Babylon
SZA Kendrick Lamar Lyrics

Crucify, cru-crucify me
The singer is calling out to someone to punish them, perhaps as an act of self-flagellation.

I can't recall the last time I took advice from anyone
The singer is admitting that they have not been open to advice or guidance from others in the recent past.

Shaped like a figure eight who trusts pretty girls anyway?
The singer questions why anyone would trust someone simply based on their appearance or superficial qualities.

And I can't recall the last time I took love from anyone
The artist admits that they have not allowed themselves to receive love or affection from others in a long time.

I called daddy, who's got one anyway?
The artist rhetorically asks who actually has a good relationship with their father and can offer guidance or comfort.

Not me
The singer is confirming that they do not have a positive relationship with their father.

Are you hating yourself?
The singer is questioning whether the person they are addressing has feelings of self-hatred.

Do you really hate me?
The artist is questioning whether the person they are addressing has genuine feelings of hatred towards them.

Was it worth it?
The artist is questioning whether a certain action or decision was worth the negative consequences that have resulted.

Would you do it again?
The artist is asking whether the person they are addressing would make the same mistake again.

Aren't you tired of always making amends?
The singer is questioning whether the person they are addressing is tired of constantly making up for their mistakes and apologizing.

I know you hate me now
The artist is acknowledging that the person they are addressing has strong feelings of hatred towards them.

I bet you hate me now
The singer is confident that the person they are addressing hates them.

Bring on the thorny crown
The singer seems to be asking for punishment or suffering to atone for their mistakes.

Cross my heart then I hope to die with a peace of mind (a peace of mind)
The singer is making a solemn promise and hoping to achieve inner peace or resolution.

Piece together my brain soon as this beat rewind (beat rewind)
The artist is asking listeners to pay close attention to their lyrics, as if they are trying to piece together their thoughts and emotions through the music.

Nitrogen and propane I spike your drink at times (turn up, turn up)
The artist is referencing the use of drugs or alcohol to enhance a party or social gathering.

I make it hard to swallow this game, you throw up every line
The singer is implying that their lyrics and message may be difficult for some to accept or understand.

I notice people got Napoleon complex but that's my confession
The singer is admitting to being aware of people who exhibit a Napoleon complex - compensating for their insecurities with aggressive or controlling behavior.

You said that we're equal but I know
The artist is acknowledging that someone has claimed that they are equal, but the artist may not truly believe it.

You're beyond gassing that I'm beyond desperate (yeah that)
The artist is accusing someone of being insincere in their praise of the artist, and that the artist is more desperate for attention or validation than they let on.

6AM on a Friday morning, my darkest hours
The artist is describing a lonely or difficult period of time, perhaps early in the morning when most people are sleeping.

Them heartless hours
The singer is emphasizing the feeling of loneliness and lack of empathy they experienced during that time.

My apartment is lost in a coffin
The artist may be describing their living space as a figurative coffin - small, dark, and isolating.

I'm dead to the world like I popped me a couple downers
The singer is using a simile to describe their feeling of detachment from the world, as if they have taken sleeping pills or other downers.

Down & Out on my luck
The singer is describing their current state as unlucky and desperate.

Salt water all on my tux and I call, she don't pick up
The singer is suggesting that they have experienced rejection or heartbreak from someone they tried to contact.

Then I fall when summer is ending
The artist is using a metaphor to describe a low point or struggle that they experienced as summer came to a close.

I mean there's no pretending I'm stuck in my ways and you're offended
The artist is acknowledging that they are set in their ways and uninterested in changing, and that someone else takes issue with that.

That's life, that's you, this me, that's vice
The singer is suggesting that certain aspects of life and personal identity are inescapable and may be harmful or self-destructive.

You're wrong, I'm right, that's light
The singer is suggesting that they hold objective truth or knowledge that someone else does not, and that their perspective is illuminated or enlightened in some way.

I belong somewhere on ice
The artist is expressing a desire to be removed from the current situation or even from society altogether.

I'm colder a new blood type? Even colder
The artist is using a metaphor to describe themselves as emotionally detached and perhaps even ruthless.

Cold shoulder, Born Sinner, you know? Cole showed us!
The artist is referencing rapper J. Cole and his song 'Born Sinner', using a pun on the phrase 'cold shoulder' to align themselves with him.

I have nothing to lose, my dark side been well in-tuned
The singer is suggesting that they have embraced their darker impulses and are unafraid to confront them.

A Gemini go show them faces
The artist is referencing their astrological sign and suggesting that they have multiple personas or identities they present to different people.

And this here just one of my moves, Babylon
The singer is suggesting that the song itself is just one of their many tactics or personas, and that it leads to destruction or chaos, like the biblical city of Babylon.