Karpeh was born on January 30, 1993, in Cleveland, Ohio. He graduated with a degree in International Affairs from the George Washington University in 2015. Karpeh worked as a real estate agent in New York City for two years and in advertising for a year before pursuing music full-time.
Karpeh learned music production at GW University by remixing beats for friends. His music style is influenced by hip-hop, organic and electronic sounds. He plays multiple instruments including the saxophone, flute, guitar, bass, keyboard and drums.
Known by his stage name Cautious Clay, Karpeh, on September 22, 2017 released "Cold War", the first single from his debut EP Blood Type, which was first released on February 21, 2018, and then re-released on April 13, 2018 with the additional single "Stolen Moments".
Karpeh's second EP Resonance, was first released on May 30, 2018 and then re-released on August 22, 2018 with the additional song "Crowned". His third EP Table of Context, was released on March 27, 2019.
Karpeh played at the 2019 Billy Reid Shindig in Florence, Alabama. He will also feature on the soundtrack of 13 Reasons Why: Season 3 with the song "Swim Home". Swim Home is one of two collaborations with John Mayer, the other is "Carry Me Away", featured on Table of Context.
"Cold War" was sampled on the song "London Boy" for Taylor Swift's seventh studio album Lover (2019).
Silos
Cautious Clay Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
in the city
You make it so hard to feel
Could never be out to hear About
Sacrifice
Could never ask you twice
Of men and mice
In this life
We look like the latter
Feels like we're silos
In the city
You make it so hard to feel
Could never be out to hear About
In the song "Silos" by Cautious Clay, the repeated phrase "Feels like we're silos in the city" suggests a feeling of isolation or separation within a bustling urban environment. The comparison to silos, typically used for storing grain or other goods in a solitary manner, highlights the idea of individuals being disconnected from one another despite being surrounded by a multitude of people. This line sets the tone for the rest of the lyrics, emphasizing a sense of emotional barriers and detachment prevalent in modern urban settings.
The lyrics further delve into the notion of emotional suppression and difficulty in expressing oneself authentically. The line "You make it so hard to feel" hints at a struggle with vulnerability and openness in a relationship or interpersonal connection. The singer seems to be grappling with the challenges of communicating their emotions and needs, possibly due to external factors or personal barriers. This sentiment is reinforced with the line "Could never be out to hear about," suggesting a reluctance to fully engage in meaningful conversations or discussions about deeper issues.
The theme of sacrifice is briefly touched upon in the lyrics, as the singer reflects on the challenges and demands placed on them in their interactions with others. The lines "Could never ask you twice / Of men and mice / In this life / We look like the latter" convey a sense of resignation or acceptance of the sacrifices required in relationships, with a nod to the fable of the mouse and the man. This metaphorical reference underscores the idea of navigating complex power dynamics and expectations in human interactions, highlighting the struggles and compromises inherent in trying to connect with others.
Overall, "Silos" by Cautious Clay explores themes of emotional disconnection, vulnerability, sacrifice, and the challenges of fostering genuine connections in a bustling urban environment. The lyrics paint a poignant picture of individuals feeling isolated and confined within their own emotional silos, struggling to break free from self-imposed or external barriers to truly connect with others. The introspective tone of the song invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences with emotional intimacy and communication, highlighting the universal struggle to bridge the gaps that separate us from one another in a world that often fosters disconnection.
Line by Line Meaning
Feels like we're silos in the city
It seems like we are isolated from each other in this busy urban environment.
You make it so hard to feel
Your actions or words create obstacles that prevent me from expressing my emotions.
Could never be out to hear About
I could never be confident enough to share my thoughts or feelings with you.
Sacrifice
Giving up something valuable for the sake of something else.
Could never ask you twice
I would never have the courage to ask you for something more than once.
Of men and mice in this life
Referring to the different types of people and their struggles in the world.
We look like the latter
We resemble the mice, implying that we are often overlooked or underestimated.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: JOSHUA ALEXANDER DINGUS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind