“TV Off” by Kendrick Lamar is a sharp, introspective track that uses the metaphor of turning off the television to encourage listeners to reject distractions and superficial influences, focusing instead on authentic relationships, self-reliance, and genuine life goals. Below are the main lyrics and the interpreted meaning of the song.
“TV Off” Lyrics and Meaning Kendrick Lamar
Key Lyrics (Selected Excerpts)
Verse 1: Kendrick Lamar
They like, “What he on?”
It’s the Alpha and Omega, bitch, welcome home
This is not a song
This a revelation, how to get a nigga gone
You need you a man, baby, I don’t understand, baby
Pay your bill and make you feel protected like I can, baby
Teach you somethin’ if you need correction, that’s the plan, baby
Don’t put your life in these weird niggas’ hands, baby (Woah)
Verse 2: Kendrick Lamar
Hey, turn this TV off
Ain’t with my type activities? Then don’t you get involved
Hey, what, huh, how many should I send? Send 'em all
Take a risk or take a trip, you know I’m trippin’ for my dog
Chorus:
Mustard
Niggas actin’ bad, but somebody gotta do it
Got my foot up on the gas, but somebody gotta do it
Huh, turn this TV off, turn this TV off
Huh, turn this TV off, turn this TV off
Huh, turn this TV off, turn this TV off
Huh, turn this TV off, turn this TV off
Further lines reinforce Kendrick’s themes of legacy, survival, and leadership in the rap game as well as family authority.
Song Meaning Explained
“TV Off” centers on Kendrick Lamar’s call to disengage from meaningless distractions and fake influences represented metaphorically by the television, urging listeners to put authenticity and personal growth at the forefront of their lives.
The song critiques conformity and passive consumption, pushing for genuine connections and self-sufficiency.
Kendrick places himself as both a leader in his community and family, using parental imagery (turning off the TV) to guide him toward self-awareness and accountability.
The repeated chorus is also a tribute to DJ Mustard, highlighting collaboration and the urgency to “do what must be done” despite challenges.
Lyrically, Kendrick addresses legacy, loyalty, power, and survival, all while critiquing hypocrisy and the shallow distractions of fame and media.
Overall, “TV Off” is a powerful metaphorical anthem asking listeners to block out the noise of society and invest in their own lives, ambitions, and relationships.
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