Kendrick Lamar - reincarnated Lyrics
Kendrick Lamar - reincarnated Lyrics
Que reflejan tu mirada
La noche, tú y yo
I got this fire burnin' in me from within
Concentrated thoughts on who I used to be, I'm sheddin' skin
Every day, a new version of me, a third of me demented, cemented in pain
Juggling opposing kinds of fame
I don't know how to make friends, I'm a lonely soul
I recollect this isolation, I was four years old
Truth be told, I've been battling my soul
Tryna navigate the real and fake
Cynical about the judgement day
I did bad, slight progression last year and it fucked me up
Reincarnated on this earth for a hundred plus
Body after body, lesson after lesson, let's take it back to Michigan in 1947
My father kicked me out the house 'cause I wouldn't listen to him
I didn't care about his influence, only loved what I was doing
Gifted as a musician, I played guitar on the grand level
The most talented where I'm from, but I had to rebel
And so I'm off in the sunset, searchin' for my place in the world
With my guitar up on my hip, that's the story unfurled
I found myself with a pocket full of money and a whole lot of respect
While the record business loved me
I was head of rhythm and blues
The women that fell to they feet, so many to choose
But I manipulated power as I lied to the masses
Died with my money, gluttony was too attractive, reincarnated
Another life had placed me as a Black woman in the Chitlin' Circuit
Seductive vocalist as the promoter hit the curtains
My voice was angelic, straight from heaven, the crowd sobbed
A musical genius what the articles emphasized
Had everything I wanted, but I couldn't escape addiction
Heroin needles had me in fetal position, restricted
Turned on my family, I went wherever cameras be
Cocaine, no private planes for my insanity
Self-indulged, discipline never been my sentiments
I needed drugs, to me, an 8-ball was like penicillin
Fuck love, my happiness was in that brown sugar
Sex and melodies gave me hope when nobody's lookin'
My first assistant was a small town scholar
Never did a Quaalude 'til I got myself around her
My daddy looked the other way, he saw sin in me
I died with syringes pinched in me, reincarnated
My present life is Kendrick Lamar
A rapper looking at the lyrics to keep you in awe
The only factor I respected was raisin' the bar
My instincts sent material straight to the charts, huh
My father kicked me out the house, I finally forgive him
I'm old enough to understand the way I was livin'
Ego and pride had me looking at him with resentment
I close my eyes, hoping that I don't come off contentious
I'm yelling, "Father, did I finally get it right?" Everything I did was selfless
I spoke freely, when the people needed me, I helped them
I didn't gloat, even told 'em, "No," when the vultures came
Took control of my fleshly body when the money changed
Son, you do well, but your heart is closed
I can tell residue that linger from your past creates a cell
Father, I'm not perfect, I got urges, but I hold them down
But your pride has to die," okay, Father, show me how
Tell me every deed that you done and what you do it for
I kept one hundred institutions paid
Okay, tell me more
I put one hundred hoods on one stage
Okay, tell me more
I'm tryna push peace in L.A.
But you love war
No, I don't
Oh, yes, you do
Okay, then tell me the truth
Every individual is only a version of you
How can they forgive when there's no forgiveness in your heart?
I could tell you where I'm going
I could tell you who you are
You fell out of Heaven 'cause you was anxious
Didn't like authority, only searched to be heinous
Isaiah fourteen was the only thing that was prevalent
My greatest music director was you
It was colors, it was pinks, it was reds, it was blues
It was harmony and motion
I sent you down to earth 'cause you was broken
Rehabilitation, not psychosis
But now we here now
Centuries you manipulated man with music
Embodied you as superstars to see how you moving
You came a long way from garnishing evilish views
And all I ever wanted from you was love and approval
I learned a lot, no more putting these people in fear
The more that word is diminished, the more it's not real
The more light that I can capture, the more I can feel
I'm using words for inspiration as an idea
So can you promise that you won't take your gifts for granted?
I promise that I'll use my gifts to bring understanding
For every man, woman and child, how much can you vow?
I vow my life just to live one in harmony now
You crushed a lot of people keeping their thoughts in captivity
And I'm ashamed that I ever created that enemy
Then let's rejoice where we at
I rewrote the devil's story just to take our power back, 'carnated
Song Analysis of "Reincarnated" by Kendrick Lamar
Themes and Topics
The song "Reincarnated" by Kendrick Lamar delves into several profound themes:
- Self-Discovery and Transformation: The central theme is reincarnation, both literal and metaphorical. Kendrick reflects on his evolution through different lives, from his past self to his current form, struggling with ego, pride, and redemption.
- Regret and Redemption: The song explores regret, especially regarding his past behavior, relationships, and addiction. However, it emphasizes the possibility of personal growth, redemption, and reconciliation.
- Legacy and Influence: Through reincarnation, Lamar confronts his legacy in various forms, whether through music or familial relationships. He acknowledges the cyclical nature of life and the ongoing battle between his higher self and base instincts.
- Struggles with Addiction: Several verses highlight the destructive power of addiction—substances like heroin, cocaine, and excess—intertwining the addiction metaphor with Lamar’s personal and spiritual struggles.
- Generational Strife and Healing: The song touches on the father-son dynamic, Lamar’s resentment, and eventual forgiveness. It speaks to breaking generational curses and understanding inherited flaws.
- Music as a Catalyst for Change: Lamar's music career is portrayed not just as a means of success but as a tool for self-expression, healing, and confronting past trauma.
Emotional Journey Map
- Intro (Fire Burnin' and Transformation): Kendrick begins with a sense of inner turmoil and fire, symbolizing the pain and struggle of shedding past versions of himself.
- Early Struggles (Childhood and Isolation): Reflections on loneliness from a young age and battles with self-worth. There's a strong sense of isolation and disconnect from family and societal norms.
- Addiction and Self-Destruction: The journey continues with indulgence in fame and addiction. There’s self-doubt and a chaotic spiral of excess, with Kendrick trapped in a cycle of harmful habits.
- Reflection and Forgiveness: The shift toward self-awareness, self-forgiveness, and reconciliation with his father. He questions his past and begins to understand the consequences of his actions, moving toward redemption.
- Final Realization (Reincarnation and Peace): By the end, Kendrick acknowledges the cyclical nature of life, learning to use his gifts for understanding and harmony, rejecting past selfishness in favor of a deeper, spiritual awakening.
Language and Word Choice Analysis
- Metaphorical Language: The song is rich with metaphors, particularly around the concept of reincarnation. The repetition of cycles, reflections on past lives, and the use of terms like "reborn" and "transformation" create a sense of spiritual awakening.
- Personal and Vulnerable Tone: The lyrics are introspective, with Kendrick laying bare his flaws and struggles. His use of "I" makes the song deeply personal, yet relatable.
- Contrast Between Reality and Fame: Lamar juxtaposes the struggles of fame and addiction with his inherent desire for authenticity. Words like “gluttony,” “addiction,” and “self-indulgence” reflect his self-destructive tendencies.
- Religious and Spiritual Undertones: References to forgiveness, pride, and redemption echo spiritual themes, suggesting a search for salvation. "Reincarnated" itself has both spiritual and philosophical connotations.
Segmental Structure Analysis
- Intro: Sets the stage for the theme of reincarnation, immediately addressing personal fire and transformation.
- Verse 1: Reflects on the early years of pain, rebellion, and the conflict of fame versus authenticity.
- Verse 2: Describes the highs and lows of addiction, fame, and the consequences of indulgence, especially in the context of relationships.
- Verse 3: Shifts toward healing and understanding, with Kendrick confronting his father and reconciling past tensions.
- Bridge/Outro: The closing message brings the song full circle, speaking to Kendrick’s spiritual journey, reclaiming his power, and vowing to use his influence positively.
Key Terms
-
Reincarnation: TDK Definition: The belief in the rebirth of the soul in a new body.
In the Song: Represents the process of personal evolution, transformation, and redemption across different lives and versions of Kendrick. -
Gluttony: TDK Definition: Excessive greed, especially for food or drink.
In the Song: Symbolizes the overindulgence in fame, addiction, and materialism. -
Redemption: TDK Definition: The act of saving or being saved from sin, error, or evil.
In the Song: Reflects Kendrick’s journey from self-destructive behavior to a path of healing and spiritual understanding. -
Addiction: TDK Definition: The condition of being dependent on a substance or activity.
In the Song: Represents Kendrick’s struggles with substance abuse and his personal demons.
Notable Lyrics
- "I got this fire burnin' in me from within": Represents the inner conflict and transformation Kendrick is undergoing.
- "Reincarnated on this earth for a hundred plus": A clear reflection of the cyclical nature of life and the soul's evolution.
- "Body after body, lesson after lesson": Symbolizes the repeated struggles and lessons that come with reincarnation.
- "My greatest music director was you": Refers to his father's influence on his life and his music, despite the complications in their relationship.
General Message and Conclusion
"Reincarnated" is a powerful exploration of Kendrick Lamar’s personal and spiritual evolution. It examines the pain of the past, the cycles of addiction and self-doubt, and ultimately the possibility of redemption and reconciliation. The song presents a message of growth through self-awareness, healing through understanding, and the idea that every experience is part of a larger journey. Kendrick not only speaks to his own personal journey but invites listeners to reflect on their own struggles, growth, and the quest for peace and balance in life. The song ends on a hopeful note, emphasizing the importance of using one’s gifts for good and breaking the cycles of negativity.
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