Meaning of No Make-Up (Her Vice) - Kendrick Lamar
The song "No Make-Up (Her Vice)" by Kendrick Lamar and Colin Munroe explores the meaning behind the decision to go makeup-free. The lyrics, which alternate between the two artists, touch on themes of beauty, self-acceptance, and societal pressures.
Lamar's verses focus on the girl he is with, observing her beauty without any cosmetics. He admires the way she puts it on her eyes, the roses on her face, and how her lips are always colorful. Lamar then asks if she minds not wearing makeup today, showing that he prefers her natural state. However, he also acknowledges that she may feel self-conscious without it, as society places a high value on physical appearance.
Munroe's verses continue the theme of self-acceptance. He loves the way his partner puts on her makeup and how the colors look on her skin tone. However, he wonders if she knows that her imperfections are beautiful and where she got this confidence from. Munroe also reflects on his own insecurities, hating his lips, nose, and eyebrows. He recognizes that while beauty is in the eye of the beholder, societal pressures can make one feel self-conscious about their appearance.
The song's chorus, "No Makeup Today," highlights a decision to forgo cosmetics, possibly due to preference or circumstance. The repetition of this phrase emphasizes the bravery it takes to embrace one's natural state in a society that values perfection and conformity.
The bridge, featuring Alori Joh, touches on the societal pressures surrounding beauty standards, particularly for women. She feels like she is not enough, constantly trying to improve her appearance. However, she realizes that these beauty ideals are unrealistic and damaging, causing her to question their authenticity.
The song's final lines feature a group chant, where Lamar encourages the listener not to drink to have fun but rather to embrace themselves for who they are. This call-to-action encourages listeners to appreciate and love themselves, regardless of societal expectations or pressures.
In summary, "No Makeup (Her Vice)" is a celebration of self-acceptance and natural beauty. It touches on the themes of societal pressures surrounding physical appearance while encouraging listeners to embrace their authentic selves. The song's message is empowering, inspiring, and relevant for anyone who has ever struggled with self-doubt or felt like an outsider due to appearance standards.
Lamar's verses focus on the girl he is with, observing her beauty without any cosmetics. He admires the way she puts it on her eyes, the roses on her face, and how her lips are always colorful. Lamar then asks if she minds not wearing makeup today, showing that he prefers her natural state. However, he also acknowledges that she may feel self-conscious without it, as society places a high value on physical appearance.
Munroe's verses continue the theme of self-acceptance. He loves the way his partner puts on her makeup and how the colors look on her skin tone. However, he wonders if she knows that her imperfections are beautiful and where she got this confidence from. Munroe also reflects on his own insecurities, hating his lips, nose, and eyebrows. He recognizes that while beauty is in the eye of the beholder, societal pressures can make one feel self-conscious about their appearance.
The song's chorus, "No Makeup Today," highlights a decision to forgo cosmetics, possibly due to preference or circumstance. The repetition of this phrase emphasizes the bravery it takes to embrace one's natural state in a society that values perfection and conformity.
The bridge, featuring Alori Joh, touches on the societal pressures surrounding beauty standards, particularly for women. She feels like she is not enough, constantly trying to improve her appearance. However, she realizes that these beauty ideals are unrealistic and damaging, causing her to question their authenticity.
The song's final lines feature a group chant, where Lamar encourages the listener not to drink to have fun but rather to embrace themselves for who they are. This call-to-action encourages listeners to appreciate and love themselves, regardless of societal expectations or pressures.
In summary, "No Makeup (Her Vice)" is a celebration of self-acceptance and natural beauty. It touches on the themes of societal pressures surrounding physical appearance while encouraging listeners to embrace their authentic selves. The song's message is empowering, inspiring, and relevant for anyone who has ever struggled with self-doubt or felt like an outsider due to appearance standards.
