Meaning of LOYALTY. by Bruno Mars

The Bruno Mars song 'LOYALTY.' featuring Kendrick Lamar and Rihanna explores the complex theme of loyalty in relationships. The song delves into various aspects of loyalty, from personal loyalty to love and friendship, to loyalty to oneself and even loyalty to a higher power. Each lyric in the song contributes to the development of these themes, offering unexpected and imaginative perspectives on loyalty.The Pre-Chorus sung by DJ Dahi and Kendrick Lamar sets the stage for the song's exploration of loyalty. The lyrics "I said I'm geeked and I’m fired up, All I want tonight is just get high, Girl, you look so good, it's to die for" portray a passionate desire and dedication towards indulging in a pleasurable experience. This can be seen as a metaphor for loyalty, suggesting that sometimes being loyal means being fully committed and engulfed in the moment.In the Chorus, Kendrick Lamar and Rihanna come together to emphasize the importance of trust and unity in loyalty. The lyrics "It's a secret society, All we ask is trust, All we got is us" suggest that loyalty stems from a shared understanding and reliance on one another. This theme of trust is further emphasized in the line "Ain't no other love like the one I know, I done been down so long lost hope, I done came down so hard I slowed, Honestly forever, all a real nigga want." Here, loyalty is portrayed as the foundation for enduring love and support amidst challenging times.Kendrick Lamar's verse introduces a new perspective on loyalty by examining one's loyalty to oneself. He raps "Tell me who you loyal to, Is it love for the streets when the lights get dark? Is it unconditional when the 'Rari don't start?" These lyrics express the idea that true loyalty extends beyond material possessions and external circumstances. Loyalty to oneself involves staying true to personal values, even when faced with hardships and setbacks.Rihanna's verse brings a sense of empowerment to the theme of loyalty. She declares "Been a bad bitch way before any cash came, I'm established, hundred carats on my name." These lyrics convey the idea that loyalty to oneself means being confident and self-assured, regardless of external validation. Rihanna's portrayal of a strong and independent woman adds another layer to the exploration of loyalty, showing that loyalty can manifest in self-belief and a refusal to compromise one's worth.The collaboration between Kendrick Lamar and Rihanna in the third verse adds a playful touch to loyalty. Kendrick Lamar raps "I'm a savage, I'm a asshole, I’m a king" while Rihanna responds with "Shimmy ya, shimmy ya, shimmy ya rah, You can tell your nigga he can meet me outside." These lyrics suggest that loyalty can also manifest in unapologetically embracing one's identity and expressing oneself authentically. It is about finding strength and individuality within oneself and being loyal to that essence.The song's second chorus reinforces the importance of loyalty and highlights its impact on relationships. Kendrick Lamar and Rihanna sing "Loyalty, loyalty, loyalty, 10-4, no switchin' sides, Feel somethin' wrong, You actin' shifty, you don't vibe, With me no more, I need loyalty." These lyrics emphasize the consequences of wavering loyalty and the need for trust and commitment to maintain a strong bond. Loyalty is portrayed as the glue that holds relationships together, and its absence can lead to feelings of disconnect.The outro of the song, performed by Kendrick Lamar and Rihanna, brings the overarching theme of loyalty full circle. The lyrics "It's so hard to be humble, Lord knows I'm tryin'" reflect the idea that loyalty often requires humility and constant effort. It acknowledges that staying loyal can be challenging, but the desire to remain committed is still present.Overall, the song 'LOYALTY.' by Bruno Mars, Kendrick Lamar, and Rihanna provides a multi-dimensional exploration of loyalty. From personal dedication and trust to love and friendship to loyalty to oneself and a higher power, each lyric adds depth to the theme. The song encourages listeners to reflect on the various facets of loyalty and its significance in their own lives. It ultimately conveys that loyalty, whether to others or oneself, is a vital aspect of forming strong, lasting connections.