Flying Lotus - Never Catch Me ft. Kendrick Lamar

Flying Lotus presents 'Never Catch Me feat. Kendrick Lamar', a film by Hiro Murai.
• You're Dead! - the fifth studio album from Flying Lotus is available now - flying-lotus.f...
CREDITS
Producer - Jason Cole
Executive Producer - Danielle Hinde
Executive Producer - Kimberly Stuckwisch
Cinematography - Larkin Seiple
Editing - Luke Lynch
Production Design - Hannah Hurney
Art Direction - Ariel Vida
Makeup Artist - Michelle Sandoval
Choregraphers - Keone & Mari Madrid
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EXPLORE MORE
• Produced by Flying Lotus
• Directed by Flying Lotus
• Scored by Flying Lotus
LYRICS
I can see the darkness in me and it's quite amazing
Life and death is no mystery and I wanna taste it
Step inside of my mind and you'll find
Curiosity, animosity, high philosophy, hyper prophesized meditation
Reminisce on my wonder years and I wonder here
Sentiments of my words ain't been so sincere
The sentiment of my nerves that I just persevere
The big thought of fallin' off disappeared to my fate
They say that Heaven's real
Analyze my demise I say I'm super anxious
Recognize I deprive this fear and then embrace it
Vandalizing these walls only if they could talk
Conversations don't contemplate to my dark thoughts
Lookin' down on my soul now
Tell me I'm in control now
Tell me I can live long and I can live wrong and I can live right
And I can sing songs and I can unite with you that I love, you that I like
Look at my life and tell me I fight
This that final destination, this that find some information
This that find some inspiration, this that crack the instillation
This that quantum jump and fist pump and that bomb detonation
Please don't bomb my nation, embalming fluid waiting
I got mind control when I'm here, you gon' hate me when I'm gone
Ain't no blood pumpin' no fear, I got hope inside of my bones
This that life beyond your own life, this say this go for mankind
This that outer-body experience no coincidence you been died
Bitch you're dead
Say you will never ever catch me no, no, no
Say you will never ever catch me no, no, no
Say you will never ever catch me no, no, no
Say you will never ever catch me no, no, no
Say you will never ever catch me
Say you will never ever catch me
Say you will never ev-
#FlyingLotus #KendrickLamar #HiroMurai #WarpRecords

[@athunderfan]

Flying Lotus, Thundercat, Kendrick Lamar, AND Hiro Murai. Did I die and wake up in creativity heaven?

[@michaelpapazis]

Welcome my friend

[@shinobi_homie]

yes...yes you did, welcome

[@athunderfan]

Hello brothers, thank you for welcoming me into this glorious place

[@rkon7629]

imagine they had donald glover in there too 💀

[@gabrielgian6207]

And this lost the Grammy to that ahh Diplo song

[@sirromando4527]

Can we all just take a minute to appreciate how good a director Hiro Murai is

[@waffalanitewaffalanati7962]

Yup he done this is America and Atlanta aswell

[@declanodoherty6466]

Brilliance, art and soul.

[@maniacguitar]

Totally... makes me teary-eyed every single time...

[@bodhimind108]

Lately,everytime i see something brilliant,his name is attatched.

[@McGenge]

Damn, I couldn't count how many times happened to me that I loved a music video and it turned out to be a Hiro Murai production :D

[@mayapostell5239]

I found this video a few weeks after my younger brother was killed in November of 2016. I watched it over and over again and I couldn't stop crying. Its so surreal and heartbreaking and beautiful- I don't have the words to describe how much this song means to me. It reminds me of the church my brother and I grew up in. It reminds me of staying up past bedtime and hearing Flylo's music on adultswim, It reminds me of the park we used to play at as kids. Marcus, there isn't a single moment that goes by that I don't miss you. I think about you every day and I feel so empty knowing you were taken away from us. I'm so grateful that I grew up with you as my brother. Ill say it forever- I love you and I miss you and I cant wait to see you again.

[@morgancrump350]

I’m praying for you. Sending love and light

[@nayahri]

🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@maxharper9282]

Sending you so much love

[@傅夢夢]

👌

[@renegonzalez6306]

may he rest in peace , sending you love

[@fofanahyrakotonarivo4971]

9 years later, still there. One of the best features Kendrick did, got me feeling all his lyrics deep inside of my heart. He is really inspiring

[@MsKali05]

Classic

[@vvcs3334]

Big facts this song the video fire 🔥

[@TdT2211]

The director of the video...they felt that beat for sure. ​@@vvcs3334

[@sentientcardboarddumpster7900]

I just rediscovered this, and this is the song that introduced me to Kendrick so mamy years ago

[@josiethompson5739]

I would argue it's possibly _the_ best Kendrick feature

[@LochNessHamster]

This song and video really captures the surreal feeling of being at a funeral. If you've ever been to a funeral, you know exactly what I'm talking about. You're never quite prepared for it. Seeing all these people that you normally see in good spirits at a family gathering, but they're all so sad and heartbroken. Seeing the person you used to know, now just an inanimate object. The beauty and softness of the flowers and the plush inside casket for someone who can never know them. The off smell that funeral halls have. It's a sickening sensation. It gets your heart racing, but makes your stomach and your body seize, petrified. The adrenaline and the slow, somber melancholy. This song just nails it for me. No other depiction of a funeral I've seen really gets that feeling across.

[@Maloolz]

Absolutely perfect description of the feeling.

[@joeantolak4629]

Thank you

[@sunkidsunkidsunkid]

you described it perfectly. i have shivers

[@percinhaler30]

NICKREAPER316 Nick described the feeling that everyone experienced but never knew how to describe. Thank you

[@davevanlaren2501]

I don't know exactly what you're talking about because I am different than you and had a different experience..... you assume too much

[@ETHAN-qc3oe]

Its as if the kids are confused at the church's sorrow. Although they are the ones deceased, they are the ones most at peace. The church is distressed, yet the children are dancing. Its one of those things where its like "don't be sad because its over, be happy that it happened." Their lives cut short, yet they continue to live in spirit.

[@StevieDrama]

ETHAN I felt this comment

[@reginaldrenoir]

"Be happy that it happened", YO!!!

[@mariooldani9371]

God bless

[@robertsimmons8451]

The kids wanna go to, runnin' behind the hearse.

[@macaroll]

nicely put!

[@prolifikasf3390]

Flying Lotus explored the theme of death from every angle in his album (hence the album title, "You're Dead"). In this track, he expresses the celebration of life. The emphasis on that celebration is found during a period of grief. The symbolic display in this video merely captures the freedom of the conscious spirit as it leaves the body. While we lose many loved ones, we can't forget that with life comes suffering. The longer you live, the more pain you endure. In a sense, Flying Lotus used children to portray a life short-lived, and therefore providing an escape from a life on earth filled with burden and pain; A bit of optimism in mortality. (but thats just my take lol)

[@mfscarce6740]

Blew my mind with the short life part. You're right though, some of our best years in whatever situation we live in is our childhood..

[@Onitramm]

really great analysis. I thought similarly about how the video/song conveys death as a relief from suffering in a way. I also thought especially toward the end that even though the children passed away, their spirits maintained the same innocence and playfulness that children know.

[@prolifikasf3390]

+Onitram I absolutely agree!

[@tiye7775]

i like that interpretation but what about the children who die only to live again...the children who see the light but dont go pass it. death cant catch them forever ...because they both drive the dead to resurrection ,bringing renewal, and a new future...hence the other children running behind them.

[@tiye7775]

let me explain...anyone can die an emotional death, physical death, financial death, mental death or a spiritual death but some people are reborn and reborn as in, killing off the old ways about them or the environment around them, they bring about a new way of living and become leaders to guide others to become better thereby making everything better for everyone. death cant keep holding us back forever...death will never ever catch mmmmeeeeeeeee..nnnooooooo! noooooo!nnnnoooooooo!

[@Hm-oo5pq]

The most underrated song ever

[@uncharted7againblackking256]

Fr fr

[@shitstaun7280]

Every man and woman on the planet could listen to it and it’d still be underrated

[@gabrielhuff6969]

There’s such a high density of talent in this, it’s incredible.

[@stevegables3303]

Those kids can fucking MOVE

[@StoriBrooks]

High art indeed

[@elkmeatenjoyer3409]

Thundercat's bass solo.

[@onethousandmilliondollar]

Flying Lotus production, Thundercat on bass, Kendrick rapping, and those kids dancing their asses off

[@jasperpuccinelli5856]

@@onethousandmilliondollar and choreographer and director, this shit made me cry

[@KingMiiidas]

2:02 I swear Thundercat HAS to be breaking SOME kind of physics law to play a bass like that

[@jeremiahcedricjoseph]

Literally my exact thought!!! Like, come ON!!!

[@toxpov3612]

some robert johnson type shit

[@juli.strange9988]

I knew that could only be thundercat

[@FutureDeadBastard]

That plane at the end is also breaking a physics law since its just static in the air.

[@uncharted7againblackking256]

Lol

[@VaniaAursby]

So we not gone talk about how talented these child dancers are ??

[@RekRam00n]

For real tho!!!

[@RekRam00n]

Especially 3:20

[@Culex51]

Man, WTF YES!!! Seriously....

[@shaunp253]

Big Will Simmons & Angel Gibbs. Two of the most talented dancers on the planet.

[@ronin5111]

The kid went on to dance with childish gambino in this is america...

[@hinkali_v_chetverg]

thundercat is an S tier bassist. the way hеs playing on this song feels like it's the ghosts of the previous generations speaking to you

[@TdT2211]

Who ever directed the video must have felt it too. Because, you saw the video.

[@hinkali_v_chetverg]

@TdT2211 yes! Hiro Murai is such a great director, I love his style

[@lexgray3810]

I listened to this song in eight grade. My music taste hasn’t been the same ever since. Thank you Kendrick and Lotus

[@bobofet3518]

Don't forget Thundercat

[@lexgray3810]

@@bobofet3518 you’re right how could i forget him 😮

[@psychotropictraveler514]

Damn bro you were a based 8th grader.

[@all-caps3927]

exactly the same thing with me, listened to it in 8th grade, and its been the 2nd greatest thing to ever grace my ears besides the recitations of the Qur'an

[@nmars3548]

i remember being clowned because of my music taste in 8th grade. but ever since i discovered kendrick and them, everything changed for me music wise.

[@derellshackleford7649]

The ending of the video had me tearing up. This art right here.

[@ShinyBusterBaby]

I started crying uncontrollably as soon as the kids jumped out of the caskets and begin to dance. I just related with the idea that so many children and black children, at that have suffered this same fate. It's an overwhelmingly sad feeling.

[@raheenthomas4451]

the song is to keep you from crying!!!! death can never catch em cause their souls live on which explains them dancing after they got out of the caskets!!!!

[@michaelthomas6545]

and i believe all the kids are dead too. They are all spirits. I thought it was a playground, but they are actually behind the the funeral home and then they all run off together. Amazing...

[@jamesbondjr4771]

I agree.

[@jonathansoto3994]

Children and Black Children?

[@justinmurray7938]

It definitely had me choked up as well. Amazing Video!

[@massivematt3113]

Incredible. Not only is this one of Kendricks most underrated verses, but it’s overall a beautiful song/message!

[@mysticgopro8728]

Died before they lived. The two children driving off into the sunset I believe is their souls departure into the afterlife. So powerful and full of emotion. Having sat through the video countless times, I can't help but tear up. The childrens expression at the end of the video appears to be them both finding peace. I have to say this video is by far the greatest music video I have EVER seen.

[@sophyx9]

For me it's the combination of the pictures and the music that just makes me cry after they leave the church

[@JugOnBlast]

Yeah I'm a mess at this video

[@ethanhill9460]

Naw...they lived. That's displayed in the play; however, mobility and a future is implied by driving away from the ceremony. That's beyond poignant. This is art rather than entertainment.

[@bigharp0949]

I found this video after walking into a store and Shazaming the song a few days ago. It was on the same day (May 5, 2010) that my little brother died more than 12 years ago. I watched the video over and over and couldn’t stop tearing up. It was like a confirmation that my brother was speaking to me through this song. I’m a minister’s son so this song hit on different levels bc I can remember when I lost my faith bc of my brother’s untimely death.. I went to visit his grave today and I feel some sort of sadness still, but overall I feel joy in knowing that my bro is happy, he’s free. So, if you have a loved one who has passed on, celebrate their life.

[@Jordan_D23]

That's when I was born may 5th 2010

[@SaffariRose]

Nigeria's sitting President at the time also died on that exact date (5th May, 2010) and our country mourned. I guess we're all just connected; in life and in death. I hope you still feel some respite, your brother is happy where he is.

[@angel-spitt]

Chills and tears everytime man. Especially the little boy's face at the end, like they're free and at peace to be children forever.

[@flyyceethemilitant2946]

*Please don't cry for me.It's too late. Why didn't you be nice to me* 💔

[@Crystal-dm3tn]

Still one of the best music videos ever made. Perfection on all levels by everyone involved.

[@estellejacobs7050]

my friend passed away a few months after this track came out and i listened to this track the day of his funeral, today it makes me smile cos i was scared for him and myself, i was truly terrified at the thought of death and loss. the track helped me a lot

[@jfonixx]

I appreciate this work. I lost my dear son. He was diagnosed with cancer at 13. Two years later he died. I look upon this only wondering if my son's transition was this great. I did an album/project dedicated to him & his fight. It's called I.am.ISAIAH It took alot out of me to create the songs & videos. Clearly it was not only was heatbreaking, 💔 but also therapudic through dealing with my son's death. Some of the best music deals with true pain. Thanks Kendrick & Flying lotus for doing this piece. 💯🏆

[@ohnahnah7939]

God bless, and best of luck on your project.

[@DonBrownDrums]

I send my condolences man, Be safe!

[@djaksonclebergoncalvesfilh9513]

Much love to you my brother!

[@rizalwinata]

Much love dude

[@crazysexycurvy2019]

*hugs*

[@julianbrown6805]

We need more Flying Lotus and Kendrick collabs

[@BigBabyLaw]

That moment when the kids did that slow-mo and then started dancing was probably the coolest thing ever. I replayed that part like 50 times. Those kids are so talented.

[@cameronhill9267]

Doing the same thing now...especially when that beat dropped.

[@fl0wski]

crazy to think we are at the very peak of time, the most advanced and complex music/message/vibration that's ever been created is right now. just something that popped in my head while watching this

[@chrisnorrisification]

7 likes in 1 minute? why the fuck do you upvote yourself with fake accounts? what do you have to proof?

[@fl0wski]

Cal culas what? clearly people fuck with my statement, and the video just dropped, so its gonna get multiple likes in one minute... you're the only one here who comments with multiple accounts bro... *see the Chris Calculating comment below*

[@chrisnorrisification]

MTCTV People also seem to fuck with mine..

[@GorgonDrageil]

You get a channel view for that comment... lol.

[@fl0wski]

Wise One thanks wise one. haha not much to see... yet.

[@NathanNgakuru]

Such an underrated masterpiece.

[@joohnnykuz5327]

+ipZyy Nope! It got nominated for a grammy!!!

[@NathanNgakuru]

+jojo kyle For Best Dance Recording. The song itself had no radio play and this video only has 6 million views which is nothing since it's been out for awhile, therefore it's still underrated.

[@joohnnykuz5327]

***** Yes, but it has a fucking grammy!

[@chynna3050]

+ipZyy ..this song used to ne on 247 when it came out.. especially the music video on mtv!??

[@jeanbeausuperbeau]

+ipZyy lmao people calling things underrated because they think it's unknown and they are hipsters for knowing about it flying lotus has nothing to do with underrated, and not even talking about Kendrick Lamar... and the song in itself got almost 7 million views in a little more than 1 year so yeah, definitely not underrated

[@icontrolthespice]

It's a crime that I only just found out about this song

[@charlesbailey2788]

Yeah but I just committed a lesser crime because I never knew it was a video til today

[@SuperLazyCat]

The labels/radio didn't promote this one as much. Message was too positive.

[@noamberger651]

this is crazy shit

[@Beyoki]

glad you are experiencing good music (: if you want to check out my flying lotus id recommend cosmogramma

[@someyeeterontheblock2421]

How spicy do you like it?

[@cameronhill9267]

If you're a parent and seeing these kids jump joyfully into that hearse. Only makes you want to hug your children even more. A True Piece of Art!(The Video)

[@chrisv7004]

And the song

[@傅夢夢]

🤸

[@Window4503]

I’m not even a parent and it gives me chills

[@frankgonzales3742]

I always tear up a little when they get out the caskets and start dancing "say you will never ever ever catch me..."

[@gurucore2k]

Frank Gonzales i get the same exact feeling when i hear tupac’s laugh at 2:57

[@come_on_barbie_123]

@KEV4MVP its when the hearse door closes for me. Its so final

[@hassana-h7424]

@@gurucore2k thats not pac lol

[@fabby7331]

@@hassana-h7424 yeah it is fam

[@deftiowabaloon6405]

Kendrick been needing to do a whole album with this man😂

[@anonymouspancake4414]

"In my culture, death is not the end. It’s more of a stepping-off point. You reach out with both hands, and Bast and Sekhmet, they lead you into the green veld where you can run forever." -RIP Chadwick Boseman

[@panama1942]

@Colasticc sounds pretty nice. I think of death of that type of sleep you get after a really long day, and you wake up the next morning and it feels like 5 seconds has passed. No dreams, just black but forever

[@MuchCow9000]

Funny thing, Satanism believe in that too. That the afterlife is a place to reflect while this place is heaven. Where everything exists.

[@jamie1425]

I see Khonsu and his men on his boat. They waiting for me...and it's all good.🙃😉😊

[@PrinceJayReal]

Kendrick and Flying Lotus need to collab more

[@Idontactuallyknowwhy]

+King Jay Wesley's Theory.

[@PrinceJayReal]

JashaOffical96 Perfect example. One of my favorite songs on TPAB. They should just do a whole album together.

[@jamelocarmelo]

they are made for each other's music. I hope to hear more in the future

[@emanonymous]

+King Jay immortal technique would be pretty cool

[@callebergqvist8071]

+cruhg Also thundercat his basslines make every song with them both even better!

[@2oohonest]

I am so damn proud of Flying Lotus, discovered this guy like 7 years ago because of Adult Swim, now he has gotten the attention he deserves. i love his art so so much!

[@2oohonest]

***** hell yeah that massage situation was the jam

[@MyAccount217]

***** Yeah that was the first track ive heard from him. And his music is still awesome

[@clutchsgh8069]

yea adult swim couldn't have picked anyone better than FlyLo for those beats

[@MyAccount217]

Fuad Williams [adultswim] picks some great tracks for their bumps.

[@shanitaealey648]

YAAS! That is so true *****! Adult swim is i was first introduced to him. Fly Lo is incredible.

[@aiureantramvai]

Thank you Flying Lotus, Kendrick Lamar, Hiro Murai and the whole team of people that was involved in delivering this in it's amazing form. Hope you'll reconnect and create another gem.

[@edgarmendez3973]

+sunterbivor YES.

[@evan7939]

+sunterbivor Thundercat!!!

[@yaz4025]

+I Like to Play especially Thundercat, greatest bassist of this era and so fucking underrated.

[@DmitriyK12]

He is gloryfing (sp) death and mixing it with street rap; this isn't something to be proud. #Pray to end the senseless violence in urban metro's all around the globe.

[@chanterelleee]

+Dmitriy Kalik Holy shit you are dumb. He's not glorifying death, artists have always tried to emulate death in some way.

[@desiraecannon9435]

I miss my brother. I have to believe he's cruising around, pulling pranks, and being goofy out there somewhere

[@TreAlmighty]

sending all my love to you!

[@shawtyluvsant]

I don't know if I'm tearing up for the visual beauty, the message in this video or the wonderful choreography. Either way, this was beautiful.

[@1stcome1stserved]

Rayne holding them tears back, best music visuals I've ever seen, the message behind the video is what gets me

[@joejordahl6787]

i feel you, i started tearing up and i couldnt figure out why, just something about this song that pulls out the emotions

[@1stcome1stserved]

Joe Jordahl yeah this is probably about my 60 third time watching the video over the course of a couple of years lol it's so beautiful the symbolic message like I can go on and on whenever I find myself feeling down I go right to KZbin and type this video in, it's so underrated I get frustrated

[@muziklova1019]

Pure art

[@daywalker1178]

I'm right with you. Every time I see this video, it just hits me some kind of way. One of the most underrated videos out there.

[@JessHart006]

This track's premiere was the moment I realized Kendrick Lamar was about to show a new generation the art in hip-hop.

[@parkersitkowski9027]

I thought that when I first heard "Say Wassup" back 2011. I thought Black Hippy was gonna absolutely blow up. I still hope they make a full album some day.

[@oscarhoare3461]

this is a good point. as good as gkmc was it really is just a representation of what rap was at the time and the strength of kendrick as a story teller. this song + verse stands out as a little teaser for TPAB that really did show how much art could go into hip hop. although i don't think musically TPAB is a very influential album (no one really could match him) it put so many hip hop artists onto a new thought process and that they could no longer just rap over a beat they found to keep it interesting. sorry for my rant im just really feelin it

[@parkersitkowski9027]

Oscar Hoare I think TPAB was his best and most powerful album. I always had Nas as my “greatest rapper of all time”, but Kendrick is a close second, if not first now. He’s unbelievably good. His lyrics are top notch, unique voice, great flow, writes what he believes and does it in a way that appeals to people that love lyrics or love beats or love rap in general.

[@MikeJohnson-lt1il]

@@parkersitkowski9027 I think DAMN. is his best album. A lot of people overlooked that album due to the complexity and some are turned off by the "mainstream production" but actuality that album is deeper than any Kendrick Lamar album. GKMC & TPAB are still 10/10 albums to me but I think DAMN. is his best album yet.

[@parkersitkowski9027]

Tre Redding DAMN. was very very good. I loved it. It’s so hard to rate his albums because they’re all so good in their own way. And all so different with different themes. He’s such a talented dude.

[@CP-hd5cj]

Hearing "You will never ever catch me" in the context of death and this song gives me chills. Absolute poetry

[@weebtrash4680]

Probably the greatest music video I've ever seen.

[@Neqlin]

What about mjs music vids

[@vom1t]

The breakdown starting at 3:15 is one of the most beautiful things I've ever heard

[@vom1t]

Matt L Make sure to make the video Cymbalic

[@Iliketurtlezz1]

that beat is amazing bruh

[@raychand11]

I'm pretty sure those kids dancing like that really helped you to like that moment. Perfect

[@JahzeelPino12]

I love that part, excelent beats.

[@LV1mage]

Bro check out Tall Black Guy he does break downs similar to that one

[@cashmoney89x]

Kendrick said more in this song than most rappers say in an entire album.

[@nathansungino2712]

Death shouldn't be scary. Death is an everlasting dream, where one sleeps for an eternity. And when one sleeps, one dreams "Try to imagine what it will be like to go to sleep and never wake up… now try to imagine what it was like to wake up having never gone to sleep." - Alan Watts

[@Blasto2x]

maybe life is the dream and dying is actually waking from that slumber.

[@jacobbraun8206]

Nathan Sungino Well if you're looking at it from a naturalistic point of view. There are no dreams. You just cease to exist like before you're birth. So its not sleep. From a Christian point of view, then yes life does not end at the grave, and given Kendrick Lamar's Christian background I would say this is what the song is about.

[@YoungSinatra10]

Jacob Braun When you die all the DMT in your pineal gland is released into your brain. DMT is why you dream every night. So death is the longest and most intense dream ever.

[@dissimulii]

YoungSinatra10 yeah, but what happens after you're cremated or your brain rots? no brain, no dreams.

[@YoungSinatra10]

.

[@breathnstop]

So deep. The children dancing was incredible.

[@joannabooth2341]

the only freedom these kids have is in death... deep as fuck

[@jjayguy23]

+Joanna Booth 2016 Grammy noms brought me here. This was a little deeper than I expected. Still good though.

[@christophercaleb8998]

+Joanna Booth That's exactly how I felt about it from the first time I heard it. In a mostly shallow industry(music) & an even more shallow world, it is much needed. It attracts me like a magnet.

[@monstroh]

It gets deeper at the end when the other children are chasing the car... It's like they're running after their dead friends not wanting to say goodbye.

[@anjelic.deathh1510]

adam ghaya your a dumbass.

[@DreamBeatsBakery]

That's not the message of the song.

[@TheMumblingTeen]

This is one of the best music videos ever made. Fight me.

[@chiefbeef444]

W

[@thelankytank]

yea its better than thriller

[@thelankytank]

Notorious Juan joke 👍🏼

[@TheStranger513]

+thelankytank Lol you had to go to the extreme and rank it ahead of thriller. Don't let the child molestation accusations clout your judgement. Thriller is All-Time.

[@TheMumblingTeen]

ReallyPhilly it is better than Thriller though, this has a deep message behind it...

[@CommonSenseless1993]

No drugs. No strippers. No money. Real lyrics. A message. And beautiful production. This is how hip hop and music in general should be advancing in 2014, not the same generic "shake that booty, make it rain, I'm so fancy" garbage that the big record labels are trying to pass off as music.

[@andrewmengelt7091]

You provide so much insight. You're the real lyricist.

[@TheLethargy]

>no drugs

[@BIadelores]

The fedora tipping is strong

[@エリトリア-x7m]

Preach!!!!!!!

[@BIadelores]

***** Only spent 5 minutes on the internet I'm guessing? Look it up. It's not a hard to find.

[@DonnaMoran995]

The best singer of the world Kendrick Lamar goes in soo hard on this right here! Only reason he is getting more hits is cuz he is just watching that short on my channel explaining how all these trappers out here be blowing up so big

[@andreasantander8794]

The slow and smooth movement of the camera at the beginning captures the somber essence of the video. It turns out to be poignant blend of joy and sadness. The video opens at the funeral for two children, possibly innocent bystanders of gang violence. Unbeknownst to the mourners, the boy and girl rise from their coffins and dance through the aisles before hijacking a hearse and driving away. In my opinion, they wanted something extremely joyful that felt like a catharsis compared to the setting. To me it really shows how the message of taking control of your own life is being spread. The song says, "Lookin' down on my soul now. Tell me I'm in control now." This expresses how society cannot stop you from doing as you please in life no matter the negativity and possible bad outcome. It also says, "Ain't no blood pumpin' no fear I got hope inside of my bones" telling the listeners how there is always a brighter side to come out through where you can make the right choices and prove people wrong with any ideas, stereotypes, or bad will that they give. With the children and people at the church being of black color, it demonstrates how the black community has suffered long enough with being victims of hate from such a young age but are ready to take control of their lives and do as they are capable of, no matter the hardship or work it takes.

[@kil44ua43]

Underrated comment

[@syaralemyar1077]

Im using this for my video analysis thanks my dude

[@SkullPrincess93]

Please tell me I'm not the only one who broke out in tears watching this?

[@tkcaapi2876]

no youre not;)

[@jazzbaker5806]

Tiana Glasscoe maaaaaan the ending almost made me cry don't no why I held it in 😩😢😢😢😢

[@pseudovitamin6650]

Jazz Baker I guess after the white people are finished crying to this video, they can go back to their lives where they live off the evil benefits of white privilege.

[@xSavxage]

Salt Detected.. *Tying noose*

[@EmpireOfBlackSnow13]

That ending got me, with the kid is smiling out the window of the hearse. It spoke to me and the relationship death plays in the black experience.

[@danillee1964]

those kids looked so happy and moved with such youphoria and grace... never catching them

[@Zer0TheProdigy]

*euphoria. Other than that, I agree.

[@XXMobMan]

"youphoria" really nigga

[@Maria-oe2gc]

HuduYooVudu

[@danillee1964]

i used *you* phoria often cause i got the tatoo like that, everytime i look at it i ask myself "am i truley happy right now?" i also put you phoria cause they sucked me into there happiness after a depressing moment, in the vido, i was real sad at first but got real happy. i don't know why though. hi.

[@captainmurphy4949]

Danil Lee got a spelling error on your body. the red squiggle line there too?

[@yungstilla5685]

RIP Breonna, RIP Elijah, RIP Rayshard, RIP Tony, RIP George, RIP Sandra, and Rest in peace to all my black brothers and sisters. may yall and yalls loved ones find happiness and peace

[@luzzbightyear2126]

What happened to em

[@yungstilla5685]

@@luzzbightyear2126 killed by police

[@richardinis]

“Analyze my demise, i say im super anxious”

[@PaulSmith-uk4ud]

@@yungstilla5685 what for?

[@PAINBODEE]

@@PaulSmith-uk4ud Nothing

[@brendenmingo6527]

man those kids are amazing

[@sonsofthewestredwhiteblue5317]

Brenden Mingo Amazing almost doesn't do them justice....some of the slickest stuff I've ever seen. Absolutely insane.

[@dejiadeleye3974]

This isn’t a Music Video, this is a representation of two Souls Flying Away to where they’re Meant to be, It’s All Too Gorgeous

[@Danny-fs1hk]

I love your description. I was trying to find the words, but you nailed it. Thanks!

[@truthspeaks84]

I wish Flying Lotus, Kendrick Lamar, Thundercat, and Robert Glasper would create their form one group to release an album, similar to Mos Def and Tabli Kweli's Blackstar. How epic would that be?!

[@chiefbeef444]

OH SHIT

[@Huumf]

DAAAAMNNN

[@CreepyBlackDude]

That's my dream, you don't even know! Get some guest appearances by Jose James and Kamasi Washington.

[@ShaquanTalbert]

With Terrace Martin, larnell Lewis and Cory Henry.

[@mobilegaming2958]

all them plus Anderson paak

[@TheCyledacosta]

This video is great it explores death in a whole new light the kids are free from society never having to be held down by anything they are free.

[@sonsofthewestredwhiteblue5317]

I find myself coming back to this every few months because there’s something about the combination of the track and it’s uniquely immersive sound and the kids who rock out with such grace and funk…. It’s a fucking thing of beauty. 🇦🇺🥲

[@danascencio2480]

3:34 did u guys catch that? You know how they say small children see things we older people can't notice the little girl there is the only one who notice them dancing.. Mindfuck

[@pagethreemodel]

I noticed that too and thought the same thing you did.

[@chj2]

True. I think the video talks about how while the body may be destroyed and captured, you can't destroy the spirit as it lives on. Though, I wonder where the spirits of those 2 kids drove the hearse to, LOL????

[@hamptonmag1130]

+DAN ASCENCIO my thoughts exactly

[@chickentunna]

That just opened my eyes I didn’t realize that for a second

[@formyfour92]

All those kids are deceased

[@dookiemaine6238]

that last scene of the kid enjoying the wind in his face..

[@trueXMotionFitness]

DookieMaine yaaaasss!!!

[@kingsavage5832]

They're free...

[@GiantPetRat]

Reminds me of the Joker in Dark Knight.

[@ReapTheWhirlwind]

This video has always disturbed and upset me but I only just nailed down the reason why. In Black culture a funeral is often called a homecoming and the moment when they get in the car and drive away it just hits me that two kids are "going home". 😢 I used to work with kids and so stuff like this really gets to me.

[@NicoleSams]

It really does hit you, that children die young just like adults, especially ours because we haven’t been given a chance.

[@macaroll]

this song became sadder with your comment, but it does make sense. thanks for this.

[@TheyBenefit]

That must be why this song is on related for Kanye's Homecoming

[@littleympe2570]

“Homegoing”

[@MusicMatic707]

@@littleympe2570 Was just about to add that correction...

[@revvvedrez546]

Still my personal fav vid ever made. Hiro Murai (Directer of Atlanta, a lot of Childish Gambino’s vids) had such amazing and crushing vision for the video. I also wish Kendrick and Flying Lotus made more music besides this and Wesley’s Theory

[@michaelphillips8596]

No words can express how beautiful this track is

[@ratzholic]

I. Know. Right. its amazing

[@liotie]

That dancing at the end in the courtyard was on point.

[@trashboat6215]

Very true

[@TheHippy-te3tx]

this is way too emotional for me..from seeing the little baby viewing the two kids dancing to them hopping out of their caskets into the hearse symbolically representing what it means to be free. after death WE ARE TRULY FREE!

[@musicenlightened2055]

How you know for sure

[@it13455]

No man, that's not it. That's who they could have been if they weren't lying in caskets. That's what they could have been had the world allowed them the chance to live. Death isn't freedom itself, death is just freedom from the bad parts of life. But life is so much more beautiful then death; but only if it is allowed to be. Otherwise it's just meat in a casket for us.

[@janimeramen9068]

+it1345 but when you die its having life in a new and better world

[@silentcelli]

+it1345 best interpretation.

[@markmedi2370]

Whether you believe in an afterlife or not, death really does set your energy free.

[@TQsquad]

i swear to god this was when kendrick was at his best. working with flying lotus and thundercat

[@treycarter7826]

Tpab era kendrick is like heat lebron the greatest ever prime

[@ExperienceLOS7713]

Even in death, I will be defiant. Nothing can crush my spirit... not even oblivion.

[@ALIENjoy]

calm down there fault in our stars (jk ily bb)

[@irishmusicbk]

Kendrick + Flying Lotus + Thundercat = AMAZING

[@dawnjohnson6161]

It's the kids chasing the hearse at the end. It left me wondering, are they chasing death or freedom? Kendrick makes you think, and I love that about his music

[@uncharted7againblackking256]

My friend they chased after it because death didn't matter for them they alive!!!! Now you know... be more

[@bigshow457]

This album holds a special place in my heart. I had a friend and we would bond over music. In fact he gift me this album as a gift on vinyl. He committed suicide a while ago and whenever I put this song on I think of him. Its my first time watching the MV and I can't stop crying/laughing at how obscure and amazing it is. Never have i laughed and cried during a MV. Oh well

[@TheHockeyMane5191]

These two kids dancing should have definitely won an award 🥇

[@pr0v0cative4pple]

I was wondering when someone else was going to mention those kids' incredible talent!

[@lambda494]

So the part at 3:13 is already jazz perfection, but then Angel Gibbs and Will Simmons dancing over it made it 100x better.

[@secondbest21]

I appreciate the choreographer knowing what the hell they were doing...

[@shaunp253]

Keone and Mari Madrid. Amazing choreographers.

[@huntzkush]

@Rivet Ace Thank that audio to the greatness of Flying Lptus.

[@BlckHippy]

Watched on acid and cried the dancing was pure beauty

[@maniacguitar]

@@BlckHippy Dancing is pure beauty indeed..

[@latoyajohnson6092]

I'm a first-time listener to this song from watching the BET special and just found the video...Life long KDOT fan...this is very emotional..

[@Dasteppa-s4e]

He’s the goat I swear

[@irainrocks]

what BET special?

[@reyjim49481]

Sorry if I get emotional. But I think I just cried cuz of how it made me think that death will never catch me. I was a suicidal thought person long ago. And this video makes me think and stop in a while and daydream about afterlife. But right now as a nurse I'm trying to prevent someone's death. 😦. If u have time will u answer this question? What will you say to yourself or do when u know u have few minutes left of living? Have a good day everybody and a peaceful one.

[@mhaze210]

I cried watching this too. It's beautiful, I feel that when we're about to die, we literally see and feel everything we've ever loved, and carry it with us into the next life. We only see death as unfair because we don't know what's next. Well we don't know what "Space" is, we don't know what life was like millions of years ago (we can only assume and judge off what we know). We also don't know what "WE" were doing before being born. What do you remember before you were born? We weren't meant to know, we are intelligent and should be focusing on the life we have in front of us. There are soooo many things I dislike about life, and society. At the same time, there is more I love about it. Just walk into the woods sometime alone and just listen and look. Go along a mountain and just think. Go into a busy city and just feel. Think about anyone that has ever been there with you / for you. Some people have a disadvantage and don't have a family that's there for them, or even know they're family. It's the path they were given, and there is someone along that path that is meant to cross with your's..for a reason. Reach out to eachother, I think we have something in common as well, suicidal thoughts...trust me, we all have them. Whether you're rich or poor, or happy or sad, there are times that make you feel like you can't or don't want to handle it. It only makes you stronger and take it as a sign to walk a different path, Nobody said you can't choose a different path, just like nobody said it was "easy".

[@GallantBuster]

I'm not gonna' give you the God this, God that speech because I know nothing of your religious background. I will tell you this. If I was going to die, I would write a letter/will for the people I love. I would entrust this to a friend who could deliver this to my friends and coworkers. In the letter, my number 1 priority would be to admit my feelings to all of my crushes. All of them. The one on my coworker, the beautiful lady in my literature group, etc. As for my stuff, my poorest friends can keep it all.

[@stilox000]

I'd say to myself that this was meant to happen and that I did everything I could within the limits of my control of my own life.

[@jakatak1134]

So many people assume that there is an afterlife and a god, but what reason is there to believe in either of those things? I've never found a good reason, and I go to a christian school so it's not for lack of trying lol. I think when I die, it'll be like before I was born. Nothing. No need to be afraid of that =)

[@brendynbell]

100%; "Peace out for now, motha*******,its been real."

[@fleauxrivers4372]

My pops died 2 weeks ago and when I went to the viewing before the funeral this song popped up in my head. He was in and out of jail until I was twelve and he turned his life around, he got married, started going to church and trying to reconnect with me, I was happy he changed. But who knew that 5 years later he was going to leave this earth. This song reminds me he is in a better place.

[@jalissatowns7596]

RIP to your dad

[@dcmkflylo1603]

I'm so happy FlyLo won a VMA for this. Keep up the good work, man!

[@rafaelsoler6366]

I will never not be impressed by how those kids perfectly match the rythym and speed of such a fast paced and erratic song. One of my favorite music videos mainly cus of that performance

[@skigh45]

fuck.. i knew this song before i lost my brother...i'd seriously bump it every other day..understood the concept of the lyrics but didnt think much of them then..my brother passed away last week, and this is the first time watching the video/listeing to the song since then.. i miss you so much bro.. :( rest in paradise...

[@mxstar267]

Keep your head up bro, I know it must be hard going through that but all you can do is try to stay positive and keep going. I'll keep both you and your brother in my prayers. Stay strong.

[@444thelifestyle]

He is definitely in paradise, no more suffering he is FREE ! now continue to live life and make those memories laughable that you've had with him, until you guys meet again, in the other dimension. ❤️

[@AlexLopez-hn5ru]

Often times we forget that a child, whose life is so often planned out and seen by everyone else, can die. You think of a child and you think of its future, whether it involves school, their job, their lovelife, their interests, etc. But a child doesn't ever evade death just because it is a child and it is a sad truth. But the beauty-the one that is captured in this video-is that children are naturally small globes of light that really make you want to live and dance. So often, we think about their future, that we disregard their present selves. I don't know man...this video made me emotional. Kids are gifts, man. They really are.

[@come_on_barbie_123]

That was beautifully stated. Thank you!

[@JeebsPlusThree]

I have a 15 month old daughter and I think about this every day. She is beautiful and the light in my life. Her name literally means "golden/golden light". I catch myself think of her future all the time. It cant be helped. I want the best for her so I imagine her future being bright. It's like you said tho... they are still fragile creatures like the rest of us. It's almost impossible to imagine a future without her, but then again I think of all the bad that could happen. When I start to feel like that, I hold her tight, tell her i love her and try to live in the moment as much as I can.

[@CHURCHBOYCHARLIE]

I might be wrong but that sounds like Thundercat's 'ooooh' humming at the end

[@Edwin_Asante]

KZbin is favouring all Kendricks features...😊

[@shaolinrasta2289]

I thought it was just me noticing this

[@paysoooo]

wdym?

[@stephaniegarcia4899]

This song always makes me feel like everything is going to be alright.

[@WavyKid13]

Most of Kendrick’s catalog makes me feel that way, but this one especially so. Kendrick has always had this ability to connect with my spirituality and my deeper soul through his music, like he has a greater connection and understanding to what is really important in life. This song and Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst are the top 2 that display this ability imo.

[@gloritta]

I genuinely feel more comfortable in this strange world because of Kendrick Lamar. Thank you homie

[@MrJubern]

Nobody is talking about how AMAZING Thundercat plays in this! Awesome bassist

[@jorgecds]

He should be considered as FlyLos official bassist

[@bparkguy]

jorgecds pretty sure he already is

[@MrRodriguez1251]

Yes ! I can hear this bass lines

[@MrRodriguez1251]

Yes ! I can hear this bass lines

[@loscemodelvillaggio7950]

This is the best video i've ever seen, deep context, beautiful song, beautiful direction, very talented dancers ... and Thundercat is the icing on the cake.

[@loscemodelvillaggio7950]

Chills.... are the little girls playing in the courtyard the occupants of the white coffins in the background?

[@kitkatx6516]

@@loscemodelvillaggio7950 oh wow I didn't peep that detail, too distracted by the choreography 🤷🏿‍♀️

[@loscemodelvillaggio7950]

@@kitkatx6516 They are the only ones who can see the 2 boys as they go away ... sometimes it happens that in the most desperate situations the coffins remain for a long time in places awaiting burial, especially in situations of poverty dominated by a stupid bureaucracy.

[@kitkatx6516]

@@loscemodelvillaggio7950 so true

[@delfipotters3161]

No matter who you are, I hope you can see the beauty in this art

[@FriezaSucks]

Still here 8 years later, brother!

[@T1Str3tcH]

I just caught on to the meaning of the kids chasing after the hearse at the end. 😢

[@come_on_barbie_123]

What does it mean to you?

[@XxMoshPittersxX]

Ahhh, I get it. It's showing how every kid feels when church time is finally over.

[@mds8384]

No.

[@JayHill1995]

10/10 Best new interpretation

[@ChungFat4eva]

AHAHAHAHAHA!! you win the internets today sir

[@Cykelpump33]

Jerk. :P

[@PodRealoaded]

What was the point.

[@ceethesol]

This is truly a masterpiece. Why am I just now discovering its existence?

[@billholb1974]

Cheyenne J sometimes things come to you at a time when you need them the most..

[@itsqueenari4236]

+cheytheog Ur not the only one. Vine brought me here

[@waylonbrown3951]

cheytheog same

[@Allwaysexcel]

Cheyenne Jackson this was so good. Have you seen the video for until the quiet comes?

[@princessriahyokai]

Because you live under a rock

[@ShouUFu]

Can we appreciate my boy Thundercat for that bass solo 👏👏👏

[@frank683]

This song is underrated asf

[@franlovelsimic8421]

how is 11 MILLION views underrated? I swear the comment section on every 1+ million views song is the fucking same, so annoying. Start counting and tell me how long it takes you to get to a thousand, imagine how long it would take to reach 11 million. I like this song but come on dude

[@akeemrizk1202]

@@franlovelsimic8421 I don't know how this an argument. You are looking only at the absolute number as a measure of its relevance and exposure. 11,000,000 is a large number in absolute terms, but means almost nothing in relative terms. Look at any of the garbage dominating the airwaves, rap or not, and I'm sure the music videos have 10x the amount of views. Something can be underappreciated while still reaching a large number of people.

[@franlovelsimic8421]

@@akeemrizk1202 I listen to a lot of underground bands due to me constantly exploring and countless bands don't reach 100k so seeing the word underrated here feels very offputting. Could be me but I am extremely annoyed by people writing the same shit over and over again. And the word underrated means something is underestimated or lacks renown and the fact this has been viewed 11 million times tells me it's been exposed to a LOT of people and Flying Lotus is already critically and publicaly acclaimed so the word underrated feels even more useless here. People love tossing certain words around without giving it too much thought. That's my pow but I totally get ya.

[@Flamestrike4]

@@franlovelsimic8421 you realise you can watch the same video over and over and increase its views right? The original comment was made 2 years ago, the video is almost 5 years old now, thats a heck of a long time and still I go out and speak to Kendrick fans who haven't heard this yet. Flying Lotus and Kendrick individually have a lot of renown but this song specifically deserves more than it's got, that's why we say it's underrated. The bands you listen to may just be even more underrated than this song.

[@proddelle]

favorite off of the album, its so good

[@Fernando_Simoes]

Probably my favorite music video of all times and I cry almost everytime I watch it, such a great piece of art

[@Jramos93]

Now that I think about it, the kids chasing after the hearse are dead too. They were playing in the back of a funeral home. AMAZING MESSAGE.

[@StephanieFaiyaz]

How tf I never seen this video until 7 years later I’m mad . I LOVE this.

[@formyfour92]

Same

[@milkloverenterprises3367]

Better to find it now than never, and damn I’m so glad I found this video

[@laced1273]

OMG... A BEAUTIFUL DISPLAY OF HOW OUR BODIES ARE VESSELS FOR A MORE HIGHRER CONSCIOUS... LIFE IS GOOD Y'ALL. LOVE Y'ALL

[@FroddyWho_]

4:35 The look of freedom, as he makes his way to heaven

[@NicoleSams]

iKingzx heartbreaking. Beautiful, but sad.

[@mariooldani9371]

Amen

[@prideprejudicelizzy]

They diserve the VMA nomination for choreo !

[@evanrapp8866]

Still the greatest music video ever made.

[@jennyneon]

Hiro Murai (the director of this video) is legendary, he's mainly known for working with Gambino.

[@seanstroman6087]

This ending climax of this Jazz fusion masterpiece should be in every sonic the hedgehog game along with being the only song you Jog/Sprint to when working out.

[@Ben-xz1ov]

the only thing I hate is that I don't know how much times I watch this song and never get bored of it like it was my first time seeing it

[@keylamorales8793]

SAME, there's just something about it.

[@wowhowcoolful]

I think it's the fact that the song is so complex. It changes style many times, adding and removing certain elements, with the end totally different from how it started. Kendrick Lamar's vocals is sort of constant, tying the song together, but the song still all over the place. Because of this, it feels like a new song every time as your mind omits certain sounds and hears new ones when you hear it again. But that's my theory. I know Flying Lotus is heavily influenced by Daedelus, who presented a TED talk about this particular subject.

[@brysoncheatham1537]

I get a sense of comfort from this song but at the same time I get a sense of change every time I watch it. Really unique.

[@joohnnykuz5327]

Nominated for a fucking GRAMMY! Amazing! Great job FLying Lotus

[@therealgerrod1526]

+jojo kyle and they already won a VMA this year!!!!!!!!

[@angel404]

anyone else had this in their 2020 playlist?

[@irainrocks]

bro this came out 9 years ago

[@limitless_tenn]

yooo ANGEL??? I actually discovered this song in 2020 but put it in my current playlist near the end of last year.

[@KIRKII999]

I don’t have a playlist angel, but I have this song stuck in my head though. And I think I’ll never get tired of this song.