Kendrick Lamar - Mirror
[Intro: Kodak Black]
I choose me
[Verse 1: Kendrick Lamar]
The pressure's taking over me, it's beginning to loom
Better if I spare your feelings and tell you the truth
Lately, I redirected my point of view
You won't grow waitin' on me
I can't live in the Matrix, huh
Rather fall short of your graces, huh
This time, I won't trade places, huh
Not about who's right, who's wrong, huh
Evolve, the only thing known, huh
Ask me when I'm coming home, huh
Blink twice again, I'm gone
[Chorus: Kendrick Lamar]
I choose me, I'm sorry
I choose me, I'm sorry
I choose me, I'm sorry
I choose me, I'm sorry
I choose me, I'm sorry
I choose me, I'm sorry
[Verse 2: Kendrick Lamar]
She woke up in the morning for the daily news
I was so low and mourning through the family feuds
Baby, I told you a story and laid down all the rules
Still, you won't grow waiting on me
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[Chorus: Kendrick Lamar]
I choose me, I'm sorry
I choose me, I'm sorry
I choose me, I'm sorry
I choose me, I'm sorry
I choose me, I'm sorry
I choose me, I'm sorry
[Verse 3: Kendrick Lamar]
'Cause all of it's toxic
Girl, I'm not relevant to givin' on profit
Personal gain off my pain, it's nonsense
Darlin', my demons is off the leash for a moshpit
Baby, I just had a baby, you know she need me
Workin' on myself, the counselin' is not easy
Don't you point a finger just to point a finger
'Cause critical thinkin' is a deal-breaker
Faith in one man is a ship sinking
Do yourself a favor and get a mirror that mirror grievance
Then point it at me so the reflection can mirror freedom
She told me that she need me the most, I didn't believe her
She even called me names on the post, the world can see it
Jokes and gaslightin'
Mad at me 'cause she didn't get my vote, she say I'm triflin'
Disregardin' the way that I cope with my own vices
Maybe it's time to break it off
Run away from the culture to follow my heart
[Bridge: Kendrick Lamar]
I realized true love's not savin' face
But unconditional
When will you let me go?
I trust you'll find independence
If not, then all is forgiven
Sorry I didn't save the world, my friend
I was too busy buildin' mine again
[Chorus: Kendrick Lamar]
I choose me, I'm sorry
I choose me, I'm sorry
I choose me, I'm sorry
I choose me, I'm sorry
I choose me, I'm sorry
I choose me, I'm sorry
I choose me, I'm sorry
I choose me, I'm sorry
I choose me, I'm sorry
I choose me, I'm sorry
“Mirror” is the outro to Kendrick Lamar’s fifth studio album, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. He discusses the pressures of fame and the dichotomy of living selfishly despite his modest image.
The song’s production sees a heavy Funk and Neo Soul influence due to the bounciness of the beat. The heavy drums in the background of the track give the song an 80s skate-like vibe, forcing Kendrick’s cadence to follow its pattern.
In the song, Kendrick articulately sums up the majority of the themes of the album. “Mirror” serves as a metaphor for one’s own personal growth, suggesting to Kendrick fans that despite his long wait to release music, they shouldn’t wait on him and should grow on their own.
Kendrick makes it clear that due to his newborn daughter, his oldest child, and his wife, he will always put himself first—except for his family—as he can’t sacrifice the little time he has with his family for anyone.
What may seem to be a more basic album outro in comparison to DAMN.’s outro, “DUCKWORTH.,” the song’s deeper meaning reflects on his wait to release music, exhibiting his growth for his fans. Kendrick speaks deeply about the pressure he feels in order to take care of his family in the best way, subsequently, taking time off to find himself.
