Notes on "Sing About Me/ I'm Dying of Thirst" Essay

Overview

• Song: "Sing About Me/ I'm Dying of Thirst" by Kendrick Lamar
• Theme: Hardships and rough living conditions in Compton, CA
• Literary Devices: Metaphors, similes, alliteration, double entendre

Structure of the Song

• The song is divided into two parts, separated by a skit.

Part One

• Three Stories: Presented from three different perspectives.

  • First Verse:

    • Perspective: Kendrick’s friend
    • Themes:
      • Grief: Thanks Kendrick for support after his brother's death
      • Struggle: "Borrow a piece of mind" - difficulty in focusing on life's priorities
      • Violence: "Orphanage we call a ghetto" - reference to gang-related violence
      • Imagery: Rage and cycle of violence depicted through descriptive language

  • Second Verse:

    • Perspective: Female friend
    • Critique: Unhappy with Kendrick's portrayal of her sister
    • Themes:
      • Identity: Desire to return to pre-puberty innocence
      • Illness: "Doctor's approval is a waste of time" - suggests AIDS contraction
      • Symbolism: Vocals fading out to signify dying

  • Third Verse:

    • Perspective: Kendrick Lamar
    • Themes:
      • Survival: Writing raps as an escape
      • Fear of Future: Daily struggles and fear of changing self

Part Two: "I'm Dying of Thirst"

• Key Phrase: Repeated emphasis on "dying of thirst"
  • Interpretation: Spiritual thirst or lack of faith
  • Verse Three:
    • Sins: Running out of forgiveness or reference to seven deadly sins
    • Imagery and Double Entendre: "Reaper calling, I'm cottonmouth" - fear of death
    • Symbolism: "Black flower" - changes in appearance and identity through environment

Context and Relevance

• Background: Written in 2012, reflecting on the 1990s
• Ongoing Issues:
  • Gang Violence: Blood vs. Crip rivalry, gang violence nationwide
  • Societal Issues: Drugs, sexual objectification, and consequences like STDs
• Artistic Presentation:
  • Purpose: Highlight societal issues while offering a glimmer of hope
  • Impact: Geared towards youth, portraying common humanity and struggles with mortality
  • Message: Guide those spiritually "thirsty" towards redemption ("holy water")

Conclusion

• Artistic Value: The song is a crafted piece of art addressing serious social issues.
• Impactful Themes: Sex, drugs, gang violence, and mortality from an urban perspective.