The song "Woke" by John Gabbana is about overcoming obstacles and rising above negativity. He talks about playing it smart and being careful of the devil, but ultimately finding his way out of darkness. He sees himself not just as a rapper, but also as an author with a mission to make a statement. He encourages listeners to face their fears instead of running from them, and mentions his own journey from being the most hated to making a successful comeback. The song's message is one of resilience and personal growth.