What Is Sing About Me I’m Dying Of Thirst About?

Kendrick Lamar came out of Compton as one of hip-hop’s strongest voices. His album good kid, m.A.A.d city told a powerful story that stood out right away.

Then came To Pimp a Butterfly, filled with jazz influences and bold messages about Black identity. It shook up the music world and made people listen in a new way.

Later, he won a Pulitzer Prize for DAMN., showing that his impact wasn’t just in music circles. His work carries deep meaning and wide respect.

Kendrick doesn’t just rap, but narrates honest stories. His lyrics are thoughtful, emotional, and often deeply personal.

His passion and creativity have left a mark on artists everywhere. Even as tastes shift, Kendrick’s work stands strong.

About the Song

“Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst” is a two-part narrative masterpiece that showcases Kendrick Lamar’s storytelling abilities and emotional depth.

Released on October 22, 2012, as part of “good kid, m.A.A.d city,” the song features a minimalist beat that allows Kendrick’s lyrics to take center stage as he weaves together multiple perspectives to create a tapestry of life in Compton.

Details	Information
Released	October 22, 2012
Album	good kid, m.A.A.d city
Length	12:03
Producers	Sounwave, Terrace Martin
Label	Top Dawg Entertainment, Aftermath Entertainment, Interscope Records

Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst Lyrics

 

Part I: “Sing About Me”

Chorus
When the lights shut off and it’s my turn
To settle down, my main concern
Promise that you will sing about me
Promise that you will sing about me
I said when the lights shut off and it’s my turn
To settle down, my main concern
Promise that you will sing about me
Promise that you will sing about me

 

Verse 1
I woke up this morning and figured I’d call you
In case I’m not here tomorrow
I’m hopin’ that I can borrow
A peace of mind, I’m behind on what’s really important
My mind is really distorted
I find nothing but trouble in my life
I’m fortunate you believe in a dream
This orphanage we call a ghetto is quite a routine
And last night was just another distraction
Or a reaction of what we consider madness
I know exactly what happened
You ran outside when you heard my brother cry for help
Held him like a newborn baby and made him feel
Like everything was alright in a fight he tried to put up
But the type of bullet that stuck
Had went against his will, that’s blood spilled on your hands
My plan’s rather vindictive
Everybody’s a victim in my eyes
When I ride it’s a murderous rhythm
And outside became pitch black
A demon glued to my back, whispering “Get ’em!”
I got ’em and I ain’t give a fuck
That same mentality I told my brother not to duck
In actuality it’s a trip how we trip off of colors
I wonder if I’ll ever discover a passion like you and recover
The life that I knew as a youngin
In pajamas and dun-ta-duns
When thunder comes it rains cats and dogs dumb
Niggas like me never prosper
Prognosis of a problem child, I’m proud and well-devoted
This Piru shit been in me forever
So forever I’ma push it, wherever, whenever
And I love you ’cause you love my brother like you did
Just promise me you’ll tell this story when you make it big
And if I die before your album drop, I hope— [Gunshots]

 

Chorus
Promise that you will sing about me
Promise that you will sing about me
I said when the lights shut off and it’s my turn
To settle down, my main concern
Promise that you will sing about me
Promise that you will sing about me

 

Verse 2
You wrote a song about my sister on your tape
And called it Section.80
The message resembled “Brenda’s Got a Baby”
What’s crazy was I was hearin’ about it
But doubted your ignorance
How could you ever just put her on blast and shit?
Judgin’ her past and shit?
Well, it’s completely my future
Her nigga behind me right now askin’ for ass and shit
And I’ma need that forty dollars
Even if I got to fuck, suck and swallow
In the parking lot, Gonzales Park, I’m followed
By a married man, and father of three
My titties bounce on the cadence of his tinklin’ keys
Matter of fact, he my favorite ’cause he tip me with E’s
He got a cousin named David and I seen him last week
This is the life of another girl damaged by the system
These foster homes, I run away and never do miss ’em
See, my hormones just run away and if I can get ’em
Back to where they used to be, then I’ll probably be in the denim
Of a family gene that show women how to be woman
Or better yet, a leader, you need her to learn somethin’
Then you probably need to beat her, that’s how I was taught
Three niggas in one room, first time I was tossed
And I’m exhausted, but fuck that “Sorry for your loss” shit
My sister died in vain, but what point are you tryna gain
If you can’t fit the pumps I walk in?
I’ll wait… Your rebuttal a little too late
And if you have a album date, just make sure I’m not in the song
‘Cause I don’t need the attention, bring enough of that on my own
And matter fact, did I mention that I physically feel great?
A doctor’s approval is a waste of time, I know I’m straight
I’ll probably live longer than you and never fade away
I’ll never fade away, I’ll never fade away, I know my fate
And I’m on the grind for this cake, I’ma get it or die tryin’
I’m eyein’ every male gender with intentions of buyin’
You lyin’ to these motherfuckers
Talkin’ about you can help ’em with my story
You can help me if you sell this pussy for me, nigga
Don’t ignore me, nigga, fuck your glory, nigga, bullshit
And when I die…

 

Chorus
When the lights shut off and it’s my turn
To settle down, my main concern
Promise that you will sing about me
Promise that you will sing about me
I said when the lights shut off and it’s my turn
To settle down, my main concern
Promise that you will sing about me
Promise that you will sing about me

 

Verse 3
Sometimes I look in the mirror
And ask myself am I really scared of passin’ away?
If it’s today, I hope I hear a
Cry out from Heaven so loud it can water down a demon
With the Holy Ghost ’til it drown in the blood of Jesus
I wrote some raps that made sure that my lifeline reekin’
The scent of a reaper, ensurin’ that my allegiance
With the other side may come soon, and if I’m doomed
May the womb of my mother be blessed for many moons
I suffer a lot
And every day that glass mirror get tougher to watch
I tie my stomach in knots
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’ma rest
And you’re right, your brother was a brother to me
And your sister’s situation was the one that pulled me
In a direction to speak on somethin’ that’s realer than the TV screen
By any means, wasn’t tryin’ to offend or come between
Her personal life, I was like “It need to be told”
Cursin’ the life of twenty generations after her soul
Exactly what’d happen if I ain’t continue rappin’
Or steady bein’ distracted by money, drugs, and 4-5’s
I count lives, all on these songs
Look at the weak and cry, pray one day you’ll be strong
Fightin’ for your rights, even when you’re wrong
And hope that at least one of you sing about me when I’m gone
Am I worth it? Did I put enough work in?

 

Chorus
Promise that you will sing about me
Promise that you will sing about me
I said when the lights shut off and it’s my turn
To settle down, my main concern
Promise that you will sing about me
Promise that you will sing about me

 

Outro
Promise that you’ll sing about me forever
Promise that you’ll sing about me for— ooooh
Promise that you’ll sing about me forever
Promise that you’ll sing about me for— ooooh
Promise that you’ll sing about me forever
Promise that you’ll sing about me for— ooooh
Promise that you’ll sing about me forever
Promise that you’ll sing about me for— ooooh

 

PART II: “I’M Dying of Thirst”

Skit
(On the phone)
“Ay, ay, ay, where you ’bout to go?”
“Nigga, the homie’s brother—nigga, right here, he gone, my nigga, he gone!”
“Hey, come to the store for a nigga, one time.”
“We on the block right now, my nigga, like, we—nigga, we right here, my nigga.”
“Bring a nigga back a black!”
“Nigga—bruh—nigga, they just killed the homie’s brother, my nigga. We right here on the block, my nigga… Al—alright, nigga—nigga, just come—alright, alright, just call me back, man, just call me back.”
“Bring a nigga back a black!”
(*Hangs up*)
“Ahh, fuck… So, so, what we gon’ do, my niggas? What we gon’ do?”
“Bro, we can go back right now, my nigga. Like… nigga, I don’t give a fuck, my nigga. We can go back right now.”
“Fuck! I’m tired of this shit! I’m tired of fuckin’ runnin’, I’m tired of this shit! My brother, homie!”

 

Verse 1
Tired of runnin’, uh, tired of huntin’, uh
My own kind, but retirin’ nothin’, uh
Tires are steady screechin’, the driver is rubbin’, uh
Hands on the wheel, uh, who said we wasn’t, uh
Dyin’ of thirst, uh, dyin’ of thirst, uh, dyin’ of thirst, uh?

 

Verse 2
Dope on the corner, uh, look at the coroner, uh
Daughter is dead, uh, mother is mournin’ her, uh
Stray bullets, uh, AK bullets
Resuscitation was waitin’ patiently, but they couldn’t, uh
Bring her back, uh, who got the footage, uh?
Channel 9, uh, cameras is lookin’
It’s hard to channel your energy when you know he crooked, uh
Banana clip, split his banana pudding, uh
I’m like Tre, uh, that’s Cuba Gooding, uh
I know I’m good at, uh
Dyin’ of thirst, uh, dyin’ of thirst, uh, dyin’ of thirst, uh

 

Verse 3
How many sins, uh? I’m runnin’ out, uh
How many sins, uh? I lost count
Dreams of ballin’ like Spalding
But only shotty bounce, uh
The reaper callin’, uh, I’m cottonmouth, uh
Money is power (Money is power)
Yours is ours (Yours is ours)
Lay with a snitch, uh, die with a coward, uh
Hope we get rich, uh, hope we can tower
Over the city with vanity with the music louder, uh
The same song, uh, a black flower, uh
I’ll show you how to, uh
Dye your thirst, oh, dye your thirst, uh, dye your thirst, uh

 

Verse 4
What are we doin’, uh? Who are we foolin’, uh?
Hell is hot, uh, fire is proven, uh
To burn for eternity, return of the student
That never learned how to live righteous but how to shoot it, oh
Tired of runnin’, uh, choirs is hummin’, uh
Tell us to visit, uh, we lie about comin’, uh
Now back to business, uh, loadin’ the guns in
Back of the Buick, your hood is feudin’
The beef is bubblin’, uh, it’s no discussion, uh
Hereditary, uh, all of my cousins, uh
Dyin’ of thirst, uh, dyin’ of thirst, uh, dyin’ of thirst, uh

 

Verse 5
Too many sins, uh, I’m runnin’ out, uh
Somebody send me a well for the drought, uh
See all I know, uh, is takin’ notes
On takin’ this life for granted, granted, if he provoke, uh
My best days, uh, I stress days
(Lord, forgive me for all my sins, for I not know—)
My best days, uh, I stress days, uh
Say “fuck the world”, uh, my sex slave, uh
Money, pussy, and greed—what’s my next crave?
Whatever it is, know it’s my next grave, uh
Tired of runnin’, tired of runnin’, tired of tumblin’
Tired of runnin’, uh, tired of tumblin’, backwards
My momma say “See, a pastor give me a promise
What if today was the rapture and you completely tarnished?
The truth will set you free, so to me be completely honest
You dyin’ of thirst, you dyin’ of thirst
So hop in that water, and pray that it works

 

[Skit/Outro]
Fuck! I’m tired of this shit!
I’m tired of fuckin’ runnin’, I’m tired of this shit!
That’s my brother, homie!
Young man, come talk to me! Is that what I think that is?
I know that’s not what I think that is
Why are you so angry?
See, you young men are dying of thirst
Do you know what that means?
That means you need water, holy water
You need to be baptized, with the spirit of the Lord
Do you want to receive God as your personal savior?
Okay, repeat after me:
“Lord God, I come to You a sinner”
(Lord God, I come to You a sinner)
“And I humbly repent for my sins”
(And I humbly repent for my sins)
“I believe that Jesus is Lord”
(I believe that Jesus is Lord)
“I believe You raised Him from the dead”
(I believe You raised Him from the dead)
“I would ask that Jesus come into my life”
(I would ask that Jesus come in my life)
“And be my Lord and Savior”
(And be my Lord and Savior)
“I receive Jesus to take control of my life”
(I receive Jesus to take control of my life)
“And that I may live for Him from this day forward”
(And that I may live for Him from this day forward)
“Thank you, Lord Jesus
For saving me with Your precious blood”
(Thank you, Lord Jesus
For saving me with Your precious blood)
“In Jesus’ name, amen”
(In Jesus’ name, amen)
Alright now, remember this day
The start of a new life, your REAL life

 

Meaning Behind the Lyrics

With its haunting narratives and desperate pleas for remembrance, “Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst” stands as one of Kendrick Lamar’s most emotionally devastating compositions.

The twelve-minute epic weaves together stories of loss, mortality, and legacy.

Part I: “Sing About Me”

Chorus

When the lights shut off and it’s my turn …… Promise that you will sing about me

Meaning: The chorus expresses a deep desire to be remembered after death. The narrator wants their story to continue through others’ voices.

Verse 1

I woke up this morning and figured I’d call you …… And if I die before your album drop, I hope— [Gunshots]

Meaning: The verse describes a friend whose brother was killed by gun violence, speaking from beyond the grave. He recounts witnessing his brother’s death and his own gang-affiliated lifestyle.

Despite this destructive path, he values Kendrick’s friendship and storytelling ability. His final request is for Kendrick to immortalize his story through music.

Verse 2

You wrote a song about my sister on your tape …… And when I die…

Meaning: This verse shifts perspective to a sex worker who feels misrepresented in Kendrick’s previous music. She challenges his right to tell her sister’s story. She describes her difficult circumstances and sex work with raw honesty. Her voice eventually fades away, symbolizing how such women’s voices often go unheard.

Verse 3

Sometimes I look in the mirror …… Am I worth it? Did I put enough work in?

Meaning: Kendrick reflects on his own mortality and spiritual concerns. He examines his role as a storyteller of others’ pain. He defends his decision to tell difficult stories as necessary truth-telling. The verse concludes with him questioning his own legacy and impact.

Outro

Promise that you’ll sing about me forever …… Promise that you’ll sing about me for— ooooh

Meaning: The repetitive fading of “Promise that you’ll sing about me forever” emphasizes the universal human desire to be remembered. This gradual fading mirrors how memories eventually diminish.

Part II: “I’m Dying of Thirst”

Skit

(On the phone) …… “Fuck! I’m tired of this shit! I’m tired of fuckin’ runnin’, I’m tired of this shit! My brother, homie!”

Meaning: The skit portrays the immediate aftermath of a shooting. Young men are shown in a state of anger and confusion following violence. Their emotional reactions reveal the trauma and normalization of violence in their community.

Verse 1

Tired of runnin’, uh, tired of huntin’, uh …… Dyin’ of thirst, uh, dyin’ of thirst, uh, dyin’ of thirst, uh?

Meaning: This short verse expresses exhaustion with cyclical violence. The imagery of cars and hunting suggests being trapped in a destructive pattern.

Verse 2

Dope on the corner, uh, look at the coroner, uh …… Dyin’ of thirst, uh, dyin’ of thirst, uh, dyin’ of thirst, uh

Meaning: This verse describes the wider impact of street violence, particularly on innocent victims. The mention of news cameras highlights how these tragedies become spectacles. The desire for revenge continues the cycle of violence.

Verse 3

How many sins, uh? I’m runnin’ out, uh …… Dye your thirst, oh, dye your thirst, uh, dye your thirst, uh

Meaning: The verse explores how material desires and power struggles drive the violence. References to counting sins suggest a growing moral burden. Dreams of success contrast with the reality of destructive lifestyles.

Verse 4

What are we doin’, uh? Who are we foolin’, uh? …… Dyin’ of thirst, uh, dyin’ of thirst, uh, dyin’ of thirst, uh

Meaning: This section questions the purpose of ongoing violence while acknowledging its seeming inevitability. The reference to hell suggests awareness of moral consequences. The verse depicts how violence becomes inherited across generations. Community relationships deteriorate amid ongoing conflict.

Verse 5

Too many sins, uh, I’m runnin’ out, uh …… So hop in that water, and pray that it works

Meaning: The final verse expresses a desperate spiritual thirst and recognition of mortality. Material desires and violence are shown as ultimately empty pursuits. The verse concludes with maternal wisdom pointing toward spiritual redemption as the only escape from this cycle.

Skit/Outro

Fuck! I’m tired of this shit! …… The start of a new life, your REAL life

Meaning: The outro portrays spiritual intervention breaking the cycle of violence. An elder woman guides young men through baptism and prayer. This religious conversion represents potential redemption and a new beginning. The “dying of thirst” metaphor is resolved through spiritual water.

This masterpiece of storytelling and spiritual yearning confronts mortality while searching for meaning beyond survival. Through intimate portraits of lives cut short, Kendrick creates a powerful meditation on memory and redemption.

Theme of the Song

“Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst” examines several deep themes:

• Legacy and Remembrance: Reflects the human need to matter and be remembered after death.
• Cyclical Violence: Shows how violence perpetuates itself in marginalized communities.
• Storyteller’s Responsibility: Kendrick questions whether he exploits tragedy or provides genuine representation.
• Spiritual Redemption: The transition seeks meaning beyond material existence and breaking destructive cycles.
• Community Trauma: Illustrates how trauma affects entire communities, shaping collective identity.

This masterpiece of storytelling and spiritual yearning confronts mortality while searching for meaning beyond survival. Through intimate portraits of lives cut short, Kendrick creates a powerful meditation on memory and redemption.

Similar Songs Like “Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst”

If you appreciate the depth and storytelling of this track, you might enjoy these similar songs:

“Mother I Sober” – Kendrick Lamar

“Lost Ones” – J. Cole

“Stan” – Eminem

“Thieves in the Night” – Black Star

Similar Artists Like Kendrick Lamar

If you connect with Kendrick’s style, these artists might resonate with you as well:

1. J. Cole: Known for introspective storytelling and social commentary, J. Cole often explores personal growth and societal pressures with intellectual depth.

2. Vince Staples: Delivers unfiltered perspectives on urban life through minimalist production and sharp, concise lyricism.

3. Earl Sweatshirt: Creates dense, poetic verses over experimental production, exploring themes of depression, family dynamics, and personal evolution.

4. Noname: A Chicago poet-turned-rapper whose jazz-influenced sound carries thoughtful examinations of race, gender, and political consciousness.

5. Little Simz: A British rapper delivering confident, technically impressive verses over eclectic production while examining personal growth and societal expectations.

Want More Lyrics with Meaning? Check out Our Other song Lyrics Breakdowns and Find Your Next Favourite Line.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who are the Three Perspectives in “Sing About Me”?

The three verses represent Keisha’s brother (from “Keisha’s Song”), a friend whose brother was killed, and Kendrick himself reflecting on his responsibility as a storyteller.

Is the Song Based on Real People from Kendrick’s Life?

Yes, most characters and situations are based on real people and experiences from Kendrick’s life in Compton, with some details changed for artistic purposes.

What’s the Significance of The Prayer at The End of The Song?

The prayer represents spiritual awakening and the moment Kendrick chooses a different path, marking the crucial turning point in the album’s narrative arc.