Damn
LOVE.
Kendrick Lamar
Lyrics & Rhyme Analysis
17
End
133
Internal
47
Multi
168
Slant
8
Chain
Rhyme Groups — hover to spotlight
[Refrain: Kendrick Lamar & Zacari]
If I didn't ride blade on curb, would you still love me?
If I minimized✦ my net worth, would you still love me?
Keep it a hundred,✦ I'd rather✦ you trust me than to love me
Keep it a whole one hund', don't got you, I got nothin'✦ (Uh, uh)
[Chorus: Zacari & Kendrick Lamar]
Give me a run for my money✦
There is nobody,✦ no one to outrun✦ me
So give me a run for my money✦
Sippin'✦ bubbly,✦ feelin'✦ lovely,✦ livin'✦ lovely✦
Just love me
(I wanna✦ be with you, ayy, I wanna✦ be with)
Just love me, just love me, just love
(I wanna✦ be with you, ayy, I wanna✦ be with)
Love me (I wanna✦ be with you)
Love me, just love me
[Verse 2: Kendrick Lamar & Zacari]
I'm on the way
We ain't got no time to waste
Poppin'✦ your gum on the way (Love me)
Am I in the way?
I don't wan' pressure you none
I want your blessing today✦ (Love me)
Oh, by the way, open the door, by the way
Told you that I'm on the way (Love me)
I'm on the way, I know connection is vague
Pick up the phone for me, babe
Damn it, we're jammin'✦
Bad attitude from yo' nanny✦
Curves and your hips from yo' mammy✦
Remember Gardena? I took the studio Camry✦
I know Top will be mad at me
I had to do it, I want your body,✦ your music
I bought the big one to prove it
Look what you made
Told you that I'm on the way
I'm like an exit away,✦ yep
[Refrain: Kendrick Lamar & Zacari]
If I didn't ride blade on curb, would you still love me?
(If I didn't ride blade on curb, would you still)
If I minimized✦ my net worth, would you still love me?
(If I minimized✦ my net worth, would you still)
Keep it a hundred,✦ I'd rather✦ you trust me than to love me
Keep it a whole one hund', don't got you, I got nothin'✦ (Uh, uh)
[Chorus: Zacari & Kendrick Lamar]
Give me a run for my money✦
There is nobody,✦ no one to outrun✦ me
So give me a run for my money✦
Sippin'✦ bubbly,✦ feelin'✦ lovely,✦ livin'✦ lovely✦
Just love me
(I wanna✦ be with you, ayy, I wanna✦ be with)
Just love me, just love me, just love me
(I wanna✦ be with you, ayy, I wanna✦ be with)
Love me (I wanna✦ be with you)
Love me, just love me
Technical Breakdown
7.5
Multisyllabic Rhymes8.5
Complexity of rhyme schemes (data-driven)
Internal Rhymes9.5
Rhymes within a line (data-driven)
Wordplay / Double Entendres5.0
Clever language, metaphors, punchlines
Cadence / Rhythm8.5
Flow variation and timing (data-driven)
Vocabulary Complexity5.0
Range and depth of words used (data-driven)
Delivery / Breath Control7.0
Performance and control
Computed Score7.51
Production
— Teddy Walton, Sounwave, Greg Kurstin, Anthony TiffithBe the first to rate the production
Critic Analysis
RAPLEDGER BAROMETER™
The verse relies heavily on rhythmic repetition and melodic cadence over complex lyrical density, serving as a functional, atmospheric bridge rather than a display of technical penmanship.
B+
8.5
Multisyllabic
9.5
Internal Rhymes
8.5
Cadence / Flow
5
Vocabulary
5
Wordplay
7
Delivery
AABB rhyme scheme adaptationInternal rhyme repetitionConversational cadencePhonetic variation on 'love'
Rhyme Architecture: The verse utilizes a recurring 'way/waste' phonetic structure, anchoring the flow with terminal end-rhymes that prioritize melodic cadence over complex multisyllabic chains.
Verified Doubles & Entendres
"If I minimized my net worth, would you still love me?"
① A literal question regarding financial status and material security in a relationship.② A metaphorical probe into the unconditional nature of affection, asking if the partner values the person or the prestige associated with them.
"Am I in the way?"
① A literal inquiry as to whether the speaker is physically blocking the partner's movement.② An existential insecurity regarding whether the speaker's emotional baggage or presence is obstructing the partner's personal growth or happiness.
Excellent rhythmic pocket placement
Effective use of conversational tone to build intimacy
Strong integration with the melodic refrain
Low lexical complexity
Limited metaphorical depth
Lack of high-impact punchlines