone, © 2026 Warner Music France.
Produced by Pharrell Williams
2026-04-24 • 3 minutes
Label Parlophone, © 2026 Warner Music France
— LYRICS —
In the bando
[Angélique Kidjo, Pharrell Williams, Quavo]
Urban, suburban, rural to village (Woo, woo)
(In the bando) You can not imagine the conditions (Nah, nah, no)
(In the bando) Some of us don’t know we’re in the system (Woo, woo)
(In the bando) Bando, hope in each other’s eyes is the mission (Open it up, open it up)
[Angélique Kidjo, Pharrell Williams, Quavo]
Roll your dice (Roll your dice), move your piece (Move your piece, Move)
Independent on where you land (Where you land, Go)
There’s still a chance (There’s still a chance, Woo)
Buy your rent (Buy your rent, Go)
Don’t go to jail (But don’t go to jail, Free)
It’s not just a game (Uh-uh), we find out we’re for sale (Huh)
[Angélique Kidjo, Quavo]
But for sure
We’ll (Woo, woo, woo, woo)
Survive (Woo, woo, woo, serve, go, go, go)
(In the bando, bando) Where so many dreams, we give (Go)
(In the bando, bando) Sometimes, the bad guys win (Woah, woah, damn)
[Angélique Kidjo, Pharrell Williams, Quavo]
(In the bando) The first rule to the game is keep living (Livin’ it, woo, livin’ it)
(In the bando) Pour some out for all the ones who didn’t (Uh)
(In the bando) Uh, we’re gonna be victorious, we will not be victims (Victory)
(In the bando) Sometimes, some things, we do need forgiving (Forgive me)
[Angélique Kidjo, Pharrell Williams, Quavo]
Be ready to roll your dice (Roll your dice, Go)
Move your piece (Move your piece, Move)
Independent on where you land (Where you land, Go)
There’s still a chance (There’s still a chance, Woo)
Buy your rent (Buy your rent, Go)
Don’t go to jail (But don’t go to jail, Free)
It’s not just a game (Uh-uh), we find out we’re for sale (Huh)
[Angélique Kidjo, Quavo]
But for sure
We’ll (Woo, woo, woo, woo)
Survive (Woo, woo, woo, serve, go, go, go)
(In the bando, bando) Where so many dreams, we give (Go)
(In the bando, bando) Sometimes, the bad guys win (Woah, woah)
(In the bando) Not enough money or time to spend (Spendin’ it)
(In the bando) How will I open my eyes again? (Quavo)
[Quavo]
The bando made me (Bando), the bando raised me (On God)
Booted up, make ’em think it’s a bandit (Go)
I just chopped off the pool drip in fashion (Drip)
Make a wish like a genie, we havin’ (Havin’)
Come and shop, put the work in the basket (Woah)
If the neighbour complain ’bout the traffic (Huh?)
I just paid for they rent, now they happy, back to trappin’
Got my wrist in the bowl (Whippin’ it), we don’t turn off my stove (No, no)
Everything is for sale like a store (It’s gone), you gotta get it and go (Let’s roll)
Got my wrist in the bowl (Whippin’ it), in the bando, created the flow (Bando)
I used to sleep on the floor (Sleep), now, I fly private, no coach (Go)
[Angélique Kidjo, Quavo]
We’ll survive
(In the bando) Where so many dreams, we give
(In the bando) Sometimes, the bad guys win
(In the bando) Not enough money or time to spend
(In the bando) How will I open my eyes again?
[Pharrell Williams]
In the bando
