Kendrick Lamar - peekaboo Lyrics
Kendrick Lamar - peekaboo Lyrics
feat. AzChike, Dody6)
Give a helping hand
To your fellow men, oh, my—
Ayy, what?
Look
What they talkin' 'bout? They ain't talkin' 'bout nothin'
What they talkin' 'bout? They ain't talkin' 'bout nothin'
What they talkin' 'bout? They ain't talkin' 'bout nothin'
What they talkin' 'bout? They ain't talkin' 'bout nothin'
Huh? They ain't talkin' 'bout nothin'
Hm, ayy
What they talkin' 'bout? They ain't talkin' 'bout nothin'
What they talkin' 'bout? They ain't talkin' 'bout nothin'
What they talkin' 'bout? They ain't talkin' 'bout nothin'
What they talkin' 'bout? They ain't talkin' 'bout nothin'
Huh? They ain't talkin' 'bout nothin', hm
Peekaboo, I just put them boogers in my chain
Peekaboo, eighty-pointers like a Kobe game
Peekaboo, 7.62s'll make 'em plank
Peekaboo, poppin' out, you better not smut my name
Peekaboo, put two foreigns on the 405
Peekaboo, cacio e pepe if I'm doin pasta
Peekaboo, why you actin' tough on IG Live?
Peekaboo, you know my lil' niggas off they rocker
Peekaboo, surprise, bitch, it's that nigga Chike E. Cheese
Peekaboo, let me FaceTime my opp, bitch, I'm up the street
Peekaboo, yeah, it's AZ, I'm puttin' somethin' to sleep
Peekaboo, he on the ground, I praise God and start stompin' feet
Peekaboo, I put ten on his face, bitch, my shooter playin'
Peekaboo, I hit it from the back, I told her move her hands
Peekaboo, then slide my thumb in it where her, uh, at
Peekaboo, I'm on your top, I'm with Dot, bitch, don't look back
What they talkin' 'bout? They ain't talkin' 'bout nothin'
What they talkin' 'bout? They ain't talkin' 'bout nothin'
What they talkin' 'bout? They ain't talkin' 'bout nothin'
What they talkin' 'bout? They ain't talkin' 'bout nothin'
Huh? They ain't talkin' 'bout nothin', hm
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, that's my bitch
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, that's my bitch
Hey, hey, hey, hey, with all that fake shit
Hey, hey, hey, hey, ain't the one to play with
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, pull off in a Lam'
Double-park it all at Tam's, Mr. Get-Off-On-Your-Mans
If he hatin', disrespect, you better follow up with hands
Losses to the neck, but now I'm trophied up, I'm sayin', like
Bing-bop-boom-boom-boom-bop-bam
The type of shit I'm on, you wouldn't understand
The type of skits I'm on, you wouldn't understand
Big-dog business, I would not hold your hand
Broke-bitch business, I could not be your man
Never got his ass whooped until we open up that can
Damn, alley-oop me bands, I'ma slam
Gym-freak bitch, I like my MAC touchin' yams
Play that opp shit around me, I'ma tell you, "Turn it off"
Heard what happened to your mans, not sorry for your loss
Should've prayed before them shooters came and nailed him to the cross
I let your boy get a pass, bitch, you lucky he soft, for real
What they talkin' 'bout? They ain't talkin' 'bout nothin'
What they talkin' 'bout? They ain't talkin' 'bout nothin'
What they talkin' 'bout? They ain't talkin' 'bout nothin'
What they talkin' 'bout? They ain't talkin' 'bout nothin'
Huh? They ain't talkin' 'bout nothin', hm, ayy
What they talkin' 'bout? They ain't talkin' 'bout nothin'
What they talkin' 'bout? They ain't talkin' 'bout nothin'
What they talkin' 'bout? They ain't talkin' 'bout nothin'
What they talkin' 'bout? They ain't talkin' 'bout nothin'
Huh? They ain't talkin' 'bout nothin', hm
Peekaboo
Song Meaning and Analysis: Kendrick Lamar's "Peekaboo" feat. AzChike, Dody
Song Themes & Topics:
"Peekaboo" by Kendrick Lamar (featuring AzChike and Dody) explores themes of bravado, street life, and the contrasts between public image and reality. The song delves into the following main topics:
-
Street Life and Violence: The lyrics reference weapons, gang affiliations, and violent encounters ("7.62s'll make 'em plank", "poppin' out, you better not smut my name"). These themes portray a hardened lifestyle where confrontation and survival are constant.
-
Social Media and Public Image: The song critiques those who front or act tough on platforms like Instagram ("Why you actin' tough on IG Live?"). It highlights the disconnect between real-life actions and online personas, exposing the facade people put up.
-
Materialism & Wealth: There are several references to wealth and luxury items, such as designer chains and foreign cars ("Put two foreigns on the 405", "Boogers in my chain"). This serves to illustrate the character's success and status within the street and rap culture.
-
Disrespect & Loyalty: The song discusses the dynamics of loyalty and respect in both street culture and relationships ("If he hatin', disrespect, you better follow up with hands"). There is also a subtle message about the cost of disrespect, with violent retaliation implied.
Emotional Journey Map:
- Opening: The repetitive refrain "What they talkin' 'bout? They ain't talkin' 'bout nothin'" suggests frustration and a dismissal of unnecessary chatter, setting a confrontational tone.
- Verse 1: The first verse introduces themes of wealth and toughness, giving a sense of power and superiority. There's a clear defiance against those who don't live up to these ideals.
- Chorus: The "Peekaboo" refrain acts as a playful yet threatening taunt, hinting at surprise and unpredictability in the speaker's actions. This indicates an emotional rollercoaster of confidence mixed with underlying tension.
- Verse 2: The second verse brings in more personal and violent threats, adding a darker undertone to the emotional trajectory. The protagonist becomes more assertive and less forgiving.
- Outro: The outro continues the emotional intensity with a more vengeful tone, reinforcing the idea of confronting disrespect head-on.
Language & Word Choice Analysis:
- Colloquial and Aggressive: The language is informal and laden with slang. Words like "niggas," "boogers," and "opp" (opposition) contribute to the gritty feel of the song, reinforcing its street-culture themes.
- Metaphorical & Playful: The repeated use of "Peekaboo" symbolizes surprise, stealth, and the unpredictability of the speaker’s actions. It's both playful and threatening, aligning with the song's confrontational yet confident tone.
- Violent Imagery: The use of weapons and combat metaphors ("7.62s'll make 'em plank," "praise God and start stompin' feet") emphasizes the song’s aggressive, survivalist tone, underscoring themes of conflict and retaliation.
Structural Breakdown:
- Intro/Chorus: The song starts with repetitive questions ("What they talkin' 'bout?") to establish a dismissive, antagonistic mood. The "Peekaboo" refrains create a cyclical structure, highlighting the unpredictability of the character’s approach.
- Verses: Each verse introduces more personal and detailed anecdotes, elaborating on the themes of violence, wealth, and betrayal. The verses vary in length but maintain a similar aggressive, confrontational rhythm.
- Bridge/Outro: The outro escalates the aggression with more direct threats and a boastful tone. The repetition of phrases like "Hey, hey, hey" adds to the chaotic energy.
Key Vocabulary Analysis (TDK Dictionary & Song Context):
- Boogers: Typically refers to nasal mucus, but in the context of the song, it is used to describe diamonds in the chain ("boogers in my chain"), signifying high-value diamonds.
- Plank: In street slang, "plank" refers to someone being immobilized or shot. In the song, it is used to suggest a fatal consequence ("7.62s'll make 'em plank").
- Opp: Short for "opposition" or "enemy," the term refers to rival groups or individuals in the street context.
- Cacio e pepe: An Italian pasta dish, symbolizing the narrator's lifestyle and taste, representing both luxury and cultural sophistication.
- Lam': Short for Lamborghini, a luxury sports car, signaling wealth and status.
Notable Lines in the Song:
- "Peekaboo, I just put them boogers in my chain": This line is a metaphor for flaunting wealth and success.
- "Why you actin' tough on IG Live?": This line critiques social media personas and how people portray toughness online.
- "Put two foreigns on the 405": Refers to driving two expensive foreign cars on the 405 highway, a symbol of success and luxury.
- "If he hatin', disrespect, you better follow up with hands": This line emphasizes the consequences of disrespect and the importance of retaliation in street culture.
Overall Message & Conclusion:
"Peekaboo" is a commentary on the complexities of street life, where appearances often differ from reality. The song critiques those who fabricate toughness on social media, contrasting it with the harsh realities of the streets. The playful yet violent imagery creates a sense of unpredictability, with the speaker embodying confidence, power, and a readiness to defend his honor. The general message emphasizes self-reliance, loyalty, and the consequences of disrespect in a world defined by status and survival.
In conclusion, the song blends humor and danger, creating a narrative that reflects the artist's perspective on fame, loyalty, and conflict. The lyrics and imagery are both a warning and a celebration of the life Kendrick Lamar and his collaborators navigate.
Comments