Using song lyrics to convey an artistic or emotional message is a powerful way to communicate. Whether you’re looking to express gratitude, anger, or inspiration, the words in your favorite songs can speak volumes.
The Weeknd and Kendrick Lamar’s “Pray For Me” riffs on the concept of a masked hero battling it out for the greater good, while also touching on some serious racial injustice. Specifically, the song uses the notion of shooting on the streets in broad daylight to highlight the dangers facing African Americans.
In the chorus, The Weeknd sings of his burgeoning hero complex in a manner that’s both impressive and subtle. He mentions how he’s ready for a war, and even goes so far as to say that he’s always ready to take a life. But he asks who will be there to help him if the chips are down.
For all the hype that comes with being a hero, it can also be very lonely out there on the front lines. This is particularly true if you’re a superhero like The Weeknd, who often feels he’s doing something wrong.
This chorus also plays on the fact that the best hero is usually the one who can’t be seen, rather than the one who stands out from the crowd. This is especially true in the music industry, where artists like The Weeknd often have to play the long game to get their biggest hits.
