All For Us (feat. Labrinth)
Zendaya
Sacrifice and Love in 'All For Us'
Zendaya's 'All For Us,' featuring Labrinth, is a powerful song that delves into themes of sacrifice, love, and the struggles of life. The lyrics convey a narrative of someone who is willing to take on the burdens and challenges of life for the sake of their loved ones. The repeated lines 'Taking it all for us' and 'Doing it all for love' emphasize a selfless commitment to others, suggesting that the protagonist is enduring hardships to provide for their family or community.
The song also touches on the harsh realities of economic struggles, as seen in lines like 'Money MIA' and 'Mama makin' ends meet.' These lines paint a picture of a family working tirelessly to survive, with the absence of a father figure adding to the weight of responsibility on the protagonist's shoulders. The reference to 'Mississippi' could be a metaphor for hard labor and historical suffering, particularly in the context of African American history. The song's protagonist compares themselves to Michael Corleone from 'The Godfather,' indicating a willingness to do whatever it takes, even if it means stepping into a morally grey area for the sake of family.
The song's bridge, with its references to iconic images like the 'Mona Lisa's smile' and the willingness to do '25 to life,' further underscores the depth of the protagonist's devotion. The lyrics suggest that love and loyalty are worth any sacrifice, even if it leads to personal loss or entanglement with the law. The song ends on a reflective note, with the protagonist hoping for someone to remind them of their true self, acknowledging the potential to lose oneself in the process of fighting for others.