On the track, Kevin spits about his childhood and upbringing, along with what he saw during it, over a gospel-like beat that samples a track from the New Jersey Track Choir.
From BROCKHAMPTON’s Kevin Abstract and Rick Rubin Have an Epic Conversation | GQ:
Rick Rubin: In the case of any particular song, how much do they change from the time you start it till the time you feel like there it is?
Kevin Abstract: I was making this song on my last album called “Use me”. The first version I made in a day. The second I think Jack, the guy who produced the album with me, spent like another day on it. So it was like two days total working on the song, but the one we made in that first day, I played it for my friend and I compared
to the second version that Jack did – and my friend was like… there’s something really special when it feels like a song was just made in the day
and that’s it and then it’s out. I want to follow that, I want to lean into that and keep making things there like just right there in the moment. I’ve learnt that those type of ideas always get like the best and strongest reaction from people I think it’s because it’s rooted and something that’s real.
An alternate cut featuring Dom McLennon was premiered on 'GINGER RADIO'.
Use Me
Kevin Abstract Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Here am I, Lord
(Use me) niggas was in that back room
(For your service) see I ain't sitting with that
(For your service) niggas was hitting that glass tube
(Here am I, Lord) Yeah, I ain't fuckin' with that
Auntie was smoking that crack too
Big skies out in Corpus
Them lights was so gorgeous (Yeah)
In the garage, I made a fortune (Yeah)
Still trying to fuck every Mormon (Yeah)
It's amazing how I'm still searching
Y'all still reaching, man, fuck the law
I'm above the law, she above the law
Close the blinds, now the lights go off
Duck low in case they raid us all
And take it all with speed and ease (Yeah)
He like me on my knees
Generational trauma things
Wonder how far I could bring
This shit to my existence
My nigga, can I get a witness
I lived it, turn into a vicious
I spit it, look at me, and rip it
Just get it
You ain't the only one that's searching for that 1-9
You gotta go ahead and let that sun shine
Everything gon' be okay
I'm 'bout to steal the whip and drive that bitch to Montana
My feelings roll that's when they throw tantrum
L.A.-L.A.-L.A. roll
Everything gon' be okay
I'm 'bout to steal the whip and drive that bitch to Montana
My feelings roll that's when they throw tantrum
L.A.-L.A.-L.A. roll
The lyrics in Kevin Abstract's "Use Me" touch upon themes of addiction, coping mechanisms, and the search for self-acceptance. The opening line "Use me for your service, here am I, Lord" suggests a sense of helplessness and a desire to surrender control. The following lines reference drug use (niggas in that back room, hitting that glass tube) and addiction within the artist's family (auntie smoking crack, mama dealing with it).
The chorus offers a glimmer of hope, with the repeated phrase "Everything gon' be okay" and a determination to take control ("I'm 'bout to steal the whip and drive that bitch to Montana"). The artist acknowledges his tendency to "throw tantrums" when his emotions become overwhelming but ultimately believes that he can find peace and acceptance.
The lines "Y'all still reaching, man, fuck the law / I'm above the law, she above the law" may point to a belief that societal norms and expectations do not apply to the artist and his loved ones.
Overall, the lyrics in "Use Me" offer a glimpse into the artist's internal struggles and search for identity amidst addiction, trauma, and societal pressures.
Line by Line Meaning
Use me for your service (for your service)
I am willing to be of service to you.
(Use me) niggas was in that back room
People were in a back room using drugs and I was not involved.
(For your service) see I ain't sitting with that
I am not participating in drug use.
(For your service) niggas was hitting that glass tube
Others were smoking crack, but I am not involved.
(Here am I, Lord) Yeah, I ain't fuckin' with that
I am abstaining from drug use.
Auntie was smoking that crack too
Even my family members are using drugs.
My mama was dealin' with that
My mother is involved in selling drugs.
Big skies out in Corpus
The skies in Corpus Christi are wide and vast.
Them lights was so gorgeous (Yeah)
The city lights are beautiful.
In the garage, I made a fortune (Yeah)
I made money from my music in my garage.
Still trying to fuck every Mormon (Yeah)
I am attracted to a particular religious group and want to have sex with them.
It's amazing how I'm still searching
I am constantly searching for something.
Y'all still reaching, man, fuck the law
Others are trying to achieve success, while disregarding the rules.
I'm above the law, she above the law
I consider myself and someone else to be above the law.
Close the blinds, now the lights go off
I am turning off the lights and closing the blinds for privacy.
Duck low in case they raid us all
I am cautious in case of a police raid.
And take it all with speed and ease (Yeah)
The police could easily take everything from us.
He like me on my knees
Another person enjoys making me submissive.
Generational trauma things
I am dealing with the effects of trauma that has been passed down through my family.
Wonder how far I could bring
I am considering how successful I could become.
This shit to my existence
I am incorporating my experiences into my artistic expression.
My nigga, can I get a witness
I am asking for affirmation or agreement from someone else.
I lived it, turn into a vicious
My experiences have made me aggressive and ruthless.
I spit it, look at me, and rip it
I am delivering my music with intense energy and emotion.
Just get it
I am urging someone to take action and go after what they want.
You ain't the only one that's searching for that 1-9
Others are also trying to find their way in life.
You gotta go ahead and let that sun shine
You need to let yourself find happiness and success.
Everything gon' be okay
Despite the struggles, everything will work out.
I'm 'bout to steal the whip and drive that bitch to Montana
I am impulsively deciding to take a road trip to Montana.
My feelings roll that's when they throw tantrum
My emotions are unpredictable and can cause me to act out.
L.A.-L.A.-L.A. roll
I am living and creating music in Los Angeles.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: A. Jeffrey Lavalley, Ian Simpson, Jack Antonoff, Romil Hemnani
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind