The Voice by LIVING ROOM - Lil Durk (2024)

(TouchofTrent be wildin' with it)

Missed out on my kids life for a year and I gotta accept it
Certain days, nigg*s never came to my shows and I felt neglected
Growin' up, seein' my uncle dyin' in his bed, that sh*t made me reckless
Pourin' up and I ain't never sharin' my meds and I ain't bein' extra
And I paid like two of my nigg*s bonds before I bought a necklace
I done seen my brother stack his bricks up and it look like Tetris

Have a real shootout up on the e-way, you can't miss your exit
Told the bitch she can't hide the smell of my cologne, she gotta go change her panties
Take care of your family and them kids 'cause I'm too big on family
f*ck them fast cars, before that shawty 'nem was gon' slide in Camrys
I'ma give my lawyer an extra dub because it come in handy
Felt like I'ma vomit off this Perc' 'cause I don't take no

Voice of the hero
I'm the voice of the hero
Voice of the hero
Voice of the hero
See, I'm the voice, Baby, he the hero
Baby, he the hero
I'm the voice, but Baby, he the hero
But Baby, he the hero

I wasn't even tryna be no idol
I put nigg*s on, and all of the sudden they feel entitled
Put the barbers on 'em, you only get this kit when you got a title
I'm exhausted, I been workin' shift-to-shift, but I keep fightin'
Not my fault if I don't miss your likeness
And I'm still with Ced still
We the ones, for real, for real
I just got two hundred for a walk through, I'll still drill
High-speed chase in a Dodge Stratus, I can still peel 'em
I be tryna put on a smile for 'em but I don't really feel 'em
I just spent three-fifty on a Richard for the second time
I showed all my nigg*s in the trenches it's a better life
Never get too big for me to listen, I'll take your advice
I just told Durk, "We rich forever if we play it right"
Just keep on bein' the voice, I'll be the hero
And everything I got is a profit, started with zero
I can never turn my back on my apartment, that's where I come from
And I'm just gettin' started, relax, wait 'til I warm up

I done been to jail too many times, it feel like karma
Everywhere I sleep, I keep my stick, what I need an alarm for?
Police caught me in the cut, I had to walk out with my arms up
Ain't too big to pray last minute, I put my palms up
Yeah, flood my system with these Perkies
Took the bitch to eat out at Thirteen, she was squirtin'
I just cashed out on my bitch, Celine to match her Birkin
All this sh*t these bitches textin' me, just do it in person
Yeah, I might pop a half an Adderall, I don't like Perkies
Put the phone on DND, I'm somewhere, ain't no service
I just slimed a nigg* out today but it was worth it
I switch cars like bitches switch they purses
I slow down on features, I do verses if they worth it now
This sh*t done got deep and, let's be honest, we can't work it out
Peeped that lately you been actin' funny, wonder what it's 'bout
This sh*t really in me, hope you never doubt it, on gang

Voice of the hero
I'm the voice of the hero
Voice of the hero
Voice of the hero
See, I'm the voice, Baby, he the hero
Baby, he the hero

I'm the voice, but Baby, he the hero
But Baby, he the hero

In “Living Room,” Lil Durk opens up a raw and vulnerable dialogue about the profound and often painful experiences that have shaped his identity as both a man and an artist. The lyrics immediately dive into personal regrets, specifically touching on the importance of family and the consequences of his lifestyle. He reflects on missing a year of his children's lives, indicating the sacrifices he has made for his career. This regret is compounded by feelings of neglect during performances when fans fail to show up. The memories of witnessing his uncle's death seem to have influenced his reckless behavior, hinting at a connection between trauma and his coping mechanisms, such as turning to medication—signifying a struggle with mental health and escapism. The mention of bonding his friends before caring for himself also underscores his prioritization of loyalty and responsibility over materialism, thus painting a picture of a man deeply entrenched in community and the burdens of loyalty.

As the chorus proclaims his dual role as the “voice” and “hero,” Durk juxtaposes these identities, suggesting a complex relationship between being a figurehead for his community while simultaneously feeling the weight of that responsibility. He expresses a sense of exhaustion from striving to meet expectations that come with the spotlight, portraying himself as an unexpected idol. While he provides opportunities for those around him, he becomes acutely aware of the entitlement that can breed within his circle, which seems to create a disconnect. This line captures Durk’s struggle to maintain relationships amidst his success and wealth, illustrating how progress can lead to feelings of isolation when others begin to expect him to support them without reciprocation. It highlights the burdens of success and the toll it takes on personal connections, emphasizing that rising above one’s beginnings does not come without complications.

Within this duality of being both the voice of the community and a hero, Durk discusses ongoing issues such as run-ins with the law, maintaining a gritty lifestyle, and acknowledging the repercussions of his past actions. He speaks candidly about the failures he has faced—frequent incarceration and the resulting karma he feels ensues. Unlike many who seek to distance themselves from their struggles, Durk embraces his origins, suggesting he cannot forget where he comes from. This assertion connects with themes of loyalty, indicating that, while he has achieved considerable success, he remains tethered to the realities of his upbringing. His mention of expensive purchases, juxtaposed with reflections on the streets, echoes the concept of surviving in both worlds—of luxury and hardship. Moreover, his reliance on substances as coping mechanisms highlights the ongoing battles he faces with mental health, showing a vulnerability that many can relate to.

Furthermore, the final verses reflect a tendency to keep his circle small and his standards high when collaborating artistically. Durk's reference to switching cars like women switch bags signifies both a lifestyle of luxury and a cautionary approach to trust. He articulates the complexities of his relationships and the necessity to navigate them carefully given his success. The candidness of his drug use reveals the struggles with addiction and the weight of his choices, hinting at a darker undertone that complicates his narrative as a “hero.” Even as he maintains a façade of success, Durk reveals the loneliness that can accompany such fame. The closing sentiments convey a resolve to push forward while acknowledging the deep-set challenges that linger beneath the surface, encapsulating the essence of an artist striving to reconcile his public persona with his personal realities. Creative and raw, “Living Room” reflects the trials of growth, perseverance, and the multifaceted nature of heroism in the modern world.

Missed out on my kids life for a year and I gotta accept it
I regret not being present in my children's lives for an entire year, acknowledging the pain of that absence.