Introduction: Kendrick and SZA's Magnetic Chemistry
"Luther" by Kendrick Lamar, featuring SZA, is a standout track from his album GNX, blending introspective lyricism with a mellow, romantic soundscape. The song opens with a smooth, Spanish-inspired guitar lick that sets a reflective tone, before transitioning into a soft yet steady beat that carries Kendrick's subdued delivery. SZA's gentle vocal ad-libs in the background add an ethereal texture to the song, perfectly complementing the laid-back energy.
SZA's Angelic Performance
As the track progresses, SZA takes center stage, delivering a sweet and sensual verse that showcases her angelic voice. Her performance on "Luther" is a testament to her ability to elevate any track she's on, effortlessly blending vulnerability with allure. Her voice acts as a beautiful counterbalance to Kendrick's grounded, introspective verses, making her presence an essential part of the song's appeal.
Kendrick's Vision of a Brighter World
Lyrically, Kendrick envisions a world where the weight of pain and conflict is lifted, where he can offer love and light to his partner. His verses reflect a desire for growth and connection, both for himself and his lover, and he weaves these themes into his intricate wordplay. The chemistry between Kendrick and SZA is undeniable, with both artists feeding off each other’s energy to deliver a compelling narrative of emotional depth and hope.
Harmonious Chorus and Lush Instrumentals
The chorus brings both artists together, blending their voices into a harmonious expression of longing and determination. It ties the themes of the song together, emphasizing the desire to uplift and empower one’s partner in a world that often feels heavy and challenging. SZA’s soulful croon and Kendrick’s raw, emotive delivery create a beautiful contrast, making the chorus a memorable centerpiece of the track.
Luther Review: A Creative High Point for Kendrick and SZA
"Luther" exemplifies the musical synergy that Kendrick and SZA have cultivated over their collaborations. The lush instrumentals, thoughtful lyrics, and effortlessly cohesive vocal exchanges make this song one of the highlights of GNX, showing both artists at the height of their creative powers.
Listen to Kendrick Lamar Luther
Kendrick Lamar Luther Lyrics Meaning Explained
The meaning of "Luther" by Kendrick Lamar is centered around love, empowerment, and the desire to create a better world for his partner. Featuring SZA, the song reflects on the complexities of relationships, while imagining an ideal reality where struggles and pain are replaced by growth, understanding, and emotional support. Through lush instrumentals and intimate lyrics, Kendrick expresses his role as a protector and uplifter, while SZA’s soulful voice adds vulnerability and longing. Together, they explore themes of resilience, connection, and the transformative power of love, making "Luther" a powerful reflection on the potential of human relationships.
Introduction: A World of Love and Harmony
"Luther" by Kendrick Lamar featuring SZA is a profound track filled with themes of love, empowerment, and resilience. The opening line, "If this world were mine," samples Cheryl Lynn's cover of the Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell classic, setting a tone of longing for a perfect world where love and harmony reign supreme. Kendrick uses this as a backdrop to express his desire to shape his own world, where he can eliminate his partner's pain and help her flourish. The title of the song likely nods to Luther Vandross, whose voice in the original "If This World Were Mine" represented love and tenderness, aligning with the message Kendrick and SZA convey throughout the track.
Kendrick’s Desire for Protection and Upliftment
In the first verse, Kendrick starts with the line, "Hey, Roman numeral seven, bae, drop it like it's hot." This phrase could carry spiritual significance, as seven is often considered a sacred number, potentially symbolizing completion or divine intervention. The "drop it like it's hot" line references both a playful, flirtatious invitation to dance and Snoop Dogg’s 2004 hit, grounding the song in West Coast hip-hop culture. Kendrick’s next lines, "If this world was mine, I'd take your dreams and make 'em multiply," show his desire to uplift his partner, magnifying her ambitions and supporting her personal growth. He continues, "I'd take your enemies in front of God / Introduce 'em to that light, hit them strictly with that fire," presenting himself as a protector, ready to defend her against her enemies with divine retribution.
SZA’s Emotional Reflection in the Chorus
The chorus, performed by SZA and Kendrick, highlights the struggle and resilience present in the relationship. "In this world, concrete flowers grow," uses the metaphor of a flower blooming in harsh conditions to represent the beauty and strength that emerge from adversity. This line connects to the challenges their relationship faces, but it also hints at the potential for growth despite these hardships. "Weekends, get it poppin' on the low" might be a reference to SZA's 2017 track "The Weekend", in which she describes a casual relationship. The line emphasizes the discreet and private nature of their romantic connection, linking it to SZA's previous work on the subject of love and infidelity.
Kendrick’s Intimacy and Admiration
In the second verse, Kendrick continues with sensual imagery, as seen in the lines, "It go in (When you), out (Ride it), do it real slow (Slide)." This describes the intimacy and smooth connection he feels with his partner. The playful tone is emphasized with "Baby, you a star, strike, pose," an expression of admiration for his partner’s beauty and confidence. The line "When I'm (When you), with you (With me), everything goes (Slow)" deepens the connection between them, suggesting that being with her brings a sense of peace and clarity. Kendrick’s mention of "'Rari (Red), crown (Stack), wrist (Stay), froze (Really)" alludes to luxury and success, yet the focus remains on the deeper emotional and spiritual bond they share.
Outro: Love, Loyalty, and Better Days Ahead
In the final verse, Kendrick expresses his loyalty and love with "I trust you, I love you, I won't waste your time." This is a direct and honest declaration of commitment, a promise that he values their relationship deeply. The clever wordplay in "I turn it off just so I can turn you on" illustrates Kendrick’s willingness to shut out the world and focus entirely on his partner, both physically and emotionally. The repeated line, "Weekends, get it poppin' on the low," reinforces the theme of intimacy and private connection, while also foreshadowing the better days ahead, as echoed by SZA’s final words, "Better days comin' for sure." Through their detailed lyrical exchanges and symbolic references, Kendrick and SZA explore the challenges of relationships and the strength that can emerge from facing adversity together.
Kendrick Lamar Luther Lyrics
[Intro]
If this world were mine
[Verse 1: Kendrick Lamar]
Hey, Roman numeral seven, bae, drop it like it's hot
If this world was mine, I'd take your dreams and make 'em multiply
If this world was mine, I'd take your enemies in front of God
Introduce 'em to that light, hit them strictly with that fire
Fah-fah, fah-fah-fah, fah-fah, fah
Hey, Roman numeral seven, bae, drop it like it's hot
If this world was mine, I'd take your dreams and make 'em multiply
If this world was mine, I'd take your enemies in front of God
Introduce 'em to that light, hit them strictly with that fire
It's a vibe, do your dance, let 'em watch
She a fan, he a flop, they just wanna kumbaya, nah
[Chorus: SZA, SZA & Kendrick Lamar]
In this world, concrete flowers grow
Heartache, she only doin' what she know
Weekends, get it poppin' on the low
Better days comin' for sure
If this world were—
If it was up to me
I wouldn't give these nobodies no sympathy
I'd take away the pain, I'd give you everything
I just wanna see you win, wanna see
If this world were mine
[Verse 2: Kendrick Lamar & SZA]
It go in (When you), out (Ride it), do it real slow (Slide)
Baby, you a star, strike, pose
When I'm (When you), with you (With me), everything goes (Slow)
Come and (Put that), put that (On my), on my (Titi), soul (Soul)
'Rari (Red), crown (Stack), wrist (Stay), froze (Really)
Drip (Tell me), pound (If you), on the way home (Love me)
[Chorus: Kendrick Lamar & SZA]
In this world, concrete flowers grow
Heartache, she only doin' what she know
Weekends, get it poppin' on the low
Better days comin' for sure
If this world were—
If it was up to me
I wouldn't give these nobodies no sympathy
I'd take away the pain, I'd give you everything
I just wanna see you win, wanna see
If this world were mine
[Verse 3: Kendrick Lamar & SZA]
I can't lie
I trust you, I love you, I won't waste your time
I turn it off just so I can turn you on
I'ma make you say it loud
I'm not even trippin', I won't stress you out
I might even settle down for you, I'ma show you I'm a pro
I'ma take my take my time and turn it off
Just so I can turn you on, baby
Weekends, get it poppin' on the low
Better days comin' for sure
[Outro: SZA]
I know you're comin' for
Better days
If this world were mine