Alright
Kendrick Lamar & J. Cole Lyrics

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I wouldn't say that I'm confused
But that my understanding's gone askew
And when I think back I think I know when
The last time I really think I held my head too high
Alright, alright, alright
Now I'm in a situation and it's new to me
I can't hear my breath beneath my gritted teeth
And I'm told to ask if I can hear my breath

Or if the feeling in my chest is really in my head. It's a fight
Alright, alright, alright
Alright
Alright
Alright
All right
I think its safe to say, that these daze
My mind's a maze and I hate clichés
But if I listen close and I can hear my breath
I'll hear Wooderson say L-I-V-I-N
Alright, Alright, Alright
Alright
Alright

Alright
All right

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of the song 'Alright' by Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole discuss the feelings of confusion and uncertainty that can arise in life. The lyrics express the idea that sometimes things in life can seem askew and that it's okay to feel confused. Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole describe their own experiences of feeling like things in life are new to them and that they can't hear their own breath beneath their panic. Moreover, the song also points towards the idea that in trying times, it is important to remember that everything is going to be alright.

The repeated use of the phrase 'alright' throughout the song is significant. It is not only an affirmation of the idea that things will be okay but is also a nod to the character Wooderson from the film 'Dazed and Confused'. The phrase "L-I-V-I-N" in the song is also a reference to the character's iconic phrase from the movie - which means to live in the present moment without expectations for the future. The song encourages listeners to live in the moment and not be consumed by the uncertainties of life.

Line by Line Meaning

I wouldn't say that I'm confused
I am not uncertain or perplexed

But that my understanding's gone askew
But my comprehension has become unclear and distorted

And when I think back I think I know when
Reflecting on the past, I believe I can pinpoint a moment in time

The last time I really think I held my head too high
The last time I recall overestimating my own abilities

Alright, alright, alright
Everything's good, no worries or trouble

Now I'm in a situation and it's new to me
Currently, I find myself in unfamiliar territory

I can't hear my breath beneath my gritted teeth
I can't even hear myself breathe due to my clenched jaw

And I'm told to ask if I can hear my breath
Someone suggests that I should check if I can hear myself breathing

Or if the feeling in my chest is really in my head. It's a fight
Or consider whether the sensation in my chest is rooted in reality or my imagination. It's a difficult situation.

Alright, alright, alright
Everything's good, no worries or trouble

Alright
Everything's all right

All right
Everything's all right

I think its safe to say, that these daze
I can confidently state that during this time

My mind's a maze and I hate clichés
My thoughts are chaotic and unpredictable and I dislike using worn-out phrases to describe them

But if I listen close and I can hear my breath
However, if I pay close attention, I can hear my breathing

I'll hear Wooderson say L-I-V-I-N
I will hear the words of Wooderson, a character from the movie Dazed and Confused, who encourages living life to the fullest

Alright, Alright, Alright
Everything's good, no worries or trouble

Alright
Everything's all right

All right
Everything's all right

Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Joshua Ballico

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@JujuToobootie

1y↑2

I'm so glad I stumbled on this gem 💎.

I've listened to both versions of this track an insane amount of times. On repeat 17 times back to back while first trying to learn the lyrics. Even the OG song (Tell me who the bitch nigga hating on me).

Even as we head into 2023 I still bump them FAITHFULLY 🤣. I didn't miss a single word even while going from KDot to J. Cole & back.

This mixing was done really well and the cuts from each verse matched the pacing and flow from the previous bars.

This was like hearing 2 different versions of the same story & not fully understanding either half.

It's when they're brought together that the puzzle comes together and the big picture becomes clearer. From there a different understanding is gained, followed by a shift in perspective.

This sequence culminates with a new catharsis & hopefully a deeper of understanding of the world around you. But more importantly a deeper knowledge of self.

Kendrick's outro speech after the doing ends, for me hit different on this listen with J. Cole in there together.

Almost like this was how the song was meant to be in its original form.