Meaning of p R I D E . I S . T H E . D E V I L by Lil Baby
In the Lil Baby song titled "p R I D E . I S . T H E . D E V I L," the overall theme centers around the destructive nature of pride and its impact on individuals and society. Throughout the song, Lil Baby and J. Cole explore the consequences and struggles that come with holding onto pride.One standout lyric that helps develop this theme is in the chorus when J. Cole sings, "Pride is the Devil, think it got a hold on me." This line highlights how pride can consume a person, leading them astray and clouding their judgment. It serves as a reminder that allowing pride to control our actions can lead to negative outcomes.Additionally, in the post-chorus, J. Cole reflects on the fear of losing someone and being left with emptiness. He says, "Terrified, paranoid, I'll put you over everything to fill the void. And when you’re gone, will I have anything or will I be destroyed?" This lyric delves into the idea that pride can cause us to prioritize our ego over the people we care about, leaving us isolated and ultimately destroyed.Moving on to J. Cole's verse, he shares his personal experiences grappling with pride. He recalls a time when someone pulled a gun on him, emphasizing how his ego-driven actions could have led to dire consequences. He raps, "I'm petrified, but moving like I got no sense of urgency. Pride make a nigga act way harder than he really be." This line highlights how pride can distort reality and push individuals to act recklessly, endangering themselves and those around them.Another thought-provoking lyric in J. Cole's verse is, "Pride hide the pain of growing up in hell and poverty." Here, the lyricist explores how pride can be used as a coping mechanism, allowing individuals to hide their vulnerability and bury their past traumas. However, this misguided pride can ultimately isolate them from receiving the support they may need to heal and grow.In the second verse, J. Cole hands the mic to Lil Baby, who dives into the theme of pride from his own perspective. Lil Baby talks about the weight that money and success bring, noting that sometimes it takes a toll on him. He raps, "