Before the end of the
song, I was already in the process of searching up YouTube
and other search engines for the video and lyrics to the
song and other songs on the album. Along my search, I
discovered two profound sources of information. One was an
interview of Kendrick Lamar sharing his struggle with
depression as he was previously diagnosed while in a
rehabilitation center with a depressive type disorder and
suicidal ideation.
Another was a brief
commercial in an effort to address the stigma of mental
health in the black community by Keiser Permanente, a
non-profit managed healthcare system within the United
States. The commercial utilized Kendrick Lamar’s lyrics in
the song “U” of a young black adolescent with the voice over
Kendrick Lamar lyrics of his hidden pain of what is feels
like to suffer symptoms (loneliness, hopelessness, fear,
sadness, etc) of depression and thoughts of suicide.
Kendrick Lamar was
very serious in his discussion during the interview about
his depression and wanting to commit suicide and shared a
lot of his feelings in the lyrics presented on his album.
I was drawn to the
performance on Saturday Night Live due to Kendrick Lamar’s
lyrics’ “I.” It seems quite common that each of us are
supposed to love ourselves but express loving others
instead. In my profession as a counselor, many clients are
often diagnosed with a depressive type disorder whether it
be hereditary or experiential. A number of them consider
suicide as a way out not only because of the pain of feeling
the severe discomfort but the stigma. There is the silence
and the disbelief by others that it’s not real.
Depression is not just
about having a bad day, feeling sad or a broken heart. In
fact, it is so painful people will and do often attempt or
complete the act of suicide. Some of Lamar’s lyrics of the
song “U” read……“I know your secrets… I know depression
is restin’ on your heart for two reasons… And if this bottle
could talk I cry myself to sleep / B—- everything is your
fault… Shoulda killed yo a– a long time ago / You shoulda
feeled that black revolver blast a long time ago / And if
those mirrors could talk it would say ‘you gotta go’ / And
if I told your secrets / The world’ll know money can’t stop
a suicidal weakness.”
To the contrary some of the lyrics to Kendrick Lamar’s song
“I”….
I done been through a whole lot
Trials and tribulations, but I know God Satan wanna put me
in a bow-tie Praying that the holy water don't go dry, yeah
yeah As I look around me So many motherfe&%$rs wanna down me
But ain't no nigga never drown me In front of a dirty
double-mirror they found me And I love myself……
Take a mental health
moment and consider both the “I” and the “U” in your life.
We can write the lyrics to our lives however we choose.
More often than not, we need help with our lyrics. Kendrick
Lamar reached out for help and he’s still here writing more
and more lyrics to song’s many enjoy. Give other’s the
opportunity to enjoy the lyrics to your song ….. even if the
only words to your song is “I love you,” (yourself) as they
will be the most important words in your life for a healthy
quality of life.
Bernadette Graham is
a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified
Counselor and Certified Grief Recovery Specialist. She is
available for presentations and speaking engagements on
mental health topics. Provide feedback or reach out at
graham.bernadette@gmail.com or visit her website at
www.bjgrahamcounseling.com. For appointment information
please call 419.409.4929
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