Babylon
SZA & Kendrick Lamar Lyrics

Crucify, cru-crucify me
The singer is willing to face any punishment for their actions or beliefs.

I can't recall the last time I took advice from anyone
The singer does not trust others' opinions or beliefs and prefers to rely on their own judgement.

Shaped like the figure eight, who trusts pretty girls anyway?
The singer questions societal standards of beauty and how it affects people's trustworthiness and judgement.

I'm sure I'll be the death of me
The artist acknowledges that their actions or beliefs may have negative consequences.

I called daddy, who's got one anyway? Not me
The artist feels abandoned or neglected by their family and seeks validation elsewhere.

Are you hating yourself?
The singer questions whether the listener is dealing with self-hatred or insecurities.

Do you really hate me?
The singer questions whether the listener truly hates them or is just upset with their words or actions.

Was it worth it? Would you do it again?
The artist questions whether a past action or decision was worth it and whether they would make the same choice again.

Aren't you tired of always making amends? (oh)
The artist questions whether the listener is tired of constantly apologizing and making up for past mistakes.

Cross my heart then I hope to die with a peace of mind (a peace of mind)
The artist promises to be truthful and honest, even if it causes them harm or punishment.

I make it hard to swallow this game, you throw up every line
The singer makes it difficult for others to accept their actions or beliefs, causing discomfort or unease.

I notice people got Napoleon complex but that's my confession
The artist acknowledges that they notice others' insecurities or need for power, but does not necessarily share them.

6AM on a Friday morning, my darkest hours, them heartless hours
The singer reveals a time in their life when they felt alone or lost.

My apartment is lost in a coffin, I'm dead to the world like I popped me a couple downers
The singer feels trapped or suffocated in their living situation and compares it to feeling numb or dead due to drug use.

Salt water all on my tux and I call, she don't pick up
The singer feels abandoned or ignored by someone they care about.

Then I fall when summer is endin', I mean there's no pretendin' I'm stuck in my ways and you're offended
The artist feels like they are unable to change their habits or ways of thinking, causing others to be upset with them.

That's life, that's you, this me, that's vice
The artist accepts that their life and decisions are different from others, and that they may have negative consequences.

I belong somewhere on ice, I'm colder, a new blood type? Even colder, cold shoulder
The singer feels like they do not fit in with others and may be seen as cold or unapproachable due to their beliefs or actions.

Born Sinner, you know? Cole showed us, I have nothing to lose, my dark side been well in-tuned
The singer references J. Cole's album and suggests that they have accepted their flaws or negative qualities as part of themselves.

A Gemini go show them faces, and this here just one of my moves, Babylon
The artist reveals themselves as a Gemini and suggests that they have many different aspects to their personality. They describe themselves as making a power move and invoke the ancient city of Babylon, which represents power and luxury.