Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: hip-hop
Song Meaning of “Understand Me” by Chief Keef
“Understand Me” by Chief Keef is an up-tempo, trap-influenced rap song in which he expresses his feelings of being misunderstood by others. Chief Keef paints the picture of a street hustler, someone who has experienced a tough life and perhaps made some wrong choices in the past. The chorus expresses this idea of being misunderstood, with a call-and-response structure that highlights the choir singing “I do this for the street, they don’t understand me” in between Keef rapping. The song also touches on the idea of loyalty and trusting people to understand you despite your flaws. Chief Keef is asking those around him to take the time to really get to know him and his motivations, rather than make assumptions based on his past. This theme of understanding is reiterated throughout the song, with the chorus repeating the phrase “understand me” data
The underlying message of this song seems to be for the listener to look beyond what first meets the eye, and to try and find understanding and compassion even for those who have made some mistakes in their past. In a world where many feel marginalized or misunderstood, Chief Keef’s song offers a reminder that everyone deserves to be heard.