The Super Bowl is one of the most watched sporting events each year, drawing millions of viewers. In the 2025 championship, the Philadelphia Eagles faced off against the Kansas City Chiefs and by halftime, the Eagles held a 25-0 lead.
For many, the real highlight of the Super Bowl is the halftime show. Similar to previous years, the performance sparked mixed reactions. Viewers took to social media to express their negative opinions and this year’s show was no exception; its deeper meanings left many reaching for clarification. This year’s headliner Kendrick Lamar did more than just sing some of his songs, he hid some details full of symbolism.
Uncle Sam: Samuel L. Jackson opened up the show dressed as Uncle Sam, a personification of America. Historically, Uncle Sam symbolized American pride and patriotism, often used in the early 19th century for recruitment propaganda.
At the beginning of the performance, Uncle Sam says “This is the Great American Games.” While this is a football halftime show performance, this also alludes to the “game” of being African American in America. Throughout the show, Uncle Sam either praises Lamar for his ‘good behavior’ or scolds him for not following the ‘rules’. This role highlights the pressure often placed on Black artists to turn down their voices and messages.
Dancers: Dressed in red, white and blue the performers form an American flag at multiple points in the show. Each time the flag is formed, it is divided, symbolizing the ongoing divide within the country.
Key Phrases:
“The revolution ‘bout to be televised. You picked the right time, but the wrong guy”
“The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” is a song by Gil Scott-Heron that critiques American media for focusing on consumerism and entertainment when they should be focusing on making efforts for a real change. Lamar’s play on words reflect the fact that he isn’t playing “the game”, he’s performing to get his point across.
“Turn this TV off. Turn this TV off”
Televisions were made for entertainment, but Lamar wants to make it a point that right now isn’t a time for entertainment. Telling his audience to turn their TV’s off is his way of telling them to pay attention to the things happening around them.
“40 acres and a mule, this is bigger than the music”
After Slavery was abolished, African Americans were promised 40 acres of land and a mule from the government. This promise was never fulfilled. This reference draws attention to the historical injustice that continues to impact countless communities.
Kendrick Lamar, a critically acclaimed artist and Pulitzer prize winner in 2018, is known for his complex lyrics and social commentary. The Super Bowl stage was merely a tool used to showcase the problems America faces today. This was not only a performance, but a statement.
Many viewers focused their attention on the potential disses thrown at Drake, given the long standing feud between him and Lamar. As a result, the deeper messages of the show were overlooked. I believe it’s important for people to pay attention to their surroundings and this show made that point evident.
