The song was released as a single on June 19, 2023, alongside Take Me Back and Get It B4 by Moses Sumney, who plays Izaak in the show.
A lesser man
The Weeknd Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm a deadbeat man, never know when to fold
Spent a lot for your soul
You gon' make that back, I'ma take what I own
Far away from my home
In this hot-ass town, but my blood's still cold and
Better let them know
Pay you in cash
I don't do favors
I don't do that
You don't want to see me
See me get mad
No matter how bad you
You think I am, am
I'm a lesser man, a lesser man
A lesser man than you think I am
You think you know, but you have no idea
I'm a lesser man
You're the best of them, fuck the rest of them
I'm a lesser man
Than you know
Show the world what I know
How you work that tongue to collect their souls and
Seen you do it before
Make them fall in love, make them beg for more and
You could put on a show
You're my one top star, you're my bottom girl
And before you kiss 'em and go
Don't leave until you make sure they pay you
Pay you in cash
I don't do favors
I don't do that
You don't want to see me
See me get mad
No matter how bad you
You think I am, am
I'm a lesser man, a lesser man
A lesser man than you think I am
You think you know, but you have no idea
I'm a lesser man
You're the best of them, fuck the rest of them
I'm a lesser man
Than you know
A lesser man than you think I am
A lesser man than you think I am, I am, am
But I swear she know a long time
Ah
In the song "A lesser man" by The Weeknd, the lyrics convey a sense of self-awareness and self-deprecation. The singer admits to being a deadbeat man, someone who never knows when to back down or give up. He acknowledges that he has spent a lot for someone's soul, suggesting that he has invested deeply in a relationship or a venture and expects to benefit from it. He believes that he will eventually recoup what he has invested. Despite being in a hot and unfamiliar environment, his blood remains cold, implying a detachment or resilience in the face of adversity. He wants others to be aware of his true nature and not underestimate him.
The lyrics also touch upon the singer's view on relationships. He warns someone to ensure that they are compensated for their efforts, emphasizing the importance of being paid in cash and not doing favors. This suggests a transactional approach to relationships, where he values material gain over emotional connection. He expresses his capability to become angry if provoked, indicating a temper or assertive nature. Regardless of how poorly he may be perceived, he feels he is a lesser man, incapable of reaching the same level as his counterparts. He recognizes the other person's superiority and, in comparison, sees himself as lacking.
Overall, "A lesser man" showcases the singer's acceptance of his flaws, his acknowledgement of his limited capacity, and his recognition of the power dynamics in his relationships. It reflects a combination of self-deprecating humor, self-awareness, and a desire to be seen and understood for who he truly is.
Line by Line Meaning
What you don't even know
You have no understanding or awareness
I'm a deadbeat man, never know when to fold
I am unreliable and indecisive
Spent a lot for your soul
I invested heavily in your well-being
You gon' make that back, I'ma take what I own
You will earn back what I spent, but I will still take what is rightfully mine
Far away from my home
I am physically distant from where I belong
In this hot-ass town, but my blood's still cold and
Despite the heat of this place, I remain emotionless
Better let them know
It is important to inform them
When you see them that you make sure they pay you
Ensure they compensate you
Pay you in cash
Demand payment with physical currency
I don't do favors
I refuse to do any kind acts for others
I don't do that
I avoid engaging in such behaviors
You don't want to see me
It would be wise for you not to witness
See me get mad
Observe me when I become enraged
No matter how bad you
Regardless of how terrible you believe
You think I am, am
I am actually worse than your perception
I'm a lesser man, a lesser man
I lack superiority, I am lower
A lesser man than you think I am
You perceive me as slightly better than I truly am
You think you know, but you have no idea
You believe you understand, but you are mistaken
I'm a lesser man
I am inferior
You're the best of them, fuck the rest of them
You are the superior one, disregard the others
Show the world what I know
Display my knowledge to the world
How you work that tongue to collect their souls and
The way you manipulate others with your words to gain control over them
Seen you do it before
I have witnessed you perform this action in the past
Make them fall in love, make them beg for more and
Cause individuals to develop strong emotions towards you, make them crave for additional affection
You could put on a show
You are capable of putting on a performance
You're my one top star, you're my bottom girl
You are my most valued and important person
And before you kiss 'em and go
Prior to kissing them and departing
Don't leave until you make sure they pay you
Do not depart until you guarantee they compensate you
A lesser man than you think I am, I am, am
I am even more inferior than your current perception of me
But I swear she know a long time
However, I can attest that she has been aware for a significant period
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Abel Tesfaye, Mike Dean, Sam Levinson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@maeveeditz
I love how he can change and make different music depending on the situation. It really shows how talented he is
@RATEL-BADJARR
YOUR WRONG...... THIS IS OLD SCHOOL ABLE, NOT NEW.... HE JUST HASNT BEEN HERE IN A WHILE THATS ALL
@Fro_manX
Can’t act for his life tho😂
@lucindacarrasco6107
100%
@TheGlory16
@@Fro_manX Fr
@Themaine44
@@Fro_manX That's what I'd say too if I was broke, jealous, and didn't contribute anything to society 🤣
@d0ntchange
Absolutely loving the soundtrack and how they're geniuslly releasing the tracks with each episode's premiere. This song is incredible and intoxicating
@ATLchica1983
Reminds me of The Weeknd when he first came out and wasn't mainstream.
@ATLchica1983
P.S. the chords are amazing
@lgrello1214
😢 U think I got a chance in music can i have ur opinion please