The Day The Party Die — Kendrick Lamar Lyrics
Album: New SongsAbout "The Day The Party Died"
"The Day The Party Died" is Kendrick Lamar's sharp critique of the music industry and the state of modern hip-hop. Released by surprise on September 11, 2024, it addresses whether today’s music truly embodies the positive qualities from which it originated or if it has been compromised by materialism and shallow values to the point of becoming meaningless. Kendrick uses the song as a call to return to more meaningful, spiritually driven artistry. Released on the eve of the MTV Video Music Awards, Lamar positions himself as a counterforce to mainstream celebrations of commercial success.- Album: KL6
- Release Date: September 11, 2024
- Producers: Sounwave, Jack Antonoff
- Collaborators: Pasqué, Greg Sekeres, Anca Trio Plus One
- Genre: Hip-Hop
Song Meanings Explained.
The central message of "The Day The Party Died" is Lamar’s critique of an industry focused on superficiality. He urges a return to authenticity in music, emphasizing the importance of integrity and personal growth. Below are the song’s sections:[Verse 1]
In the first verse, Kendrick reflects on the current state of hip-hop, where everything revolves around materialism—wealth, power, and status. He describes the industry as a "party" that has lost its meaning, signaling his frustration with how artistic expression has been compromised for financial gain. The imagery of "dying" here suggests a metaphorical death of culture, creativity, and deeper substance in music.[Pre-Chorus]
The pre-chorus is a spiritual reflection, where Kendrick questions how the industry has affected not just him but also the youth. He views the industry as promoting toxic values and misleading younger generations. This section emphasizes his concern for the role models who shape cultural values.[Chorus]
The chorus amplifies the message of the industry’s "death." The repeated phrase highlights the theme of "death"—the fading of meaningful music. The "party" in the title symbolizes the empty spectacle that mainstream entertainment has become, and Kendrick implies it’s time for that to end.[Verse 2]
In the second verse, Kendrick turns his attention to artists like Lecrae and Dee-1, who are known for positive messages. He praises their integrity while subtly hinting at his own dilemma—whether to confront the industry's negativity head-on or rise above it with grace. He also makes subtle references to Drake, potentially revisiting past lyrical exchanges and unresolved tensions.[Bridge]
The bridge deepens the spiritual tone as Kendrick seeks guidance, questioning whether the path he’s on is the right one. This part reflects his internal struggle between sticking to his values and dealing with the temptations of fame and success.[Outro]
The outro brings a message of hope, suggesting that change is possible. Kendrick emphasizes that true artistry comes from growth and authenticity, urging others to follow the same path.Song Theme.
The main theme of "The Day The Party Died" is Kendrick’s disillusionment with the materialistic nature of the music industry and its effects on society. He questions the purpose of art in a world driven by fame and money, advocating for a return to meaningful, introspective creativity. Another central theme is youth influence, as Lamar expresses concern about the negative role models in mainstream culture.Technical Analysis.
"The Day The Party Died" has a dark, atmospheric instrumental that aligns with its heavy themes. Producers Sounwave and Jack Antonoff combine their distinct styles to create a minimal yet impactful soundscape, with heavy reverb and layered vocal effects giving Kendrick’s voice a haunting presence. The beat is slowed down, allowing his lyrics to take center stage and emphasizing their weight. The song follows a verse-chorus structure, with a bridge and outro contributing to its introspective tone. Kendrick’s delivery alternates between calm reflection and urgent intensity, reflecting the duality of his message—contemplative yet confrontational. The absence of a traditional hook makes the song feel more like a manifesto than a commercial track, reinforcing its anti-mainstream themes.The Day The Party Die by Kendrick Lamar
I think it's time to watch the party die
This sh*t done got too wicked to apologize
It's different, get him whacked and disqualified
We even kill the killers 'cause they like taking innocent lives
Burn a whole village, we start over, it's really that time
Why reason with these niggas if they can't see the future first?
Why argue with these clowns if the circus is well at work?
Just walk that man down, that'll do everyone a solid
It's love, but tough love sometimes gotta result in violence
If you parade in gluttony without givin' truth to the youth
The graveyard is company, just tell us what casket to choose
They party more than b**ches, tell me, what are you working for?
They glorify scamming, you get chipped over this credit card
Influencers talked down 'cause I'm not with the basic sh*t
But they don't hate me, they hate the man that I represent
The type of man that never dickride 'cause I want a favor
The man that resides in patience, so where the soldiers at?
The one's that lost it all and learnt to learn from that
A thirst for life, head inside a book 'cause he concerned with that
Information that'll change his life because he yearns for that
Dedication, findin' out what's right 'cause he can earn from that
I feel for the women that deal with the clown and nerd sh*t
Can't blame them, today they ain't really got much to work with
How many b**ches harder than a lot of you niggas?
Would trade all of y'all for Nip, I can't be proud of you niggas
[Chorus]
God, give me life, dear God, please give me peace
Dear God, please keep these lame niggas away from me
Dear God, keep me shinin', the f**k do they really think?
Pocket-watching, you must be the police
God, bless these words, dear God, bless how I think
Dear God, draw the line, they tryna confuse 'em with me
Dear God, please forgive me, you knowin' how hard I tried
I think it's time for me to watch the party die (Uh-huh, huh)
Get 'em gone, we gon' watch the party die (Uh-huh)
Send 'em home, we gon' watch the party die
[Verse 2]
I think it's time to watch the party die
Street niggas and the corporate guys, the rappers that report the lies
I need they families mortified
We can do life without 'em, get they bodies organized, tell me if you obliged
No more pillow-talkin', jump-startin' neighborhood wars
Dirty-mackin' b**ches because your spirit is insecure
The flashy nigga with nasty decisions usin' money as a backbone
I want his head cracked before he's back home
The radio personality pushin' propaganda for salary
Let me know when they turn up as a casualty, I want agony
Assault, and battery, I see a new Earth
Filled with beautiful people makin' humanity work
Let's kill the followers that follow up on poppin' mollies from
The obvious, degenerates, that's failing to acknowledge the
Hope that we tryna spread, if I'm not his vote
Then you need to bring his f**kin' head, I'll film that sh*t in hi-res
[Chorus]
God, give me life, dear God, please give me peace
Dear God, please keep these lame niggas away from me
Dear God, keep me shinin', the f**k do they really think?
Pocket-watching, you must be the police
God bless these words, dear God, bless how I think
Dear God, draw the line, they tryna confuse 'em with me
Dear God, please, forgive me, you knowin' how hard I tried
I think it's time for me to watch the party die
[Verse 3]
Sometimes I wonder what Lecrae would do
f**k these niggas up or show 'em just what prayer do?
I want to be empathetic, my heart like Dee-1
But I will—
It's time to get these devils out the way, heavy metals on my sword
We settle hard disputes today, the ghetto Hollywood divorce
Say hello to your future fate, the culture bred with carnivores
You let 'em snack, they eat your face, the signatures is bein' forged
They wonder why I'm not enthused to drop
The more visible you get, the more your spiritual is tried
It's cynical to say I know these artists petrified
The end result, in jail by Jezebel or drugged up full of lies
Critical, I know my physical is tested all the time
I'm pitiful, sunken place soon as I'm questionin' my pride
I'm seein' ghosts, blackin' out, relapsin' one thought at a time
I spare no feelings that ain't mine, I'm in my feelings when I slide, I mean
A nigga wonder what Lecrae would do
Terrace Martin said I'm mentally with layers, true
I flood the market with my best regards, I paid your dues
And so it's up, if you ain't one of ours, it's bad news
My nigga Jay Estrada said I gotta burn it down to build it up
That confirmation real as f**k, it ain't too many real as us
Lockin' in to what I trust, lookin' outside
The kids live tomorrow 'cause today, the party just died
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