Meaning of Lord by Westside Gunn

In the gritty and introspective song 'Lord' by Westside Gunn, the overall theme revolves around the harsh realities of street life and the consequences that come with it. The song delves into the experiences and perspectives of the two artists, El Camino and Westside Gunn, as they recount the violence, loss, and resilience that define their lives.One standout lyric in the song is from El Camino's verse: "Lost his life in these streets, serving skaters out that navigator tryna get my weight up." This lyric explores the theme of ambition and the pursuit of success, even in the face of danger. The mention of serving skaters from a navigator is symbolic of the risks El Camino takes to make a living. It highlights the underlying tension between staying afloat and the potential consequences of engaging in illegal activities.Another significant lyric is Westside Gunn's line: "Got stoves on the ceiling, stoves on the Bape sweatsuit, coke dealing." This lyric delves into the theme of duality and the balancing act that individuals in this lifestyle may have to perform. The juxtaposition of luxurious fashion and illegal activities suggests the hidden complexities of street life. It showcases the pressure to appear successful, while also hinting at the precariousness that comes with participating in illicit activities.The lyric "Now he got another 5 years in the system, got 3 kids, they don't even know the nigga" by Westside Gunn highlights the theme of family and the impact that street life can have on personal relationships. The line emphasizes the far-reaching consequences of one's actions, especially when it comes to family dynamics. It elicits a sense of sadness and regret, revealing the sacrifices and missed opportunities that occur as a result of criminal involvement.A subtle but poignant theme touched upon in the song is redemption. While the lyrics primarily focus on the darker aspects of street life, there is an undercurrent of hope and a desire for change. This is evident in El Camino's line, "The lord couldn't have saved him, I just blazed him." Here, the act of "blazing" can be seen as a metaphor for cleansing or purifying, as if the violence itself can offer a distorted form of redemption or release. This theme suggests that despite the violence and loss, there is still a yearning for something better, albeit through unconventional means.Overall, 'Lord' by Westside Gunn delves into the multifaceted aspects of street life, touching on themes of ambition, duality, family, and redemption. It offers a stark and unapologetic portrayal of the realities of the streets while also hinting at the underlying complexities and hopes embedded within this harsh lifestyle. Through their poignant and thought-provoking lyrics, El Camino and Westside Gunn provide an unfiltered glimpse into their world, making 'Lord' a truly captivating and introspective song.