“HUMBLE.” by Kendrick Lamar is a critically acclaimed song that explores themes of self-awareness, humility, and the tension between success and authenticity. Released in 2017 as part of his album DAMN, the track features a blend of braggadocious lyrics and a call to humility, creating an ironic yet powerful message.
The song’s lyrics contrast Lamar’s rise from poverty to wealth, critiquing superficiality in the music industry while urging listeners to stay grounded. The chorus, with its repetitive command to “be humble,” serves as both a self-exhortation and a challenge to others to reject vanity and embrace genuine humility.
In this article, we’ll explore the message conveyed in the song’s lyrics.
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“Humble.” Lyrics Meaning
[Intro]
Nobody pray for me
It been that day for me
Way (Yeah, yeah)
[Verse 1]
Ayy, I remember syrup sandwiches and crime allowances
Finesse a nigga with some counterfeits, but now I’m countin’ this
Parmesan where my accountant lives, in fact, I’m downin’ this
D’ussé with my boo bae, tastes like Kool-Aid for the analysts
Girl, I can buy your ass the world with my paystub
Ooh, that pussy good, won’t you sit it on my taste bloods?
I get way too petty once you let me do the extras
Pull up on your block, then break it down, we playin’ Tetris
A.m. to the p.m., p.m. to the a.m., funk
Piss out your per diem, you just gotta hate ’em, funk
If I quit your BM, I still ride Mercedes, funk
If I quit this season, I still be the greatest, funk
My left stroke just went viral
Right stroke put lil’ baby in a spiral
Soprano C, we like to keep it on a high note
It’s levels to it, you and I know
The intro sets a defiant tone, with Lamar asserting his independence. In the first verse, he contrasts his humble beginnings with his current success. He references “syrup sandwiches,” a cheap meal symbolizing poverty, and “crime allowances,” suggesting a background of illegal activities. Now, he’s “countin'” money and enjoying luxury brands like D’ussé cognac.
Lamar boasts about his wealth and sexual prowess, demonstrating his rise to fame. He uses wordplay and metaphors, like comparing his actions to a game of Tetris, to showcase his lyrical skills.
[Chorus]
Bitch, be humble (Hold up, bitch)
Sit down (Hold up, lil’— hold up, lil’ bitch)
Be humble (Hold up, bitch)
Sit down (Hold up, sit down, lil’— sit down, lil’ bitch)
Be humble (Hold up, hold up, hold up, hold up, lil’ bitch)
Bitch, sit down (Hold up, lil’ bitch)
Be humble (Hold up, bitch)
Sit down (Hold up, hold up, hold up, hold up)
Be humble (Hold up, hold up, hold up, hold up, lil’—)
Sit down (Hold up, lil’ bitch)
Be humble (Hold up, bitch)
Sit down (Hold up, sit down, lil’— sit down, lil’ bitch)
Be humble (Hold up, hold up, hold up, hold up, lil’ bitch)
Bitch, sit down (Hold up, lil’ bitch)
Be humble (Hold up, bitch)
Sit down (Hold up, hold up, hold up, hold up)
The chorus, with its repeated command to “be humble” and “sit down,” is ironically boastful. Lamar may be addressing other rappers, telling them to humble themselves in his presence, or he could be reminding himself to stay grounded despite his success.
[Verse 2]
Who that nigga thinkin’ that he frontin’ on Man-Man? (Man-Man)
Get the fuck off my stage, I’m the Sandman (Sandman)
Get the fuck off my dick, that ain’t right
I make a play fucking up your whole life
I’m so fuckin’ sick and tired of the Photoshop
Show me somethin’ natural like afro on Richard Pryor
Show me somethin’ natural like ass with some stretch marks
Still’ll take you down right on your mama couch in Polo socks
Ayy, this shit way too crazy, ayy, you do not amaze me, ayy
I blew cool from AC, ayy, Obama just paged me, ayy
I don’t fabricate it, ayy, most of y’all be fakin’, ayy
I stay modest ’bout it, ayy, she elaborate it, ayy
This that Grey Poupon, that Evian, that TED Talk, ayy
Watch my soul speak, you let the meds talk, ayy
If I kill a nigga, it won’t be the alcohol, ayy
I’m the realest nigga after all
In the second verse, Lamar continues to assert his dominance in the rap game. He refers to himself as the “Sandman,” implying he puts other rappers to sleep with his skills.
Lamar criticizes the superficiality in the music industry and society, particularly calling out the use of Photoshop. He expresses a desire for authenticity, preferring natural beauty over artificial enhancements.
The verse ends with Lamar reaffirming his authenticity and modesty, despite his braggadocious lyrics. He claims to be the “realest nigga after all,” emphasizing his commitment to staying true to himself.
Deeper Meaning Behind “Humble.”
Kendrick Lamar’s “Humble.” is a complex and multifaceted track that delves into themes of self-awareness, success, and the struggle to maintain authenticity in the face of fame. On the surface, the song appears to be a braggadocious anthem, but a deeper analysis reveals layers of introspection and social commentary.
The track opens with Lamar reflecting on his humble beginnings, referencing “syrup sandwiches and crime allowances”. This stark contrast with his current success serves to highlight the dramatic change in his circumstances. As he boasts about his newfound wealth and status, Lamar is simultaneously reminding himself of where he came from, using the chorus “Bitch, be humble” as a self-directed mantra.
The song’s irony lies in its juxtaposition of boastful lyrics with a call for humility. This contradiction reflects the internal struggle Lamar faces as a successful artist trying to stay grounded. In an interview, Lamar explained that the song is about “the ego” and is a form of self-expression, ultimately “looking in the mirror”. This self-reflection extends to a critique of the music industry and society at large, challenging the superficiality and excess that often accompany success.
“Humble.” also touches on issues of authenticity and representation. Lamar’s line “I’m so fucking sick and tired of Photoshop” is a call for realness in an industry often obsessed with perfection. This sentiment extends beyond just physical appearance, serving as a metaphor for the authenticity Lamar strives for in his art and personal life.
The song’s powerful visuals in the music video further emphasize its themes, with religious imagery and scenes of excess creating a visual dichotomy that mirrors the song’s lyrical content. Through “Humble.”, Kendrick Lamar not only challenges himself to stay grounded but also invites his audience to reflect on their own values and authenticity in a world often driven by materialism and superficiality.
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He’s also an amateur guitarist, which means he knows music and melody very well. With this background, he’s a great lyricist you can rely on to learn writing lyrics.