Kendrick Lamar’s performance appeared to be full of symbolism in messages. Through his performance, he desired to allude to issues within America.
You start by not knowing what’s going on as the show opens with a countdown and what looks to be a game controller. Then, it cuts to Samuel L. Jackson, who is referencing Uncle Sam, which was used to depict America personified, American pride, patriotism, and propaganda.
“This is the great American game.”
This line alone was referencing how America is a game and we as the people of society are being played by the government. The screen then cuts to show a “Start here” button, when Kendrick starts rapping.
“The revolution ’bout to be televised you picked the right time but the wrong guy.”
Lamar’s dancers are dressed as though they are the American flag, however, they are split into 2 groups, depicting the divide in America.
“No no no no no too loud, too reckless, too ghetto.”
A reference to racist remarks that people may think before they even say it, also referencing how America puts down people of color through stereotypes.
“Mr. Lamar do you really know how to play the game, then tighten up.”
“Too Reckless,” is seen to be about the civil rights movement and the Southern resistance to integration. “Ghetto” goes back to Trump referring to ‘ghettos’ when discussing African American issues, as well as going to the game theory of democracy.
The phrase “tighten up” can be interpreted in two different ways. He reinforces power structures by signing a crackdown on dissent to maintain control and suppress challenges to authority. Alternatively, it is used in a corporate, educational, or coded way to discourage individuals from speaking out.
Then “Humble” starts playing, and dancers are seen nodding their heads as though they are following societal views. As well as, going to raised fists, topping, then putting their heads down.
“Warning, wrong way” is shown through the crowd.
“Euphoria” plays, a reference to Drake, but in my opinion could have shown that they were playing the game of life or being played by the U.S.. Lamar’s “a” chain has been said to be about his song “Not Like Us,” in the lyrics that say “A minor!” against Drake.
“See you brought your homeboys, the old culture cheat code, scorekeeper, deduct one life”
People having been making note about the fact that rather saying deduct one point, it is deduct one life.
“I wanna make a move, I wanna perform their favorite song, but you know they love to sue.”
This was a reference to Drake for suing Kendrick for the diss.
Let’s move on to the other performers who performed with Lamar, SZA. SZA is dressed in red, while Kendrick is in blue. Standing on opposite sides of the stage, their location could be another reference to the current political divide in America.
The circle then goes counterclockwise as though we are going back in time as “All the Stars” begins to play.
“That’s what I’m talking about, that’s what America wants, nice and calm. You’re almost there don’t mess this up.”
“It’s a cultural divide. Imma get it on the floor.”
“40 acres and a mule this is bigger than the music.”
All of these lyrics reference slavery as well as the divide in America once again.
“Yeah they tried to rig the game but you can’t fake influence.”
Then, exactly as the audience was hoping for, “Not Like Us” begins to play as Kendrick goes, “SAY DRAKE” while staring directly at the camera and smiling.
Serena Williams “crip” walking, who is rap artist Drake’s ex (as well as a professional tennis player), along with him saying he really doesn’t care about the lawsuit.
“TV off” then starts playing.
Ending with turning this TV off references what he said in the beginning, and then it pans to the audience where the lights say, “Game Over.”
The symbolism Kendrick Lamar showed throughout his Super Bowl halftime show was amazing. The thought he put into it all was nothing short of spectacular, especially for his fans who understood these details.
