Song name: For Free? (Interlude) Track 8: To Pimp A Butterfly
This song offers a deeper insight into the previously introduced figure of Lucy (a character representing Lucifer)
As the song goes on, it is understood that Lucy is short for Lucifer, hence the lines about temptation and signing contracts. The name makes the song work in tandem with For Free?. Both songs relate to his value as a musician, and how that transcends in to his value as a person. On For Free? he criticises the culture that breeds a belief that musicians and famous people must “floss” or be showy with their money. Here, he juxtaposes that criticism with the seductive nature of the hip hop lifestyle, namely the bling culture, and the idea that once an artist signs a deal and receives their advance, all their dreams will come true.
Below is a strip from the lyrics whereby Kendrick is having a conversation with the devil (Lucy or Lucifer)
“You said to me
You said your name was Lucy
I said where’s Ricardo?
I said oh no, not the show
Than you spit a little rap to me like this
When I turned 26 I was like oh shit
You said this to me
I remember what you said too you said
My name is Lucy Kendrick
You introduced me Kendrick
Usually I don’t do this
But I see you and me Kendrick
Lucy Give you no worries
Lucy got million stories
About these rappers I came after when they was boring
Lucy gone fill your pockets
Lucy gone move your mama out of Compton
Inside the gi-gantic mansion like I promised
Lucy just want your trust and loyalty
Avoiding me?
It’s not so easy I’m at these functions accordingly
Kendrick, Lucy don’t slack a minute
Lucy work harder
Lucy gone call you even when Lucy know you love your Father
I’m Lucy
I loosely heard prayers on your first album truly
Lucy don’t mind cause at the end of the day you’ll pursue me
Lucy go get it, Lucy not timid, Lucy up front
Lucy got paper work on top of paper work
I want you to know that Lucy got you
All your life I watched you
And now you all grown up then sign this contract if that’s possible”
Analysis from Genius.com
