Babylon
Kendrick Lamar SZA Lyrics

Crucify, cru-crucify me
The singer is willing to be punished or judged severely for their actions or beliefs.

I can't recall the last time I took advice from anyone
The singer is stubborn and independent, preferring to make their own decisions without the input of others.

Shaped like a figure eight who trusts pretty girls anyway?
The singer questions the trustworthiness of attractive people, insinuating that they may use their looks to manipulate others.

I'm sure I'll be the death of me
The artist recognizes that their behavior or choices may lead to their downfall or demise.

And I can't recall the last time I took love from anyone
The artist has difficulty accepting love or affection from others, possibly due to past experiences or trust issues.

I called daddy, who's got one anyway?
The singer may have a strained relationship with their father or may not have a father figure in their life.

Not me
The singer confirms that they do not have a dad, and perhaps they are indifferent to this fact.

Are you hating yourself?
The artist questions whether someone else is struggling with self-hatred or self-esteem issues.

Do you really hate me?
The artist asks whether someone else has negative feelings or animosity towards them.

Was it worth it?
The artist is questioning whether a past decision or action was worth the consequences or fallout that followed.

Would you do it again?
The singer is asking whether someone would make the same choice again if they could go back in time.

Aren't you tired of always making amends?
The artist is questioning whether someone is tired of constantly apologizing or making things right after making mistakes.

I know you hate me now
The singer is aware that someone else has negative feelings towards them now.

I bet you hate me now
The singer is confident that the other person dislikes them now.

Bring on the thorny crown
The singer is ready to face punishment or suffering, comparing it to the crown of thorns worn by Jesus during his crucifixion.

Cross my heart then I hope to die with a peace of mind (a peace of mind)
The artist is making a promise, hoping to keep it and feel at ease with their decision.

Piece together my brain soon as this beat rewind (beat rewind)
The artist may feel scattered or chaotic mentally, but hopes that listening to music may help them put their thoughts in order.

Nitrogen and propane I spike your drink at times (turn up, turn up)
The singer is describing a dangerous, illegal action of drugging someone's drink without their knowledge or consent.

I make it hard to swallow this game, you throw up every line
The singer may challenge or confuse others with their actions or words, making it difficult for them to keep up or understand.

I notice people got Napoleon complex but that's my confession
The artist is admitting that they see others as having an inferiority complex or trying to compensate for their perceived shortcomings.

You said that we're equal but I know
The artist is doubting whether they and someone else are truly equal in status or power.

You're beyond gassing that I'm beyond desperate (yeah that)
The artist may feel like someone else is overestimating their value or influence, while they themselves are feeling desperate or hopeless.

6AM on a Friday morning, my darkest hours
The singer is describing a difficult or low point in their life, which has likely been going on for some time.

Them heartless hours
The artist may feel like others have not shown them empathy or kindness during this difficult period.

My apartment is lost in a coffin
The singer's living space feels suffocating and depressing, like a metaphorical coffin.

I'm dead to the world like I popped me a couple downers
The singer feels disengaged or disconnected from the world, like they have taken depressant drugs like downers.

Down & Out on my luck
The singer is feeling down on their luck or experiencing a period of misfortune.

Salt water all on my tux and I call, she don't pick up
The artist is feeling emotional and possibly crying, and attempts to call someone for comfort, but they are not answering.

Then I fall when summer is ending
The artist may experience a low mood or internal struggle as the year comes to an end.

I mean there's no pretending I'm stuck in my ways and you're offended
The singer acknowledges that they are set in their ways and may be frustrating or offending others with their actions or beliefs.

That's life, that's you, this me, that's vice
The singer is accepting that life and relationships can be complicated and that they may not have all the answers.

You're wrong, I'm right, that's light
The artist may be feeling defensive or argumentative, insisting that they are in the right while the other person is in the wrong.

I belong somewhere on ice
The artist may feel out of place or uncomfortable in social situations, preferring solitude or distance from others.

I'm colder a new blood type? Even colder
The artist is describing themselves as cold or unfeeling, like a new type of blood that is even colder than what people are used to.

Cold shoulder, Born Sinner, you know? Cole showed us!
The singer is referencing rapper J. Cole, who has a song called 'Cole Summer' with a similar line about being 'born sinner' and receiving a 'cold shoulder.'

I have nothing to lose, my dark side been well in-tuned
The artist does not feel like they have much to lose, and may already be familiar with their darker impulses or tendencies.

A Gemini go show them faces
The singer is referencing their astrological sign and how Geminis are often associated with dual personalities or multiple faces.

And this here just one of my moves, Babylon
The singer is describing their current behavior or attitude as just one aspect of their overall personality or strategy. 'Babylon' may refer to a state of excess or indulgence.