Father Time Lyrics – Kendrick Lamar ft. Sampha

Q: Who is the music producer of "Father Time" Song?

"Father Time" song music compose & produce by Grandmaster Vic, Duval Timothy, Bēkon, Dahi, Beach Noise & Sounwave.

Rollteam 11.4K August 23, 2023

"Father Time" is a song by Kendrick Lamar that explores themes of fatherhood, masculinity, emotional struggles, and personal growth. The lyrics delve into the complex relationship between fathers and their children, particularly the impact of absent or flawed father figures. The song is a poignant reflection on how these issues can shape an individual's identity and behaviors. Let's break down the meaning of the lyrics paragraph by paragraph. ...Read More

Father Time Lyrics

[Intro: Whitney Alford & Kendrick Lamar]
You really need some therapy
Real nigga need no therapy, fuck you talking about?
Nah, nah, you sound stupid as fuck
Shit, everybody stupid
Yeah, well, you need to talk to somebody
Reach out to Eckhart

[Verse 1: Kendrick Lamar]
I come from a generation of home invasions
And I got daddy issues, that's on me
Everything them four walls had taught me, made habits bury deep
That man knew a lot, but not enough to keep me past them streets
My life is a plot, twisted from directions that I can't see
Daddy issues ball across my head, told me, "Fuck a foul"
I'm teary-eyed, wanna throw my hands, I won't think out loud
A foolish pride, if I lose again, won't go in the house
I stayed outside, laughing with my friends, they don't know my lifе
Daddy issues made me lеarn losses, I don't take those well
Momma said, "That boy is exhausted, " he said, "Go fuck yourself
If he give up now, that's gone cost him, life's a bitch
You could be a bitch or step out the margin, " I got up quick
I'm charging baskets and falling backwards, tryna keep balance
Oh, this the part where mental stability meets talent
Oh, this the part, he breaks my humility just for practice
Tactics we learned together, sore losers forever, daddy issues

[Chorus: Sampha]
Early morning wake-ups (Ah), practicing on day-offs (Ah)
Tough love (Ah), bottled up, no chaser (Ah)
Neat, no chaser (Ah), neat, no chaser (Ah)
Neat, no chaser (Ah), neat, no chase- (Ah)
Early morning wake-ups (Wake-ups)
Practicing on day-offs (Ah, day-offs)
Tough love (Ah), bottled up, no chaser (Ah)
Neat, no chaser (Ah), neat, no chaser (Ah)
Neat, no chaser (Ah), neat, no chaser

[Verse 2: Kendrick Lamar & Sampha]
I got daddy issues, that's on me
Looking for, "I love you", rarely empathizing for my relief
A child that grew accustomed, jumping up when I scraped my knee
'Cause if I cried about it, he'd surely tell me not to be weak
Daddy issues, hid my emotions, never expressed myself
Men should never show feelings, being sensitive never helped
His momma died, I asked him why he going back to work so soon?
His first reply was, "Son, that's life, and bills got no silver spoon"
Daddy issues, fuck everybody, go get your money, son
Protect yourself, trust nobody, only your momma'n'em
This made relationships seem cloudy, never attached to none
So if you took some likings around me, I might reject the love
Daddy issues kept me competitive, that's a fact, nigga
I don't give a fuck what's the narrative, I am that nigga
When Kanye got back with Drake, I was slightly confused
Guess I'm not mature as I think, got some healing to do
Egotistic, zero-given fucks and to be specific (Ah)
Need assistance with the way I was brought up (Ah, ah)
What's the difference when your heart is made of stone
And your mind is made of gold
And your tongue is made of sword, but it may weaken your soul?
My niggas ain't got no daddy, grow up overcompensating
Learn shit 'bout being a man and disguise it as being gangsta
I love my father for telling me to take off the gloves
'Cause everything he didn't want was everything I was
And to my partners that figured it out without a father
I salute you, may your blessings be neutral to your toddlers
It's crucial, they can't stop us if we see the mistakes
'Til then, let's give the women a break, grown men with daddy issues

[Chorus: Sampha]
Early morning wake-ups (Ah), practicing on day-offs (Ah)
Tough love (Ah), bottled up, no chaser (Ah)
Neat, no chaser (Ah), neat, no chaser (Ah)
Neat, no chaser (Ah), neat, no chaser

Father Time Lyrics Meaning & Facts

"Father Time" is a song by Kendrick Lamar that explores themes of fatherhood, masculinity, emotional struggles, and personal growth. The lyrics delve into the complex relationship between fathers and their children, particularly the impact of absent or flawed father figures. The song is a poignant reflection on how these issues can shape an individual's identity and behaviors. Let's break down the meaning of the lyrics paragraph by paragraph.

[Intro]
The song begins with a dialogue between two voices, presumably Kendrick Lamar and someone named Whitney Alford. The conversation sets the tone for the song's exploration of therapy and personal issues. The initial exchange highlights a contrast between the need for therapy and the assertion that a "real nigga" doesn't require it. This dialogue foreshadows the emotional depth of the lyrics and the internal conflict Lamar may be grappling with.

[Verse 1]
In this verse, Kendrick Lamar shares personal experiences and struggles he faced while growing up. He mentions coming from a generation marked by challenges like home invasions, suggesting a rough environment that influenced his upbringing. He admits to having "daddy issues," indicating a strained or absent relationship with his father. Lamar reflects on the impact of the environment and lack of proper guidance, leading to habits that are buried deep within him. Despite his father's knowledge, he wasn't able to keep Lamar from the dangers of the streets.

The verse goes on to describe the conflicts Lamar faces, both internally and externally. He discusses his inclination towards pride, even in situations where it might not be wise. He recalls moments of vulnerability and the struggle to express his emotions openly. The verse encapsulates the tension between his desire to be strong and his need for emotional release.

[Chorus]
The chorus is sung by Sampha and emphasizes the concept of dealing with challenges and emotions. The repeated phrase "Early mornin' wake-ups" can be seen as a metaphor for facing difficulties head-on, even when it's not convenient. The reference to "practicin' on day-offs" suggests the ongoing effort required to overcome one's issues. The lines "Tough love, bottled up, no chaser" underscore the idea of facing challenges directly without avoiding or numbing the emotions associated with them.

[Verse 2]
In this verse, Lamar continues to explore his relationship with his father and how it influenced his development. He admits to seeking affirmation and love from his father, even though it was rarely given. He grapples with the lessons he learned about masculinity, which discouraged showing vulnerability or sensitivity. He reflects on his father's response to adversity and his pragmatic approach to life.

Lamar shares the impact of his father's absence on his ability to form and maintain relationships. His difficulty in connecting emotionally with others stems from the lessons he learned growing up. The verse touches on his struggle to reconcile his emotions and perceptions with the reality he faces.

[Chorus]
Sampha's chorus serves as a reminder of the ongoing effort to face life's challenges with resilience and authenticity. The phrase "Neat, no chaser" reinforces the idea of confronting problems head-on, without diluting or masking emotions.

Overall, "Father Time" is a deeply introspective and vulnerable song that reflects on the complexities of fatherhood, emotional growth, and the lasting impact of childhood experiences. Kendrick Lamar's lyrics dive into the internal conflicts he faced due to his relationship with his father and the societal expectations of masculinity. The song highlights the importance of addressing and healing from these issues in order to break cycles of dysfunction and emotional detachment.

The song's title, "Father Time," likely carries a dual meaning. It can refer to the passage of time and how it influences an individual's development and understanding of their relationship with their father. It can also symbolize the journey of self-discovery and healing that comes with acknowledging and addressing past wounds. Through introspection and vulnerability, Lamar's lyrics invite listeners to reflect on their own experiences with fatherhood, identity, and emotional growth.

Father Time Lyrics – Kendrick Lamar ft. Sampha

Father Time Lyrics

Father Time Lyrics Meaning & Facts

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