Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers
Purple Hearts
Kendrick Lamar
Lyrics & Rhyme Analysis
16
End
201
Internal
70
Multi
186
Slant
4
Chain
Rhyme Groups — hover to spotlight
[Chorus: Kendrick Lamar & Summer Walker, Summer Walker]
Tippy-toeing✦ and I'm mud-walkin',✦ hmm
Rollin'✦ sevens,✦ I ain't bred for no coffin✦
I know y'all love it when the drugs talkin',✦ but
Shut the fuck up when you hear love talkin'✦
Shut the fuck up when you hear love talkin'✦
If God be the source, then I am the plug talkin'✦
Yeah, baby,✦ yeah, baby✦
Yeah, baby,✦ yeah
[Verse 2: Summer Walker & Kendrick Lamar]
(How's love) How's love when it's haunting your soul?
But my nigga✦ left, his ass on the road
Gossiping 'bout some shit you don't know
Oh, you ho (Yeah, yeah, yeah) fo' sho'
I hate it here, baby✦ daddy✦ still on my phone
I hate it here, asking✦ if I been on the pole
I hate it here, if you keep lurking on the low
If you a fan, just let me know
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah (Yeah, yeah)
Now, if it's love, I deserve to get some head on a balcony sometimes,✦ sometimes✦
And if I feel where your heart can be, you'll still be a part of me
I love my, love my (Love my, love my)
Summer✦ in the storm, I cannot✦ conform✦
(I cannot✦ conform,✦ I cannot✦ conform)✦
I just might love you still, just think I love me more
It ain't love if you gon' judge me for my past
No, it ain't love if you ain't never✦ eat my ass
It ain't love if you just only✦ tie me down because you seen me in my bag
That's why I'm anti-everyone before✦ this mask
[Chorus: Kendrick Lamar & Summer Walker, Summer Walker]
Mmm, tippy-toeing✦ and I'm mud-walkin',✦ hmm
Rollin'✦ sevens,✦ I ain't bred for no coffin✦
I know y'all love it when the drugs talkin',✦ but
Shut the fuck up when you hear love talkin'✦
Shut the fuck up when you hear love talkin'✦
If God be the source, then I am the plug talkin'✦
Yeah, baby,✦ yeah, baby✦
Yeah, baby,✦ yeah
[Verse 3: Ghostface Killah]
Yo, yo
Telekinesis, I'm purifying these D speeches
While I'm crying, I clean the feet of the sweet Jesus
Dreams, visions get blurry✦ of the Elohim, it's light
It's known to tear retinas in a single gleam
Shut the fuck up when you hear His love talkin'✦
To the mind, it's God's cypher✦ divine✦ in a small portion,✦ uh
Faded✦ pictures, this global madness need intervention✦
This world's in The Twilight Zone, this is the fifth dimension✦
God, please blow the whistle, we need an intermission✦
My good deeds in front of your door, I'm standing by the entrance
With heavy✦ baggage,✦ my brother's ashes
I seen tragic, I did dirt, smacked death and held it to that nigga✦ cabbage✦
Love, we killin'✦ greed, we killin'✦ homelessness
And I don't give a fuck about✦ this land, I want ownership
Bow your head for just God's sake
Listen✦ what the stars say when I say it's God's way
[Chorus: Kendrick Lamar]
Tippy-toeing✦ and I'm mud-walkin',✦ hmm
Rollin'✦ sevens,✦ I ain't bred for no coffin✦
I know y'all love it when the drugs talkin',✦ but
Shut the fuck up when you hear love talkin'✦
Shut the fuck up when you hear love talkin'✦
If God be the source, then I am the plug talkin'✦
Yeah, baby,✦ yeah, baby✦
Yeah, baby,✦ yeah, baby✦
Technical Breakdown
7.4
Multisyllabic Rhymes8.5
Complexity of rhyme schemes (data-driven)
Internal Rhymes9.5
Rhymes within a line (data-driven)
Wordplay / Double Entendres7.0
Clever language, metaphors, punchlines
Cadence / Rhythm6.5
Flow variation and timing (data-driven)
Vocabulary Complexity6.0
Range and depth of words used (data-driven)
Delivery / Breath Control8.0
Performance and control
Computed Score7.38
Production
— Beach Noise, DJ Khalil, J.LBS, SounwaveBe the first to rate the production
Critic Analysis
RAPLEDGER BAROMETER™
Kendrick's verse cleverly navigates the themes of love and its transactional nature, employing intricate wordplay and a commanding vocal delivery that elevates the lyrical content.
B+
8.5
Multisyllabic
9.5
Internal Rhymes
6.5
Cadence / Flow
6
Vocabulary
7
Wordplay
8
Delivery
Multisyllabic RhymesInternal RhymesWordplayDouble EntendreThematic Cohesion
Rhyme Architecture: The verse primarily employs an AABB rhyme scheme with frequent internal rhymes and multisyllabic structures, creating a dense and complex sonic texture.
Verified Doubles & Entendres
"If God be the source, then I am the plug talkin'"
① This line plays on the common slang term 'plug' meaning a supplier of illicit goods (like drugs), linking it to the concept of a spiritual 'source' or divine connection. Kendrick is positioning himself as a conduit, but one dealing in a different, perhaps more profound, kind of 'supply' or truth, contrasting with the superficial 'love talkin'.' It suggests a divine or at least a deeply rooted origin for his 'talk.'② Alternatively, 'plug' can refer to someone who is connected or influential. In this context, Kendrick is asserting his own authority and influence, drawing a parallel between divine authority ('God be the source') and his own ability to provide or speak truth ('the plug talkin'). This challenges the superficiality of 'love talkin'' by offering a more substantial, albeit potentially controversial, source of 'talk.'
"Oh, you ho (Yeah, yeah, yeah) fo' sho'"
① This is a direct insult, calling the person a 'ho' (whore), implying promiscuity or being easily used. The 'fo' sho'' is a common slang affirmation, meaning 'for sure' or 'definitely,' reinforcing the accusation.② The phrasing 'Oh, you ho... fo' sho'' also plays on the idea of confirmation or realization. It suggests an 'aha!' moment where the speaker understands the person's true nature (as a 'ho'), and this realization is definitive. It uses the slang affirmation not just to confirm the insult, but to punctuate the perceived truth of the insult itself.
"asking if I been on the pole"
① This refers to stripping, implying the person is asking if Summer Walker has been working as a stripper (dancing on a 'pole'). This is a derogatory question, suggesting desperation or a low moral standing.② The phrase also carries a subtle double meaning related to 'being on the pole' in a metaphorical sense of being under scrutiny or on the defensive. However, the primary and most evident meaning is the literal reference to stripping, used to demean and question the woman's character and financial situation.
"Summer in the storm, I cannot conform"
① This is a direct play on Summer Walker's name. 'Summer in the storm' creates an image of her name juxtaposed with adversity ('storm'). The line 'I cannot conform' signifies her refusal to yield to these difficulties or to societal pressures.② The line also functions as a statement of identity and resilience. 'Summer' represents her persona, and being 'in the storm' signifies facing challenges. Her inability to 'conform' means she will maintain her individuality and strength, refusing to be broken by external forces. It’s a declaration of artistic and personal integrity.
Exceptional multisyllabic and internal rhyme density, as indicated by the high computed scores.
Strong thematic development, exploring the duality of love and its potential for exploitation.
Kendrick's delivery is commanding and dynamic, effectively conveying the emotional weight of the lyrics.
Clever use of double entendre, enriching the lyrical depth.
The verse builds effectively, with moments of heightened intensity and reflection.
While strong, the cadence/flow score (6.5) suggests occasional moments where the intricate rhymes might slightly push the pocket, though this is largely overcome by delivery.
The vocabulary score (6.0) is solid but not exceptionally groundbreaking, indicating competent but not revolutionary word choice.
Some bars might rely more heavily on the computed rhyme engine than on inherent lyrical prowess for their full impact.