County Building Blues
County Building Blues

Kendrick Lamar - County Building Blues Lyrics

Journey with Kendrick Lamar through vivid memories of his childhood in Compton, where dreams of escaping poverty clash with harsh realities. "County Building Blues" paints a poignant picture of growing up amidst economic struggle, captivatingly narrated by… Read more

Hip-Hop/Rap
Mar 10, 2015
200
County Building Blues Music Video

County Building Blues Lyrics

Greeting boys and girls
My name is Petey P
Kendrick's childhood imaginary friend (that's right)
I am your neighbor
And I'd like to welcome you to good kid, m.A.A.d city
So grab your cartoons and cereal
Your pop guns and fireworks
And sing along)

When we grow up we gon' go and get us a million
Spend it all in front of the county building
Blow it like Coltrane, blow it like Coltrane
When we grow up we gon' go and get us a million
Spend it all in front of the county building
Blow it like Coltrane, blow it like Coltrane

(Kendrick, you remember that one time when we was)
I've been waiting on this day since Dr. Dre and Pac
Was on Rosecrans in that burger stand at '95
People staring at 'em in amazement
Reservations at the Days Inn
We was living out a hotel at the time
Breakfast, lunch and dinner chicken from Kentucky Fried
Mama babysitting Section 8 vouchers the move
When nothing else to lose but a burger flipping job
Close my eyes inside the swap meet and imagine it's a mansion
Gold ballroom, AK-47 dancing
Howling at the moon, what's a pack of hungry babies?
Hope you feed us soon, bite your back, you die of rabies
Everyday we pray to eat at the table at Sizzlers
But never make the visit, if better days was on its way
Then they make the decision, to make the wrong turn
So for now we heat this skillet so this canned food can burn
(Oh I remember that, it was the ravioli with the hot sauce in it, right?)

When we grow up we gon' go and get us a million
Spend it all in front of the county building
Blow it like Coltrane, blow it like Coltrane
When we grow up we gon' go and get us a million
Spend it all in front of the county building
Blow it like Coltrane, blow it like Coltrane

And all the ghetto children in the world say, "That's my car"
All the ghetto boys say, "That's my car"
All the ghetto girls say, "That's my car"
When we grow up, when we grow up
Ghetto children in the world say, "That's my car"
All the ghetto boys say, "That's my car"
All the ghetto girls say, "That's my car"
When we grow up, when we grow up

(Nigga you remember the smoke and the burning buildings and shit?)
Couple stolen T.V.'s and a seat belt for my safety
Played the passenger I think it's five years after eighty
Seven, do the math, '92 don't you be lazy
Looking out the window, notice all the essentials
Of a block party that stop for a second, then it rekindle
Like a flame from a trick candle, everybody got dental
Insurance 'cause we 'bout to floss, you get that couch I sent you?
I heard that from a block away, probably had credentials
Of a scholar but shit not today, them Dayton Spokes was his to take
Refrigerators, barbecue pits, and Jordan kicks
They did invasions while helicopters recorded it
Hello Mi-Mister Miyagi, I want them Kenwood woofers
Say that you got me if not, I'll dig in your drawer for it
The swap meet was the bulls' eye like Tauruses
Murder was the melody you should know what the chorus is
"Papa you really telling me we can just get some more of it
If we run out?" He said, "Lil' nigga today the poor is rich
Don't tell your mom that you seen a Molotov bomb
If she ask just know you have to lie and son don't forget
Bitches ain't shit, hoes ain't neither
Niggas gon' snitch, watch the company you keeping
And one day you'll put money in the ghetto when you got it
Rather than having to hustle off these Rodney King riots"
(That's right the mothafuckin' Rodney King
You was with your daddy on Bullis Road)

When we grow up we gon' go and get us a million
Spend it all in front of the county building
Blow it like Coltrane, blow it like Coltrane
When we grow up we gon' go and get us a million
Spend it all in front of the county building
Blow it like Coltrane, blow it like Coltrane

Writer(s): Khalil Abdul-Rahman, Dontae Maurice Winslow, Kendrick Duckworth
Copyright(s): Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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What is the Meaning of County Building Blues?

Journey with Kendrick Lamar through vivid memories of his childhood in Compton, where dreams of escaping poverty clash with harsh realities. "County Building Blues" paints a poignant picture of growing up amidst economic struggle, captivatingly narrated by his imaginary friend, Petey P. Kendrick reminisces about his family's perseverance, their yearning for better days, and the bittersweet hopes of a brighter future. He recalls the joy of small things, the unity in hardship, and the resilience forged in the fires of adversity, like during the Rodney King riots. The repeated aspiration to "blow it like Coltrane" symbolizes an explosive celebration of freedom and success. This track is a soulful tribute to the dreams that sustain those in tough times and the indomitable spirit of the community.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What album is 'County Building Blues' a part of?

    'County Building Blues' is a song from Kendrick Lamar's second studio album, 'Good Kid, M.A.A.D City,' released on October 22, 2012. The album is known for its autobiographical elements and narrative style.

  2. Who is Petey P in 'County Building Blues'?

    Petey P is presented as Kendrick Lamar's childhood imaginary friend in 'County Building Blues.' He introduces the song, welcoming listeners to the world of 'good kid, M.A.A.d city,' setting the stage for the song’s narrative.

  3. What themes are explored in 'County Building Blues'?

    'County Building Blues' explores themes of aspiration, childhood imagination, poverty, and the socio-economic environment of Compton. It reflects on dreams of wealth, using vivid imagery and storytelling to depict the struggles and dreams of growing up in a challenging environment.

  4. How does the song relate to Kendrick Lamar's upbringing?

    The song draws upon Kendrick Lamar's experiences growing up in Compton, tying in elements of his childhood and the socio-economic struggles he faced. The lyrics weave a narrative of longing for a better future, highlighting the challenges and influences of his environment.

  5. Why is Coltrane mentioned in 'County Building Blues'?

    John Coltrane, a legendary jazz musician, is mentioned in the song 'County Building Blues' as a metaphor for excellence and legendary impact. The aspiration 'to blow it like Coltrane' symbolizes reaching greatness and leaving a permanent mark on the world.

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