He began to gain major recognition in 2010 after his first retail release, Overly Dedicated. The following year, Lamar independently released his first studio album Section.80, which included his debut single, "HiiiPoWeR" which was produced by J. Cole. By that time, he had amassed a large Internet following and collaborated with several artists in the hip-hop industry, including The Game, Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes, Lil Wayne and Drake.
Lamar secured a major-label record deal with Aftermath and Interscope Records, in 2012. His major-label debut, good kid, m.A.A.d city, was released in October 2012 to critical success. The record contained the top 40 singles "Swimming Pools (Drank)", "Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe", and "Poetic Justice". It debuted at number two on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart and was later certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Lamar won his first Grammy Award for "i", the lead single from his critically acclaimed third album To Pimp a Butterfly (2015). The album drew on free jazz, funk, soul, and spoken word debuted atop the charts in the U.S. and the UK, and won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album at the 58th ceremony. In 2016, Lamar released untitled unmastered., a collection of unreleased demos that originated during the recording sessions for Butterfly.
Lamar has received several accolades throughout his career, including seven Grammy Awards. In early 2013, MTV named Lamar the number one "Hottest MC in the Game", on their annual list. Time named Lamar one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2016.
Lamar's fourth album, DAMN. was released on April 17, 2017, to widespread critical acclaim. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, earning Lamar his third consecutive number-one album in the United States. The album was supported by the lead single, "Humble.". Lamar won the Pulitzer Prize for DAMN.
Lamar's fifth album Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers was released on May 13, 2022, his first album in five years.
Sing About Me I’m Dying Of Thirst
Kendrick Lamar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And it's my turn to settle down
My main concern
Promise that you will sing about me
Promise that you will sing about me
I said when the lights shut off
And it's my turn to settle down
Promise that you will sing about me
Promise that you will sing about me
I woke up this morning and figured I'd call you
In case I'm not here tomorrow
I'm hoping that I can borrow a piece of mind
I'm behind on what's really important
My mind is really distorted
I find nothing but trouble in my life
I'm fortunate you believe in a dream
This orphanage we call a ghetto is quite a routine
And last night was just another distraction
Or a reaction of what we consider madness
I know exactly what happened
You ran outside when you heard my brother cry for help
Held him like a newborn baby and made him feel
Like everything was alright
And a fight he tried to put up, but the type
Of bullet that stuck had went against his will
As blood spilled on your hands
My plans rather vindictive
Everybody's a victim in my eyes
When I ride it's a murderous rhythm
And outside became pitch black
A demon glued to my back whispering, "Get 'em"
I got 'em, and I ain't give a fuck
That same mentality that told my brother not to duck
In actuality it's a trip how we trip off of colors
I wonder if I'll ever discover
A passion like you and recover
The life that I knew as a young'n
In pajamas and Dun-ta-duns
When thunder comes it rains cats and dogs
Dumb niggas like me never prosper
Prognosis of a problem child
I'm proud and well devoted
This Piru shit been in me forever
So forever I'ma push it, wherever whenever
And I love you 'cause you love my brother like you did
Just promise me you'll tell this story when you make it big
And if I die before your album drop I hope
Promise that you will sing about me
Promise that you will sing about me
I said when the lights shut off and it's my turn
To settle down, my main concern
Promise that you will sing about me
Promise that you will sing about me
You wrote a song about my sister on your tape
And called it Section.80, the message resembled Brenda's Got a Baby
What's crazy was, I was hearin' about it
But doubted your ignorance, how could you ever
Just put her on blast and shit?
Judging her past and shit?
Well it's completely my future
A nigga behind me right now asking for ass and shit
And I'ma need that forty dollars even if I gotta
Fuck, suck and swallow in the parking lot
Gonzales Park, I'm followed by a married man, a father of three
My titties bounce on the cadence of his tingling keys
Matter of fact he my favorite 'cause he tip me with E's
He got a cousin named David and I seen him last week
This is the life of another girl damaged by the system
These foster homes, I run away and never do miss 'em
See, my hormones just run away and if I can get em back
To where they used to be then I'll probably be in the denim
Of a family gene that show women how to be woman, or better yet a leader
You need her to learn something, then you probably need to beat her
That's how I was taught
Three niggas in one room, first time I was tossed
And I'm exhausted
But fuck that "Sorry for your loss" shit
My sister died in vain, but what point are you trying to gain
If you can't fit the pumps I walk in?
I'll wait
Your rebuttal a little too late
And if you have a album date, just make sure I'm not in the song
Cause I don't need the attention bring enough of that on my own
And matter fact did I mention that I physically feel great?
A doctor's approval is a waste of time, I know I'm straight
I'll probably live longer than you and never fade away
I'll never fade away, I'll never fade away
I know my fate, and I'm on the grind for this cake
I'ma get or die trying, I'm eyeing every male gender with intentions of buying
You lying to these motherfuckers, talking 'bout you can help with my story
You can help me if you sell this pussy for me, nigga
Don't ignore me, nigga, fuck your glory, nigga, you ain't shit
When the lights shut off
And its my turn to settle down
My main concern
Promise that you will sing about me
Promise that you will sing about me
I said when the lights shut off and it's my turn
To settle down, my main concern
Promise that you will sing about me
Promise that you will sing about me
Sometimes I look in a mirror and ask myself
Am I really scared of passing away
If it's today I hope I hear a
Cry out from Heaven so loud it can water down a demon
With the Holy Ghost 'til it drown in the blood of Jesus
I wrote some raps that make sure that my lifeline
Reekin' the scent of a reaper, ensuring that my allegiance
With the other side may come soon
And if I'm doomed, may the wound
Help my mother be blessed for many moons
I suffer a lot
And every day that glass mirror get tougher to watch
I tie my stomach in knots
And I'm sure not why I'm infatuated with death
My imagination is surely an aggravation of threats
That can come about
'Cause the tongue is mighty powerful
And I can name a list of your favorites that probably vouch
Maybe 'cause I'm dreamer and sleep is the cousin of death
Really stuck in the scheme of, wondering when I'ma rest
And you're right, your brother was a brother to me
And your sister's situation was the one that put me
In a direction to speak on something that's realer than the TV screen
By any means, wasn't trying to offend or come between
Her personal life, I was like "It need to be told"
Cursing the life of twenty generations after her soul
Exactly what'd happened if I ain't continue rappin'
Or steady being distracted by money drugs and four
Fives, I count lives all on these songs
Look at the weak and cry, pray one day you'll be strong
Fighting for your rights, even when you're wrong
And hope that at least one of you sing about me when I'm gone
Am I worth it?
Did I put enough work in?
When the lights shut off
And its my turn to settle down
My main concern
Promise that you will sing about me
Promise that you will sing about me
Promise that you'll sing about me forever
Promise that you will sing about me for- (ooh)
Promise that you'll sing about me forever
Promise that you will sing about me for- (ooh)
Promise that you'll sing about me forever
Promise that you will sing about me for- (ooh)
Ay, ay, ay, Where you 'bout to go?
Nigga, the homie's brother
Nigga, right here, he gone, my nigga, he gone!
We on the block right now my nigga
Like we, nigga we right here
"Nigga, they just killed the homie's brother, my nigga
We right here on the block, my nigga
Al-alright, nigga, nigga just call me, alright, alright
Just call me back, man, just call me back
Arghh! Fuck!
So what we gon' do, my niggas? What we gon' do?
Bro, we can go back right now, my nigga
Like nigga, I don't give a fuck, my nigga, we can go back right now
Fuck! I'm tired of this shit! I'm tired of fuckin' runnin'
I'm tired of this shit! My brother, homie!
Tired of running
Tired of hunting
My own kind
But retiring nothing
Tires are steady screeching, the driver is rubbing
Hands on the wheel, who said we wasn't
Dying of thirst
Dying of thirst
Dying of thirst
Dope on the corner
Look at the coroner
Daughter is dead
Mother is mourning her
Strayed bullets
Ak bullets
Resuscitation was waiting patiently but they couldn't
Bring her back
Who got the footage?
Channel 9
Cameras is looking
It's hard to channel your energy when you know you're crooked
Banana clip, split his banana pudding
I'm like Tre, that's Cuba Gooding
I know I'm good at
Dying of thirst
Dying of thirst
Dying of thirst
How many sins?
I'm running out
How many sins?
I lost count
Dreams of ballin' like Spalding
But only shotty bounce
The reaper calling
I'm cottonmouth
Money is power, yours is ours
Lay with a snitch, die with a coward
Hope we get rich, hope we can tower
Over the city with vanity with the music louder
The same song
A black flower
I'll show you how to
Dye your thirst
Dye your thirst
Dye your thirst
What are we doing?
Who are we fooling?
Hell is hot, fire is proven
To burn for eternity, return of the student
That never learned how to live right just by how to shoot it
Tired of running, choirs is humming
Tell us to visit, we lying about coming
Now back to business, loading the guns in
Back of the Buick, your hood is viewed
And the beef is bubbling
It's no discussion, hereditary
All of my cousins
Dying of thirst
Dying of thirst
Dying of thirst
Too many sins
I'm running out
Somebody send
Me a well for the drought
See, all I know, is taking notes
On taking this life for granted
Granted, if he provoke
My best days, I stress days (Lord forgive me for all my sins for I not know)
My best days, I stress days
Say "Fuck the world," my sex slave
Money, pussy and greed was my next crave
Whatever it is, know it's my next grave
Tired of running, tired of running
Tired of tumbling, tired of running
Tired of tumbling
Back once my momma say
"See a pastor, give me a promise
What if today was the rapture, and you completely tarnished
The truth will set you free, so to me be completely honest
You dying of thirst
You dying of thirst
So hop in that water, and pray that it works"
Fuck! I'm tired of this shit!
I'm tired of fuckin' runnin', I'm tired of this shit!
My brother, homie!
Is that what I think that is?
I know that's not what I think that is
Why are you so angry?
See, you young men are dying of thirst
Do you know what that means?
That means you need water, holy water
You need to be baptized, with the spirit of the Lord
Do you want to receive God as your personal savior?
Okay, repeat after me
"Lord God, I come to You a sinner."
(Lord God, I come to You a sinner)
"And I humbly repent for my sins"
(And I humbly repent for my sins)
"I believe that Jesus is Lord"
(I believe that Jesus is Lord)
"I believe you raised Him from the dead"
(I believe you raised Him from the dead)
"I would ask that Jesus come into my life"
(I would ask that Jesus come in my life)
"And be my Lord and Savior"
(And be my Lord and Savior)
"I receive Jesus to take control of my life"
(I receive Jesus to take control of my life)
"And that I may live for Him from this day forward"
(And that I may live for Him from this day forward)
"Thank you, Lord Jesus
For saving me with Your precious blood"
(Thank you, Lord Jesus
For saving me with Your precious blood)
"In Jesus name, amen"
(In Jesus name, amen)
Alright now, remember this day
The start of a new life, your real life
The lyrics to Kendrick Lamar's song Sing About Me I'm Dying of Thirst explore themes of mortality, redemption, and the struggles of life in the ghetto. In the first verse, Kendrick pleads with his community to remember him when he is gone. He reflects on his own mortality and the challenges he faces in his life, including the violence and poverty of the ghetto. He also tells the story of a girl who is caught up in the foster care system and forced to turn to prostitution to survive. Towards the end of the song, Kendrick reflects on his own sins and the possibility of redemption through faith. He ends the song by reciting a prayer of salvation.
Line by Line Meaning
When the lights shut off
When everything goes dark and my time to settle down comes
And it's my turn to settle down
When it's my moment to find peace and stability
My main concern
My biggest worry
Promise that you will sing about me
Promise me that you will remember and tell my story
I woke up this morning and figured I'd call you
I woke up today and decided to reach out to you
In case I'm not here tomorrow
In case I'm not alive tomorrow
I'm hoping that I can borrow a piece of mind
I'm hoping to find some peace and tranquility
I'm behind on what's really important
I'm falling behind on what truly matters
My mind is really distorted
My thoughts are extremely confused
I find nothing but trouble in my life
All I seem to find in my life is trouble
I'm fortunate you believe in a dream
I'm lucky that you believe in a better future
This orphanage we call a ghetto is quite a routine
Living in this poverty-stricken neighborhood is a repetitive cycle
And last night was just another distraction
And last night was just another way for me to escape reality
Or a reaction of what we consider madness
Or a response to the craziness we see around us
I know exactly what happened
I know precisely what occurred
You ran outside when you heard my brother cry for help
You rushed outside when you heard my brother calling for assistance
Held him like a newborn baby and made him feel
You embraced him like a fragile infant and comforted him
Like everything was alright
Like everything was okay
And a fight he tried to put up, but the type
And he attempted to defend himself, but the type
Of bullet that stuck had went against his will
The bullet that struck him went against his desires
As blood spilled on your hands
As his blood stained your hands
My plans rather vindictive
My intentions are somewhat revengeful
Everybody's a victim in my eyes
In my perspective, everyone is a victim
When I ride it's a murderous rhythm
When I rap, it has a dark and violent tone
And outside became pitch black
And the world outside turned completely dark
A demon glued to my back whispering, 'Get 'em'
A dark force attached to me, whispering to harm others
I got 'em, and I ain't give a fuck
I got them, and I didn't care at all
That same mentality that told my brother not to duck
The same mindset that influenced my brother not to hide
In actuality it's a trip how we trip off of colors
In reality, it's absurd how we focus on racial differences
I wonder if I'll ever discover
I wonder if I'll ever find out
A passion like you and recover
A passion like yours and recover
The life that I knew as a young'n
The life I experienced as a child
In pajamas and Dun-ta-duns
In pajamas and sneakers
When thunder comes it rains cats and dogs
When a storm comes, it pours heavily
Dumb niggas like me never prosper
Foolish individuals like me never succeed
Prognosis of a problem child
Diagnosis of a troublesome individual
I'm proud and well devoted
I'm proud and highly dedicated
This Piru shit been in me forever
The influence of Piru gang has been within me my whole life
So forever I'ma push it, wherever whenever
So I'll always represent it, wherever and whenever
And I love you 'cause you love my brother like you did
And I love you because you cared for my brother
Just promise me you'll tell this story when you make it big
Just promise me that you'll share this narrative when you become successful
And if I die before your album drop I hope
And if I die before your album is released, I hope
Promise that you will sing about me
Promise that you will continue to remember and talk about me
You wrote a song about my sister on your tape
You included a song about my sister on your recording
And called it Section.80, the message resembled Brenda's Got a Baby
And titled it Section.80, the message was similar to Brenda's Got a Baby
What's crazy was, I was hearin' about it
What's insane is that I was hearing about it
But doubted your ignorance, how could you ever
But I doubted your lack of understanding, how could you
Just put her on blast and shit?
Just expose her and criticize her?
Judging her past and shit?
Making judgments about her past and all?
Well it's completely my future
But it's completely my own future
A nigga behind me right now asking for ass and shit
A man behind me right now requesting sexual favors and stuff
And I'ma need that forty dollars even if I gotta
And I'm going to need that money, even if I have to
Fuck, suck and swallow in the parking lot
Engage in sexual acts in the parking lot
Gonzales Park, I'm followed by a married man, a father of three
In Gonzales Park, I'm being pursued by a married man who is a father of three
My titties bounce on the cadence of his tingling keys
My breasts jiggle to the rhythm of his car keys
Matter of fact he my favorite 'cause he tip me with E's
Actually, he's my favorite because he gives me Ecstasy drugs as tips
He got a cousin named David and I seen him last week
He has a cousin named David and I saw him recently
This is the life of another girl damaged by the system
This is the life of another girl harmed by the societal system
These foster homes, I run away and never do miss 'em
I escape from these foster homes and never miss them
See, my hormones just run away and if I can get em back
My emotions are out of control, and if I can regain control of them
To where they used to be then I'll probably be in the denim
To how they were in the past, then I'll probably be in a better state of mind
Of a family gene that show women how to be woman, or better yet a leader
From a family lineage that teaches women how to be strong and influential
You need her to learn something, then you probably need to beat her
If you want to teach someone a lesson, you might think violence is necessary
That's how I was taught
That's how I learned
Three niggas in one room, first time I was tossed
Three men in one room, the first time I was sexually abused
And I'm exhausted
And I'm worn out
But fuck that 'Sorry for your loss' shit
But I don't care about that insincere 'Sorry for your loss' sentiment
My sister died in vain, but what point are you trying to gain
My sister's death was meaningless, so what are you trying to accomplish
If you can't fit the pumps I walk in?
If you can't understand the struggles I go through?
I'll wait
I'll wait for a response
Your rebuttal a little too late
Your response is a bit too delayed
And if you have a album date, just make sure I'm not in the song
And if you have a release date for your album, make sure I'm not included in the lyrics
Cause I don't need the attention bring enough of that on my own
Because I don't need any more attention, I already have enough of it
And matter fact did I mention that I physically feel great?
And actually, did I mention that I feel physically well?
A doctor's approval is a waste of time, I know I'm straight
I don't need a doctor's confirmation, I know I'm fine
I'll probably live longer than you and never fade away
I'll probably live longer than you and never be forgotten
I know my fate, and I'm on the grind for this cake
I know my destiny, and I'm working hard for success
I'ma get or die trying, I'm eyeing every male gender with intentions of buying
I'm determined to succeed or die trying, I'm evaluating every man with intentions of investing
You lying to these motherfuckers, talking 'bout you can help with my story
You're lying to these individuals, claiming you can assist with my narrative
You can help me if you sell this pussy for me, nigga
You can help me if you sell my body for me, dude
Don't ignore me, nigga, fuck your glory, nigga, you ain't shit
Don't neglect me, dude, forget about your pride, you're nothing
Sometimes I look in a mirror and ask myself
At times, I gaze into a mirror and question myself
Am I really scared of passing away
Am I truly afraid of dying
If it's today I hope I hear a
If it's today, I hope I hear
Cry out from Heaven so loud it can water down a demon
A loud cry from Heaven that can overpower a demonic force
With the Holy Ghost 'til it drown in the blood of Jesus
With the Holy Spirit until it's consumed by Jesus' sacrificial blood
I wrote some raps that make sure that my lifeline
I wrote some lyrics that ensure the continuation of my legacy
Reekin' the scent of a reaper, ensuring that my allegiance
Exuding the presence of death, guaranteeing my loyalty
With the other side may come soon
With death may come soon
And if I'm doomed, may the wound
And if I'm destined to die, may the injury
Help my mother be blessed for many moons
Bring blessings upon my mother for a long time
I suffer a lot
I endure a great deal of pain
And every day that glass mirror get tougher to watch
And every day that mirror becomes harder to look into
I tie my stomach in knots
I feel intense anxiety in my stomach
And I'm sure not why I'm infatuated with death
And I'm not sure why I'm so fascinated by death
My imagination is surely an aggravation of threats
My imagination only worsens my fears
That can come about
That can occur
'Cause the tongue is mighty powerful
Because words have great power
And I can name a list of your favorites that probably vouch
And I can name a group of individuals who support you
Maybe 'cause I'm dreamer and sleep is the cousin of death
Perhaps because I'm a dreamer and sleep is closely related to death
Really stuck in the scheme of, wondering when I'ma rest
Trapped in the mindset of wondering when I'll find peace
And you're right, your brother was a brother to me
And you're correct, your brother was like a sibling to me
And your sister's situation was the one that put me
And your sister's circumstances were the ones that caused me
In a direction to speak on something that's realer than the TV screen
To speak on something more genuine than what's shown on television
By any means, wasn't trying to offend or come between
In any way, I wasn't attempting to offend or cause division
Her personal life, I was like 'It need to be told'
Her private life, I thought it needed to be shared
Cursing the life of twenty generations after her soul
Bringing a curse upon the lives of twenty future generations
Exactly what'd happened if I ain't continue rappin'
Precisely what would've occurred if I hadn't kept rapping
Or steady being distracted by money drugs and four
Or constantly being diverted by money, drugs, and women
Fives, I count lives all on these songs
In my lyrics, I count the lives affected by my words
Look at the weak and cry, pray one day you'll be strong
Observe the vulnerable and cry, hoping that one day they'll gain strength
Fighting for your rights, even when you're wrong
Standing up for your rights, even when you're mistaken
And hope that at least one of you sing about me when I'm gone
And hoping that at least one person will remember and talk about me when I'm dead
Am I worth it?
Am I valuable?
Did I put enough work in?
Have I put in enough effort?
Sometimes I wonder
Sometimes I question
Who am I really scared of?
Who am I truly afraid of?
Do I really feel God?
Do I truly feel the presence of God?
Do I really believe in Him?
Do I truly have faith in Him?
Do I really believe in myself?
Do I truly believe in my own abilities?
Am I worth it?
Am I deserving?
Did I put enough work in?
Have I put in enough effort?
And when the lights shut off
And when everything goes dark
And it's my turn
And it's my time
To settle down
To find peace and stability
My main concern
My primary worry
Promise that you will sing about me
Promise me that you will tell my story
Promise that you will sing about me
Promise me that you will remember and talk about me
Promise that you'll sing about me forever
Promise that you'll remember and talk about me for eternity
Promise that you will sing about me for- (ooh)
Promise that you will remember and talk about me forever
Promise that you'll sing about me forever
Promise that you'll never forget and continue to talk about me for eternity
Promise that you will sing about me for- (ooh)
Promise that you will remember and talk about me forever
Promise that you'll sing about me forever
Promise that you'll always remember and talk about me for eternity
Promise that you will sing about me for- (ooh)
Promise that you will remember and talk about me forever
Ay, ay, ay, Where you 'bout to go?
Hey, hey, hey, Where are you about to go?
Nigga, the homie's brother
Dude, the friend's brother
Nigga, right here, he gone, my nigga, he gone!
Dude, right here, he's gone, my dude, he's gone!
We on the block right now my nigga
We are here on the street right now, dude
Like we, nigga we right here
Like we, dude, we're right here
Nigga, they just killed the homie's brother, my nigga
Dude, they just killed our friend's brother, dude
We right here on the block, my nigga
We're right here on the street, dude
Al-alright, nigga, nigga just call me, alright, alright
Okay, dude, dude just call me, alright, alright
Just call me back, man, just call me back
Just give me a call back, dude, just give me a call back
Arghh! Fuck!
Arghh! Fuck!
So what we gon' do, my niggas? What we gon' do?
So what are we going to do, my dudes? What are we going to do?
Bro, we can go back right now, my nigga
Dude, we can go back right now, dude
Like nigga, I don't give a fuck, my nigga, we can go back right now
Like dude, I don't care, dude, we can go back right now
Fuck! I'm tired of this shit! I'm tired of fuckin' runnin'
Fuck! I'm exhausted from this situation! I'm tired of running
I'm tired of this shit! My brother, homie!
I'm tired of this situation! My brother, friend!
Tired of running
Exhausted from running
Tired of hunting
Exhausted from chasing
My own kind
My own people
But retiring nothing
But gaining nothing
Tires are steady screeching, the driver is rubbing
Tires are making a loud noise, the driver is rubbing against something
Hands on the wheel, who said we wasn't
Hands on the steering wheel, who claimed we were not
Dying of thirst
Being desperate for something
Dying of thirst
Being desperate for something
Dying of thirst
Being desperate for something
Dope on the corner
Drugs being sold on the street corner
Look at the coroner
Look at the person who examines dead bodies
Daughter is dead
A girl is dead
Mother is mourning her
Mother is grieving for her
Strayed bullets
Stray bullets
Ak bullets
AK-47 bullets
Resuscitation was waiting patiently but they couldn't
Efforts to revive her were waiting, but they were unsuccessful
Bring her back
Revive her
Who got the footage?
Who has the video evidence?
Channel 9
Broadcast channel 9
Cameras is looking
Cameras are watching
It's hard to channel your energy when you know you're crooked
It's difficult to focus your energy when you know you're corrupt
Banana clip, split his banana pudding
A large ammunition magazine, forcefully damaged him
I'm like Tre, that's Cuba Gooding
I'm similar to the character Tre from the film starring Cuba Gooding Jr.
I know I'm good at
I know I'm skilled at
Dying of thirst
Being desperate for something
Dying of thirst
Being desperate for something
Dying of thirst
Being desperate for something
How many sins?
How many wrongdoings?
I'm running out
I'm running low
How many sins?
How many wrongdoings?
I lost count
I stopped counting
Dreams of ballin' like Spalding
Dreams of achieving success like a Spalding basketball
But only shotty bounce
But only a shotgun bounce
The reaper calling
The figure of death is beckoning
I'm cottonmouth
I'm really thirsty
Money is power, yours is ours
Money represents power, and your money belongs to us
Lay with a snitch, die with a coward
Sleep with an informant, and die with a fearful individual
Hope we get rich, hope we can tower
Hope we become wealthy, hope we can dominate
Over the city with vanity with the music louder
Above the city, with arrogance and loud music
The same song
The same story
A black flower
A dark or tragic figure
I'll show you how to
I'll illustrate for you how to
Dye your thirst
Satiate your desperation
Dye your thirst
Satiate your desperation
Dye your thirst
Satiate your desperation
What are we doing?
What are we accomplishing?
Who are we fooling?
Who are we deceiving?
Hell is hot, fire is proven
Hell is incredibly hot, fire is undoubtedly dangerous
To burn for eternity, return of the student
To burn forever, the student's return
That never learned how to live right just by how to shoot it
Who never learned how to live correctly, only how to shoot a weapon
Tired of running, choirs is humming
Exhausted from running, choirs are singing
Tell us to visit, we lying about coming
Encouraging us to visit, but we're lying about actually coming
Now back to business, loading the guns in
Now back to our regular activities, preparing our guns
Back of the Buick, your hood is viewed
In the back of the car, we can survey your neighborhood
And the beef is bubbling
And the conflict is escalating
It's no discussion
There's no debate
Hereditary
Inherited
All of my cousins
All of my relatives
Dying of thirst
Being desperate for something
Dying of thirst
Being desperate for something
Dying of thirst
Being desperate for something
Too many sins
Too many wrongdoings
I'm running out
I'm running low
Somebody send
Somebody send
Me a well for the drought
Me a source for the dryness
See, all I know, is taking notes
You see, all I know is learning from my experiences
On taking this life for granted
On not appreciating life enough
Granted, if he provoke
Although, if he provokes
My best days, I stress days (Lord forgive me for all my sins for I not know)
My best days are filled with stress and worry (Lord forgive me for all my sins because I don't know)
My best days, I stress days
My best days are filled with stress and worry
Say 'Fuck the world,' my sex slave
Say 'Screw the world,' my object of sexual pleasure
Money, pussy and greed was my next crave
Money, sex, and greed were my next desires
Whatever it is, know it's my next grave
Whatever it may be, know that it will lead to my downfall
Tired of running, tired of running
Exhausted from running, exhausted from running
Tired of tumbling, tired of running
Exhausted from falling, exhausted from running
Tired of tumbling
Exhausted from falling
Back once my momma say
Again, my mother said
'See a pastor, give me a promise'
'See a pastor, give me a pledge'
What if today was the rapture, and you completely tarnished
What if today was the end of the world, and you were utterly defiled
The truth will set you free, so to me be completely honest
The truth will liberate you, so be completely honest with me
You dying of thirst
You're desperate for something
You dying of thirst
You're desperate for something
So hop in that water, and pray that it works
So jump into that water, and hope that it brings you salvation
Fuck! I'm tired of this shit!
Fuck! I'm exhausted from this situation!
I'm tired of fuckin' runnin', I'm tired of this shit!
I'm tired of running, I'm tired of this situation!
My brother, homie!
My brother, friend!
Is that what I think that is?
Is that what I believe it is?
I know that's not what I think that is
I know that's not what I believe it is
Why are you so angry?
Why are you so upset?
See, you young men are dying of thirst
You young men are desperate for something
Do you know what that means?
Do you understand what that signifies?
That means you need water, holy water
That means you are in need of water, sacred water
You need to be baptized, with the spirit of the Lord
You need to be baptized, with the influence of God
Do you want to receive God as your personal savior?
Do you want to accept God as your individual savior?
Okay, repeat after me
Okay, say these words after me
'Lord God, I come to You a sinner.'
'Lord God, I come to You as a sinner.'
('Lord God, I come to You a sinner')
('Lord God, I come to You as a sinner')
'And I humbly repent for my sins'
'And I humbly ask for forgiveness for my sins'
('And I humbly repent for my sins')
('And I humbly ask for forgiveness for my sins')
'I believe that Jesus is Lord'
'I believe that Jesus is the Lord'
('I believe that Jesus is Lord')
('I believe that Jesus is the Lord')
'I believe you raised Him from the dead'
'I believe you resurrected Him from the dead'
('I believe you raised Him from the dead')
('I believe you resurrected Him from the dead')
'I would ask that Jesus come into my life'
'I request that Jesus enters my life'
('I would ask that Jesus come in my life')
('I request that Jesus enters my life')
'And be my Lord and Savior'
'And become my Lord and Savior'
('And be my Lord and Savior')
('And become my Lord and Savior')
'I receive Jesus to take control of my life'
'I accept Jesus to take charge of my life'
('I receive Jesus to take control of my life')
('I accept Jesus to take charge of my life')
'And that I may live for Him from this day forward'
'And that I may live for Him from this day forward'
('And that I may live for Him from this day forward')
('And that I may live for Him from this day forward')
'Thank you, Lord Jesus
'Thank you, Lord Jesus
For saving me with Your precious blood'
For saving me with Your valuable blood'
('For saving me with Your precious blood')
('For saving me with Your valuable blood')
'In Jesus name, amen'
'In Jesus' name, amen'
('In Jesus name, amen')
('In Jesus' name, amen')
Alright now, remember this day
Okay now, remember this day
The start of a new life, your real life
The beginning of a new life, your true life
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Iman Jordan, Kendrick Lamar, Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman, Quincy Jones
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@helltaker
First part
When the lights shut off
And it's my turn to settle down
My main concern
Promise that you will sing about me
Promise that you will sing about me
I said when the lights shut off
And it's my turn to settle down
My main concern
Promise that you will sing about me
Promise that you will sing about me
I woke up this morning and figured I'd call you
In case I'm not here tomorrow, I'm hoping that I can borrow
A peace of mind, I'm behind on what's really important
My mind is really distorted, I find nothing but trouble in my life
I'm fortunate you believe in a dream
This orphanage we call a ghetto is quite a routine
And last night was just another distraction or a reaction
Of what we consider madness, I know exactly what happened
You ran outside when you heard my brother cry for help
Held him like a newborn baby and made him feel
Like everything was alright and a fight he tried to put up
But the type of bullet that stuck had went against his will
As blood spilled on your hands, my plans rather vindictive
Everybody's a victim in my eyes
When I ride, it's a murderous rhythm and outside became pitch black
A demon glued to my back whispering, "Get 'em"
I got 'em, and I ain't give a fuck
That same mentality that told my brother not to duck
In actuality, it's a trip how we trip off of colors
I wonder if I'll ever discover a passion like you and recover
The life that I knew as a young'n in pajamas and dun-ta-duns
When thunder comes it rains cats and dogs
Dumb niggas like me never prosper
Prognosis of a problem child, I'm proud and well devoted
This piru shit been in me forever
So forever I'mma push it, wherever, whenever
And I love you 'cause you love my brother like you did
Just promise me you'll tell this story when you make it big
And if I die before your album drop, I hope (gunshots)
Promise that you will sing about me
Promise that you will sing about me
I said when the lights shut off
And it's my turn to settle down
My main concern
Promise that you will sing about me
Promise that you will sing about me
You wrote a song about my sister on your tape
And called it Section.80, the message resembled "Brenda's Got a Baby"
What's crazy was, I was hearing about it
But doubted your ignorance how could you ever just put her on blast and shit
Judging her past and shit, well, it's completely my future
Her nigga behind me right now asking for ass and shit
And I'mma need that forty dollars even if I gotta
Fuck, suck and swallow in the parking lot
Gonzales Park, I'm followed by a married man, a father of three
My titties bounce on the cadence of his tinkling keys
Matter of fact, he my favorite 'cause he tip me with E's
He got a cousin named David and I seen him last week
This is the life of another girl damaged by the system
These foster homes, I run away and never do miss 'em
See, my hormones just run away and if I can get 'em back
To where they used to be then I'll probably be in the denim
Of a family gene that show women how to be woman
Or better yet, a leader, you need her to learn somethin'
Then you probably need to beat her, that's how I was taught
Three niggas in one room, first time I was tossed
And I'm exhausted, but fuck that "Sorry for your loss" shit
My sister died in vain, but what point are you trying to gain
If you can't fit the pumps I walk in? I'll wait
Your rebuttal a little too late
And if you have a album date, just make sure I'm not in the song
'Cause I don't need the attention bring enough of that on my own
And matter fact, did I mention that I physically feel great?
A doctor's approval is a waste of time, I know I'm straight
I'll probably live longer than you and never fade away
I'll never fade away, I'll never fade away, I know my fate
And I'm on the grind for this cake, I'mma get it or die trying
I'm eyeing every male gender with intentions of buying
You lying to these motherfuckers, talking about you can help 'em
With my story, you can help me if you sell this pussy for me, nigga
Don't ignore me, nigga, fuck your glory, nigga...
When the lights shut off
And it's my turn to settle down
My main concern
Promise that you will sing about me
Promise that you will sing about me
I said when the lights shut off
And it's my turn to settle down
My main concern
Promise that you will sing about me
Promise that you will sing about me
Sometimes I look in a mirror and ask myself:
Am I really scared of passing away? If it's today, I hope I hear a
Cry out from heaven so loud it can water down a demon
With the holy ghost 'til it drown in the blood of Jesus
I wrote some raps that make sure that my lifeline
Reeking the scent of a reaper, ensuring that my allegiance
With the other side may come soon, and if I'm doomed
May the womb help my mother be blessed for many moons
I suffer a lot, and every day the glass mirror
Get tougher to watch; I tie my stomach in knots
And I'm not sure why I'm infatuated with death
My imagination is surely an aggravation of threats
That can come about, 'cause the tongue is mighty powerful
And I can name a list of your favorites that probably vouch
Maybe 'cause I'm a dreamer and sleep is the cousin of death
Really stuck in the schema of wondering when I'mma rest
And you're right, your brother was a brother to me
And your sister's situation was the one that pulled me
In a direction to speak of something that's realer than the TV screen
By any means, wasn't trying to offend or come between
Her personal life, I was like, "It need to be told"
Cursing the life of twenty generations after her soul
Exactly what'd happen if I ain't continued rappin'
Or steady being distracted by money drugs and four-
Fives, I count lives all on these songs
Look at the weak and cry, pray one day, you'll be strong
Fighting for your rights even when you're wrong
And hope that at least one of you sing about me when I'm gone
Am I worth it?
Did I put enough work in?
Promise that you will sing about me
Promise that you will sing about me
I said when the lights shut off
And it's my turn to settle down
My main concern
Promise that you will sing about me
Promise that you will sing about me
(Promise that you'll sing about me forever
Promise that you'll sing about me for-ooooh)
Promise that you'll sing about me forever
Promise that you'll sing about me for-ooooh
Promise that you'll sing about me forever
Promise that you'll sing about me for-ooooh
@BR-tm3tk
I lost 3 friends in the span of a year. 2 were shot, one was an overdose.
I lost many other friends in different ways. To the streets. gangs, drugs, the system. I was one of those kids, but i found my way & it was only recently. I feel beyond grateful, but i feel guilty.
I listen to this song & i remember the people i’ve lost. The lives they lived & what it really was, & The lives of those who are still living.
Fuck this song just makes me cry.
The streets is tragic. It’s a curse. An endless cycle.
Edit: i just lost another friend to an overdose. Ima get a neck tat for all the fallen ones. LLAL LLTD LLTA LLGA
@scarecrowda5964
Death comes in two phases
Phase 1: death in the physical form.
Phase 2: when people forget about you after you've gone.
Day of the dead is to honor those who have passed and to never forget them.
Kendricks message is deep and pure and you must always remember the ones who you loved and touched your lives.
Hope anyone reading this beats any demons they are facing.
@ardakarademir2759
probably one of the deepest songs in hip hop history. He told a deep story for 12 minutes without boring even 1 second. He touched upon a lot of social problems and told them through the mouths of the people who lived them. Kendrick is a great artist, god give him a long life
@arsenkaragulle2433
Haklisin kanka
@sinful3205
deepest song prolly WAP, that shit hits home
@alexcastillo9107
@@sinful3205 can’t even listen to that song in public because I cry every time
@alexm7627
Dying of thirst points to the only one who can quench that thirst, Jesus
"He who believes in me will never thirst"
John 6:35
@namkozluk2967
Iyi dedin kral
@okuhlemabaso2040
This is Kendrick's best song ever, end of story.
@awsomeairsoftvideos
I listened to this shit on acid bruh it was next level
@qricco3867
Alright is the best imo
@charlesholt9753
This and U imo