Savior
Kendrick Lamar Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Kendrick made you think about it
But he is not your savior
Cole made you feel empowered
But he is not your savior
Future said, "Get a money counter"
But he is not your savior
'Bron made you give his flowers
But he is not your savior
He is not your savior

Mr. Morale, give me high-five
Two times center codefendant judging my life
Back-pedaler, what they say? You do the cha-cha
I'ma stand on it, 6'5", from 5'5"
Fun fact, I ain't taking shit back
Like it when they pro-Black, but I'm more Kodak Black
Tell me where the money at, ayy, where the homies at?
Universal callout, I can members only that, ayy
Si-si, wait a minute, ven aquí (ven aquí), c'est la vie (c'est la vie)
I tell the whole truth from A to Z, ayy
Show me you real, show me that you bleed, ayy
Hello? Crackers? (Let me hear that back)
I seen niggas arguing about who's blacker
Even blacked out screens and called it solidarity (whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa)
Meditating in silence made you wanna tell on me (whoa)

Bitch, are you happy for me?
Really, are you happy for me?
Smile in my face, but are you happy for me?
Yeah, I'm out the way, are you happy for me?
Bitch, are you happy for me?
Really, are you happy for me?
Smile in my face, but are you happy for me? Yeah
I'm out the way, are you happy for me? (High up)

Bite they tongues in rap lyrics
Scared to be crucified about a song but they won't admit it
Politically correct is how you keep an opinion
Niggas is tight lipped, fuck who dare to be different
Seen a Christian say the vaccine mark of the beast
Then he caught COVID and prayed the Pfizer for relief
Then I caught COVID and started to question Kyrie
Will I stay organic or hurt in this bed for two weeks? (You really wanna know?)
Do you want peace? (How I get so low?)
Then watch us in the streets (only one way to go)
One protest for you (high up)
Three-sixty-five for me (you really wanna know?)
Vladimir making nightmares (how I get so low?)
But that's how we all think (only one way to go)
The collective consciousness (high up)
Calamities on repeat, huh

Bitch, are you happy for me?
Really, are you happy for me?
Smile in my face, but are you happy for me?
Yeah, I'm out the way, are you happy for me?
Bitch, are you happy for me?
Really, are you happy for me?
Smile in my face, but are you happy for me?
Yeah, I'm out the way, are you happy for me?

Truth, it resides in the fire
The need of it's dire
Deceiving the lies, I know
Truth, it resides in the fire
The need of it's dire
Deceiving the lies, I know

The cat is out the bag, I am not your savior
I find it just as difficult to love thy neighbors
Especially when people got ambiguous favors
But they hearts not in it, see, everything's for the paper
The struggle for the right side of history
Independent thought is like an eternal enemy
Capitalists posing as compassionates be offending me
Yeah, suck my dick with authenticity
Yeah, Tupac dead, gotta think for yourself
Yeah, heroes looking for the villains to help
I never been sophisticated, saving face
Being manipulative, such an acquired taste
I rubbed elbows with people that was for the people
They all greedy, I don't care for no public speaking




And they like to wonder where I've been
Protecting my soul in the valley of silence

Overall Meaning

The song "Savior" by Kendrick Lamar is a commentary on the expectations we place on public figures to be our saviors. Lamar references several rappers, including J. Cole, Future, and LeBron James, who have been elevated to near-messianic status by their fans, but ultimately asserts that none of them can save us. Kendrick is forthright about the fact that he does not fit the bill either, stating that "The cat is out the bag, I am not your savior." He goes on to describe the challenges he faces in trying to live an authentic life in the music industry, where conformity is rewarded and genuine thought is often suppressed. Kendrick encourages listeners to think for themselves and pursue their own truth, rather than looking to external figures to save them.


The second verse of the song directly addresses the tension that Kendrick feels between his desire to be true to himself and the pressure to conform to industry expectations. He notes how difficult it is to stand up against those expectations and be honest about his experiences, but emphasizes that he will not back down from his convictions. Kendrick highlights how quickly public perception can shift, with people who advocate for social justice one moment being "tight-lipped" the next. He also references the pandemic, noting how it has forced people to reassess their lives and confront the question of what truly matters to them.


Line by Line Meaning

Kendrick made you think about it
Kendrick Lamar's music makes you reflect on important issues and ideas.


But he is not your savior
Despite his influence, Kendrick Lamar is not responsible for saving or fixing society's problems.


Cole made you feel empowered
J. Cole's music makes you feel empowered and motivated to take action.


Future said, 'Get a money counter'
Future's music often focuses on wealth and making money.


'Bron made you give his flowers
LeBron James is a talented athlete who deserves recognition and respect.


He is not your savior
Despite his success, LeBron James is not responsible for solving society's problems.


Mr. Morale, give me high-five
The singer is speaking to his own sense of morality and is proud of it.


Two times center codefendant judging my life
The artist is being judged by others who are also in difficult situations.


Back-pedaler, what they say? You do the cha-cha
People who change their opinions frequently are compared to someone dancing the cha-cha backwards.


I'ma stand on it, 6'5", from 5'5"
The artist is standing firm in his beliefs and is proud of his height.


Fun fact, I ain't taking shit back
The singer is not going to apologize for what he believes or says.


Like it when they pro-Black, but I'm more Kodak Black
The artist is noting a difference between those who act 'pro-Black' and someone like rapper Kodak Black, who has had legal issues and controversies.


Tell me where the money at, ayy, where the homies at?
The singer is asking where his friends and money are.


Universal callout, I can members only that, ayy
The singer is making an invitation to join his group or 'gang.'


Si-si, wait a minute, ven aquí (ven aquí), c'est la vie (c'est la vie)
The singer is using phrases in different languages - Spanish and French - to express confusion and acceptance of the ups-and-downs of life.


I tell the whole truth from A to Z, ayy
The artist is claiming to always tell the complete truth in his music and words.


Show me you real, show me that you bleed, ayy
The artist is asking others to prove their authenticity and willingness to show their vulnerability.


Hello? Crackers? (Let me hear that back)
The singer is addressing a largely white audience, who he refers to as 'crackers.'


I seen niggas arguing about who's blacker
The singer has seen Black individuals argue over who is more aligned with their own heritage and culture.


Even blacked out screens and called it solidarity (whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa)
The artist is commenting on the trend of social media 'blackouts' or profile pictures changing to black in order to show support for a certain cause. He notes that this doesn't always equate to true solidarity or action.


Meditating in silence made you wanna tell on me (whoa)
The artist is calling out people who claim to be meditating and finding peace, but then go and 'snitch' or spread rumors.


Bitch, are you happy for me?
The artist is calling someone out for being insincere, and is asking if they truly want him to succeed and be happy.


Really, are you happy for me?
The singer is reiterating his question and demanding honesty from others.


Smile in my face, but are you happy for me?
The artist is referring to fake or insincere friends who appear supportive but do not truly care about his happiness or success.


Yeah, I'm out the way, are you happy for me?
The singer is saying that he has removed himself from certain situations or people, and is asking if that person is glad for his absence.


Bite they tongues in rap lyrics
The singer is commenting on how artists avoid controversial topics and hold back in their music.


Scared to be crucified about a song but they won't admit it
The singer is pointing out that many artists are afraid of facing criticism or backlash for their art, but they do not acknowledge this fear.


Politically correct is how you keep an opinion
The artist is saying that people often suppress their true beliefs in order to conform to societal standards or expectations.


Niggas is tight lipped, fuck who dare to be different
The artist is calling out a lack of individuality and unwillingness to go against the norm.


Seen a Christian say the vaccine mark of the beast
The singer has observed a Christian expressing the belief that the COVID vaccine is part of Biblical prophecy pertaining to the 'mark of the beast.'


Then he caught COVID and prayed the Pfizer for relief
The singer is providing an example of someone who initially opposed getting vaccinated, but then changed their mind after becoming ill.


Then I caught COVID and started to question Kyrie
The artist is admitting to questioning his own beliefs and motivations after contracting COVID.


Will I stay organic or hurt in this bed for two weeks? (You really wanna know?)
The artist is wondering if he should stick to natural remedies or get medical intervention in order to recover from COVID.


Do you want peace? (How I get so low?)
The artist is introspectively asking if he truly wants to experience peace and happiness in his life.


Then watch us in the streets (only one way to go)
The singer is referring to the ongoing protests and demonstrations in support of social justice and equality as a way forward.


One protest for you (high up)
The artist is commenting on the tendency for some to only show support during high-profile, well-attended protests or rallies.


Three-sixty-five for me (you really wanna know?)
The singer is highlighting the fact that marginalized individuals have to fight for their rights and make their voices heard every day, not just when it's 'trendy.'


Vladimir making nightmares (how I get so low?)
The singer is likely referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin's actions or world events that are causing anxiety and fear in people around the world.


But that's how we all think (only one way to go)
The singer is recognizing that these feelings of anxiety and hopelessness are pervasive and shared by many people.


The collective consciousness (high up)
The artist is referring to a shared understanding or awareness among a group or community.


Calamities on repeat, huh
The artist is commenting on the repetitive nature of bad events happening in society.


Truth, it resides in the fire
The singer is saying that the truth is often found in intense or uncomfortable situations.


The need of it's dire
The singer is emphasizing the importance and urgency of finding the truth.


Deceiving the lies, I know
The artist is calling out dishonesty and falsehood, and saying he knows the difference.


The cat is out the bag, I am not your savior
The artist is acknowledging that he is not responsible for saving or fixing society's problems, and that this idea should not be projected onto him.


I find it just as difficult to love thy neighbors
The artist is saying that loving others and living harmoniously is a difficult task, even for someone in a position of power or influence.


Especially when people got ambiguous favors
The singer is referencing the difficulty of trusting others' intentions and actions when they are not clear or straightforward.


But they hearts not in it, see, everything's for the paper
The artist mistrusts people who are motivated solely by money.


The struggle for the right side of history
The singer acknowledges the ongoing battle for justice, equality, and morality throughout history.


Independent thought is like an eternal enemy
The singer is acknowledging that being an independent thinker and going against the norms is often met with resistance and negativity from others.


Capitalists posing as compassionates be offending me
The singer is calling out wealthy individuals or corporations who claim to be charitable or compassionate, but are really only interested in making a profit.


Yeah, suck my dick with authenticity
The artist is using offensive language to essentially say that he doesn't care about those who are not authentic in their words or actions.


Yeah, Tupac dead, gotta think for yourself
The artist is referencing the late rapper Tupac Shakur and saying that people should not blindly follow others, but rather form their own opinions and beliefs.


Yeah, heroes looking for the villains to help
The singer is commenting on the tendency for heroic figures to seek out and address systemic issues and problems.


I never been sophisticated, saving face
The singer is saying that he has never been concerned with maintaining appearances or being seen as sophisticated.


Being manipulative, such an acquired taste
The artist is calling out those who enjoy being manipulative or deceitful as having a perverse taste in character traits.


I rubbed elbows with people that was for the people
The artist has associated himself with individuals who are truly dedicated to helping others.


They all greedy, I don't care for no public speaking
The artist has observed that many who claim to advocate for change and progress are only concerned with their own personal gain. He does not want to engage in any performative or insincere public speaking.


And they like to wonder where I've been
The singer is saying that others often question his whereabouts or actions, as he prefers not to publicize his every move.


Protecting my soul in the valley of silence
The artist is alluding to a period of contemplation or inner reflection, in order to build inner strength and protect his well-being.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Daniel Tannenbaum, Jason Pounds, Kendrick Lamar Duckworth, Mario Luciano, Mark Anthony Spears, Ronald N. LaTour, Samuel Joseph Dew, Tobias Breuer, Tommy Paxton-Beesley

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@huh5950

Lyrics
[Intro: Kendrick Lamar]
Kendrick made you think about it, but he is not your savior
Cole made you feel empower, but he is not your savior
Future said, "Get a money counter," but he is not your savior
'Bron made you give his flowers, but he is not your savior
He is not your savior

[Verse 1: Kendrick Lamar]
Mr. Morale, give me high-five, two times
Center codefendant judging my life
Back pedaler, what they say? You do the cha-cha
I'ma stand on it, 6'5, from 5'5
Fun fact, I ain't taking shit back
Like it when they pro-black, but I'm more Kodak Black
Tell me where the money at, ayy, whеre the homies at?
Univеrsal callout, I can 'members only that, ayy
Si-Si, wait a minute, Ven Aquí (Ven Aquí), C'est La Vie (C'est La Vie)
I tell the whole truth from A to Z, ayy
Show me you real, show me that you bleed, ayy
Hello? Crackers? (Let me hear that back)
I seen niggas arguing 'bout who's blacker
Even blacked out screens and called it Solidarity
Meditating in silence made you wanna tell on me




[Chorus: Baby Keem & Sam Dew]
Bitch, are you happy for me?
Really, are you happy for me?
Smile on my face, but are you happy for me? Yeah
I'm out the way, are you happy for me?
Bitch, are you happy for me?
Really, are you happy for me?
Smile on my face, but are you happy for me? Yeah
I'm out the way, are you happy for me? (High up)

[Verse 2: Kendrick Lamar & Sam Dew]
Bite they tongues in rap lyrics
Scared to be crucified about a song but they won't admit it
Politically correct is how you keep an opinion
Niggas is tight lipped, fuck who dare to be different
Seen a Christian say the vaccine mark of the beast
Then he caught COVID and prayed the Pfizer for relief
Then I caught COVID and started to question Kyrie
Will I stay organic or hurt in this bed for two weeks? (You really wanna know?)
Do you want peace? (How I get so low?)
Then watch us in the streets (Only one way to go)
One protest for you (High up)
365 for me (You really wanna know?)
Vladimir making nightmares (How I get so low?)
But that's how we all think (Only one way to go)
The collective conscious (High up)
Calamities on repeat, huh


[Chorus: Baby Keem]
Bitch, are you happy for me?
Really, are you happy for me?
Smile on my face, but are you happy for me? Yeah
I'm out the way, are you happy for me?
Bitch, are you happy for me?
Really, are you happy for me?
Smile on my face, but are you happy for me? Yeah
I'm out the way, are you happy for me?

[Bridge: Kendrick Lamar]
Truth, it resides in the fire
The need of it's dire
Deceiving the lies, I know
Truth, it resides in the fire
The need of it's dire
Deceiving the lies, I know

[Verse 4: Kendrick Lamar]
The cat is out the bag, I am not your savior
I find it just as difficult to love thy neighbors
Especially when people got ambiguous favors
But they hearts not in it, see, everything's for the paper
The struggle for the right side of history
Independent thought is like an eternal enemy
Capitalist posing as compassionates be offending me
Yeah, suck my dick, with authenticity
Yeah, Tupac dead, got to think for yourself
Yeah, hero's looking for the villains to help
I never been sophisticated, same face
Being manipulative such a required taste
I rubbed elbows with people that was for the people
They all greedy, I don't care for no public speaking
And they like to wonder where I've been
Protecting my soul in the valley of silence



@aleidansonii3343

LYRICS:
Kendrick made you think about it
But he is not your savior
Cole made you feel empowered
But he is not your savior
Future said, "Get a money counter"
But he is not your savior
'Bron made you give his flowers
But he is not your savior
He is not your savior
Mr. Morale, give me high-five
Two times center codefendant judging my life
Back-pedaler, what they say? You do the cha-cha
I'ma stand on it, 6'5", from 5'5"
Fun fact, I ain't taking shit back
Like it when they pro-Black, but I'm more Kodak Black
Tell me where the money at, ayy, where the homies at?
Universal callout, I can members only that, ayy
Si-si, wait a minute, ven aquí (ven aquí), c'est la vie (c'est la vie)
I tell the whole truth from A to Z, ayy
Show me you real, show me that you bleed, ayy
Hello? Crackers? (Let me hear that back)
I seen niggas arguing about who's blacker
Even blacked out screens and called it solidarity (whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa)
Meditating in silence made you wanna tell on me (whoa)
Bitch, are you happy for me?
Really, are you happy for me?
Smile in my face, but are you happy for me?
Yeah, I'm out the way, are you happy for me?
Bitch, are you happy for me?
Really, are you happy for me?
Smile in my face, but are you happy for me? Yeah
I'm out the way, are you happy for me? (High up)
Bite they tongues in rap lyrics
Scared to be crucified about a song but they won't admit it
Politically correct is how you keep an opinion
Niggas is tight lipped, fuck who dare to be different
Seen a Christian say the vaccine mark of the beast
Then he caught COVID and prayed the Pfizer for relief
Then I caught COVID and started to question Kyrie
Will I stay organic or hurt in this bed for two weeks? (You really wanna know?)
Do you want peace? (How I get so low?)
Then watch us in the streets (only one way to go)
One protest for you (high up)
Three-sixty-five for me (you really wanna know?)
Vladimir making nightmares (how I get so low?)
But that's how we all think (only one way to go)
The collective consciousness (high up)
Calamities on repeat, huh
Bitch, are you happy for me?
Really, are you happy for me?
Smile in my face, but are you happy for me?
Yeah, I'm out the way, are you happy for me?
Bitch, are you happy for me?
Really, are you happy for me?
Smile in my face, but are you happy for me?
Yeah, I'm out the way, are you happy for me?
Truth, it resides in the fire
The need of it's dire
Deceiving the lies, I know
Truth, it resides in the fire
The need of it's dire
Deceiving the lies, I know
The cat is out the bag, I am not your savior
I find it just as difficult to love thy neighbors
Especially when people got ambiguous favors
But they hearts not in it, see, everything's for the paper
The struggle for the right side of history
Independent thought is like an eternal enemy
Capitalists posing as compassionates be offending me
Yeah, suck my dick with authenticity
Yeah, Tupac dead, gotta think for yourself
Yeah, heroes looking for the villains to help
I never been sophisticated, saving face
Being manipulative, such an acquired taste
I rubbed elbows with people that was for the people
They all greedy, I don't care for no public speaking
And they like to wonder where I've been
Protecting my soul in the valley of silence



All comments from YouTube:

@handsanitizer3108

Kendrick speak on how he’s not perfect, he’s not this savior people think he is, he’s not this guy who knows everything and has all the answers, especially within the black community.

@Prodwavesss

Yes that makes the cover of this album make more sense he saying that we’re all not perfect and he’s not perfect and only savior is Christ

@AJBuddha

Self-awareness

@shak_the_mentor

I love Kendrick, I do, I'm not coming for him in this comment. I like the humility in this album so far. But at the same time, he says he is not our saviour but in his past albums he did give himself that self-proclaimed title or responsibility to be a prophet/role model to the culture 🤔 I just think he has put himself in a box artistically. People are always going to look to Kendrick's music for conscious fulfillment because that's what we know. It's the same thing with Cole or a lot of conscious rappers. It comes to a point where there's no more preachful content to express in their music so they have to step outside that box artistically and experiment new sounds. I hope this isn't the last album of Kendrick but he has served his purpose to the culture. Whether he wants to continue music for creative expression or continue serving the culture with his new label pgLang is entirely up to him💯💯

@tevinmkj

@@shak_the_mentor we put him in a box and he said nah while being in a different box implementing the box we created

@symmetry_disjointed

and he is antivax.
funny guy

106 More Replies...

@chirkotelhin1806

this beat is insane

@n0p3-97

like how do they make something this fucking good

@xristophhuntley3423

6 dudes on the beat

@idontneednoritalin

@@xristophhuntley3423 6 dudes in me

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