At the end of the song, he appears to allude to the controversial moment in May 2018 when he invited a white woman onstage at the Alabama Hangout Festival to perform his October 2012 track, “m.A.A.d. city”. When she proceeded to say the N-word, he asked her to start over and avoid using the slur, however, she was ultimately forced to return to the audience.
Kendrick juxtaposes the misuse of the N-word with his own community’s use of the F-word to denigrate queer people. He uses these parallels not only as a teaching moment for his listener, but as a clever transition to the next song, titled “Mr. Morale,” which begins with the following quote: "It was one of the worst performances I’ve seen in my life. I couldn’t sleep last night because I felt this shit".
Auntie Diaries
Kendrick Lamar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Heart plays in ways the mind can't
Heart plays in ways the mind can't figure out
This is how we conceptualize human beings
My auntie is a man now
I think I'm old enough to understand now
Drinking Paul Masson with her hat turned backwards
Blue Air Max's, gold chains and curl kits
'93 Nissan wax job, the earliest
Big social, big personality, vocal
Played the underground verbatim and stayed local
My auntie is a man now
I watch him and his girl hold their hands down
Tip of the avenues street lights made his
Thinkin', "I want me a bad bitch when I get big"
They hug on the corner like California king
Cold hand all up her skirt, cars whistlin' down the road
See, my auntie is a man now, slight bravado
Scratchin' the likes from lotto
Hopin' that she pull up tomorrow
So I can hang out in the front seat
Six by nines keeping the music up under me
My auntie is a man now
Asked my mama why my uncles don't like him that much
And at the parties why they always wanna fight him that much
She said, "Ain't no tellin'
Niggas always been jealous because he had more women
More money and more attention made more envy
Callin' him anything but broke was less offending"
My auntie is a man now
I think I'm old enough to understand now
Drinking Paul Masson with her hat turned backwards
Back when it was comedic relief to say, "Faggot"
Faggot, faggot, faggot, we ain't know no better
Elementary kids with no filter, however
My auntie became a man and I took pride in it
She wasn't gay, she ate pussy, and that was the difference
That's what I told my friends in second grade
She picking me up from school, they stare at her in the face
They couldn't comprehend what I grew accustomed
We pull off bumpin' Quik like it was nothing
My auntie is a man now, what a relationship
I grew up fast, I needed no one to babysit
He gave me some cash then gave me some game
Cherry freshener on the dash, I never complained
She even cut my hair at the pad, was loving my fade
The first person I seen write a rap
That's when my life had changed
House full of demo, smoke stuck on the window
Cameras on the microphone, all women and men though
My auntie was a man now, we cool with it
The history had trickled down and made us ign'ant
My favorite cousin said he's returning the favor
And following my auntie with the same behavior
Demetrius is Mary-Ann now
He's more confident to live his plan now (talking to the world's gonna bring you down)
But the family in disbelief this time (talking to the world's gonna bring you down)
Convincing themselves, "He ain't living discreet, he's fine" (talking to the world's gonna bring you down)
They said they never seen it in him, but I seen it (ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
The Barbie dolls played off reflection of Venus (ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
He built a wall so tall you couldn't climb over
He didn't laugh as hard when the kids start joking (ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
"Faggot, faggot, faggot," we ain't know no better
Middle school kids with no filter, however
I had to be very mindful of my good cousin
I knew exactly who he was, but I still loved him
Demetrius is Mary-Ann now
I mean he's really Mary-Ann, even took things further
Changed his gender before Bruce Jenner was certain
Living his truth even if it meant see a surgeon
We didn't talk for a while, he seemed more distant
Wasn't comfortable around me, everything was offensive
But I recall we both had a sick sense of humor
Made raw, but time changes all
Demetrius is Mary-Ann now
Remember church, Easter Sunday?
I sat in the pew, you had stronger faith
More spiritual when these dudes were living life straight
Which I found ironic 'cause the pastor didn't see him the same
He said my cousin was going through some things
He promised the world we living in was an act on abomination
And Demetrius was to blame
I knew you was conflicted by the feelings of preacherman
Wondering if God still call you a decent man
Still you found the courage to be subservient just to anoint
Until he singled you out to prove his point, saying
"Demetrius is Mary-Ann now
Church, his auntie is a man now," it hurt
You the most 'cause your belief was close to his words
Forcing me to stand now
I said, "Mr. Preacherman, should we love thy neighbor?
The laws of the land or the heart, what's greater?
I recognize the study she was taught since birth
But that don't justify the feelings that my cousin preserved"
The building was thinkin' out loud, bad angel
That's when you looked at me and smiled, said, "Thank you"
The day I chose humanity over religion
The family got closer, it was all forgiven
I said them F-bombs, I ain't know any better
Mistakenly, I ain't think that you'd know any different
See, I was taught words was nothing more than a sound
If ever they was pronounced without any intentions
The very second you challenged the shit I was kickin'
Reminded me about a show I did out the city
That time I brung a fan on stage to rap
But disapproved the word that she couldn't say with me
You said, "Kendrick, ain't no room for contradiction
To truly understand love, switch position
'Faggot, faggot, faggot,' we can say it together
But only if you let a white girl say 'Nigga'"
The lyrics of Kendrick Lamar's "Auntie Diaries" are about his auntie who transitioned to become a man named Demetrius. The first verse of the song talks about how the heart operates in ways that the mind cannot comprehend, and this is how we conceptualize human beings. The following verses tell the story of his auntie and how she transitioned to become a man. The chorus repeats, "My auntie is a man now, I think I'm old enough to understand now, drinking Paul Masson with her hat turned backward." Kendrick talks about how he grew up with his auntie, who was always very fashionable with her Off-White Guess jacket, Blue Air Max, and gold chains. She was always admired by many and had a big personality. He also talks about how his auntie faced discrimination from some of their family members who didn't understand or accept her transition.
In the second verse, Kendrick talks about how he, as a child, didn't understand his auntie's transition and would get into fights defending her. He would tell his friends that his auntie wasn't gay, but ate pussy, reiterating the difference between sexual orientation and gender identity. Kendrick also shares the story of how Demetrius transitioned to become Mary-Ann, and how this affected their family. Some family members didn't believe that Demetrius was really a woman and thought that he wasn't living discreetly, while others began to understand and accept Mary-Ann's true identity. Kendrick also touches on the conflict that can arise between religion and personal beliefs when it comes to accepting transgender individuals.
Line by Line Meaning
Heart plays in ways the mind can't figure out
Our emotions often lead us to make decisions that our logical mind cannot understand.
This is how we conceptualize human beings
This is how we perceive and understand the complexity of human nature.
My auntie is a man now
My auntie has transitioned and now identifies as a man.
I think I'm old enough to understand now
I have reached an age where I can comprehend and accept my auntie's identity.
Drinking Paul Masson with her hat turned backwards
Engaging in casual activities with a carefree attitude, defying traditional gender norms.
Motorola pager, Off-White Guess jacket
Describing the fashion choices and accessories that reflect my auntie's personal style.
Blue Air Max's, gold chains and curl kits
Highlighting the specific clothing and grooming products my auntie prefers.
'93 Nissan wax job, the earliest
Referring to my auntie's well-maintained car from 1993 with a shiny wax coating.
Big social, big personality, vocal
Describing my auntie as someone who is outgoing, has a strong character, and is expressive.
Played the underground verbatim and stayed local
My auntie was involved in the local music scene, performing authentic and original music.
They hug on the corner like California king
Depicting the affectionate display of love between my auntie and her partner.
Cold hand all up her skirt, cars whistlin' down the road
Illustrating moments of intimacy and the attention received from others while in public.
My auntie is a man now, slight bravado
My auntie exudes a confident and self-assured demeanor since embracing his true identity.
Scratchin' the likes from lotto
Seeking validation and acceptance from others through social media interactions.
Hopin' that she pull up tomorrow
Anticipating the presence of my auntie and looking forward to spending time together.
So I can hang out in the front seat
Eager to spend quality time with my auntie and be a part of his experiences.
Six by nines keeping the music up under me
Enjoying the immersive music experience in the car with high-quality speakers.
Asked my mama why my uncles don't like him that much
Wondering why some of my family members have negative feelings towards my auntie's transition.
And at the parties why they always wanna fight him that much
Observing confrontations at social gatherings that stem from disapproval or jealousy.
She said, 'Ain't no tellin'
My mother explained that it is difficult to pinpoint the exact reasons for their dislike.
Niggas always been jealous because he had more women
Suggesting that the underlying reason for the uncles' jealousy is my auntie's success with romantic relationships.
More money and more attention made more envy
My auntie's financial stability and popularity have fueled even greater levels of envy.
Callin' him anything but broke was less offending
Insulting my auntie by identifying his financial status is considered less hurtful than other derogatory terms.
Back when it was comedic relief to say, 'Faggot'
In the past, using derogatory slurs like 'faggot' was seen as humorous rather than offensive.
Faggot, faggot, faggot, we ain't know no better
Repeating offensive words used in childhood without understanding the harm they caused.
Elementary kids with no filter, however
Referring to our lack of awareness and sensitivity as young children.
She wasn't gay, she ate pussy, and that was the difference
Clarifying my auntie's sexual orientation and distinguishing it from her gender identity.
That's what I told my friends in second grade
Sharing my understanding of my auntie's identity with my peers at a young age.
She picking me up from school, they stare at her in the face
Describing the judgment and confusion faced by my auntie and myself when she picked me up from school.
They couldn't comprehend what I grew accustomed
My friends struggled to understand and accept my auntie's gender identity as I had.
We pull off bumpin' Quik like it was nothing
Listening to music together, depicting how our relationship remained strong despite societal norms.
What a relationship
Expressing the unique and special bond I have with my auntie, transcending societal expectations.
I grew up fast, I needed no one to babysit
Maturing quickly and becoming independent, not relying on others to guide my growth.
He gave me some cash then gave me some game
My auntie provided financial support and shared valuable life advice with me.
Cherry freshener on the dash, I never complained
Appreciating the small gestures of care and attention my auntie displayed, such as placing a pleasant-smelling air freshener in the car.
She even cut my hair at the pad, was loving my fade
My auntie skillfully cutting my hair at home and me being proud of the trendy hairstyle she gave me.
The first person I seen write a rap
Witnessing my auntie expressing himself through writing and performing rap music for the first time.
That's when my life had changed
Realizing the profound impact of music and art on my personal growth and outlook on life.
House full of demo, smoke stuck on the window
The home filled with music recordings and the lingering smell of smoke, symbolizing creativity and dedication.
Cameras on the microphone, all women and men though
Recording equipment capturing the performances of talented individuals, regardless of their gender.
We cool with it
Having a positive and accepting attitude towards my auntie's identity.
The history had trickled down and made us ign'ant
The lack of knowledge and understanding in our family history has led to ignorance and prejudices surrounding gender identity.
My favorite cousin said he's returning the favor
My cousin is reciprocating the acceptance and support my auntie showed him when he faced challenges.
And following my auntie with the same behavior
Emulating my auntie's courage and authenticity, choosing to embrace their own identities without fear.
Demetrius is Mary-Ann now
My cousin, Demetrius, has undergone a gender transition and now identifies as Mary-Ann.
He's more confident to live his plan now
Mary-Ann is now more self-assured and comfortable living according to her true identity.
But the family in disbelief this time
However, our family struggles to accept and understand Mary-Ann's transition.
Convincing themselves, 'He ain't living discreet, he's fine'
Family members reassure themselves that Mary-Ann's identity is not a secret and that she is doing well.
They said they never seen it in him, but I seen it
While others claim they never saw signs of Mary-Ann's true identity, I recognized and acknowledged it.
The Barbie dolls played off reflection of Venus
Highlighting how children's toys served as a reflection of Mary-Ann's feminine identity.
He built a wall so tall you couldn't climb over
Mary-Ann constructed emotional barriers, making it difficult for others to understand or connect with her.
He didn't laugh as hard when the kids start joking
Mary-Ann's response to jokes about her identity was not as lighthearted and carefree as before.
Middle school kids with no filter, however
Describing the insensitivity and lack of tact displayed by students during their middle school years.
I had to be very mindful of my good cousin
I became more aware and considerate of Mary-Ann's feelings and experiences as my close family member.
I knew exactly who he was, but I still loved him
Despite understanding and accepting Mary-Ann's true identity, I continued to have unconditional love for her.
Remember church, Easter Sunday?
Recalling a specific memory of attending church on Easter Sunday.
I sat in the pew, you had stronger faith
Observing Mary-Ann's unwavering faith and dedication during religious services.
More spiritual when these dudes were living life straight
Contrasting Mary-Ann's deep spiritual connection with some heterosexual men who seemed less committed to their faith.
Which I found ironic 'cause the pastor didn't see him the same
Noting the irony that the pastor, who was supposed to be accepting, did not view Mary-Ann's identity with the same level of understanding.
He said my cousin was going through some things
The pastor attributed Mary-Ann's struggle with her identity to personal issues rather than accepting her true self.
He promised the world we living in was an act on abomination
The pastor claimed that the world as it is, including gender transitions, is morally wrong and sinful.
And Demetrius was to blame
The pastor specifically targeted and blamed Demetrius for challenging societal norms and expressing his true identity.
I knew you was conflicted by the feelings of preacherman
Recognizing that Mary-Ann was struggling with her faith due to the conflicting messages from the pastor.
Wondering if God still call you a decent man
Questioning whether Mary-Ann could still be seen as a good and faithful person in the eyes of God.
Still you found the courage to be subservient just to anoint
Despite the doubts, Mary-Ann chose to remain devoted and obedient to religious practices and rituals.
Until he singled you out to prove his point, saying
The pastor deliberately and publicly targeted Mary-Ann to reinforce his own beliefs and agenda.
'Demetrius is Mary-Ann now
The pastor highlighted Mary-Ann's transition, further emphasizing the conflict between her true identity and societal expectations.
Church, his auntie is a man now,' it hurt
The pastor insensitively declared Mary-Ann's transition in a church setting, causing pain and discomfort.
You the most 'cause your belief was close to his words
The hurt was greater for Mary-Ann because she had previously aligned closely with the pastor's teachings.
Forcing me to stand now
The situation compelled me to take a stand and speak up for my cousin's true identity.
I said, 'Mr. Preacherman, should we love thy neighbor?
Questioning the pastor about the true meaning of loving one's neighbor as taught in religious teachings.
The laws of the land or the heart, what's greater?
Pondering whether religious laws or the genuine love and acceptance in one's heart hold more significance.
I recognize the study she was taught since birth
Acknowledging the religious teachings that shaped my cousin's beliefs from an early age.
But that don't justify the feelings that my cousin preserved
Stating that religious teachings alone cannot dismiss or invalidate my cousin's authentic feelings and identity.
The building was thinkin' out loud, bad angel
The congregation was collectively grappling with conflicting thoughts and emotions, representing both good and bad influences.
That's when you looked at me and smiled, said, 'Thank you'
In that moment, Mary-Ann expressed gratitude for my support and understanding.
The day I chose humanity over religion
Referring to the moment when I prioritized empathy and acceptance of others' identities over strict religious doctrine.
The family got closer, it was all forgiven
As a result of embracing love and understanding, our family experienced reconciliation and unity, letting go of past conflicts.
I said them F-bombs, I ain't know any better
I used offensive language without realizing the harm it caused, displaying my own ignorance.
Mistakenly, I ain't think that you'd know any different
Assuming that as a pastor, you would not be aware of or sensitive to the impact of derogatory language.
See, I was taught words was nothing more than a sound
Reflecting on the flawed belief that words are merely sounds devoid of meaning and consequences.
If ever they was pronounced without any intentions
Assuming that intent is the only factor that determines the impact of the words we use.
The very second you challenged the shit I was kickin'
Realizing the moment you confronted me about the offensive language, causing me to reconsider my speech.
Reminded me about a show I did out the city
Bringing to mind a concert performance I had in a different city.
That time I brung a fan on stage to rap
Recalling the occasion when I invited a fan to join me on stage for a rap performance.
But disapproved the word that she couldn't say with me
However, I prohibited her from using a specific word during the performance.
You said, 'Kendrick, ain't no room for contradiction
Pointing out that my actions were contradictory and revealed a double standard in accepting offensive language.
To truly understand love, switch position
Encouraging me to empathize by adopting the perspective of others in order to fully comprehend the concept of love.
'Faggot, faggot, faggot,' we can say it together
Recognizing that using offensive slurs collectively perpetuates harm and discrimination.
But only if you let a white girl say 'Nigga'
Challenging societal norms by pointing out the inconsistency of allowing derogatory language towards one group while censoring it for another.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Craig Balmoris, Daniel Krieger, Daniel Tannenbaum, Homer Steinweiss, Kendrick Duckworth, Sergiu Gherman, Tyler Mehlenbacher
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
asif hossain
Heart plays in ways the mind can't figure out
Heart plays in ways the mind can't figure out
Heart plays in ways the mind can't figure out
This is how we conceptualize human beings
My auntie is a man now
I think I'm old enough to understand now
Drinking Paul Masson with her hat turned backwards
Motorola pager off like, "Yes, Jackie"
Blue Air Max's, gold chains and curl kits
'93 Nissan wax job, the earliest
Big social, big personality, vocal
Played underground verbatim and stayed local
My auntie is a man now
I watch him and his girl hold their hands down
Tip of the avenues under street lights made his
Thinkin', "I want me a bad bitch when I get big"
They walk the corner like California king
Cold hand all up her skirt, cars whistling down the road
See, my auntie is a man now, slight bravado
Scratching the likes from lotto
Hoping that she pull up tomorrow
So I can hang out in the front seat
Six by nines, keeping the music up under me
My auntie is a man now
Asked my momma why my uncles don't like him that much
And at the parties why they always wanna fight him that much
She said "Ain't no telling"
"Niggas always been jealous because he had more women"
"More money and more attention made more envy"
"Calling him anything but broke was less offendin'"
My auntie is a man now
I think I'm old enough to understand now
Drinking Paul Masson with her hat turned backwards
Back when it was comedic relief to say "Faggot"
Faggot, faggot, faggot, we ain't know no better
Elementary kids with no filter, however
My auntie became a man and I took pride in it
She wasn't gay, she ate pussy, and that was the difference
That's what I told my friends in second grade
She picking me up from school, they stare at her in the face
They couldn't comprehend what I grew accustomed
We pull off bumpin' quick like it was nothing
My auntie is a man now, what a relationship
I grew up fast, I needed no one to babysit
He gave me some cash, then gave me some gang
Cherry freshener on the dash, I never complained
She even cut my hair at the pad, was loving my fade
The first person I seen write a rap, that's when my life had changed
House full of demo, smoke stuck on the window
Cameras on the microphone, all women and men though
My auntie was a man now, we cool with it
The history had trickled down and made us ig'nant
My favorite cousin said he's returning the favor
And following my auntie with the same behavior
Demetrius is Mary-Ann now
He's more confident to live his plan now
But the family in disbelief this time
Convincing themselves "he ain't living discreet, he's fine"
They said they never seen it in him, but I seen it
The Barbie dolls played off the reflection of Venus
He built a wall so tall you couldn't climb over
He didn't laugh as hard when the kids start jokin'
"Faggot, faggot, faggot, " we ain't know no better
Middle school kids with no filter, however
I had to be very mindful of my good cousin
I knew exactly who he was, but I still loved him
Demetrius is Mary-Ann now
I mean he's really Mary-Ann, even took things further
Changed his gender, before Bruce Jenner was certain
Living his truth, even if it meant see a surgeon
We didn't talk for a while, he seemed more distant
Wasn't comfortable around me, everything was offensive
But I recall we both had a sick sense of humor
Made raw, but time changes all
Demetrius is Mary-Ann now
Remember church, Easter Sunday?
I sat in the pew, you had stronger faith
More spiritual when these dudes were livin' life straight
Which I found ironic 'cause the pastor didn't see him the same
He said my cousin was goin' through some things
He promised the world we livin' in was an act on abomination and Demetrius was to blame
I knew you was conflicted by the feelings a preacher made
Wonderin' if God still call you a decent man
Still, you found the courage to be subservient just to anoint
Until he singled you out to prove his point, sayin'
"Demetrius is Mary-Ann now"
Church, his auntie is a man now, it hurt
He the most 'cause his belief was close to his words
Forcing me to stand now
I said, "Mr. Preacher man, should we love thy neighbor?
"The laws of the land or the heart, what's greater?
"I recognize the study she was taught since birth
"But that don't justify the feelings that my cousin preserved"
The building was thinking out loud, bad angel
That's when you looked at me and smiled, said, "Thank you"
The day I chose humanity over religion
The family got closer, it was all forgiven
I said them F-bombs, I ain't know any better
Mistakenly, I didn't think you'd know any different
See, I was taught words was nothing more than a sound
If everything was pronounced without any intentions
If every second, you challenge the shit I was kicking
Reminded me about a show I did out the city
That time I brung a fan on stage to rap
But disapproved the word that she couldn't say with me
You said, "Kendrick, ain't no room for contradiction"
"To truly understand love, switch position"
"Faggot, faggot, faggot, " we can say it together
"But only if you let a white girl say, 'Nigga'"
Rings Of Blayze
As a black gay man who was a gay child. I was tortured and abused by black boys and black girls, I even had ugly vicious fight with all. So, yes! I hate the F slur but I give grace because I love this song. It's storytelling at it's finest and I love that, my fav part of the song
"mister preacher man should we love thy neighbor? The laws of the land or the heart what's greater?
I recognize the study she was taught since birth but that don't justify the feelings my cousin perserve.
The building was thinkin out loud, bad angel, that's when looked at me and smiled said thank you.
The day I chose humanity over religion, the family got closer, it was all forgiven" -Kendrick L. Yall should really be like King Kendrick. I don't call to many that.
MSC embalo
Auntie Diaries Lyrics
[Intro]
Heart plays in waves, the mind can't figure out
Heart plays in waves, the mind can't figure out
Heart plays in waves, the mind can't figure out
Heart plays in waves, the mind can't figure out
This is how we conceptualize human beings
[Verse 1]
My auntie is a man now
I think I'm old enough to understand now
Drinking Paul Masson with her hat turned backwards
Motorola pager off like, "Yes, Jackie"
Blue Air Max's, gold chains and curl kits
'93 Nissan wax job, the earliest
Big social, big personality, vocal
Played underground verbatim and stayed local
My auntie is a man now
I watch him and his girl hold their hands down
Tip of the avenues street lights made his
Thinking, "I want me a bad bitch when I get big"
They walk the corner like California king
Cold hand all up her skirt, cars whistling down the road
See, my auntie is a man now, slight bravado
Scratching the likes from lotto
Hoping that she pull up tomorrow
So I can hang out in the front seat
Six by nines keeping the music up under me
My auntie is a man now
Asked my momma why my uncles don't like him that much
And at the parties why they always wanna fight him that much
She said "Ain't no telling
Niggas always been jealous because he had more women
More money and more attention made more envy
Calling him anything but than broke was less offending"
[Verse 2]
My auntie is a man now
I think I'm old enough to understand now
Drinking Paul Masson with her hat turned backwards
Back when it was comedic relief to say "Faggot"
Faggot, faggot faggot, we ain't know no better
Elementary kids with no filter however
My auntie became a man and I took pride in it
She wasn't gay, she ate pussy, and that was the difference
That's what I told my friends in second grade
She picking up from school, they stare at her in the face
They couldn't comprehend what I grew accustomed
We pull off bumpin' quick like it was nothing
My auntie is a man now, what a relationship
I grew up fast, I needed no one to babysit
He gave me some cash then gave me some gang
Cherry freshener on the dash, I never complained
She even cut my hair at the pad, was loving my fade
The first person I seen write a rap
That's when my life had changed
House full of demo, smoke stuck on the window
Cameras on the microphone, all women and men though
My auntie was a man now, we cool with it
The history had trickled down and made us ig'nant
My favorite cousin said he's returning the favor
And following my auntie with the same behavior
[Verse 3]
Demetrius is Mary-Ann now
He's more confident to live his plan now
But the family in disbelief this time
Convincing themselves "He ain't living discreet, he's fine"
They said they never seen it in him, but I seen it
The Barbie dolls played off the reflection of Venus
He built a wall so tall you couldn't climb over
He didn't laugh as hard when the kids start joking
"Faggot, faggot, faggot" We ain't know no better
Middle school kids with no filter, however
I had to be very mindful of my good cousin
I knew exactly who he was but I still loved him
[Verse 4]
Demetrius is Mary-Ann now
I mean he's really Mary-Ann, even took things further
Changed his gender before Bruce Jenner was certain
Living his truth even if it meant see a surgeon
We didn't talk for a while, he seemed more distant
Wasn't comfortable around me, everything was offensive
But I recall we both had a sick sense of humor
Made raw, but time changes all
[Verse 5]
Demetrius is Mary-Ann now
Remember church, Easter Sunday?
I sat in the pew, you had stronger faith
More spiritual when these dudes were living life straight
Which I found ironic 'cause the pastor didn't see him the same
He said my cousin was going through some things
He promised the world we living in was an act on abomination
And Demetrius was to blame
I knew you was conflicted by the feelings a preacher made
Wondering if God still call you a decent man
Still you found the courage to be subservient just to anoint
Until he singled you out to prove his point, saying
[Verse 6]
Demetrius is Mary-Ann now
Church, his auntie is a man now, it hurt
He the most 'cause his belief was close to his words
Forcing me to stand now
I said "Mr. Preacher man, should we love thy neighbor?
The laws of the land or the heart, what's greater?
I recognize the study she was taught since birth
But that don't justify the feelings that my cousin preserved"
The building was thinking out loud, bad angel
That's when you looked at me and smiled, said "Thank you"
The day I chose humanity over religion
The family got closer, it was all forgiven
I said them F-bombs, I ain't know any better
Mistakenly I didn't think you'd know any different
See, I was taught words was nothing more than a sound
If everything was pronounced without any intentions
If every second you challenge the shit I was kicking
Reminded me about a show I did out the city
That time I brung a fan on stage to rap
But disapproved the word that she couldn't say with me
You said "Kendrick, ain't no room for contradiction
To truly understand love, switch position
'Faggot, faggot, faggot,' we can say it together
But only if you let a white girl say 'Nigga'"
Kirax
‘The day I choose humanity over religion’ is such a powerful line that it sends chills down my spine
Duckworth
Religion should be over everything.
Aboriginal Of Knowledge
@Duckworth they never answer the Leviticus question because it shows your god is a savage for asking for child sacrifices 😉
Samuel Stensgaard
This song is obviously incredible, but I really appreciate how Kendrick humanizes his uncle and talks about writing raps with him when they hung out. It's always great for art like this to show that queer people are more than statistics, they're human beings with hopes, dreams, desires, and flaws.
el
Thats beautiful 🤍
Luke
This is so beautiful
silloweet
His auntie*
Kai Medina
as a trans male this was so beautiful to listen to. the misgendering isn’t offensive, it’s representative of the process he went through to understand them. truly artistic.
Dyto69
@yong oof what for?
Always Complains
@yong oof god is a sadistic malevolent power hungry idol.