luther (with sza)
by Kendrick Lamar , SZA
Emotions
Mood
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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Released on the same day as luther (with sza) (November 21)
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Song Discussion - luther (with sza) by Kendrick Lamar
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