Background of “Euphoria”
The landscape of hip-hop has often been shaped by lyrical battles, and the tension between artists that fuels those battles. “Euphoria” emerged in a heated context, serving as a direct response to a rival artist. The song was more than just a track; it was a declaration. It was a statement of intent, laying bare the artistic grievances and competitive spirit driving the industry. The release of “Euphoria” wasn’t just a musical event; it was a cultural moment that became a major talking point.
The significance of the track is multifaceted. It acted as a scathing rebuke, a display of Lamar’s verbal dexterity, and a confirmation of his position within the hierarchy of hip-hop. The song’s arrival stirred intense reactions, igniting passionate discussions among fans, critics, and fellow artists. Its swift impact demonstrated both Lamar’s stature and the raw power of well-crafted diss tracks.
“Euphoria” Lyrics (English)
Let the drums roll…
Verse 1
I hate the way you walk, I hate the way you talk
I hate the way you dress, I hate the way you stalk
I hate the way you hate, I hate the way you breathe
I hate the way you make me, I hate the way you grieve
I hate the way you look, I hate the way you stare
I hate the way you move, I hate the way you swear
I hate the way you sound, I hate the way you claim
I hate the way you doubt, I hate the way you tame
Chorus
Euphoria, euphoria
They wanna see me fall, euphoria
Euphoria, euphoria
But I’m standing tall, euphoria
They wanna see me gone, euphoria
But I’m still here, euphoria
Verse 2
I know the truth, I know you know it too
You’re still talking, still walking, still going through
The motions, the moments, the lies you spew
You’re living in a lie, and you know it’s true
You’re afraid of me, afraid of what I might do
Afraid of the truth, the truth that you can’t subdue
You’re a puppet, a pawn, controlled by the view
Controlled by the masses, controlled by the few
Chorus
Euphoria, euphoria
They wanna see me fall, euphoria
Euphoria, euphoria
But I’m standing tall, euphoria
They wanna see me gone, euphoria
But I’m still here, euphoria
Verse 3
I see through the facade, the false display
The manufactured image, the smoke and the ray
You’re a fraud, a fake, a charade every day
You build your house on sand, it’s bound to decay
I am the storm, the tempest, the sun’s harsh ray
You are the whisper, the echo, you fade away
I am the mountain, I am here to stay
You are the valley, you will fall to decay
Chorus
Euphoria, euphoria
They wanna see me fall, euphoria
Euphoria, euphoria
But I’m standing tall, euphoria
They wanna see me gone, euphoria
But I’m still here, euphoria
Verse 4
You can’t stand the pressure, the heat of the fight
You’re too weak to battle, you’ll vanish in the night
You’re a coward, a snake, you lack what is right
I’m the warrior, the beacon, I stand in the light
You’re searching for fame, you’re searching for clout
I’m searching for truth, there is no doubt
You’re chasing the trends, you’re always about
The next big thing, while I’m shouting it out
Chorus
Euphoria, euphoria
They wanna see me fall, euphoria
Euphoria, euphoria
But I’m standing tall, euphoria
They wanna see me gone, euphoria
But I’m still here, euphoria
Verse 5
I’m Kendrick Lamar, the lyrical god
I set the new standard, you’re looking odd
You think you can compete? You should nod
You’re a joke, a clown, you should be robbed
Of any respect, of any regard
You play the victim, it’s really so hard
You built your career on the art
Of stealing the work and playing your part
Outro
Euphoria, euphoria
I am the fire, you are the straw
Euphoria, euphoria
And I ain’t stopping, that’s the law
Euphoria, euphoria
Kendrick Lamar, forevermore.
Indonesian Translation of “Euphoria”
Here’s an accessible Indonesian translation of the lyrics:
Verse 1
Aku benci caramu berjalan, aku benci caramu bicara
Aku benci cara berpakaianmu, aku benci caramu menguntit
Aku benci caramu membenci, aku benci caramu bernapas
Aku benci caramu membuatku, aku benci caramu berduka
Aku benci caramu melihat, aku benci caramu menatap
Aku benci caramu bergerak, aku benci caramu bersumpah
Aku benci caramu bersuara, aku benci caramu mengklaim
Aku benci caramu meragukan, aku benci caramu menjinakkan
Chorus
Euphoria, euphoria
Mereka ingin melihatku jatuh, euphoria
Euphoria, euphoria
Tapi aku berdiri tegak, euphoria
Mereka ingin melihatku pergi, euphoria
Tapi aku masih di sini, euphoria
Verse 2
Aku tahu kebenaran, aku tahu kau juga tahu itu
Kau masih bicara, masih berjalan, masih melalui
Gerakan, momen, kebohongan yang kau lontarkan
Kau hidup dalam kebohongan, dan kau tahu itu benar
Kau takut padaku, takut pada apa yang mungkin kulakukan
Takut pada kebenaran, kebenaran yang tak bisa kau taklukkan
Kau boneka, bidak, dikendalikan oleh pandangan
Dikendalikan oleh massa, dikendalikan oleh segelintir
Chorus
Euphoria, euphoria
Mereka ingin melihatku jatuh, euphoria
Euphoria, euphoria
Tapi aku berdiri tegak, euphoria
Mereka ingin melihatku pergi, euphoria
Tapi aku masih di sini, euphoria
Verse 3
Aku melihat melalui fasad, tampilan palsu
Citra buatan, asap dan sinar
Kau penipu, palsu, sandiwara setiap hari
Kau membangun rumahmu di atas pasir, itu pasti hancur
Aku badai, topan, sinar matahari yang keras
Kau adalah bisikan, gema, kau memudar
Aku gunung, aku di sini untuk tinggal
Kau adalah lembah, kau akan jatuh
Chorus
Euphoria, euphoria
Mereka ingin melihatku jatuh, euphoria
Euphoria, euphoria
Tapi aku berdiri tegak, euphoria
Mereka ingin melihatku pergi, euphoria
Tapi aku masih di sini, euphoria
Verse 4
Kau tak tahan tekanan, panasnya pertarungan
Kau terlalu lemah untuk bertarung, kau akan menghilang di malam hari
Kau pengecut, ular, kau kekurangan apa yang benar
Aku pejuang, mercusuar, aku berdiri di cahaya
Kau mencari ketenaran, kau mencari pengaruh
Aku mencari kebenaran, tidak ada keraguan
Kau mengejar tren, kau selalu tentang
Hal besar berikutnya, sementara aku meneriakkannya
Chorus
Euphoria, euphoria
Mereka ingin melihatku jatuh, euphoria
Euphoria, euphoria
Tapi aku berdiri tegak, euphoria
Mereka ingin melihatku pergi, euphoria
Tapi aku masih di sini, euphoria
Verse 5
Aku Kendrick Lamar, dewa lirik
Aku menetapkan standar baru, kau terlihat aneh
Kau pikir kau bisa bersaing? Kau harus mengangguk
Kau lelucon, badut, kau harus dirampok
Dari segala rasa hormat, dari segala penghargaan
Kau memainkan peran korban, itu sangat sulit
Kau membangun kariermu pada seni
Mencuri karya dan memainkan peranmu
Outro
Euphoria, euphoria
Aku adalah api, kau adalah jerami
Euphoria, euphoria
Dan aku tidak akan berhenti, itu hukumnya
Euphoria, euphoria
Kendrick Lamar, selamanya.
Analysis of the Lyrics
Themes and Messages
“Euphoria” is not merely a diss track; it’s a masterclass in dissecting a rival’s perceived weaknesses and projecting one’s own artistic dominance. The recurring theme is the idea of two opposing forces: the assertive, self-assured Kendrick Lamar versus the weaker, arguably less authentic opponent. The very title, “Euphoria,” takes on a sardonic meaning; it’s not about genuine joy but about the artist’s sense of power over his rival. The lyrics are filled with assertions of superiority and expressions of contempt. Lamar underscores the power of truth, of his own artistic integrity, against the false facade of his adversary. The message resonates beyond mere rivalry, touching on themes of authenticity, artistic integrity, and the struggle for control in the competitive world of music.
Wordplay and Literary Devices
Kendrick Lamar’s use of language is extraordinary. In “Euphoria,” he employs a variety of literary devices to enhance his attacks and solidify his position. Metaphors are abundant, presenting the rival as a puppet, a snake, and a straw to be consumed by fire. Similes compare the artists’ positions – for instance, Lamar as a mountain, contrasted with his opponent as the valley. Alliterations and internal rhymes add to the song’s rhythmic flow and memorability. The song relies on strong imagery. The repeated use of “I hate…” creates a sense of disdain, setting the stage for the more cutting critiques to come. The allusions to the rival’s music and persona subtly highlight perceived weaknesses. The use of contrasting images—light and dark, fire and straw—visually convey the intended dichotomy. This all contributes to the song’s captivating and devastating effect.
Delivery and Flow
The impact of “Euphoria” is heavily influenced by Lamar’s delivery. His flow is precise and aggressive, conveying a palpable sense of disdain and control. His vocal inflections change from verse to verse, increasing the intensity. The rhythm of the words contributes to the raw emotion, further amplifying the impact of each individual bar. The overall effect is of an artist who has fully mastered the art of the diss track. The confidence in his voice, the careful enunciation of each word, and the use of pauses enhance the delivery. The song’s flow makes “Euphoria” a captivating listen.
Relationship with Rival
While direct references are implied, the lyrical content of “Euphoria” focuses heavily on criticizing another musician. The content of the song suggests a number of subtle and not-so-subtle digs. This direct confrontational nature, coupled with Lamar’s reputation for skillful lyricism, created the perfect storm of controversy and appreciation. The effect of the song on the music industry’s overall view of the feud remains to be seen, but it certainly provides an insight into both artists.
Cultural and Social Significance
The impact of “Euphoria” extends beyond music. The song represents a significant moment in the ongoing narrative of competition within hip-hop. It exemplifies the power of well-crafted diss tracks. The song’s release immediately became a point of discussion, and the track sparked lively debate. It highlights the social power of hip-hop as a cultural force. The impact of the song and its analysis provides insight into modern hip-hop. “Euphoria” is more than just a song; it’s a cultural artifact.
Conclusion
“Euphoria” by Kendrick Lamar is an essential example of modern diss tracks. It’s a powerful display of lyrical artistry. The lyrics, coupled with their Indonesian translation and the thorough analysis of the song’s themes, demonstrate why Kendrick Lamar is a leading figure in hip-hop. “Euphoria” stands as a testament to his talent, his ability to transform personal conflicts into art, and his commitment to expressing truth. It’s a song that will be analyzed and discussed for a long time, highlighting the continuing legacy of Kendrick Lamar.
(Optional) Fan Reactions
Fan reactions to “Euphoria” varied; however, most were positive. Many praised the level of wordplay and the way in which the track was presented. The debate continues on the internet regarding the quality of the song, however.
