DNA.
Lamar Kendrick Lyrics


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I got, I got, I got, I got
Loyalty, got royalty
Inside my DNA
Cocaine quarter piece, got war and peace
Inside my DNA
I got power, poison, pain and joy
Inside my DNA
I got hustle, though, ambition, flow
Inside my DNA

I was born like this, since one like this, immaculate conception
I transform like this, perform like this, was Yeshua's new weapon
I don't contemplate, I meditate, then off your fucking head
This that put-the-kids-to-bed, this that

I got, I got, I got, I got
Realness, I just kill shit
'Cause it's in my DNA
I got millions, I got riches
Buildin' in my DNA
I got dark, I got evil, that rot
Inside my DNA
I got off, I got troublesome heart
Inside my DNA

I just win again, then win again like Wimbledon, I serve
Yeah, that's him again, the sound that engine in is like a bird
You see fireworks and Corvette tire skrrt the boulevard
I know how you work, I know just who you are
See, you's a, you's a, you's a bitch

Your hormones prolly switch
Inside your DNA
Problem is, all that sucker shit
Inside your DNA
Daddy prolly snitched, heritage
Inside your DNA
Backbone don't exist
Born onside a jellyfish, I gauge

See, my pedigree most definitely don't tolerate the front
Shit I've been through prolly offend you
This is Paula's oldest son
I know murder, conviction
Burners, boosters, burglars, ballers, dead, redemption
Scholars, fathers dead with kids
And I wish I was fed forgiveness
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, soldier's DNA
Born inside the beast
My expertise checked out in second grade
When I was nine, on cell, motel, we didn't have nowhere to stay
At twenty-nine, I've done so well, hit cartwheel in my estate
And I'm gon' shine like I'm supposed to antisocial, extrovert
And excellent mean the extra work
And absent-ness what the fuck you heard
And pessimists never struck my nerve
And that's a riff, gonna plead this case
The reason my power's here on earth
Salute the truth, when the prophet say

I got loyalty, got royalty inside my DNA
(This is why I say that Hip-Hop has done more damage)
(To young African-Americans than racism in recent years)
I live a better, fuck your life
(Five, four, three, two, one) this is my heritage, all I'm inheritin'
Money and power, the makin' of marriages

Tell me somethin'
You mothafuckas can't tell me nothin'
I'd rather die than to listen to you
My DNA not for imitation
Your DNA an abomination
This how it is when you're in the Matrix
Dodgin' bullets, reapin' what you sow
And stackin' up the footage, livin' on the go
And sleepin' in a Villa
Sippin' from a Grammy and walkin' in the buildin'
Diamond in the ceilin', marble on the floors
Beach inside the window, peekin' out the window
Baby in the pool, Godfather goals, only Lord knows

I've been goin' hammer, dodgin' paparazzi, freakin' through the cameras
Eat at Four Daughters, Brock wearin' sandals
Yoga on a Monday, stretchin' to Nirvana
Watchin' all the snakes, curvin' all the fakes
Phone never on, I don't conversate
I don't compromise, I just penetrate
Sex, money, murder, these are the breaks
These are the times, level number nine
Look up in the sky, ten is on the way
Sentence on the way, killings on the way
Motherfucker, I got winners on the way

You ain't shit without a body on your belt
You ain't shit without a ticket on your plate
You ain't sick enough to pull it on yourself
You ain't rich enough to hit the lot and skate
Tell me when destruction gonna be my fate
Gonna be your fate, gonna be our faith




Peace to the world, let it rotate
Sex, money, murder, our DNA

Overall Meaning

In “DNA.,” Lamar crumbles himself down to his DNA, as if the pieces of his genetic material are bits of his identity: power, poison, pain, joy, hustle, ambition, and flow. By rapping in the first person and ascribing various behaviors and feelings to his genes, Lamar seems to be arguing that his identity is an amalgam of his bodily makeup and past experiences. As a black man in America, those experiences have undoubtedly included racism and violence. By linking struggles to his DNA, he’s also implying that they can’t be easily extricated from his body.


Furthermore, Lamar is comparing his DNA to others’, emphasizing that he is made of royalty, riches, and realness as opposed to others’ dark, evil, and troublesome hearts. He also touches on heritage in his DNA, with a nod to his father snitching and his lack of backbone, which he credits to being “born inside a jellyfish.” Lamar also takes aim at those who try to imitate him, asserting that his DNA is not for imitation and that others’ DNA is an “abomination.”


Line by Line Meaning

I got, I got, I got, I got Loyalty, got royalty Inside my DNA
My DNA embodies qualities of loyalty and royalty.


Cocaine quarter piece, got war and peace Inside my DNA
My DNA also contains elements of drug trafficking and conflict resolution.


I got power, poison, pain and joy Inside my DNA
My DNA carries a blend of positive and negative emotions and abilities.


I got hustle, though, ambition, flow Inside my DNA
My DNA reflects my drive, tenacity, and creative talent.


I was born like this, since one like this, immaculate conception I transform like this, perform like this, was Yeshua's new weapon I don't contemplate, I meditate, then off your fucking head This that put-the-kids-to-bed, this that
I was born with my DNA in its current state, and I'm continually evolving and performing like a weapon. I don't overthink, but rather meditate before taking action. My music has the power to calm and inspire listeners.


I got, I got, I got, I got Realness, I just kill shit 'Cause it's in my DNA
My DNA incorporates authenticity and a strong ability to succeed.


I got millions, I got riches Buildin' in my DNA I got dark, I got evil, that rot Inside my DNA
My DNA holds wealth and resources, but it also harbors darker impulses and tendencies.


I got off, I got troublesome heart Inside my DNA
My DNA includes a tendency to rebel and challenge authority, as well as an emotionally complex heart.


I just win again, then win again like Wimbledon, I serve Yeah, that's him again, the sound that engine in is like a bird You see fireworks and Corvette tire skrrt the boulevard I know how you work, I know just who you are See, you's a, you's a, you's a bitch
I continually succeed and dominate, like a Wimbledon champion. My presence is noticeable and powerful, like the sound of an engine. I'm aware of those who try to tear me down and I'm confident in myself. I call out those who exhibit unfavorable characteristics.


Your hormones prolly switch Inside your DNA Problem is, all that sucker shit Inside your DNA Daddy prolly snitched, heritage Inside your DNA Backbone don't exist Born onside a jellyfish, I gauge
Your DNA may reflect untrustworthy or cowardly traits. Your father may have contributed to these qualities through his own DNA, and you may not have a strong moral backbone. Your origins mirror the squishy, spineless nature of a jellyfish.


See, my pedigree most definitely don't tolerate the front Shit I've been through prolly offend you This is Paula's oldest son I know murder, conviction Burners, boosters, burglars, ballers, dead, redemption Scholars, fathers dead with kids And I wish I was fed forgiveness Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, soldier's DNA Born inside the beast
My family background doesn't put up with fake behavior. My experiences and lifestyle may be difficult for others to understand or relate to. I know about violence, criminal activity, and death, but I also know about learning and redemption. I come from a lineage of intelligent individuals who also fell into negative patterns. I long for forgiveness and a fresh start. I was born into challenging circumstances and have become tough as a result.


My expertise checked out in second grade When I was nine, on cell, motel, we didn't have nowhere to stay At twenty-nine, I've done so well, hit cartwheel in my estate And I'm gon' shine like I'm supposed to antisocial, extrovert And excellent mean the extra work And absent-ness what the fuck you heard And pessimists never struck my nerve And that's a riff, gonna plead this case The reason my power's here on earth Salute the truth, when the prophet say
I was intelligent from a young age. My family struggled with homelessness when I was nine years old. Now at twenty-nine, I'm hugely successful and enjoying life. I'm confident and outgoing, yet also able to work hard and excel. I'm not absent-minded, and negativity doesn't affect me. I'm going to keep working hard and living my purpose. I know I have power and value as an artist. When a wise person speaks, I listen and respect them.


I got loyalty, got royalty inside my DNA (This is why I say that Hip-Hop has done more damage) (To young African-Americans than racism in recent years) I live a better, fuck your life (Five, four, three, two, one) this is my heritage, all I'm inheritin' Money and power, the makin' of marriages
Loyalty and royalty are ingrained in my DNA, representing the potential for hip-hop music to benefit and uplift young black people. I focus on my own success rather than worrying about others. My heritage includes wealth and status, and I seek to build meaningful connections with others through my power and resources.


Tell me somethin' You mothafuckas can't tell me nothin' I'd rather die than to listen to you My DNA not for imitation Your DNA an abomination This how it is when you're in the Matrix Dodgin' bullets, reapin' what you sow And stackin' up the footage, livin' on the go And sleepin' in a Villa Sippin' from a Grammy and walkin' in the buildin' Diamond in the ceilin', marble on the floors Beach inside the window, peekin' out the window Baby in the pool, Godfather goals, only Lord knows
I don't need to hear your opinions. I'm unique and others can't copy what I have in my DNA. Your DNA is unacceptable and unworthy of emulation. It's like being in the Matrix, where danger is around every corner. I'm taking risks and traveling constantly, accumulating experiences and wealth. I'm living a life of luxury and indulgence. Life is unpredictable and full of surprises.


I've been goin' hammer, dodgin' paparazzi, freakin' through the cameras Eat at Four Daughters, Brock wearin' sandals Yoga on a Monday, stretchin' to Nirvana Watchin' all the snakes, curvin' all the fakes Phone never on, I don't conversate I don't compromise, I just penetrate Sex, money, murder, these are the breaks These are the times, level number nine Look up in the sky, ten is on the way Sentence on the way, killings on the way Motherfucker, I got winners on the way
I'm constantly living a fast-paced life, avoiding unwanted attention and enjoying myself. I eat at fancy establishments and practice yoga to stay centered. I'm vigilant of those who would betray me and avoid communication when possible. I maintain my high standards and don't let anyone hold me back. I'm willing to do whatever it takes to succeed, including violence and breaking the law. The situation is intense and approaching the highest level. My triumph is imminent.


You ain't shit without a body on your belt You ain't shit without a ticket on your plate You ain't sick enough to pull it on yourself You ain't rich enough to hit the lot and skate Tell me when destruction gonna be my fate Gonna be your fate, gonna be our faith Peace to the world, let it rotate Sex, money, murder, our DNA
You're irrelevant if you haven't killed anyone or haven't achieved significant financial success. You're not capable of committing violence on your own or having the luxury to avoid confrontation. Destruction is inevitable for both of us, and we must make peace with that. We should focus on a peaceful world, but our DNA forces us to confront dark themes of sex, money, and murder.




Lyrics © OLE MEDIA MANAGEMENT LP, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Howard Benson, Kendrick Lamar, Lenny Zakitek, Lia Johnson, Michael Len Williams, Sidnie Tipton

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@jaechell8401

The 23 things inside Kendrick Lamar's DNA
1. Loyalty
2. Royalty
3. Concaine quarter piece
4. War
5. Peace
6. Power
7. Poison
8. Pain
9. Joy
10. Hustle
11. Ambition
12. Flow
13. Realness
14. Killing shit
15. Millions
16. Riches
17. Dark
18. Evil
19. Rot
20. Troublesome heart
21. Real N*gga
22. Dripping gold
23. Power shows



All comments from YouTube:

@luraxium

how is no one talking about how Don Cheadle totally NAILED this shit???

@MegaShinobi2011

On his interview on the People's Party, he says he basically learned his part in a few days and hadn't even heard the song before accepting the role in music video

@supervillianshaggy5238

Antonio Williams daaayyyuumm straight G SHIT

@Mr--_--M

luraxium I’m talking about it. Air high five through the Internet bro✋🏾👌🏾

@AlexanderPascalini

Nailed that shit thru his DNA

@caltorious9947

Init bro powerful vid

34 More Replies...

@saulsballs437

Producer : who do you want to invite in the video?
Kendrick : I need a War Machine

@sebastianguerrero1456

You mean Kung fu Kenny from rush hours 2

@jeffnieves5874

kung fu kenny !!

@apollo1949

I just rewatched rush hour two lmao

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