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Kendrick Lamar Lyrics
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Hey, Hey! Hey-hey-hey! Turn the mic up, c'mon, c'mon
Is the mic on or not? I want the mic
We're bringing up nobody, nobody
Nobody but the number one rapper in the world
He done traveled all over the world
He came back just to give you some game
All of the little boys and girls, come up here (uh)
(One two, one two, what's happening, fool?) Come right here, this is for you, come on up
I done been through a whole lot (Kendrick Lamar)
Trial, tribulation, but I know God (make some noise, brother)
The Devil wanna put me in a bow tie
Pray that the holy water don't go dry-yay
As I look around me
So many motherf- wanna down me
But an enemigo never drown me
In front of a dirty double-mirror they found me
And (I love myself)
Huh, and when you lookin' at me (ooh)
Tell me what do you see? (I love myself)
Ahh, I put a bullet in the back of the back of the head of the police (I love myself)
Uh, illuminated by the hand of God, boy, don't seem shy (I love myself)
One day at a time, huh
They wanna say it's a war outside, bomb in the street
Gun in the hood, mob of police
Rock on the corner with a line for the fiend
And a bottle full of lean and a model on the scheme, uh
These days of frustration keep y'all on tuck and rotation (come to the front)
Yeah, I duck these cold faces, post up fi-fie-fo-fum basis
Dreams of reality's peace (ah yeah)
Blow steam in the face of the beast
Sky could fall down, wind could cry now
Look at me motherfucker I smile-
And (I love myself)
Uh, and when you lookin' at me (ooh)
Tell me what do you see? (Ooh) (I love myself)
Ahh, I put a bullet in the back of the back of the head of the police (ooh) (I love myself)
Uh, illuminated
All ya'll come to the front, ya'll come up to the front (I love myself)
Baby what about you, come on
(Crazy, what you gon' do?)
Lift up your head and keep moving, (keep moving) turn the mic up
(Haunt you)
Peace to fashion police, I wear my heart
On my sleeve, let the runway start
You know the miserable do love company
What do you want from me and my scars?
Everybody lack confidence, everybody lack confidence
How many times my potential was anonymous?
How many times the city making me promises?
So I promise this, nigga
(I love myself)
Uh, and when you lookin' at me (ooh)
Tell me what do you see? (I love myself)
Ahh, I put a bullet in the back of the back of the head of the police (I love myself)
Uh, illuminated by the hand of God, boy, don't seem shy (I love myself)
Huh (walk my bare feet) huh (walk my bare feet)
Huh (down, down valley deep) huh (down, down valley deep)
(I love myself) huh (fi-fie-fo-fum) huh (fi-fie-fo-fum)
(I love myself) huh (my heart undone) one, two, three
I went to war last night
With an automatic weapon, don't nobody call a medic
I'ma do it till I get it right
I went to war last night (night, night, night, night)
I've been dealing with depression ever since an adolescent
Duckin' every other blessin', I can never see the message
I could never take the lead, I could never bob and weave
From a negative and letting them annihilate me
And it's evident I'm moving at a meteor speed
Finna run into a building, lay my body
Not on my, not while I'm up here
Not on my time, kill the music, not on my time
We could save that shit for the streets
We could save that shit, this for the kids bro
2015, niggas tired of playin' victim dog
Niggas ain't trying to play vice TuTu, how many niggas we done lost?
How many yeah, yeah, how many we lost? No for real, answer the que-
How many niggas we done lost bro?
This-, this year alone
Exactly, so we ain't got time to waste time my nigga
Niggas gotta make time bro
The judge make time, you know that, the judge make time right?
The judge make time so it ain't shit
It shouldn't be shit for us to come out here and appreciate the little bit of life we got left, dog
On the dead homies, Charlie P, you know that bro
You know that
Right it's mando, it's mando
Right it's mando
Listen and I say this, because I love you niggas man
I love all my niggas bro
Exac-, enough said, enough said
And we gon' get back to the show and move on, because that shit petty my nigga
Mic check, mic check, mic check, mic check, mic check
We gon' do some acapella shit before we get back to-
All my n- listen, listen to this
I promised Dave I'd never use the phrase
He said, "Think about what you saying
No better than Samuel on the Django
No better than a white man with slave boats"
Sound like I needed some soul searching
My Pops gave me some game in real person
Retraced my steps on what they never taught me
Did my homework fast before government caught me
So I'ma dedicate this one verse to Oprah
On how the infamous, sensitive N-word control us
So many artists gave her an explanation to hold us
Well, this is my explanation straight from Ethiopia
N-E-G-U-S definition: royalty, king royalty- wait listen
N-E-G-U-S description: black emperor, king, ruler, now let me finish
The history books overlook the word and hide it
America tried to make it to a house divided
The homies don't recognize we been using it wrong
So I'ma break it down and put my game in a song
N-E-G-U-S, say it with me, or say it no more
Black stars can come and get me
Take it from Oprah Winfrey, tell her she right on time
Kendrick Lamar, by far, realest Negus alive
The lyrics of Kendrick Lamar's song 'I' reveal the inner turmoil and coping mechanisms of an artist in the music industry. The repeated refrain of "pussy and Patron make you feel alright, that's some great advice" is a commentary on the shallow and short-term solutions to dealing with the difficulties of life. The mention of the singer's struggles, including being fired due to racism, the death of loved ones, and being judged by association, all contribute to the sense of disillusionment and desperation that is being expressed. The desire for material possessions, such as diamonds and swag, is another means of escape from the pain of reality. The use of the Blackberry as a symbol of disconnect and superficial communication highlights the vacuity of much of modern communication. The general tone of the lyrics is one of nihilism and cynicism, yet there is also a glimmer of hope in the mention of inspiring oneself and going beyond the margins. In conclusion, the song is a personal and introspective exploration of the artist's experience of fame, the music industry, and the effect these have on his psyche.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, what up ho? Oh, what up?
Repetition of greeting.
I'm going through something with life
Experiencing life difficulties.
But pussy and Patron make you feel alright
Alcohol and sex make you feel good temporarily.
Pussy and Patron make you feel alright
Alcohol and sex make you feel good temporarily.
Pussy and Patron, that's some great advice
Sarcasm implying that using alcohol and sex to cope is a bad idea.
Welcome to my diary, stressing got me gray hairs
Introducing inner thoughts about stress.
Something to inspire me, rather than society's
Desire to be motivated by inner rather than outer influence.
Woes, let me go, let me shine a lil' bit love
Expression of wanting to overcome problems and shine.
I want diamonds too, Ronnie on Player's Club
Desire to have more material possessions like Ronnie in Player's Club.
I used to have a 9 to 5, fresh out of school that was '05
Previous employment experience.
That bitch was racist, got me fired, ever since then, I had no job
Got fired due to racism.
Pushing in my momma van, stop for gas on Rosecrans
Transportation difficulties, specifically stopping to get gas.
Trust me these niggas rushed me for something my cousin probably did
Hassled by others due to association with cousin's potential actions.
Guilty by association story of my life, nigga
Continuation of association difficulties.
You gon make me flip and split yo shit judge give me life, nigga
Frustration with the justice system.
Pain since my grandma's death, Uncle killed at Louie's Burgers
Loss and pain associated with family members.
Hold my tears I tried my best, let it go, drenched my pullover
Trying to hold back tears and emotions.
Cycles of a starving artist tryna go beyond the margin, margin
Challenges faced by those trying to pursue art careers.
Maintaining my modest modus as I dream
Keeping a humble attitude while pursuing dreams.
So while I go through all this, all this bullshit what you call it
Reflecting on life difficulties.
Life itself I know it helps let me scroll through my Blackberry
Using technology to distract from problems.
"Hey what's up daddy?"
Phone conversation.
"So what'd you rush me out here for?
Questioning purpose of the meeting.
How was your day? Are you tipsy?
Asking about the person's day and state of inebriation.
"Hmm!"
Noncommittal response.
All I need in this lifetime: Pussy and Patron
Echoing the sentiment expressed earlier in the song.
Give me that, once you give me that, once again it's on
Repetition of wanting sex and alcohol.
Bitch I'm swagged up, hoes bopping when I'm off that screw
Confident attitude when using substances.
Coming down clean, tell your baby momma what it do?
Asking if it's okay to pursue someone's girlfriend or wife.
Where your friends at? I got long dick, what it is?
Confident and inappropriate sexual remark.
Go on poke it out, situate your little positives
Encouraging someone to show off their assets.
How I live? Big shot, on my grind, all ready
Proud of being successful on his own terms.
I'mma lay it down like a carpenter, when you let me
Assuming sexual control in the relationship.
Give me that funk, that sweet, that nasty, that gushy stuff
Requesting sexual pleasure.
I can't get enough, if I offend you, blame it on the liquor babe
Justifying inappropriate behavior due to intoxication.
I can't get enough, if I offend you
Reiterating the previous statement about not being able to control himself.
Uh, I wrote this song when Dave drove home
Introducing inspiration for writing the song.
And caught that flat, in the mean T Flats
Describing an event that occurred while driving.
And it made me think, if we could blink
Consideration of alternate realities.
To change locations where we at
Desire to be in a different place.
We often get lost in the alcohol bottle
Using alcohol to avoid problems.
In attempt to ignore pain, problem and sorrow
The reason for drinking.
Just for a minute, then back to the bullshit
Drinking only provides temporary relief from problems.
Your car note due and you 'bout to get evicted
In financial trouble.
Two drugs surely, Patron, pussy, make it feel alright
Using alcohol and sex as coping mechanisms.
But once it's empty and the bitch leave, then it's back to life
Once the alcohol and sex are gone, reality sets in.
You can't run from it, gotta run to it, nigga
Acknowledging the need to confront problems.
The antidote wouldn't last and you knew it, nigga
Temporary solutions are not enough to solve problems.
But still you proceed to dive deep, ask what's her zodiac sign
Despite knowing better, still pursuing temporary solutions.
I'm going through something in life
Reiterating the initial statement regarding life difficulties.
Okay, welcome to my diary, hmm where should I begin?
Returning to the introspective tone of the song.
Finna get a swisher and fill it with at least a gram
Preparing to smoke marijuana.
Crackers watch my every step, man I hate to work for them
Frustration with systemic racism and oppression.
One time I tried to work for me, but that shit didn't work for me
Failed attempt at being self-employed.
And here I am, stressing, questioning my direction man
Reflecting on current life situation.
What to do? Nothing's moving, traffic jam, wiggle through it
Feeling stuck in life and unsure of the next step.
Pop the cork and take the fluid, bust that pussy open
Returning to reliance on alcohol and sex.
Bust that pussy open, bust that pussy open
Repetition emphasizing the point.
(Soul) Balls deep, ya dig? Retrieve, relief, ya dig?
Inappropriate sexual comment.
Let's kill a bottle of tequila
Consuming alcohol with a partner.
And lie butt-naked telling the truth, would ya?
Requesting emotional vulnerability.
What's up? I had a long day and I really wanna fuck
Requesting sex to cope with a stressful day.
Take a double shot to the face and forget about my whole day
Reiterating the need to forget problems through alcohol.
Cause all I've been thinking the whole day
Reflecting on the difficult day and desire to forget it.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Columbus Tower Smith, Ernest Isley, Christopher Howard Jasper, Marvin Isley, O'kelly Jr. Isley, Ronald Isley, Rudolph Isley, Kendrick Lamar Duckworth
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@gmichel2196
The line "everybody lack confidence, everybody lack confidence" in his song "I", does anybody know what he means by that? Arent there plenty of people who are confident? I consider myself to have confidence. Im confused by this?
"Peace to fashion police, I wear my heart
On my sleeve, let the runway start
You know the miserable do love company
What do you want from me and my scars?
Everybody lack confidence, everybody lack confidence
How many times my potential was anonymous?
How many times the city making me promises?
So I promise this"
@allamaraine8066
Lyrics (from Genius):
“[Intro]
I done been through a whole lot
Trial, tribulation, but I know God
Satan wanna put me in a bow tie
Pray that the holy water don't go dry
As I look around me
So many motherfuckers wanna down me
But an enemigo never drown me
In front of a dirty double-mirror they found me
[Chorus]
And I love myself
(The world is a ghetto with big guns and picket signs)
I love myself
(But it can do what it want whenever it want, I don't mind)
I love myself
(He said I gotta get up, life is more than suicide)
I love my... self
(One day at a time, sun gonna shine)
[Verse 1]
Everybody lookin' at you crazy (crazy!)
What you gonna do? (what you gonna do?)
Lift up your head and keep moving (keep moving)
Or let the paranoia haunt you (haunt you)?
Peace to fashion police, I wear my heart
On my sleeve, let the runway start
You know the miserable do love company
What do you want from me and my scars?
Everybody lack confidence, everybody lack confidence
How many times my potential was anonymous?
How many times the city making me promises?
So I promise this
[Chorus]
I love myself
(The world is a ghetto with big guns and picket signs)
I love myself
(But it can do what it want whenever it want, I don't mind)
I love myself
(He said I gotta get up, life is more than suicide)
I love my... self
(One day at a time, sun gonna shine)
[Verse 2]
They wanna say it's a war outside and a bomb in the street
And a gun in the hood, and a mob of police
And a rock on the corner, and a line for the fiend
And a bottle full of lean, and a model on the scene, yup
These days of frustration keep y'all on tuck and rotation
I duck these cold faces, post up fi-fie-fo-fum basis
Dreams of reality's peace
Blow steam in the face of the beast
The sky could fall down, the wind could cry now
The strong in me, I still smile
[Chorus]
I love myself
(The world is a ghetto with big guns and picket signs)
I love myself
(But it can do what it want whenever it want, I don't mind)
I love myself
(He said I gotta get up, life is more than suicide)
I love my... self
(One day at a time, sun gonna shine)
[Bridge]
Walk my bare feet (walk my bare feet)
Down, down valley deep (down, down valley deep)
Fi-fie-fo-fum (fi-fie-fo-fum) (I love myself)
My heart undone (my heart undone) (I love myself)
[Hook]
The world is a ghetto with big guns and picket signs
(I love myself)
But it can do what it want whenever it want, I don't mind
(I love myself)
He said I gotta get up, life is more than suicide
(I love my... self)
One day at a time, sun gonna shine
(Hold up)
[Verse 3]
I went to war last night
With an automatic weapon, don't nobody call a medic
I'ma do it 'til I get it right
I went to war last night
I've been dealing with depression ever since an adolescent
Duckin' every other blessin', I can never see the message
I could never take the lead, I could never bob and weave
From a negative and letting them annihilate me
And it's evident I'm moving at a meteor speed
Finna run into a building, lay my body in the street
Keep my money in the ceiling, let my mama know I'm free
Give my story to the children and a lesson they can read
And the glory to the feeling of the holy unseen
Seen enough, make a motherfucker scream, "I love myself!"
[Outro]
I lost my head
I must've misread what the good book said
Oh, woes keep me, it's a jungle inside
Give myself again 'til the well runs dry”
@arthurfr4038
Kendrick the kinda guy to make a song so people can shout "I love myself" randomly throughout the day. upping everyone's spirits
@Yayimepic
was bout to say "bro predicted gnx" then i saw this was a day ago
@Yayimepic
and i realized this was a reference to this song
@Royalkk2
Yes he’s a positive rapper like a poet I wish people would realize this 💯❤️ people just be hating on him 😊
@everydayiszero
THAT’S WHY HE IS THE GOAT 🗣️‼️‼️
@yahwehissalvation1
Fo sho❤🎉
@zino618
It’s funny how our rappers who are not from the hood and struggle make negative music and act all gangsta but Kendrick who is from the hood and had struggle makes positive music that’s why he’s the goat
@dantedejong9868
Cinomatix he made u lol, the thing he is trying to do is show both sides and that even though you had some struggles you can get out of it. He’s not purely showing positivity
@Pizzamanfr420
Listen to u witch is literally linked to this song
@dantedejong9868
c&l game guys word