Swimming Pools (Drank) is a song by American rapper Kendrick Lamar, released in 2012 as the lead single from his second studio album, “good kid, m.A.A.d city,”. The track was produced by T-Minus and portrays Lamar reflecting on the culture of alcohol consumption, particularly its prevalence and consequences in his community.
The lyrics of “Swimming Pools (Drank)” are layered with themes of peer pressure, addiction, and the struggle for self-control. Lamar presents a nuanced exploration of alcohol’s allure, its role in social dynamics, and its potential to become a destructive force. The repetitive hook, “Po’ up (Drank), Head shot (Drank), Sit down (Drank), Stand up (Drank),” captures the cyclical nature of indulgence and its repercussions.
Critics praised Lamar’s lyrical prowess and the song’s production, which incorporates elements of hip-hop and electronic music. “Swimming Pools (Drank)” became a commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning Lamar widespread acclaim for his introspective lyricism and artistic vision.
Beyond its commercial success, “Swimming Pools (Drank)” sparked conversations about substance abuse and the societal pressures surrounding alcohol consumption. The song’s impact extended beyond the realm of music, solidifying Lamar’s reputation as a socially conscious artist unafraid to tackle complex issues within his work.
Overall, “Swimming Pools (Drank)” stands as a poignant commentary on the culture of excess and the personal struggles that accompany it, solidifying Kendrick Lamar’s status as one of hip-hop’s most influential voices.
Lyrics
Pour up (drank), head shot (drank)
Sit down (drank), stand up (drank)
Pass out (drank), wake up (drank)
Faded (drank), faded (drank)
Now I done grew up ’round some people livin’ their life in bottles
Granddaddy had the golden flask
Backstroke every day in Chicago
Some people like the way it feels
Some people wanna kill their sorrows
Some people wanna fit in with the popular, that was my problem
I was in the dark room, loud tunes, lookin’ to make a vow soon
That I’ma get fucked up, fillin’ up my cup, I see the crowd mood
Changin’ by the minute and the record on repeat
Took a sip, then another sip, then somebody said to me
Nigga why you babysittin’ only two or three shots?
I’ma show you how to turn it up a notch
First you get a swimming pool full of liquor, then you dive in it
Pool full of liquor, then you dive in it
I wave a few bottles, then I watch ’em all flock
All the girls wanna play Baywatch
I got a swimming pool full of liquor and they dive in it
Po-pool full of liquor I’ma dive in it
Pour up (drank), head shot (drank)
Sit down (drank), stand up (drank)
Pass out (drank), wake up (drank)
Faded (drank), faded (drank)
Okay, now open your mind up and listen me, Kendrick
I’m your conscience, if you do not hear me
Then you will be history, Kendrick
I know that you’re nauseous right now
And I’m hopin’ to lead you to victory, Kendrick
If I take another one down I’ma drown in some poison abusin’ my limit
I think that I’m feelin’ the vibe, I see the love in her eyes
I see the feelin’, the freedom is granted
As soon as the damage of vodka arrive
This how you capitalize, this is parental advice
Then apparently, I’m over-influenced by what you are doin’
I thought I was doin’ the most then someone said to me
Nigga why you babysittin’ only two or three shots?
I’ma show you how to turn it up a notch
First you get a swimming pool full of liquor, then you dive in it
Pool full of liquor, then you dive in it
I wave a few bottles, then I watch ’em all flock
All the girls wanna play Baywatch
I got a swimming pool full of liquor and they dive in it
Po-pool full of liquor I’ma dive in it
Pour up (drank), head shot (drank)
Sit down (drank), stand up (drank)
Pass out (drank), wake up (drank)
Faded (drank), faded (drank)
I ride, you ride, bang
One chopper, 100 shots, bang
Hop out, do you bang?
Two chopper, 200 shots, bang
I ride, you ride, bang
One chopper, 100 shots, bang
Hop out, do you bang?
Two chopper, 200 shots, bang
Nigga why you babysittin’ only two or three shots?
I’ma show you how to turn it up a notch
First you get a swimming pool full of liquor, then you dive in it
Pool full of liquor, then you dive in it
I wave a few bottles, then I watch ’em all flock
All the girls wanna play Baywatch
I got a swimming pool full of liquor and they dive in it
Po-pool full of liquor I’ma dive in it
Pour up (drank), head shot (drank)
Sit down (drank), stand up (drank)
Pass out (drank), wake up (drank)
Faded (drank), faded (drank)
Sherane, Sherane
(Pool full of Kendrick’s lies in it)
(W-watch ’em all flock)
Aw man, where is she takin’ me?
Where is she takin’ me? (Pool full of liquor I’ma die in it)
All I, all I, all I, all I have in life is my new appetite for failure
And I got Hunger pain that grow insane, tell me do that sound familiar?
If it do then you’re like me, making excuse that your relief
Is in the bottom of the bottle and the greenest indo leaf
As the window open I release everything that corrode inside of me
I see you joking, why you laugh? Don’t you feel bad?
I probably sleep and never ever wake up
Never ever wake up, never ever wake up
In God I trust
But just when I thought I had enough
They stomped the homie out over a bitch?
K-Dot, you good, blood?
Now we can drop, ye we can drop you back off
That nigga’s straight, man, that nigga ain’t trippin’
We gon’ do the same ol’ shit
I’ma pop a few shots, they gon’ run, they gon’ run opposite ways
Fall right in -‘s lap
And he gon’ tear they ass up, simple as that
And I hope that bitch that set him up out there
We gon’ pop that bitch too
Wait hold up, ayy, I see someone
Aha, got them niggas, K-Dot, you good?
L-, you good?
Yeah, blood, I’m good, Dave, you good?
Dave? Dave, say somethin’, Dave?
These bitch ass niggas killed my brother