luther (with sza)

by Kendrick Lamar , SZA

A soulfully lush R&B hip-hop ballad where protective devotion is rendered through smooth harmonies and a classic, dreamy soundscape.
Release Date November 21, 2024
Duration 02:57
Album GNX
Language EN

Emotions

anger
bittersweet
calm
excitement
fear
hope
joy
longing
love
nostalgia
sadness
sensual
tension
triumph

Mood

positive
negative
neutral
mixed

Song Analysis for luther (with sza)

"Luther" is a multifaceted love ballad that explores themes of profound love, protection, empowerment, and resilience. At its core, the song is a declaration of devotion, where Kendrick Lamar, with the harmonious support of SZA, imagines a world tailored to the happiness and success of his partner. The title and the primary sample are a direct homage to R&B legend Luther Vandross and his 1982 duet with Cheryl Lynn, "If This World Were Mine," which immediately frames the song within a classic, romantic tradition. Lamar uses this framework to express a desire to not only provide material wealth but to act as a spiritual and emotional guardian, shielding his loved one from all negativity and pain.

A significant layer of meaning comes from the recurring lyric, "In this world, concrete flowers grow," likely a nod to Tupac Shakur's poetry collection "The Rose That Grew from Concrete." This metaphor signifies the ability for beauty and strength to emerge from harsh, difficult circumstances. It suggests that the love interest has endured hardship but has blossomed despite it, making the narrator's love and protection even more profound. The song celebrates this resilience.

Furthermore, there's a spiritual dimension woven throughout the lyrics. The reference to "Roman numeral seven" is widely interpreted as a biblical allusion, where the number seven symbolizes perfection and divine completion. This elevates the partner to a status of being whole and perfect in the narrator's eyes. Some interpretations suggest a dual meaning, where Lamar's pledges of love to his partner could also be read as a reflection of divine love for humanity—a promise of protection, empowerment, and ultimate grace.

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Most Frequently Used Words in This Song

world fah mine take wanna better days comin give see turn make know weekends get poppin low sure everything hey roman numeral seven bae drop like hot dreams multiply enemies

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this song

Song Discussion - luther (with sza) by Kendrick Lamar

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