gloria

Kendrick Lamar & SZA

Lyrics

[Intro: SZA] Sentado, Anita y tú
[Verse 1: Kendrick Lamar] Me and my bitch got a complicated relationship She's so controllin', I noticed it ain't no playin' with I met her when I was off the porch as a teenager She said one day I would right my wrongs and see paper We started out young, lookin' for some identity, made a thousand mistakes But never did we lack chemistry Wrappin' my hand 'round your waist That was back when you did whatever I say Dreams of sellin' narcotics, runnin' blocks, or robbin' banks I was in love with you, didn't know what it was with you Kiss you in back of the class just to get a buzz with you Some niggas wanted you, but they weren't committed Preoccupied playin' John Madden and bullshittin' Remember when granny died? You looked at me and said, "Baby, dry your eyes Depend on me as your relief, let your anger be mine" We was locked in ever since then So territorial, even took me 'way from my friends, hmm, hmm (Gah, gah, gah)
[Chorus: SZA] Scared of forever, you know nothin' else is gon' pass I just gotta let you know, woah Whenever you want me, you got me 'til the end of time Ooh, just gotta let you know
[Verse 2: Kendrick Lamar] Said you gon' see other people if I didn't grow with you Wasn't no more holdin' them pistols in front of stores with you You want reality, not tragedy, for sure, I get you To tell the truth, I been pretty used to what open-minded people do In 2014, I went to Africa, baby, you was my passenger My eyes and ears for all the years the neighborhood had baffled us Of course I had to wrap it up, I didn't fully trust you Fabrication, I disgust you, then you blocked me, I said, "Fuck you"
[Interlude: SZA] Nigga, what? I gave you life, I breathe the motherfuckin' charisma in this bitch I bring the blessings, I gave you power Nigga, I bring the rainfall, I gave you hustle
[Bridge: Kendrick Lamar] Then fall right back in love the very moment that I touch you (Gah, gah, gah)
[Chorus: SZA] Scared of forever, you know nothin' else is gon' pass I just gotta let you know Whenever you want me, you got me 'til the end of time Ooh, just gotta let you know
[Verse 3: Kendrick Lamar] You were spontaneous, firecracker, plus our love is dangerous Life of passion, laughin' at you lose your temper, slightly crashin' Dumb enough to ill reaction, ain't no disrespect Highly sensitive, possessed, saw potential, even when it's tragic So jealous, hate it when I hit the club to get some bitches Wrote 'em off, rather see me hit the church and get religious Who you foolin'? I know what you doin', you my contradiction 'Member when you caught that body and still wiggled through that sentence? Loved you more, when you flip and lose your shit, I hugged you more It's sexy to me, cuss they ass out and hold that grudge some more Down bitch, I know your favorite movie, is it Notebook? So good, if they all sub me, get 'em all booked My baby boo, you either heal niggas or you kill niggas Both is true, it take some tough skin just to deal with you Logical explanation don't exist, flippin' pages Chapter after chapter, probably remarry and head to Vegas Bitches gettin' marked out, they can't erase our history They margins ain't big enough, they all led by bigotry My woman and my right hand, my saint and my sin Ain't no bitch like my bitch 'cause that bitch been my pen
[Outro: SZA] Gloria, I wanna take you to euphoria Bitches want, but they ain't strong enough I heard they talking, we notorious If someone talking on me I see you, you see me Both see what we want, oh, oh I see you, you see me Both see what we want

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The Meaning of "gloria"
A Love Letter to a Dangerous Muse

"gloria" is a masterful work of personification where Kendrick Lamar details his lifelong, "complicated relationship" with a powerful and controlling woman. Through vivid storytelling, he traces their journey from teenage infatuation, filled with dreams of street life, to a mature partnership tested by his global success. This woman, voiced seductively by SZA, is possessive, demanding, and eternal. She is his source of power and charisma, but also his "contradiction."

The genius of the song is revealed in the final line: "Ain't no bitch like my bitch 'cause that bitch been my pen." "Gloria" is not a person, but his creative gift itself. This revelation re-contextualizes the entire song. His pen was his companion through grief ("'Member when granny died?"), his partner in ambition, and the jealous lover who demanded his full attention.

The Duality of a Gift

Kendrick explores the dangerous duality of his talent. "Gloria" is the force that can either "heal niggas or you kill niggas." It's a testament to the immense power of his words, which can create anthems of hope or lyrically dismantle his opponents. The song is a beautiful, intricate ode to his craft, acknowledging it as both his "saint and my sin"—a divine gift and a dangerous weapon he has learned to wield over a lifetime.

About The Track

"gloria" is a highly anticipated reunion between Kendrick Lamar and SZA, two of music's most celebrated storytellers. The track, from Kendrick's 2024 album GNX, is a smooth, R&B-infused departure from the album's more aggressive West Coast bangers. Its lush, atmospheric production creates an intimate backdrop for one of Kendrick's most clever conceptual narratives.

Following iconic collaborations like "All The Stars" and "Doves In The Wind," "gloria" continues the duo's undeniable chemistry. The song's brilliance lies in its slow-burn reveal, framing a story about a turbulent romance that is ultimately unveiled as a profound metaphor for Kendrick's relationship with his own artistic gift. It stands as a testament to his unparalleled lyrical depth and his ability to weave complex, personal allegories into accessible, beautifully crafted music. The track masterfully continues the themes of introspection seen in other album cornerstones like heart pt. 6.