Meaning of Kill For by The Weeknd

The Weeknd's song 'Kill For' delves into the complex and often conflicting emotions surrounding loyalty, ambition, and the desire for success. The lyrics paint a dark and gritty picture, expressing a raw vulnerability intertwined with a hunger for power. As we dissect the song, we can identify several standout lyrics that contribute to the overall theme.The opening lyrics immediately set the tone for the song, with The Weeknd confessing, "Can't be sober for a day, I be feelin' too lost." This vulnerability hints at a struggle with personal demons and the need to escape reality. It showcases the desire to lose control and embrace a wild lifestyle, seeking solace in the temporary pleasures that come with it.The lyrics continue with the line, "I'm in the presidential telly, Pelle Pelle, True Religion, with some bitches smokin' dope." Here, The Weeknd intertwines materialistic desires with a sense of rebellion. The brands mentioned represent status and opulence, implying a hunger for success and the desire to be seen as powerful in a superficial world. The inclusion of "smokin' dope" suggests a disregard for conventional rules and a willingness to engage in risky behavior to achieve his desires.As the song progresses, The Weeknd confronts the notion of loyalty with the lines, "This the shit that I live for, with the niggas I kill for." Although it may seem unsettling, these lyrics touch upon the complexities of loyalty and the lengths one is willing to go for their close circle. It explores the blurred lines between love, devotion, and potentially harmful actions, highlighting the darker side of loyalty that can manifest when pushed to the extreme.In the midst of his introspection, The Weeknd addresses the hypocrisy of fake people and reveals his loyalty towards those who have proven themselves. He asserts, "Fake niggas, I don't honor those. Real talk, I'm a real nigga, so I ain't got shit to say to you." This lyric conveys the importance of authenticity and staying true to oneself, while also illustrating the power dynamics at play within relationships. It suggests that The Weeknd values real connections and is not afraid to distance himself from those who do not align with his principles.Furthermore, the lyrics, "Please don't get me confused, a lot of niggas I'm cool with, they are not gon' do shit," highlight the idea that not everyone who claims to be supportive or loyal will truly stand by your side when it matters most. It touches upon the loneliness and disappointment that can come with realizing that the people you thought were there for you may not be as reliable as expected.The Weeknd also takes a moment to reflect on his personal growth and the challenges he has faced, stating, "All my homies that went down in this shit, nigga, I feel for 'em. That's the reason I'm still going, tryna get rich, sign a deal for 'em." These lyrics delve into the survivor's guilt that can arise when one experiences success while others are left behind. The Weeknd feels a sense of responsibility towards those who have fallen and uses their memory as motivation to continue pushing himself towards success.In conclusion, 'Kill For' by The Weeknd explores themes of loyalty, ambition, and the hunger for success. The song exposes a vulnerability and a desire to escape reality while simultaneously embracing the darker side of devotion and materialistic desires. The standout lyrics showcase the complexities of loyalty, authenticity, personal growth, and survivor's guilt, all contributing to the overall theme of the song. 'Kill For' highlights the internal battles that arise when one pursues their dreams at any cost and touches upon the universal struggles we all face in our pursuit of success.