Ignorance Is Bliss
Kendrick Lamar Lyrics

Lord forgive me
I am aware that what I am about to say and do is morally wrong, but I am going to do it anyway.

Kill him where he stand and stand over him, shake his hand
I am going to kill this person, and then I am going to stand over their dead body and taunt them in a show of power.

Then jump back in that mini van, double back to his block and blam I ain't backing down for nothing
After I have killed this person, I am going to quickly leave the scene of the crime, then go back to their neighborhood and kill someone else there, because I will not be afraid to retaliate.

I'ma back em down like Shaq with this black 2-2-3 in my hand
I am going to intimidate and overpower my enemies with the force of a basketball legend, as I hold a gun.

Better pray that this chopper jam like a radio single, man
I hope that when I am using my gun, it does not fail me, like a song that fails to be successful on the radio.

Police radio signals sayin' that a 187 land on your corner
The police radio is reporting that a murder has occurred in your neighborhood.

Coroners comfort your mama
The people who take care of the dead are trying to provide emotional support to your mother.

"Mama he's dead", the next morning I toasted up with my homies
After killing someone and causing them to die, I am celebrating with my friends the next day.

We drink and smoke marijuana, want us to change our ways? Uh-huh
My friends and I are using drugs and alcohol, and we refuse to change our ways despite the potential harm it may cause.

You see this game we play come from uncles that raised me in Compton
The violent behavior and culture I am part of was passed down to me by my family members who also grew up in Compton.

Ask me what I have accomplished I don't know I don't have conscience
I do not have a sense of guilt or remorse, and I do not know what I have achieved or accomplished through all of the acts of violence I have committed.

I just load up and start dumpin' on enemies; I'm head hunting
I am prepared and eager to shoot my enemies, and I consider it to be a sport like hunting animals.

No sympathy, ain't no love when you in these streets just get something
There is no kindness or affection shown in the neighborhoods I live in, and we only value material possessions and getting ahead.

Protect ya neck cuz they comin' for sets, respect, split your onion
It is important to be vigilant and protect oneself from rival gangs who are willing to harm you for territory and pride.

Then chop your deck your head tumblin' like gymnastics
After attacking you, we will also disrupt your status and cause your head to spin, similar to a tumbling gymnast.

Cause ignorance is bliss
Being uninformed and uneducated about the world around you can lead to a life that feels easier and happier than facing the harsh realities.

Now everybody put your hands up high If you don't give a fuck, put your hands up high
This song and the lyrics I am expressing are meant to encourage people to feel reckless and uncaring towards the world.

And this still the hardest shit you've heard from LA this far And I'm this far, from a discharge but never will I dish off
I have not yet reached my peak, and there are even worse things I will do in the future, even as I distance myself from my criminal past.

This my world, I grab the universe then play kickball
I feel like I have control over everything, and I play with the lives and safety of others like a child playing a casual game of kickball with the universe itself.

And they wonder why these California earthquakes hit so hard I'm So-Cal, you so-called rappers need to go call Ghostbusters to shoot busters I'm Casper when I go off
I am from a region known for its devastating earthquakes, and I am so powerful and resilient that even ghostbusters would not be able to catch me when I am causing chaos as an invisible specter.

You a hundred percent behind me And if you hard then wreck your car and walk up to my crime scene
If you are truly committed to my criminal lifestyle, then you would be willing to crash your car and walk towards the aftermath of my violent actions.

I remember being 17 wishing someone would sign me Now the only way these labels get me back is when they rewind me
I used to be desperate for attention and validation as a young aspiring artist, but now I am only interested in reliving and replaying the violent moments of my past.

Backin' down bargains Backin' down bitches We gon' flip her once she off that blue dolphin You gon' tip her Cuz ignorance is bliss
We will not back down from negotiating deals or fighting with women, and we will take advantage of them when they are under the influence of drugs, because we want to remain ignorant to the harm it causes and the dynamics of respecting women.

And Willie B, I'm a fool on yo beats, I bleed out the speaker as the speaker that spoke when they didn't speak
I am proud of the music I produce, and I put my entire self into it, like a speaker that is so powerful it can convey a message that doesn't even need to be spoken.