oct 25, 2012 - "Sing About Me, I'm Dying of Thirst" released as an album cut on "Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City"
Description:
This song consist of Kendrick rapping about some of the concerns in his life. He highlights abuse of women that he's seen and claims that he is scared of death. It sounds like he is concerned for his immortal soul since he says:
"Sometimes I look in a mirror and ask myself
Am I really scared of passing away
If it's today I hope I hear a
Cry out from heaven so loud it can water down a demon
With the holy ghost till it drown in the blood of Jesus" (Duckworth, 2012)
In this prayer, it seems he is relying on God to save him from the demons that he thinks might still have ahold of him.
Throughout the song Kendrick says the line "Dying of thirst" but doesn't clearly explain its meaning until the end when he says:
"Back once my momma say
'See a pastor, give me a promise
What if today was the rapture, and you completely tarnished
The truth will set you free, so to me be completely honest
You dying of thirst
You dying of thirst
So hop in that water, and pray that it works'" (Duckworth, 2012)
It is at this point that the lyrics all tie together. Kendrick is terrified of not surviving the rapture and is "dying of thirst" or rather feels a desperate need to be baptized. It seems Kendrick is struggling with whether he has actually given his life to God and faces constant fear that his confession isn't good enough to save him. Since a baptism is performed in water, Kendrick uses the metaphor of thirst to describe his desire to be Baptized because maybe that will finally save his immortal soul.
Kendrick also seems to be worried about his sins weighing heavier than his obedience when he asks later in the song:
"How many sins?
I'm running out
How many sins?
I lost count" (Duckworth, 2012)
In the Bible, Jesus is Baptized and it is made clear that this is an act of obedience toward God (i.e. the opposite of sin). in Matthew 3:17 immediately following the Baptism, God says:
"17 This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." (NIV) Perhaps, Kendrick wants to be Baptized so that he may hear that same approval from God. Perhaps Baptism will balance out his sins and finally give him peace of mind.
Added to timeline:
Kendrick Lamar Religion
A Project for Belmont University REL 3085
Date:
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