Love's gonna get you killed
But pride’s gonna be the death of you and you and me
And you and you and you and me
And you and you and you and me
And you and you and you and me and—
[Chorus: Steve Lacy & Kendrick Lamar]
Me, I wasn't taught to share, but care
In another life, I surely was there
Me, I wasn't taught to share, but care
I care, I care
[Verse 1: Kendrick Lamar]
Hell-raising, wheel-chasing, new worldly possessions
Flesh-making, spirit-breaking, which one would you lessen?
The better part, the human heart, you love ’em or dissect 'em
Happiness or flashiness? How do you serve the question?
See, in a perfect world, I would be perfect, world
I don't trust people enough beyond they surface, world
I don't love people enough to put my faith in man
I put my faith in these lyrics, hoping I make a band
I understand I ain't perfect, I probably won't come around
This time I might put you down
Last time I ain't give a fuck, I still feel the same now
My feelings might go numb, you're dealin’ with cold thumb
I’m willin' to give up a leg and arm to show empathy from
Pity parties and functions of you and yours
A perfect world, you probably live another 24
I can’t fake humble just 'cause your ass is insecure
I can't fake humble just 'cause your ass is insecure
Me, I wasn’t taught to share, but care
In another life, I surely was there
Me, I wasn't taught to share, but care
I care, I care
[Post-Chorus: Kendrick Lamar & Anna Wise]
Maybe I wasn't there (We saw you first)
Maybe I wasn't there (I saw you first)
Maybe I wasn't there (I saw you first)
Maybe I wasn't there
[Verse 2: Kendrick Lamar]
Now, in a perfect world, I probably won't be insensitive
Cold as December but never remember what winter did
I wouldn't blame you for mistakes I made or the bed I laid
Seems like I point the finger just to make a point nowadays
Smiles and cold stares, the temperature goes there
Indigenous disposition, feel like we belong here
I know the walls, they can listen, I wish they could talk back
The hurt becomes repetition, the love almost lost that
Sick venom in men and women overcome with pride
A perfect world is never perfect, only filled with lies
Promises are broken and more resentment come alive
Race barriers make inferior of you and I
See, in a perfect world, I'll choose faith over riches
I'll choose work over bitches, I'll make schools out of prison
I'll take all the religions and put 'em all in one service
Just to tell 'em we ain't shit, but He's been perfect, world
Me, I wasn't taught to share, but care
In another life, I surely was there
Me, I wasn't taught to share, but care
I care, I care
[Post-Chorus: Kendrick Lamar & Anna Wise]
Maybe I wasn't there (We saw you first)
Maybe I wasn't there (I saw you first)
Maybe I wasn't there (I saw you first)
Maybe I wasn't there
About
“PRIDE” is an introspective track that continues the album’s strong religious themes. Consider Proverbs 11:2:
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.
Kendrick delves deep into his own pride and his recognition as one of the best rappers alive causing tension between his ideals and his actions. The vocal pitch varies from high to low throughout the song, which reflects the contrast between his ideals and his actions. Pride is often considered the original and most serious of the seven deadly sins. It is the direct perversion of the humility that makes humans more God-like.
The stark contrast between PRIDE.’s beat and HUMBLE.’s beat is very intentional. “Pride” has a very soft-spoken (humble) beat, while Humble’s beat is bombastic and in-your-face, each instrumental paradoxically contrasting the topic of their respective songs.
Q&A
Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning
On the same day of DAMN.’s release, TDE President Punch shared an Instagram image of a verse that didn’t make the final cut on the album.
The lyrics read:
“Pride is my biggest sin
I tried to fight it but I never win
Layin' myself down in the beds I made
Karma is always knockin' with capital K’s
It started when I was tossin' my life in the sand
Crossin' the street, momma don’t you hold my hand
Time revealing itself
My ways are magnified
Same patterns requiring that I never camouflaged
Looking at me in shock you found my identity
Asking yourself do I have room for empathy
Everything is subject to change
But not me.”
Interestingly, it’s the eerie sound effect present at the start of “The Heart Part 4”, the teaser track for the album. “The Heart Part 4” is also sampled later on in the project on “FEAR”.
