Real
Kendrick Lamar Lyrics

I do what I wanna do
I have the freedom to make my own choices and decisions.

I say what I wanna say
I express my thoughts and opinions without holding back.

When I feel, and I
I am guided by my emotions and instincts.

Look in the mirror and know I'm there
I have a strong sense of identity and self-awareness.

With my hands in the air
I am proud and confident in who I am.

I'm proud to say yeah
I take pride in being true to myself.

I'm real, I'm real, I'm really, really real
I am authentic and genuine in all aspects of my life.

I promise that I know you very well
I have a deep understanding of who you are.

Your eyes never lie even if they tell
I can see the truth in your eyes, even if you try to hide it.

Sweet lullabies that come with a smell
Nurturing words and comfort that have a soothing effect.

Of a dozen roses flippin' down the green hill
Symbolic gesture of love and beauty, but with uncertainty and inconsistency.

You living in a world that come with plan B
You are accustomed to having backup plans due to the unpredictable nature of life.

'Cause plan A never relay a guarantee
The initial plan often doesn't provide a definite outcome.

And plan C never could say just what it was
Even the backup plans are uncertain and lack clarity.

And your plans only can pan around love
Love seems to be the common theme and motivation in your plans.

You love him, you love them, you love her
You have a strong capacity for love towards various people in your life.

You love so much, you love when love hurts
You are willing to endure pain and sacrifice for the sake of love.

You love red-bottom and gold they say queen
You are attracted to luxury and material possessions that symbolize status.

You love hand-bag on the waist of your jean
You enjoy accessorizing and showcasing your style.

You love french tip and trip that pay for
You appreciate beauty and indulging in experiences that you can afford.

You love bank slip that tell you we paid more
You find satisfaction in having evidence of spending a significant amount.

You love a good hand whenever the card dealt
You value having support and assistance when facing challenges.

But what love got to do with it when you don't love yourself?
Love from others is meaningless if you lack self-love and self-acceptance.

The reason why I know you very well
I have a deep understanding of who you are.

'Cause we have the same eyes can't you tell?
Our shared experiences and perspectives make me aware of your true self.

The days I tried to cover up and conceal
The times when I attempted to hide my true emotions and vulnerabilities.

My pride, it only made it harder for me to deal
My unwillingness to show weakness or ask for help created more difficulties.

You can't see success coming from plan C
Your backup plans are unlikely to lead to true success.

When it all breaks you, you still say you're lovely
Even in the face of hardship, you maintain a positive self-image.

And love them and love when you love her
You have the capacity to love both others and yourself.

You love so much, you love when love hurts
You are willing to endure pain and sacrifice for the sake of love.

You love fast cars and dead presidents old
You are attracted to wealth and the symbols of power and authority.

You love fast women, you love keepin' control
You enjoy having a sense of power and dominance in your relationships.

Of everything you love, you love beef
You thrive on conflict and drama in your life.

You love streets, you love runnin', duckin' police
You have an affinity for the thrill and danger associated with the streets.

You love your hood, might even love it to death
You have a deep loyalty and attachment to your neighborhood, even if it's detrimental.

But what love got to do with it when you don't love yourself?
Love from others is meaningless if you lack self-love and self-acceptance.

Dot, I ain't trippin' off them dominoes no more
I'm no longer concerned or affected by negative events or consequences.

Just calling
I'm reaching out to you.

Sorry to hear what happened to your homeboy
I empathize with the difficulties your friend experienced.

But don't learn the hard way like I did, homie
Avoid making the same mistakes I made and learn from my experiences.

Any nigga can kill a man, that don't make you a real nigga
Committing violence doesn't define one's true character or integrity.

Real is responsibility
Being real means taking on and fulfilling one's responsibilities.

Real is taking care of your motherfucking family
Being real involves prioritizing and supporting one's family.

Real is God, nigga
True authenticity is found in spirituality and connection with a higher power.

Alright, that's all I wanted to tell you
I have shared all the important information I wanted to convey.

Just make sure you call us back when you get this message
Please respond to this message when you have the opportunity.

Here go your mama
Your mother is also on the line.

Boy, you better have my car on full all this time
I expect you to have filled up the gas tank in the car during the time you had it.

You done had my damn car, but look I ain't trippin'
Although you had my car, it doesn't bother me too much.

Look, the neighbors say they seen you and your little friends
According to the neighbors, they saw you and your friends.

Over there by Food for Less and they was preaching to you
They were sharing their beliefs and trying to influence you.

Over there telling you about the good book
They were discussing and sharing teachings from religious scriptures.

'Cause right about now that's what ya'll need
At this moment, you can benefit from spiritual guidance.

Oh, and Top Dawg called the house too
The head of our record label also tried to reach you at home.

I guess he want you and Dave to come to the studio
He wants you and Dave to visit the recording studio.

Now look, you take that music business serious, yeah
Take your music career seriously, it's important.

Put out something me and your dad can step to
Release a song that both your mother and I can enjoy and dance to.

Shit, you know we from Chicago, you know that's what we do
As Chicago natives, dancing is an important part of our culture.

Sing my song, it's all for you
The song I'm asking you to create is dedicated to you.

If I don't hear from you by tomorrow
If I don't receive a response from you by tomorrow

I hope you come back and learn from your mistakes
I wish for you to return and grow from the errors you've made.

Come back a man
Return as a mature and responsible individual.

Tell your story to these black and brown kids in Compton
Share your experiences and inspire the youth in our community.

Let 'em know you was just like them
Inform them that you once faced the same challenges as them.

But you still rose from that dark place of violence
You managed to overcome the violence and adversity that surrounded you.

Becoming a positive person, but when you do make it
Transforming into a positive individual, but when you achieve success

Give back with your words of encouragement
Use your success to uplift and motivate others.

And that's the best way to give back, to your city
Supporting and inspiring your hometown is the most meaningful form of giving back.

And I love you Kendrick
I have deep love and affection for you, Kendrick.

If I don't hear you knocking on the door
If I don't receive a visit or communication from you

You know where I usually leave the key
You are aware of the usual location where I hide the key.

Alright? Talk to you later, bye
Okay? We'll talk later, goodbye.