“Lord Knows” by Drake - lyrics and meaning

[Intro: Rick Ross]

All we wanted was opportunity

(Just Blaze!) Lord knows! [Verse 1: Drake]

It's your worst nightmare, it's my first night here

And this girl right here, who knows what she knows?

So I'm going through her phone if she go to the bathroom

And her purse right there, I don't trust these hoes at all

But that's just the result of me paying attention

To all these women that think like men with the same intentions

Talking strippers and models that try to gain attention

Even a couple pornstars that I'm ashamed to mention

But Weezy and Stunna my only role models

Haffa and Jordan my only role models

That's why I walk around with all this gold on

And every time I run into these s they want no problems

Bottom sixes and chains, and some bracelets and rings

All of the little accents that make me a king

I never hear the disses they try and point out to me

But it's whatever if somebody wan' make it a thing

I'm more concerned with s thinkin' about Christmas in August

Do anything to buy gifts for they daughters

Get some shake, a brick in the press

And chef it like Mrs. Fields; they're making the cookie stretch

I know it so well, I know the hustle so well

Stunt like I'm working overnighters right by the motel

Drug money outfit, record clean

Spend it all on me and my f_ckin' team

Matchin' Rollies for real, matchin' Rovers for real

Places they say they've been, we've actually going for real

I'm really killin' sh_t, f_ck all the jiggy rapping

I'm going trigga happy just to see my s happy

Mixtape legend, underground kings

Lookin' for the right way to do the wrong things

With my new b_tch that's living in Palm Springs

Young ass , lifelong dreams

They take the greats from the past and compare us

I wonder if they'd ever survive in this era

In a time where it's recreation

To pull all your skeletons out the closet like Halloween decorations

I know of all the things that I hear they be poking fun at

Never the flow though, they know I run that

F_ck you all, I claim that whenever

I change rap forever, the game back together, yeah

YM, I remain that forever

In the same place my brother Wayne at forever

I'm a descendent of either Marley or Hendrix

I haven't figured it out cause my story is far from finished

I'm hearing all of the jokes, I know that they tryna push me

I know that showin' emotion don't ever mean I'm a p_ssy

Know that I don't make music for s who don't get p_ssy

So those are the ones I count on to diss me or overlook me

Lord knows, Lord knows, I'm heavy, I got my weight up

Roberson boost your rate up, it's time that somebody paid up

A lot of s came up off of a style that I made up

But if all I hear is me, then who should I be afraid of?

Bought a white Ghost, now sh_t is gettin' spooky

Very, very scary, like sh_t you see in the movies

In this b_tch all drinks on the house like Snoopy

That's why all the real soldiers salute me

Trill , for real [Interlude: Rick Ross]

You know I love this

YOLO, you only live once

I'm going so hard my , I swear homie

Everyday is another opportunity to reach that goal [Verse 2: Rick Ross]

I fell in love with the pen, started f_cking the ink

The hustle's an art, I painted what I would think

Still allergic to broke, prescription straight to the paper

Destined for greatness, but got a place in Jamaica

Villa on the water with the wonderful views

Only fat  in the sauna with Jews

Went and got a yacht, I'm talkin' Carnival cruise

And these s talking like hoes, they mad they not in my shoes

It's the red bottom boss, came to buy the bar

Every bi-week, sh_t, I'm bound to buy a car

Murder-cedes Benz or that bubble double R

Headlights flicking, looking like a falling star

Everyday them hammers bang, whipping yay like Anna Mae

I run the game but the ladies think I'm running game

Mink coats make your woman wanna fornicate

Rozay and Drake, I'm getting cake, nothing short of great view

Drake's song "Lord Knows" has captivated listeners with its powerful lyrics and introspective themes. On the surface, it explores Drake's rise to success, his relationships with women, and the challenges he faces in the music industry. However, a deeper analysis reveals unexpected comparisons between the song and Franz Kafka's renowned novel, "The Metamorphosis." Through Straussian analysis, we'll delve into the hidden layers of symbolism and parallel narratives that connect the two seemingly disparate works.

Overt Meaning:

The song opens with Rick Ross expressing the desire for equal opportunities in life. Drake then takes the spotlight, reflecting on his early success and the skepticism surrounding his persona. He addresses his trust issues with women, exploring themes of betrayal and deceit. Drake touches upon industry politics and disses from fellow artists, emphasizing his commitment to changing the rap game. Throughout the lyrics, Drake highlights his achievements, wealth, and dedication while acknowledging the criticisms he faces.

Creative Straussian Interpretation:

In an unexpected twist, "Lord Knows" draws parallels to Kafka's "The Metamorphosis," a novel where the protagonist, Gregor Samsa, wakes up one morning transformed into a giant insect. While the song's narrative might not directly mirror the events of the book, the underlying themes and character motivations bear intriguing resemblances.

The metamorphosis of Gregor Samsa can be seen as a metaphor for Drake's personal transformation on his journey to success. Just as Samsa wakes up to a new reality, Drake finds himself navigating an unfamiliar world of fame and fortune. Both characters are forced to confront their own inner demons and adapt to their altered circumstances.

Drake's scrutiny of women in the song mirrors Gregor's strained relationship with his family. Just as Drake admits to going through a woman's phone and purse due to a lack of trust, Gregor's family begins to view him as a burden and an outsider. The themes of betrayal and isolation intertwine, highlighting the emotional struggles both characters face.

Moreover, the lyrics imply that Drake's struggle with industry politics and disses from other artists aligns with Gregor's alienation from society. As Drake wonders if critics from the past would survive in the current era, he questions the ability of others to understand his perspective. This echoes Gregor's isolation, as he finds himself unable to communicate or connect with those around him.

Alternative Interpretations and Influences:

In examining other characters in the song, we can draw a connection between Rick Ross and the character of Gregor's father in "The Metamorphosis." Gregor's father, once reliant on his son's income, is eventually forced to return to work to support the family. Rick Ross's lyrics about falling in love with the pen, depicting himself as a hustler, and purchasing luxurious items parallel the father's efforts to meet the family's financial needs. These insights reveal unexpected resemblances between characters in "Lord Knows" and "The Metamorphosis," further deepening the Straussian interpretation.

Furthermore, a surprising influence on the song's lyrics can be traced back to the character of Josef K. in Kafka's "The Trial." Josef K. is falsely accused and subjected to a senseless trial. Drake's lyrics about critics poking fun and his resilience in the face of adversity echo the themes of persecution found in Kafka's work. This connection adds a layer of complexity to the narrative of "Lord Knows," elucidating Drake's feelings of injustice and his determination to overcome barriers.

Drake's "Lord Knows" takes listeners on a lyrical journey that transcends its superficial meaning. Through Straussian analysis, we have uncovered unexpected parallels between the song's themes and Franz Kafka's "The Metamorphosis." Both works explore personal transformation, betrayal, and isolation. Characters from the song mirror those from the novel, shedding light on the emotional struggles faced by Drake and Gregor Samsa. By intertwining elements of popular culture, literature, and personal experiences, Drake crafts a multi-layered song that resonates with listeners on a profound level.