Complexion
#KendrickLamar Lyrics

Complexion (two-step)
The singer is repeating a phrase, possibly to emphasize or signify that the following lyrics are related to the concept of complexion.

Complexion don't mean a thing (it's a Zulu love)
The singer believes that a person's complexion should not be a determining factor in their worth or value as a human being. The phrase 'it's a Zulu love' may refer to the idea that the Zulu people historically did not judge each other based on physical appearance.

Dark as the midnight hour or bright as the mornin' sun
The singer is acknowledging that people come in different skin tones, from very dark to very light.

Give a fuck about your complexion, I know what the Germans done
The artist does not care about someone's complexion because they are aware of the atrocities committed by Germans during World War II, which were not based on physical differences.

Sneak (dissin’)
The artist is using slang to say 'sneak dissing', which refers to making negative comments about someone indirectly or behind their back.

Sneak me through the back window, I’m a good field nigga
The singer is referencing the historical use of black slaves as field workers, and implies that they consider themselves to be skilled and valuable laborers.

I made a flower for you outta cotton just to chill with you
The singer is describing a humble gift they made for someone they care about, using materials that were associated with the slave trade and plantation life.

You know I'd go the distance, you know I'm ten toes down
The artist is expressing their loyalty and dedication to the person they are addressing.

Even if master listenin', cover your ears, he 'bout to mention
The artist is referring to a slave owner, and suggesting that the person they are speaking to should not listen to any negative comments the slave owner may make about them or their relationship.

Brown skinned, but your blue eyes tell me your mama can't run
The artist is describing a person who has brown skin, but also has blue eyes which suggests that they may have mixed ancestry.

So I'mma say somethin' that's vital and critical for survival
The singer is introducing a new topic or message that is important and potentially life-saving.

Of mankind, if he lyin', color should never rival
The artist is stating that if someone is lying, or trying to deceive others, skin color should never be a source of conflict or competition.

Beauty is what you make it, I used to be so mistaken
The singer is offering their perspective on beauty, and admitting that they once held a different view.

By different shades of faces
The singer is saying that they once judged beauty based on skin color or complexion.

Then wit told me, "You're womanless, women love the creation"
The singer is referencing their own wisdom or intelligence, and saying that they came to a new understanding about beauty and women.

It all came from God then you was my confirmation
The artist is suggesting that their realization about beauty and creation came from a higher power or spiritual source.

Let the Willie Lynch theory reverse a million times with
The artist is invoking the name of a historical figure and idea, the 'Willie Lynch theory', which is a supposed strategy for controlling and enslaving black people. They are implying that they wish to see this theory and its effects eliminated.

You like it, I love it
The singer is repeating a colloquial phrase which means that they are okay with whatever someone else likes, even if they themselves do not like it.

Let me talk my Stu Scott, ‘scuse me on my 2pac
The singer is referencing two influential figures in black culture, Stu Scott who was a sports broadcaster, and Tupac Shakur who was a rapper and activist. They are saying that they want to express their own viewpoint in a way that is inspired by these figures.

Keep your head up, when did you stop? Love and die
The artist is giving advice and encouragement, by saying that people should keep a positive outlook and continue to love even in difficult times.

Color of your skin, color of your eyes
The artist is referencing physical features that are used to categorize or judge people, and suggesting that they are not important.

That’s the real blues, baby, like you met Jay’s baby
The artist is using slang to say that these issues are the real problems, and comparing them to something that is commonly known or familiar.

You blew me away, you think more beauty in blue green and grey
The singer is complimenting someone they care about, saying that they see beauty in unexpected places.

All my Solomon up north, 12 years a slave
The artist is making a reference to the book of the Bible called 'Song of Solomon', and the phrase '12 years a slave' which is the title of a book and movie about a black man who was enslaved in the antebellum South. They are saying that they have a long history and connection to slavery and oppression.

12 years of age, thinkin’ my shade too dark
The singer is describing their own experience as a child, when they may have felt self-conscious about their skin color or appearance.

I love myself, I no longer need Cupid
The singer is indicating that they have gained self-confidence and self-love over time, and no longer need a mythical figure like Cupid to bring them happiness or love.

And forcin’ my dark side like a young George Lucas
The singer is referencing the director George Lucas, who is known for creating the Star Wars franchise. They are saying that they are embracing their darker side, in the way that Lucas explored themes of good and evil in his movies.

Light don’t mean you smart, bein’ dark don’t make you stupid
The artist is emphasizing the fact that skin color has nothing to do with intelligence or ability.

And frame of mind for them bustas, ain’t talkin’ “Woohah!”
The artist is using slang to refer to people who may have a negative or narrow-minded perspective on life. They are saying that they are not impressed by people who think that way.

Need a paradox for the pair of dots they tutored
The singer is using wordplay and metaphor to suggest that people need to think outside of the box, and not simply rely on what they have been taught or told in the past.

Like two ties, L-L, you lose two times
The singer is referencing the loss of two 'ties', or connections with others, and saying that it is a double loss.

If you don’t see you beautiful in your complexion
The artist is addressing the listener directly, and saying that they should see beauty in themselves regardless of their skin color or complexion.

It ain’t complex to put it in context
The artist is saying that the idea of finding beauty in one's own complexion is not difficult to understand, and can be put into a larger context.

Find the air beneath the kite, that’s the context
The artist is using a metaphor to suggest that people should look beyond the surface to find deeper meaning or truth, similar to how a kite needs air beneath it to fly.

Yeah, baby, I’m conscious, ain’t no contest
The singer is stating that they are aware or conscious of important issues, and there is no need for competition or comparison.

If you like it, I love it, all your earth tones been blessed
The artist is repeating a phrase from earlier in the song, which means that they accept and appreciate whatever someone else likes. They are also complimenting the listener, saying that their natural skin tone is 'blessed'.

Ain’t no stress, jigga boos wanna be
The singer is using slang to refer to people who try to imitate or copy others in a way that is unauthentic or disrespectful.

I ain’t talkin’ Jay, I ain’t talkin’ Bey
The singer is referencing the famous couple Jay-Z and Beyonce, and saying that they are not talking about them specifically in this moment.

I’m talkin’ days we got school watchin’ movie screens
The singer is referencing a time when they were young and would watch movies in school. They are likely saying that these movies did not accurately represent or reflect their own lives and experiences.

And spike yourself esteem
The artist is using slang to say that people should boost or improve their own self-esteem and confidence.

The new James Bond gon’ be black as me
The artist is referencing the fictional character James Bond, who has traditionally been portrayed as a white man. They are saying that the next actor to play the role will be black, just like them.

Black as brown, hazelnut, cinnamon, black tea
The singer is listing different shades of brown and black, and saying that all of them are beautiful and valuable.

And it’s all beautiful to me
The singer is expressing their appreciation for all different shades of skin color and complexion.

Call your brothers magnificent, call all the sisters queens
The artist is using language to uplift and empower black men and women, suggesting that they are all worthy of respect and admiration.

We all on the same team, blues and pirus, no colors ain’t a thing
The artist is referencing different gangs or groups, and suggesting that people from different backgrounds should come together and not be divided by race or color.

Barefoot babies with no cares
The artist is using imagery to describe young children who are carefree and innocent.

Teenage gun toters that don’t play fair, should I get out the car?
The singer is introducing a contrast between the innocence of children and the violence of teenagers who use guns. They are questioning whether they should try to intervene or help in this situation.

I don’t see Compton, I see something much worse
The artist is referencing the neighborhood of Compton in Los Angeles, but implying that the problems they are witnessing are even more severe or troubling than what is typically associated with that area.

The land of the landmines, the hell that’s on earth
The singer is using hyperbole to describe the situation and environment they are experiencing, saying that it is like a war zone or a terrible place to be.