Some days, while lounging in my minivan in front of the elementary school, I listen to Kendrick Lamar to pass the time that I wait for the kids to be dismissed. Sometimes the sun beats down just right on my skin, seat reclined, and I listen to this song. And I just marvel.
Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst is a masterpiece in lyricism, telling a story so beautifully you can’t help but sit for twelve minutes and just listen. Kendrick is so talented, so intelligent, you can be a pampered suburban atheist brat and still be moved to breathlessness by his words. It’s easy to be confused by this one, as it’s told from the perspective of three people. Kendrick serves as an intermediary between death and life.
And I’m not sure why I’m infatuated with death
My imagination is surely an aggravation of threats
That can come about, ’cause the tongue is mighty powerful
And I can name a list of your favorites that probably vouch
Maybe cause I’m a dreamer and sleep is the cousin of death
Really stuck in the schema of wonderin’ when I’mma rest
Part two blends in seamlessly and is gasped into life by Kendrick using “uh” between each line. The result is a staccato effect that makes you feel as if he’s gasping for life, dying of thirst.
Tired of running, tired of hunting
My own kind but retiring nothing
Tires are steady screeching, the driver is rubbing
Hands on the wheel, who said we wasn’t
Dying of thirst, dying of thirst, dying of thirst
Motivational Monday is The Stoner Mom’s weekly music post, whose goal is to introduce your mom to some non-dorky jams. In 2015 all songs are personal rap favorites. The Stoner Mom’s Playlist is found here and is a good one for getting stuff done in the house when the kids are gone.
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