Euphoria Lyrics – Kendrick Lamar

[Part I]

[Intro]
Eeurt si em tuoba yas yeht gnihtyrevE
Euphoria

[Verse]
Them super powers getting neutralized, I can only watch in silence
The famous actor we once knew is looking paranoid, and now spiralling
You moving just like a degenerate, heavy antic, it’s feeling distasteful
Why calculate you, not as calculated, I can even predict your angles
Fabricate stories on the family front, ’cause you heard Mr. Morale
A pathetic master manipulator, I can smell the tales on you now
You not a rap artist, you a scam artist with the hopes of being accepted
Tommy Hilfiger stood out, but FUBU never had been your collection
How I make music that electrify ’em, you make music that pacify ’em
I can double down on that line, but spare you this time, that’s random acts of kindness
Know you a master manipulator, and habitual liar too
But don’t tell no lie ’bout me, and I won’t tell truths ’bout you

[Part II]

[Intro]
Shoo, shoo, shoo
Shoo, shoo, shoo
Bi-bi-bi-bi-bi-bi

[Verse]
Yeah, I’m out the way, yeah, I’m low, okay
Yeah, the island right here’s remote, okay
I ain’t thinking about no reaper
N!gga, I’m reaping what I sow, okay
Got a Benjamin and a Jackson all in my house like I’m Joe, okay
Hellcat, made his homeboys and them type sell they soul, okay
Everybody wanna be demon ’til they get chipped by your throwaway
And I might do a show a day, once a lame, always a lame
Oh, you thought the money, the power or fame would make you go away?
Have you ever played have-you-ever? Okay, n!gga, let’s play
Have you ever walked your enemy down like with a poker face?
Have you ever paid five-hundred thou’ like to an open case?
Well, I have, and I failed at both, but I came out straight
I hate when a rapper talk about g*ns, then somebody die
They turn into nuns, then hop online, like “Pray for my city”
He faking for likes and digital hugs
His daddy a killer, he wanna be junior, they must’ve forgot the s*it that they done
Dementia must run in his family, but let it get shaky
I park your son
The very first time I shot me a drac’, the homie had told me that “Aim it this way”
I didn’t point down enough, today I show you I learn from those mistakes
Somebody had told me that you got a ring, on God, I’m ready to double the wage
I rather do that, than let a Canadian n!gga make Pac turn in his grave
Cutthroat business, you got s*it twisted
What is it? The braids?
I hurt your feelings? You don’t wanna work with me no more? Okay
There’s three GOATs left, and I see two of them kissing and hugging on stage
I love ’em to death, and in eight bars, I’ll explain that phrase, huh
It’s nothing nobody can tell me, huh
I don’t wanna talk on no celly, huh
You know I got language barriers, huh
There’s no accent you can sell me, huh
Yeah, Cole and Aubrey know I’m a selfish n!gga
The crown is heavy, huh
I pray they my real friends, if not, I’m YNW Melly
I don’t like you popping s*it at Pharrell, for him, I inherit the beef
Yeah, fu*k all that pushing P, let me see you push a T
You better off spinning again on him, you think about pushing me?
He’s Terrence Thornton, I’m Terence Crawford, yeah, I’m whooping feet
We ain’t gotta get personal, this a friendly fade, you should keep it that way
I know some s*it about n!ggas that make G*nna Wunna look like a saint
This ain’t been ’bout critics, not about gimmicks, not about who the greatest
It’s always been about love and hate, now let me say I’m the biggest hater
I hate the way that you walk, the way that you talk
I hate the way that you dress
I hate the way you sneak diss, if I catch flight, it’s gon’ be direct
We hate the b!tches you fu*k, ’cause they confuse themselves with real women
And notice, I said “We”, it’s not just me, I’m what the culture feeling
How many more fairytale stories ’bout your life ’til we had enough?
How many more Black features ’til you finally feel that you Black enough?
I like Drake with the melodies, I don’t like Drake when he act tough
You gon’ make a n!gga bring back Puff, let me see if Chubbs really crash something
Yeah, my first one like my last one, it’s a classic, you don’t have one
Let your core audience stomach that
Didn’t tell ’em where you get your abs from
V12, it’s a fast one, bow-bow-bow, last one
Headshot for the year, you better walk around like Daft Punk
Remember
Ayy, Top Dawg, who the fu*k they think they playing with?
“Extortion” my middle name as soon as you jump off of that plane b!tch
I’m allergic to the lame s*it, only you like being famous
Yachty can’t give you no swag neither, I don’t give a fu*k ’bout who you hang with
I hate the way that you walk, the way that you talk
I hate the way that you dress
Surprised you wanted that feature request
You know that we got some s*it to address
I even hate when you say the word “N!gga”, but that’s just me, I guess
Some s*it just cringeworthy, it ain’t even gotta be deep I guess
Still love when you see success, everything with me is blessed
Keep making me dance, waving my hand and it won’t be no threat
I’m knowing they call you The Boy, but where is a man? ‘Cause I ain’t seen him yet
Matter of fact, I ain’t even bleed him yet, can I bleed him? Bet
When I see you stand by S*xyy Red, I believe you see two bad b!tches
I believe you don’t like women, that’s real competition, you might pop ass with ’em
Let’s speak on percentage, show me your splits
I make sure I double back with you
You was signed to a n!gga that’s signed to a n!gga that said he was signed to that n!gga
Try cease and desist on the “Like That” record
Ho, what? You ain’t like that record?
“Back To Back,” I like that record
I’ma get back to that for the record
Why would I call around tryna get dirt on n!ggas?
Y’all think all of my life is rap?
That’s ho s*it, I got a son to raise, but I can see you don’t know nothing ’bout that
Waking them up, know nothing ’bout that
And tell ’em to pray, know nothing ’bout that
And giving ’em tools to walk through life like day by day, know nothing ’bout that
Teaching them morals, integrity, discipline, listen, man, you don’t know nothing ’bout that
Speaking the truth and consider what God’s considering, you don’t know nothing ’bout that
Ain’t twenty-v-one, it’s one-v-twenty if I gotta smack n!ggas that write with you
Yeah, bring ’em out too, I clean ’em out too
Tell BEAM that he better stay right with you
Am I battling ghost or AI? N!gga feeling like Joel Osteen
Funny, he was in a film called “AI”
And my sixth sense telling me to off him
I’ma blick n!ggas, all in they coffin
Yeah, OVO n!ggas is d!ck riders
Tell ’em run to America to imitate heritage, they can’t imitate this violence
What I learn, these n!ggas don’t like the West Coast
And I’m fine with it, I push the line with it
Pick a n!gga off one at a time with it
We can be on a three hour time difference
Don’t speak on the family, crodie
It can get deep in the family, crodie
Talk about me and my family, crodie?
Someone go bleed in your family, crodie
I be at New Ho King eating fried rice with a dip sauce and blamy, crodie
Tell me you’re cheesing, fam
We can do this right now on the camera, crodie
Ayy, fu*k y’all n!ggas, I don’t trust y’all n!ggas
I wave one finger and dump y’all n!ggas, like “Mmm”
Field goal punt y’all n!ggas, stay punk y’all n!ggas, nobody never took my food
Whoever that’s fu*king with him, fu*k you n!ggas, and fu*k the industry too
If you taking it there, I’m taking it further
Psst, that’s something you don’t wanna do

[Outro]
We don’t wanna hear you say “N!gga” no more
We don’t wanna hear you say “N!gga” no more
Stop

[Part I]

[Intro]
The Intro of the song is cryptic, with the text reversed. It appears to say “Euphoria,” indicating a sense of ecstasy or intense happiness. However, the reversal of the text suggests a potential inversion of this euphoria, hinting at deeper themes explored in the song.

[Verse]
Kendrick Lamar’s verse delves into a scathing critique of the music industry and its participants. He describes witnessing the downfall of influential figures whose power has been neutralized. The once-revered actor now displays signs of paranoia and a downward spiral. Lamar accuses others of engaging in degenerate behavior and manipulation for personal gain, contrasting their actions with his authenticity. He condemns the fabrication of stories and the pursuit of acceptance through deception. Throughout, Lamar challenges the integrity and motives of his peers while asserting his own artistic identity. He refuses to engage in dishonesty but warns against spreading falsehoods about him.

[Part II]

[Intro]
The repeated phrases in the Intro serve as vocalizations, possibly expressing frustration or dismissal. “Shoo” is often used to shoo away unwanted things, while “bi-bi-bi-bi-bi-bi” adds emphasis. Together, they create a sense of urgency or annoyance.

[Verse]
Kendrick Lamar’s verse is a dense and multi-layered critique of the music industry, societal issues, and personal grievances. It begins with assertions of his own detachment and success, stating that he’s “out the way” and reaping the rewards of his labor. The references to Benjamin and Jackson, colloquial terms for the hundred-dollar bill, suggest his financial prosperity. However, he juxtaposes this with the metaphor of the Hellcat, a high-performance car, symbolizing individuals who compromise their integrity for material gain.

Lamar then delves into the theme of authenticity and moral bankruptcy within the industry. He criticizes those who portray themselves as demons but are ultimately exposed as frauds when confronted with their own misdeeds. The mention of “throwaway” implies a disregard for human life, contrasting with Lamar’s refusal to engage in violent rhetoric. He further explores themes of deception, manipulation, and hypocrisy, particularly condemning those who exploit familial tragedies for online sympathy.

Throughout the verse, Lamar employs wordplay, cultural references, and personal anecdotes to underscore his points. He contrasts his own authenticity with the perceived phoniness of others, asserting his refusal to compromise his principles for fame or acceptance. He references fellow artists like J. Cole and Drake, highlighting their differing approaches to music and public persona.

The verse also addresses issues of race, identity, and cultural appropriation. Lamar critiques individuals who exploit Black culture for personal gain without truly understanding or respecting its significance. He challenges the notion of “Black enough” and questions the authenticity of those who profit from Black experiences without facing the associated struggles.

Additionally, Lamar confronts personal vendettas and grievances within the industry, expressing his disdain for certain individuals and their actions. He condemns those who engage in underhanded tactics, seek to undermine him, or disrespect his peers. The verse culminates in a defiant assertion of self-worth and integrity, with Lamar refusing to back down or compromise his values in the face of adversity.

Overall, Lamar’s verse is a powerful and incisive commentary on the music industry, societal issues, and personal integrity. Through vivid imagery, sharp wordplay, and unapologetic honesty, he challenges listeners to critically examine the world around them and consider the true meaning of success and authenticity.

[Outro]
The Outro serves as a direct message, expressing a desire for a particular word to no longer be used. It’s a call to stop perpetuating harmful language and attitudes, particularly the casual use of a racial slur. The repetition reinforces the seriousness of the request, indicating a refusal to tolerate such language any longer.