How to Format Lyrics:

  • Type out all lyrics, even repeating song parts like the chorus
  • Lyrics should be broken down into individual lines
  • Use section headers above different song parts like [Verse], [Chorus], etc.
  • Use italics (<i>lyric</i>) and bold (<b>lyric</b>) to distinguish between different vocalists in the same song part
  • If you don’t understand a lyric, use [?]

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About

Genius Annotation

“Donda Chant” is a track in which Kanye’s mother’s first name, Donda, after which the album is titled, gets repeated for 52 seconds by Syleena Johnson in different tones, cadences, and patterns.

Syleena Johnson, whose vocals are featured on the track, described it as a “meditative chant”. With Kanye’s mother, God and family being central themes to this album and his career, the repeated name serves as a mantra, almost as if to enter a hypnotic trance like a religious devotee.

Q&A

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning

Is there a visualizer for the song?
Genius Answer

Yes, Kanye West shared a video for the song to Instagram on September 18, 2021. It features several images and videos of Donda West projected on the Chicago listening party stage at Soldier Field.

How many times is 'Donda' repeated?
Genius Answer

Donda’s name is repeated on “Donda Chant” 60 times.

Have Kanye West and Syleena Johnson collaborated before?
Genius Answer

Yes, the two previously collaborated on “All Falls Down” from The College Dropout and Cam'ron’s “Down and Out.”

Has Kanye referenced his mother by name in his lyrics before?
Credits
Mastering Engineer
Mixing Engineer
Release Date
August 29, 2021
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