Kendrick Lamar, born on June 17, 1987, in Compton, California, began crafting rhymes as a teenager, channeling his experiences into powerful lyrics that reflected his life. His early life deeply shaped his artistic voice.

He broke into the mainstream with groundbreaking albums like good kid, m.A.A.d city and To Pimp a Butterfly, earning critical acclaim, Grammy Awards, and even a Pulitzer Prize for his impact on hip-hop.

About the Song

Mother I Sober is about his way through personal struggles and healing from past trauma. In this song, he opens up about the challenges he faced and the strength it takes to move forward.

Mother I Sober Lyrics by Kendrick Lamar

Verse 1: Kendrick Lamar

I’m sensitive, I feel everything, I feel everybody
One man standin’ on two words, heal everybody
Transformation, then reciprocation, karma must return
Heal myself, secrets that I hide, buried in these words
Death threats, ego must die, but I let it purge
Pacify, broken pieces of me, it was all a blur
Mother cried, put they hands on her, it was family ties
I heard it all, I should’ve grabbed a gun, but I was only five
I still feel it weighin’ on my heart, my first tough decision
In the shadows clingin’ to my soul as my only critic
Where’s my faith? Told you I was Christian, but just not today
I transformed, prayin’ to the trees, God is taking shape
My mother’s mother followed me for years in her afterlife
Starin’ at me on back of some buses, I wake up at night
Loved her dearly, traded in my tears for a Range Rover
Transformation, you ain’t felt grief ’til you felt it sober

Chorus: Beth Gibbons

I wish I was somebody
Anybody but myself
Ooh, I wish I was somebody
Anybody but myself

Verse 2: Kendrick Lamar

I remember lookin’ in the mirror knowin’ I was gifted
Only child, me for seven years, everything for Christmas
Family ties, they accused my cousin, “Did he touch you, Kendrick?”
Never lied, but no one believed me when I said “He didn’t”
Frozen moments, still holdin’ on it, hard to trust myself
I started rhymin’, copin’ mechanisms to lift up myself
Talked to my lawyer, told me not to be so hard on myself
He has an aura, I hope to achieve, if I find some help
Congratulations, made it to be famous, still I feel uneasy
Water watchin’, live my life in nature, only thing relieves me
Spirit guide whisper in my ear, tell me that she sees me
“Did he touch you?” I said “No” again, still they didn’t believe me
Mother’s brother said he got revenge for my mother’s face
Black and blue, the image of my queen that I can’t erase
‘Til this day can’t look her in the eyes, pain is takin’ over
Blame myself, you never felt guilt ’til you felt it sober

Chorus: Beth Gibbons

I wish I was somebody
Anybody but myself
Ooh, I wish I was somebody
Anybody but myself

Verse 3: Kendrick Lamar

I was never high, I was never drunk, never out my mind
I need control, they handed me some smoke, but still I declined
I did it sober sittin’ with myself, I went through all emotions
No dependents, except for one, let me bring you closer
Intoxicated, there’s a lustful nature that I failed to mention
Insecurities that I project, sleepin’ with other women
Whitney’s hurt, the purest soul I know, I found her in the kitchen
Askin’ God, “Where did I lose myself? And can it be forgiven?”
Broke me down, she looked me in my eyes, “Is there an addiction?”
I said “No,” but this time I lied, I knew that I can’t fix it
Pure soul, even in her pain, know she cared for me
Gave me a number, said she recommended some therapy
I asked my momma why she didn’t believe me when I told her “No”

I never knew she was violated in Chicago, I’m sympathetic
Told me that she feared it happened to me, for my protection
Though it never happened, she wouldn’t agree
Now I’m affected, twenty years later trauma has resurfaced
Amplified as I write this song, I shiver ’cause I’m nervous
I was five, questioning myself, ‘lone for many years
Nothing’s wrong, just results on how them questions made me feel
I made it home, seven years of tour, chasin’ manhood
But Whitney’s gone, by time you hear this song, she did all she could
All those women gave me superpowers, what I thought I lacked
I pray our children don’t inherit me and feelings I attract
A conversation not bein’ addressed in Black families
The devastation, hauntin’ generations and humanity
They raped our mothers, then they raped our sisters
Then they made us watch, then made us rape each other
Psychotic torture between our lives, we ain’t recovered
Still livin’ as victims in the public eyes who pledge allegiance
Every other brother has been compromised
I know the secrets, every other rapper sexually abused
I see ’em daily buryin’ they pain in chains and tattoos
So listen close before you start to pass judgment on how he move
Learn how he cope, whenever his uncle had to walk him from school
His anger grows deep in misogyny
This is post-traumatic Black families and a sodomy, today is still active
So I set free myself from all the guilt that I thought I made
So I set free my mother all the hurt that she titled shame
So I set free my cousin, chaotic for my mother’s pain
I hope Hykeem made you proud ’cause you ain’t die in vain
So I set free the power of Whitney, may she heal us all
So I set free our children, may good karma keep them with God
So I set free the hearts filled with hatred, keep our bodies sacred
As I set free all you abusers, this is transformation

Chorus: Beth Gibbons

I wish I was somebody
Anybody but myself
Ooh, I wish I was somebody
Anybody but myself

Interlude: Whitney Alford

You did it, I’m proud of you
You broke a generational curse
Say “Thank you, dad”
Thank you, daddy, thank you, mommy, thank you, brother
Mr. Morale

Outro: Sam Dew

Before I go in fast asleep, love me for me
I bare my soul, and now we’re free

Similar Songs Like Mother I Sober

If you are connected with the deep, emotional themes of “Mother I Sober,” you might appreciate other songs that explore personal struggles and powerful storytelling in a similar way.

• u: Kendrick talks about feeling guilty and down about things he has done in the past. He struggles with his self-worth and shows deep emotions throughout.
• Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst: This song reflects on how our choices affect our future. Kendrick also talks about life, death, and how hard it is for people in his community to overcome troubles.
• A.D.H.D.: In this track, Kendrick reflects on the pressures and distractions of modern life, particularly how they affect the youth. It’s a commentary on addiction, mental health, and societal disconnection.
• DNA: In this song, Kendrick talks about his dignity in his family and where he comes from. He remarked on the strength.

Similar Artists Like Kendrick Lamar

If you enjoy Kendrick Lamar’s impactful lyrics and storytelling, you may like these artists known for their thought-provoking music and powerful messages.

• J. Cole
  Genres: Hip-Hop, Rap
  Top Albums: 2014 Forest Hills Drive (2014), KOD (2018), Born Sinner (2013)
• Isaiah Rashad
  Genres: Hip-Hop, Rap
  Top Albums: The Sun’s Tirade (2016), The House Is Burning (2021)
• Chance the Rapper
  Genres: Hip-Hop, Rap, Gospel
  Top Albums: Acid Rap (2013), Coloring Book (2016), The Big Day (2019)

• Schoolboy Q
  Genres: Hip-Hop, Rap
  Top Albums: Oxymoron (2014), Blank Face LP (2016), Crash Talk (2019)

• Ab-Soul
  Genres: Hip-Hop, Rap
  Top Albums: Control System (2012), Do What Thou Wilt. (2016), Herbert (2022)

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can the Song Help People?

The song can help people going through tough times feel understood. It reminds us that healing takes time and that it’s okay to ask for help when we need it.

How did the Song Impact Kendrick’s Career?

The song marked a turning point in Kendrick’s career, showing his ability to tackle tough, personal topics. It helped him gain more respect as an artist who doesn’t shy away from deep, emotional subjects.