"All The Stars" by Kendrick Lamar and SZA explores themes of love, ambition, and the complexities of navigating relationships in the face of fame and societal pressures. Here's a breakdown of the lyrics:

Pre-Chorus:

• Kendrick sets the tone by posing a question about love: "Is it anything and everything you hoped for?" He suggests that the feeling of love can sometimes be haunting, reflecting a bittersweet and maybe even cynical view.

Chorus:

• SZA sings of a longing for connection and validation, with the stars symbolizing the potential for something meaningful. She hints at the possibility of her dreams revealing the truth about this potential connection.

Verse 1: Kendrick:

• Kendrick delivers a powerful and confrontational verse, expressing his rejection of expectations and false promises. He speaks about being strong and independent, not needing validation from others.
• He criticizes those who feel entitled and manipulative, highlighting the dangers of corrupted intentions in relationships.
• He emphasizes the importance of authenticity and owning both success and failure, displaying a strong sense of self-reliance.

Verse 2: SZA:

• SZA's perspective shifts to the struggles of vulnerability and navigating unwanted attention. She describes the burden of feeling "involved" with someone who is not truly invested in her, and the pain of being dragged down by their negativity.
• Her lyrics express a sense of emotional exhaustion and disillusionment, perhaps stemming from past experiences or the pressure of her own fame.
• She acknowledges her vulnerability and the need for support, even as she tries to protect herself from harm.

Recurring Pre-Chorus and Chorus:

• The Pre-Chorus and Chorus repeat, highlighting the ongoing conflict between the desire for love and the fear of disappointment.
• The repetition of "All the stars approach you" and "All the stars are closer" suggests a hope for a deeper connection, even as the lyrics acknowledge the uncertainties and challenges of navigating love.

Themes:

• Love and Vulnerability: Both Kendrick and SZA grapple with the complexities of love, questioning its true nature and struggling with the potential for hurt.
• Independence and Authenticity: Kendrick's verses emphasize the importance of self-reliance and authenticity, rejecting expectations and false promises.
• Pressure of Fame: The lyrics implicitly hint at the pressures and challenges of being in the spotlight, and the impact on relationships.
• Hope and Uncertainty: Despite the difficulties, both artists express a lingering hope for love and connection, even as they acknowledge the uncertainties that lie ahead.

Overall:

"All The Stars" is a nuanced exploration of the complexities of love and ambition. The lyrics offer a glimpse into the internal struggles of navigating relationships in the face of fame and societal pressures, while simultaneously holding onto a glimmer of hope for a genuine connection. The interplay between Kendrick's assertive and independent voice and SZA's vulnerable and introspective perspective creates a rich and multifaceted portrait of the human experience.