You’ve seen it. If you’ve watched even five minutes of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 8, or caught an episode of We’re Here, or scrolled through the "Sibling Rivalry" podcast clips on TikTok, you’ve definitely noticed that script across Bob the Drag Queen’s chest. It’s hard to miss.
People always ask. "Wait, what does that actually say?" "Is it a quote from a book?" "Is it some super deep philosophical manifesto?"
Honestly, it’s a bit of all of those things, but mostly, it’s just Bob. It’s practical, it’s musical, and it’s a little bit hilarious if you think about the context of being a world-famous drag superstar. The bob the drag queen chest tattoo is more than just ink; it’s basically a mission statement for how she lives her life.
The Words: Breaking Down the Script
Let’s get the facts straight first. The tattoo isn’t just a word or two. It’s a full sentence—a mantra, really—written in a classic script that spans across the upper chest.
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The tattoo says: "I get up out of bed, I put on some clothes, 'Cause I got bills to pay."
No, it’s not from a Victorian poem. It’s not a line from a Shakespearean sonnet. It’s actually a lyric. If you’re a fan of 90s house music or club anthems, you might have recognized it immediately. It comes from the song "A Deeper Love."
While many people know the Aretha Franklin version (which is iconic, obviously), the song was originally by Clivillés & Cole. For Bob, this specific line hits home because of its raw, unpretentious honesty.
Why This Specific Song?
So, why get a lyric about paying bills tattooed on your body forever?
Bob has been pretty open about the fact that this was her mother’s favorite song when Bob was growing up. That gives it a layer of sentimentality that you might not expect from a "comedy queen." It’s a connection to home and to the woman who raised her.
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But beyond the family tie, Bob has described it as the "ultimate Pride anthem."
Think about the sentiment. It’s about the grind. It’s about the reality of existing as a person—especially a Black queer person—in a world that doesn't always make things easy. You get up. You put on your clothes. You do what you have to do because the world keeps spinning and those bills aren't going to pay themselves.
It’s a "first things first" mentality. It’s about survival and the dignity found in the daily work of living.
The Visual Impact on the Runway
When Bob competed on Drag Race, the tattoo was a constant topic of conversation among fans. In the world of drag, where "feminine illusion" is often the goal, tattoos can be a point of contention for some old-school judges.
Bob didn't care.
She didn't cover it with heavy concealer. She didn't try to hide it under high-neck gowns every week. By leaving the bob the drag queen chest tattoo visible, she leaned into a specific kind of drag aesthetic that blends the "masculine" reality of her body with the "feminine" presentation of the art form.
It’s a "Butch Queen" move—a term she also has tattooed on the backs of her hands (with a little crown over the 'B', naturally).
Does it get in the way of the look?
Some fans argue it’s distracting. They say it breaks the illusion. But if you’ve followed Bob’s career, you know "illusion" isn't really the point of her drag. Bob is about Bob. She’s about authenticity, humor, and political resonance. The tattoo is part of that package.
Interestingly, the tattoo often peeks out from under her necklaces or the necklines of her outfits, acting as a reminder of the person underneath the wig. It says: I’m a performer, but I’m also a worker.
Misconceptions and Internet Rumors
Because the tattoo is in script, it can be hard to read on a low-resolution screen. This has led to some wild theories over the years.
- The "Manifesto" Theory: Some thought it was a political statement or a quote from a civil rights leader. While Bob is incredibly politically active, this tattoo is more personal.
- The "Regret" Rumor: There’s always that one person on Reddit claiming a celebrity hates their ink. Bob has never indicated she regrets this one. In fact, she’s leaned into it as a brand.
- The "Cover-up" Question: People often ask if it’s a cover-up for something else. There’s no evidence for that. It seems to have been a deliberate choice from the jump.
The Art of the Script
The font itself is a standard, bold script. It’s legible but stylized. In the world of tattooing, "lettering" is its own beast. Getting that much text across a curved surface like the chest is tricky. The spacing has to be perfect so it doesn't look like a cluttered mess as the body moves.
The artist (whose name isn't widely publicized, though Bob works with various artists in New York and LA) had to account for the way the skin stretches. If you look at photos of Bob from ten years ago versus today, the tattoo has held up remarkably well, which speaks to good needle depth and proper aftercare.
Why It Still Matters in 2026
We live in an era of "aesthetic" tattoos—tiny little sparks or minimalist lines that are designed to be Instagram-friendly. Bob’s tattoo is the opposite of that. It’s loud. It’s literal. It takes up a lot of real estate.
In 2026, as drag continues to evolve and face new political challenges, that mantra—I got bills to pay—feels more relevant than ever. It’s a reminder that drag isn't just a hobby or a TikTok trend; it’s a career. It’s labor.
Bob has used her platform to talk about everything from the Black Lives Matter movement to the importance of the Black vote (recently discussing this with Peppermint on their podcast). The tattoo sits right there over her heart as she speaks, a permanent reminder of the grit required to be an artist in the modern world.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Own Ink
If you’re looking at Bob’s tattoo and thinking about getting your own script piece, here are a few things to consider:
- Placement is everything: Chest script is bold, but it’s hard to hide. If you work in an environment where tattoos are a no-go, think twice.
- Font size matters: Small script will blur over time. Bob’s is large enough that the letters stay distinct as the years pass.
- Meaning vs. Aesthetic: Bob chose a lyric that meant something to her childhood and her philosophy. Don’t just pick a quote because it looks "cool" on Pinterest; pick something that will still resonate when you’re 60.
- The "Curvature" Factor: A tattoo across the collarbones requires an artist who knows how to lay out a stencil on a 3D surface. Ask to see their lettering portfolio specifically.
Bob the Drag Queen has always been about "The Pursuit of Happiness," but she knows that pursuit involves a lot of "Getting Up Out of Bed." That chest tattoo is just the physical manifestation of that hustle. It’s honest. It’s a bit gritty. It’s 100% Bob.
If you’re planning on getting a large script piece, research artists who specialize in Black and Grey Lettering or Chicano Style Script to ensure the lines stay crisp. Always ask for a mock-up of how the text will flow with your natural body movements.