Doves In The Wind (feat. Kendrick Lamar)

"Doves In The Wind" is a bold and unapologetic ode to female sexuality and empowerment, using the word "pussy" over 25 times to reclaim it from a term of objectification to a symbol of power. The overarching theme is a critique of how society, particularly men, often reduces women to their sexual appeal, overlooking their emotional and intellectual depth. SZA and Kendrick Lamar challenge men to seek more than just physical intimacy and to form meaningful, emotional bonds.

The song argues that a man's obsession with sex often prevents him from seeing a woman's true worth. SZA references the fictional character Forrest Gump as an example of someone who prioritized genuine romantic feelings over sexual conquest, lamenting the absence of such men in the modern dating world. The line "see right through walls, ain't talkin' about pussy" reinforces this, with SZA later explaining that these "walls" are not just physical but also the mental and emotional barriers she puts up.

Kendrick Lamar's verse expands on this theme by criticizing men who are so consumed by their desire for sex that they engage in superficial and insecure behaviors, such as flaunting material possessions or adopting a tough facade. He portrays female sexuality as an "undefeated" and "dangerous" force that men often misunderstand and disrespect. Ultimately, the song transforms a vulgar term into a source of liberation, urging a cultural shift toward recognizing and respecting the full humanity of women beyond their bodies.

The song opens with a provocative and direct assertion: "Real n****s do not deserve pussy." This isn't a literal denial but a deeper statement suggesting that the true essence of a woman—her entirety, not just her sexuality—is something profound that isn't owed to anyone and is often underappreciated. The narrative immediately pivots to the character of Forrest Gump, presented as an ideal man. He had a deep, unwavering love for Jenny and was never driven by a mere physical conquest. The song poses a rhetorical question: where are the men like Forrest Gump today, the ones who value a woman for more than her body? This sets up the central theme: a critique of a culture where men are often obsessed with sex to the point that they miss the opportunity for a genuine, meaningful connection.

The chorus acts as a hypnotic interlude, urging the listener to "sit back and relax your mind," as if to absorb the message that's about to unfold. It's a moment of calm before Kendrick Lamar's incisive verse.

Kendrick Lamar enters with a rapid-fire deconstruction of how men lose their minds over sex. He lists the things they'll do for it—wine, dine, spend time, and ignore all boundaries. He personifies "pussy" as a powerful, undefeated force that holds men as prisoners and is often underestimated. He then criticizes the superficial tactics men use to attract women, such as wearing fake chains and putting on a tough facade ("screw face"). He asserts that these displays of insecurity and overcompensation will not lead to genuine intimacy. Kendrick's verse is a sharp critique of toxic masculinity, where men are taught to pursue sex aggressively and superficially, ultimately alienating the very women they desire. He highlights the absurdity of their actions and questions how many times a woman has to state that physical attributes are "disposable" compared to a true connection.

SZA returns for the final verse, reclaiming the narrative from a distinctly female perspective. She declares that while her sexuality can never be trivialized, some men will foolishly try. She directly confronts a lover, calling out his weakness and asserting that his physical presence is easily replaceable. Her tone is one of defiance and self-worth. She knows her value extends far beyond the physical, and she's willing to wait for "the right one" to share that with. The song concludes with this powerful affirmation of self-respect and agency, reinforcing the idea that a woman's body and soul are hers to control and that true intimacy is reserved for those who understand and respect her multifaceted worth. The repeated, frank use of the word "pussy" throughout the song serves to strip it of its taboo nature, reclaiming it as a symbol of female power and liberation rather than just an object of male desire.

"Doves In The Wind" was created around early 2015 and recorded at the No Excuses studio in Santa Monica. The song was born from SZA's desire to create something "ugly, gutter, and dirty," allowing her to write from a more masculine perspective. The producer, Cam O'bi, initiated the process by chopping and screwing a 2013 demo originally intended for Vic Mensa, which contained a sample of Busta Rhymes' "Turn Me Up Some". SZA liked the direction and O'bi developed the beat further.

During a recording session, SZA's TDE labelmate Kendrick Lamar was present while she was writing to the beat. This led to their collaboration on the track. The song was released on June 8, 2017, just hours before its parent album, Ctrl, was released. The production incorporates the slowed-down Busta Rhymes sample, crackling drums inspired by a Chance the Rapper song, synthesizer chords, and ad-libs from Redman's 2001 track "Let's Get Dirty (I Can't Get in da Club)".

The rhyme and rhythm of "Doves In The Wind" create a dynamic interplay between SZA's fluid, soulful delivery and Kendrick Lamar's complex rap cadence.

Rhythm: The song's foundation is a mid-tempo Boom Bap rhythm, featuring loud, crackling drums that provide a distinct, head-nodding groove. This steady, somewhat gritty pulse grounds the track, creating a relaxed yet assertive feel. SZA's vocal rhythm floats over this beat; her phrasing is conversational and fluid, often blurring the lines between singing and speaking, which enhances the track's intimate and confessional tone. In contrast, Kendrick Lamar's verse introduces rhythmic complexity. He employs intricate internal rhymes, syncopation, and rapid shifts in flow, making his section feel more dense and energetic. This contrast highlights the different perspectives presented in the lyrics—SZA's introspective commentary and Kendrick's aggressive critique.

Rhyme Scheme: The song largely employs a free verse structure rather than a strict, consistent rhyme scheme. SZA's verses prioritize narrative flow and natural language, using occasional slant rhymes and internal rhymes to maintain musicality without sounding forced. Kendrick's verse is more traditionally rap-focused, with multi-syllabic rhymes and a more structured, though complex, pattern that showcases his technical prowess.

"Doves In The Wind" employs a range of musical and literary techniques to deliver its powerful message.

• Musical Style: The song is rooted in the Boom Bap genre, characterized by its hard-hitting, crackling drums and a dusty, sample-based production. This choice gives the track what SZA described as a more "masculine" feel. The production heavily relies on a slowed-down, or "chopped and screwed," instrumental sample of Busta Rhymes' "Turn Me Up Some," which creates a woozy, contemplative soundscape. This is overlaid with synthesizer chords, creating a contrast between the gritty rhythm and ethereal harmony.
• Vocal Delivery: SZA's vocal style is effortless and melodic, often described as a "girl around the way sound," making her provocative lyrics feel both intimate and assertive. Kendrick Lamar's verse provides a stylistic contrast; his delivery is highly animated and dynamic, with multiple flow switches and changes in cadence that make his rapping feel rhythmically complex and energetic.
• Literary Techniques: The lyrics utilize direct address, pop culture allusions (Forrest Gump), and bold personification, especially in Kendrick's verse where "pussy" is treated as a powerful, sentient entity. The confrontational and repeated use of explicit language is a deliberate rhetorical strategy to challenge social taboos and reclaim power.

"Doves In The Wind" was released as a promotional single from SZA's critically acclaimed debut studio album, Ctrl, which debuted at number three on the US Billboard 200 and was later certified platinum. While not a major commercial hit on its own, the song was a standout track praised by critics for its bold message and the seamless chemistry between SZA and Kendrick Lamar. Critics noted that Lamar complemented SZA's performance without overshadowing her, a common pitfall in his features.

Culturally, the song became a significant piece of the conversation around feminism, sexual liberation, and empowerment in modern R&B and hip-hop. Its frank and repeated use of explicit language was seen as a powerful act of reclaiming female sexuality. The track solidified SZA's reputation as an artist with a unique, unfiltered, and relatable voice for her generation.

A martial arts-inspired music video, directed by Nabil Elderkin, was released on April 27, 2018, starring SZA as a student and Lamar as her master, further enhancing the song's artistic legacy. The song remains a fan favorite and a key track in the discographies of both artists, often cited in retrospective rankings of their successful collaborations.

The song is rich with symbolism and direct metaphors that challenge societal norms around sexuality and gender.

• Doves in the Wind: The central metaphor, "Doves in the Wind," suggests a sense of freedom, purity, and peace. However, in the context of the song, it symbolizes the elusive and often devalued nature of genuine female agency and power in a patriarchal society. It represents something beautiful and free that soars above the crude objectification being critiqued.
• Forrest Gump: SZA uses Forrest Gump as a powerful symbol of ideal manhood. He represents a man who loves deeply and purely, not driven by sexual conquest. By asking "Where's Forrest now when you need him?", she highlights a perceived lack of men who value emotional connection over physical gratification. The reference to his famous line, "a box of chocolates," is used to symbolize the entirety of what a woman has to offer in a relationship beyond sex.
• Reclamation of "Pussy": The most direct and confrontational element is the repeated use of the word "pussy." Mentioned over 25 times, the word is deliberately used to strip it of its taboo and often derogatory connotations. SZA and Kendrick transform it from an object of male desire into a symbol of ultimate female power, agency, and liberation. As Kendrick Lamar states, "Pussy is so undefeated," personifying it as a powerful, almost mythical force.

The most significant recurring element in "Doves In The Wind" is the provocative and deliberate repetition of the word "pussy." Mentioned over 25 times by both artists, this repetition serves as the central motif of the song. Its purpose is to destigmatize the word and transform it from a term of objectification into a symbol of female power and agency. By repeating it so frequently, SZA and Kendrick Lamar force the listener to confront the societal weight placed upon the word and, by extension, on female sexuality.

Another key recurring idea is the Forrest Gump motif. SZA introduces him as an archetype of a man who values love over lust, asking, "Where's Forrest now when you need him?" This phrase encapsulates a central theme of longing for genuine connection in a world perceived as superficial. It functions as a cultural touchstone to critique modern masculinity and dating culture.

Kendrick Lamar's verse contains the recurring phrase "for it—pussy" as he lists the desperate actions men take ("Wine for it, dine for it...spend time for it"), emphasizing the obsessive and often misguided pursuit of sex. This repetition builds a rhythmic and thematic crescendo that highlights the extent of this societal fixation.