Collect Calls Lyrics

[Produced by THC]

[Intro: Kent Jamz]
Look at all the bullshit I been through
If I take you home, will you tell the truth?
Look at all the bullshit I been through
If I take you home, will you tell the truth?

[Verse 1: Kendrick Lamar]
Mama, take this motherfuckin' block off
Tryna reach you every day, collect calls

Never get through, and I go through withdrawals
Say who told you that I wanted this door
To slam shut, I just wanted to vent or
Ask you if you give me your rent for
A attorney, I can pay you back more
Soon as I get out, yeah, every rack is yours
Commissary running low, I need help
Not too much, I hustle up the rest myself
K. Dot wrote me saying Marcus got killed
If you knew me, then you know how bad I feel
Quisha prove me wrong, and never came to visit
And I heard she fucking on some other nigga
And my niggas left me in the dark, blind

Mama, just get back at me this last time
[Pre-Chorus: Kent Jamz]
Men lie, wo- women lie
Men lie, wo- women
Men lie, wo- women lie
Men lie, wo- women


[Chorus: Kent Jamz]
Look at all the bullshit I been through
If I take you home, will you tell the truth?

[Verse 2: Kendrick Lamar]
Mama, take this motherfuckin' block off
That's on the date the day I take the block off
Pulled up, and they put me in them cop cars
Please believe me, this ain't easy by far
You forgot you're talking to your only son
'Member when you put me in that relay run?
I was racing, chasing dreams to be the best
You had taught me that the very day I won
All I need is you to give me same support
Investigation saying that the same report
From a witness just might testify in court
DA say I take a deal, or take a loss
I ain't built for all them goddamn numbers
God's will, say a prayer for me mama
If you can't, then open up the phone lines
Mama, just get back at me this last time
[Pre-Chorus: Kent Jamz]
Men lie, wo- women lie
Men lie, wo- women
Men lie, wo- women lie
Men lie, wo- women


[Chorus: Kent Jamz]
Look at all the bullshit I been through
If I take you home, will you tell the truth?

[Verse 3: Kendrick Lamar]
Dante, if I stress to take the block off
That's the day the state had take them locks off

I could only help but do so much
Bettering yourself, your own crutch
Look at your reflection, tell me who you see
Who is your protection? G-O-D
No, it's not neglection, I have just accepted
Your fate and what its gon' be
'Member all the nights that I cried
Thinkin' that my only son just died
Peeking through the window, kickin' through the door
It's you they looking for, raid outside
Rather see you locked up than dead
Only you would say that I'm selfish
So before I take the stand and put this bible in my hand
Son, let me say this

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About

Genius Annotation

This iTunes bonus track from good kid, m.A.A.d city finds K.Dot’s friend, Dante, facing prison time and desperately reaching out to his mother for help. It was produced by THC.

Q&A

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning

What did Kendrick Lamar say about "Collect Calls"?
Genius Answer

Lamar told Complex in October 2012:

On ‘Collect Calls,’ I’m speaking from the standpoint of hearing my uncles or my homeboys, always trying to break through the line and get their mother or get their grandmother to take the block off the line. Always saying that it’ll be their last time going up in there. So I’m speaking from that standpoint of what I know, being behind the walls. Experiences of my people coming up. Yeah I picked up [a few collect calls]. I got in trouble like a motherfucker too. [Laughs.]

Punch, the president of Top Dawg Entertainment, added:

‘Collect Calls’ could’ve easily been in the actual sequence of the basic album, but those other songs that fit in a little better. But what’s being said on ‘Collect Calls’ is such an amazing part to m.A.A.d city that we had to keep it regardless.

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