PRIDE
Kendrick Lamar Lyrics

Love's gonna get you killed
It's risky to love others since it can lead to heartbreak and even death

But pride's gonna be the death of you, and you and me
Pride is a dangerous emotion that can ultimately cause destruction in relationships, not just for yourself, but for others too

Me, I wasn't taught to share, but care
I wasn't taught how to share things, but I was taught to care about others

In another life, I surely was there
Maybe in a past life, I was a more giving person

Hell-raising, wheel-chasing, new worldy possessions
Material possessions are superficial and don't bring real happiness

Flesh-making, spirit-breaking
Focusing on physical desires can harm your mental and emotional wellbeing

Which one would you lessen?
Which of these negative qualities would you prefer to have less of?

The better part, the human heart
Ultimately, the most important thing is recognizing the value of and being kind to other human beings

You love 'em or dissect 'em
When it comes to relationships, you either love and appreciate others for who they are or criticize and judge them excessively

Happiness or flashiness?
Is true happiness found in superficial displays of wealth and status, or something deeper?

How do you serve the question?
What do you believe is the best way to answer this question?

See, in the perfect world, I would be perfect, world
In an ideal world, I would be my best self

I don't trust people enough beyond they surface, world
I struggle to connect with others and often only see people for what they show on the surface

I don't love people enough to put my faith in man
I have difficulty believing in others and relying on them for support and care

I put my faith in these lyrics hoping I make amend
Instead, I find comfort and solace in art, such as music, to try and work through my feelings and make amends

I understand I ain't perfect I probably won't come around
I acknowledge that I'm not perfect and may struggle to change my ways

This time, I might put you down
I might let someone down or hurt them this time around

Last time, I ain't give a fuck, I still feel the same now
Even though I didn't care or take responsibility for my actions before, I still feel similarly now

My feelings might go numb, you're dealing with cold thumb
My emotions might shut down and I might become distant and unfeeling

I'm willing to give up a leg and arm to show empathy from
Despite this, I am willing to go to great lengths to show empathy and compassion for others

Pity parties and functions and you and yours
Social gatherings where people wallow in self-pity and sadness and focus on their own issues can be unproductive and unhealthy

A perfect world, you probably live another twenty-four
In a perfect world, people would be able to live longer and healthier lives

I can't fake humble just 'cause your ass is insecure
I refuse to downplay my worth or accomplishments to make someone else feel more secure about themselves

Maybe I wasn't there
Perhaps I wasn't present or there for someone who needed me in the past

Now, in a perfect world, I probably won't be insensitive
If everything was ideal, I would not be as uncaring or unfeeling as I may come across now

Cold as December, but never remember what winter did
Even though I may act cold or distant, I try to forget the past hurt and pain that may cause me to act that way

I wouldn't blame you for mistakes I made or the bed I laid
I take ownership for my own mistakes and don't blame others for the problems I've caused

Seems like I point the finger just to make a point, nowadays
I may sometimes blame others not because they're at fault, but just to emphasize my own viewpoint and make my argument stronger

The temperature goes there (goes there)
The intensity of emotions and tension can escalate beyond control

Indigenous disposition
An inherent or natural tendency towards certain behaviors or attitudes

Feel like we belong here
Despite differences or past struggles, we feel connected and part of this community

I know the walls, they can listen
I am aware that even in private settings, our conversations and feelings can be overheard and exposed

I wish they could talk back
I desire a deeper connection and understanding with my surroundings and environment

The hurt becomes repetition
Pain or trauma can become cyclical and repeat itself, causing ongoing suffering

The love almost lost that
The pain or trauma caused a strain on or almost ended a relationship built on love and affection

Sick venom in men and women overcome with pride
When people become overly proud, their actions and words can be toxic and harmful to others

A perfect world is never perfect, only filled with lies
Even in an idealistic world, there will always be flaws, deception, and dishonesty

Promises are broken and more resentment come alive
People often fail to fulfill their promises, which can cause frustration and anger in others

Race barriers make inferior of you and I
Structural and societal barriers based on race and ethnicity can make certain individuals and groups feel inferior or disadvantaged

In a perfect world, I'll choose faith over riches
If everything was ideal, I would prioritize my faith and spirituality over material wealth

I'll choose work over bitches
Instead of prioritizing fleeting romantic relationships, I would focus on meaningful and fulfilling work and accomplishments

I'll make schools out of prison
In a better world, I would transform prison systems into environments for education and rehabilitation

I'll take all the religions and put 'em all in one service
In the ideal world, I would unify different faiths and beliefs into one shared ceremony or tradition

Just to tell 'em we ain't shit, but He's been perfect, world
Even with all these changes, I recognize that humans are imperfect and flawed, but I believe there is a greater force of perfection guiding us