This first track on "untitled unmastered." directly connects to the final song “Mortal Man” on his previous album "To Pimp A Butterfly". “Mortal Man” features a posthumous interview with Tupac wherein Kendrick asks Pac to explain the metaphor of “the ground”, to which he replies:
"2Pac: The ground is gonna open up and swallow the evil. That’s how I see it, my word is bond. I see and the ground is the symbol for the poor people; the poor people is gonna open up this whole world and swallow up the rich people."
This entire song is a vivid dramatization of 2Pac’s Marxist metaphor, depicting the ground cracking open and swallowing the rich sinners above, in a graphic biblical style. Kendrick attempts to prove all the love and dedication he’s demonstrated towards God, despite gaining wealth and power. The track is Kendrick’s plea of repentance, so he may be spared from this terrifying fate.
Kendrick has been signaling the end of times since a 2012 collaboration with Big Sean on “100”. More recently, in an interview with Billboard, Kendrick also shared that he believes that the Biblical “Last Days” are near, this belief of Kendrick’s is clearly noticeable in this song.
untitled 01 | 08.19.2014.
Kendrick Lamar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh, you want me to touch you right there?
Oh, like a little lamb, play in your hair
Oh you want it? Oh you want it right now
Like that? I got you baby
All on you baby
Push it back on daddy
Push it back on daddy baby
I seen it vividly jogging my brain memory, life is
I seen it vividly jogging my brain memory
Life is long as infinity this was the final calling
No birds chirping or flying, no dogs barking
We all nervous and crying, moving in caution
In disbeliefs our believe's the reason for all this
The tallest building plummet, cracking and crumbling
The ground is shaking, swallowing young woman
With a baby, daisies, and other flowers burning in destruction
The smell is disgusting, the heat is unbearable
Preachers touching on boys run for cover, they paranoid
Rapists and murderers hurdle alleys
Valleys and high places turn into dust
Famous screaming in agony
Atheists for suicide, planes falling out the sky
Trains jumping off the track, mothers yelling "he's alive"
Backpedaling christians settling for forgiveness
Evidence all around us the town is covered in fishes
Ocean water dried out, fire burning more tires out
Tabernacle and city capital turned inside out
Public bathroom, college classroom's been deserted
Another trumpet has sounded off and everyone heard it
(It's happening) no more running from world wars
(It's happening) no more discriminating the poor
(It's happening) no more bad bitches and real niggasWishing for green and gold the last taste of allure
I swore I seen it vividly
A moniker of war from heaven that play the symphony
Thunder like number four, then I heard
"What have you did for me"
I fell to my knees, pulled out my resume
That dated back to June 17th, 1987
My paperwork was like a receipt
I was valedictorian, I was fearful of judgment
But confident I had glory in all my past endeavors
Close my eyes pray to god that I live forever
Dark skies, fire and brimstone some of us sent home
Some of us never did wrong but still went to hell
Geez Louise I thought you said that I excel
I made To Pimp a Butterfly 'fore you told me
To use my vocals to save man-kind for you
Say I didn't try for you, say I didn't ride for you
I tied for you, I pushed the club to the side for you
Who love you like I love you?
Crucifix, tell me you can fix
Anytime I need, I'mma start jotting everything in my diary
Never would you lie to me
Always camaraderie, I can see, our days been numbered
Revelation greatest as we hearing the last trumpet
All man, child, woman, life completely went in reverse
I guess I'm running in place trying to make it to church
Young nigga act an ass
Young nigga act a fool
Young nigga get yo' cash
Young nigga do what it do
Young nigga go, young nigga go
Young nigga go, young nigga go
Whatever makes all of you happy in this bitch
Just take it all back before the light switch
The song "untitled 01 | 08.19.2014." by Kendrick Lamar is about the end of the world, and shows the rapper's perspective on how people react to it. The first part of the song features sexually suggestive lyrics, which can be interpreted as people looking for pleasure before the end comes. With the line "push it back on daddy," Lamar seems to be emphasizing the idea of people trying to find comfort during a time of chaos and destruction. The second part of the song shows Lamar's vision of the afterlife, with dark skies and fire and brimstone. He pleads with God, presenting his resume to show his worth and asking for eternal life. He also mentions the album "To Pimp a Butterfly," revealing that he made the album to try and save humanity.
The song's structure is also interesting, as Lamar switches his flow and uses different vocal inflections throughout the song. The first part is more melodic and rhythmic, while the second part is more aggressive and urgent. The mixing of the song is also notable, with the sound of the trumpet in the background almost sounding like an emergency siren.
Overall, the song is a commentary on the human condition, and how people respond to the idea of an imminent ending. Lamar presents his perspective on how people look for pleasure and comfort, and also shows his own spirituality and relationship with God.
Line by Line Meaning
Come here, girl
Invitation for intimacy, drawing someone closer emotionally and physically.
Oh, you want me to touch you right there?
Acknowledging desire and yearning for physical connection.
Oh, like a little lamb, play in your hair
Suggesting a tender, innocent affection as if nurturing a fragile creature.
Oh you want it? Oh you want it right now
Confirming immediate need or desire, emphasizing urgency.
Like that? I got you baby
Reassuring responsiveness to her needs, showing desire to please.
All on you baby
Focusing completely on her, emphasizing devotion and attentiveness.
Push it back on daddy
Encouraging her to express her desires openly, inviting reciprocation.
Push it back on daddy baby
Reiterating the invitation for her active participation in the intimacy.
I seen it vividly jogging my brain memory, life is
Reflecting on powerful and sometimes troubling memories that shape one's perspective.
I seen it vividly jogging my brain memory
Reaffirming the clarity and impact of past experiences on the present.
Life is long as infinity this was the final calling
Contemplating existence as eternal, recognizing a significant turning point.
No birds chirping or flying, no dogs barking
Indicating a profound stillness, suggesting desolation or a lack of life.
We all nervous and crying, moving in caution
Sensing collective anxiety and fear, implying a dangerous or unstable situation.
In disbeliefs our believe's the reason for all this
Expressing skepticism about faith or beliefs that may contribute to suffering.
The tallest building plummet, cracking and crumbling
A metaphor for societal collapse or failure of institutions once seen as strong.
The ground is shaking, swallowing young woman
Recounting a catastrophic event where innocence is lost, highlighting vulnerability.
With a baby, daisies, and other flowers burning in destruction
Imagery of innocence juxtaposed with destruction, showcasing harsh realities.
The smell is disgusting, the heat is unbearable
Describing the aftermath of disaster as overwhelming and repugnant.
Preachers touching on boys run for cover, they paranoid
Commenting on the scandal within religious institutions, revealing hypocrisy and fear.
Rapists and murderers hurdle alleys
Highlighting danger and crime lurking in society's underbelly.
Valleys and high places turn into dust
Alluding to the simultaneous downfall of both the affluent and impoverished.
Famous screaming in agony
Even those who are celebrated face suffering; fame does not equate to safety.
Atheists for suicide, planes falling out the sky
Describing a world in chaos, where despair leads to tragic outcomes.
Trains jumping off the track, mothers yelling 'he's alive'
Visualizing calamity and confusion, where hope clashes with reality.
Backpedaling christians settling for forgiveness
Portraying a retreat from faith or ideals amid crisis, seeking absolution.
Evidence all around us the town is covered in fishes
Metaphorically indicating a drowning society, overwhelmed by its issues.
Ocean water dried out, fire burning more tires out
Imagery depicting environmental devastation, suggesting both loss and anger.
Tabernacle and city capital turned inside out
Indicating corruption of both faith and governance, revealing their true nature.
Public bathroom, college classroom's been deserted
Symbolizing abandonment of essential spaces, reflecting societal breakdown.
Another trumpet has sounded off and everyone heard it
Signifying a clear call to action or awakening to the urgent issues at hand.
(It's happening) no more running from world wars
Acknowledging the inevitability of conflict and struggle we cannot escape.
(It's happening) no more discriminating the poor
Recognizing a societal shift towards inclusivity and awareness of class struggles.
(It's happening) no more bad bitches and real niggas
Calling for reflections on the values celebrated in society, emphasizing realism.
Wishing for green and gold the last taste of allure
Longing for money and materialism, questioning their worth in the face of despair.
I swore I seen it vividly
Reiterating the clarity and intensity of his observations amidst turmoil.
A moniker of war from heaven that play the symphony
Referring to divine or cosmic forces orchestrating chaos and conflict.
Thunder like number four, then I heard
Symbolizing power and wrath reminiscent of biblical imagery, leading to awakening.
'What have you did for me'
Facing the question of accountability and purpose in one’s life.
I fell to my knees, pulled out my resume
Expressing humility and vulnerability in confronting one's life journey and decisions.
That dated back to June 17th, 1987
Marking a personal historical moment, reflecting on identity and experiences.
My paperwork was like a receipt
Viewing his life’s accomplishments as tangible proof of existence and effort.
I was valedictorian, I was fearful of judgment
Boasting achievements yet feeling anxiety over others’ expectations and perceptions.
But confident I had glory in all my past endeavors
Balancing pride in his successes with an awareness of his flaws.
Close my eyes pray to god that I live forever
Yearning for immortality while grappling with existential fears.
Dark skies, fire and brimstone some of us sent home
Imagery of doom where some are called back to peace amidst chaos.
Some of us never did wrong but still went to hell
Indicating that innocence doesn’t guarantee protection from suffering.
Geez Louise I thought you said that I excel
Questioning the apparent contradiction between effort and outcome in life.
I made To Pimp a Butterfly 'fore you told me
Referencing his impactful work before being recognized or validated.
To use my vocals to save man-kind for you
Expressing the responsibility he feels to uplift others through his art.
Say I didn't try for you, say I didn't ride for you
Defending his dedication against accusations of inadequacy.
I tied for you, I pushed the club to the side for you
Prioritizing love and commitment over superficial distractions.
Who love you like I love you?
Posing a rhetorical question about the depth of his affection compared to others.
Crucifix, tell me you can fix
Seeking solace and redemption while referencing spiritual imagery.
Anytime I need, I'mma start jotting everything in my diary
Planning to document his experiences and emotions for reflection and clarity.
Never would you lie to me
Holding a belief in the sincerity of his relationship with the divine or loved ones.
Always camaraderie, I can see, our days been numbered
Recognizing the fragility of life and the importance of connection amid uncertainty.
Revelation greatest as we hearing the last trumpet
Alluding to apocalyptic visions and profound realizations at the end of days.
All man, child, woman, life completely went in reverse
Seeing societal regression or a return to primal chaos affecting all people.
I guess I'm running in place trying to make it to church
Feeling stuck in a cycle, seeking salvation or redemption in faith amidst chaos.
Young nigga act an ass
Critiquing reckless behavior in youth as part of a broader societal commentary.
Young nigga act a fool
Acknowledging foolishness that often accompanies youthful exuberance.
Young nigga get yo' cash
Encouraging financial ambition, highlighting the importance of economic survival.
Young nigga do what it do
Advocating for authenticity and the pursuit of one’s desires without restraint.
Young nigga go, young nigga go
Repeating an encouragement for youth to embrace opportunity and take action.
Young nigga go, young nigga go
Reiterating the urgency for the young to pursue their paths with vigor.
Whatever makes all of you happy in this bitch
Recognizing the diverse pursuits and desires of individuals in a shared environment.
Just take it all back before the light switch
Implying a desire to reclaim innocence or joy before reality hits harshly.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: KENDRICK LAMAR DUCKWORTH, BRENT MICHAEL REYNOLDS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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