February 2019 saw the release of Kehlani’s third mixtape While We Wait, which served as a prelude to what would be their second album It Was Good Until It Wasn’t. The highly-anticipated album was released on May 8, 2020 to positive reception, with the album cover and music videos being shot in their home due to the COVID-19 pandemic at the time.
On April 29, 2022, Kehlani released their third album Blue Water Road, with features from Blxst, Justin Bieber, Syd, Jessie Reyez, Ambré and Thundercat.
Already Won
Kehlani Lyrics
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I got the keys to my hood
Mama say she good
Doing what I should (I already won)
I got the world on my back
City on the map
No time to kick back (I already)
Stopped giving a damn about
When they tell me how I won't make it out (I already won)
I already (I already won)
Took the road less traveled
And yeah, I'm tired
But I'm so far from the ending
Everyday I'm evolving
The world keep turning
And God keep giving oh
Goddamn, fuck a handout
Unless I got my hands out
Then I still stand out
Damn yeah, I make dem' bids now
Bet I got plans now
And I'm still
Gracious in the way I move
And I treat it like I want it to
And I never got you comfortable
Always, always (always)
And I'm thankful that I found my groove
And I'm humble, but I got the juice
And I remain unstoppable
Always
I already won
I got the keys to my hood
Mama say she good
Doing what I should (I already won)
I got the world on my back
City on the map
No time to kick back (I already)
Stopped giving a damn about
When they tell me how I won't make it out (I already won)
I already (I already won)
I'm nominated for a Grammy, AMAs, and BET Awards
Man, what an honor
Never dreamed I'd do all this before
But you can't put a worth up on my art
That's my story
That's my heart
That's my soul
Fuck the fame
Keep the glory
'Cause I made it out a city that ain't pretty
And it's tricky when you wanna show me love
Because it's trendy
Shit be iffy
If you love me when I'm up
It's 'cause you see when I'm down
And only God can hand rewards
Or even give someone a crown
Because the critics bleed like I bleed
They eat like I eat
I don't put you above me
'Cause you gotta judge how I sing
Get to judge how I speak
Even judge how I breathe
Just two years ago, yea
You were sitting right in my seat
Starving hungry like me
So empathize beside me
Understand I'm highly favored
Fuck your favors
Yea, I got me (I already won)
Yeah, I got the keys to my hood
Mama say she good
Doing what I should (I already won)
Yeah, I got the world on my back
City on the map
No time to kick back (I already)
Stopped giving a damn about
When they tell me how I won't make it out (I already won)
I've already (I've already won)
I've already won oh
I've already won
In Kehlani's song Already Won, the lyrics describe a sense of achievement and self-worth. She expresses that she has already won, having the keys to her hood and her mother being satisfied. Kehlani also acknowledges that she has the world on her back, is constantly evolving and is grateful for all the blessings she has received. The lyrics reveal that Kehlani has taken the road less traveled and has been able to make it in the industry despite critics who told her that she would not make it out.
Kehlani reflects on her achievements by pointing out that she has been nominated for several awards such as the Grammy, AMAs, and BET Awards. She emphasizes that the recognition she has received is an honor, but she does not let fame overshadow the glory of her hard work. Instead, Kehlani remains humble and keeps the focus on the journey she has been through. The lyrics also touch on the topic of critics and how they are quick to judge, but Kehlani remains focused and driven by her own goals and dreams.
The message in the song is one of positivity and self-worth. Kehlani recognizes her triumphs and remains grateful for everything she has been able to accomplish. She also acknowledges the obstacles and challenges that she has faced along the way, but continues to push forward, living life on her own terms.
Line by Line Meaning
I already won
I have already succeeded
I got the keys to my hood
I have achieved recognition and acceptance in my hometown
Mama say she good
My mother is proud and happy with my accomplishments
Doing what I should (I already won)
I have done what is expected of me and therefore have won
I got the world on my back
I have a lot of responsibility and pressure on me due to my success
City on the map
My city is now known because of my success
No time to kick back (I already)
I cannot relax and must keep pushing myself
Stopped giving a damn about
I no longer care about
When they tell me how I won't make it out (I already won)
I have already succeeded against the odds that were against me
Took the road less traveled
I have chosen a path that is not the norm or expected
And yeah, I'm tired
I am exhausted from all the hard work and effort I have put in
But I'm so far from the ending
I still have a long way to go
Everyday I'm evolving
I am constantly growing and improving
The world keep turning
Life goes on
And God keep giving oh
I am grateful for God's blessings
Goddamn, fuck a handout
I do not want any free handouts or shortcuts
Unless I got my hands out
Unless I am working hard for what I have
Then I still stand out
I continue to be successful and set myself apart
Damn yeah, I make dem' bids now
I am now in a position to make business deals and decisions
Bet I got plans now
I have big plans for my future
And I'm still
I am still putting in the effort and working hard
Gracious in the way I move
I am humble and kind in my actions
And I treat it like I want it to
I treat my success with respect and appreciation
And I never got you comfortable
I never take my fans or supporters for granted
Always, always (always)
I always show gratitude and appreciation
And I'm thankful that I found my groove
I am grateful to have found my rhythm and style
And I'm humble, but I got the juice
I am humble despite my talent and success
And I remain unstoppable
I will not let anything hinder my progress or success
I'm nominated for a Grammy, AMAs, and BET Awards
I have been recognized for my talent with nominations for multiple awards
Man, what an honor
It is a great honor
Never dreamed I'd do all this before
I never thought I would reach this level of success
But you can't put a worth up on my art
My art is invaluable and cannot be measured by money
That's my story
My journey and success is my story
That's my heart
My passion and love for what I do is the core of my success
That's my soul
My music comes from within me and is a reflection of my soul
Fuck the fame
I do not care about the fame or attention
Keep the glory
I value and appreciate the recognition and respect for my talent
'Cause I made it out a city that ain't pretty
I succeeded despite coming from a place that is not known for its beauty or success
And it's tricky when you wanna show me love
It is difficult to trust the intentions of those who support me
Because it's trendy
Because it is popular or fashionable to support me
Shit be iffy
It can be uncertain or questionable
If you love me when I'm up
If you only support me when I am successful
It's 'cause you see when I'm down
It is because you have seen me struggle and work hard to succeed
And only God can hand rewards
Only God can truly bless and reward me for my hard work and success
Or even give someone a crown
Only God can truly crown someone as successful or worthy
Because the critics bleed like I bleed
Critics are human like me and are not exempt from the struggles and hardships of life
They eat like I eat
They are also human and need food to survive
I don't put you above me
I do not see anyone as superior to me
'Cause you gotta judge how I sing
You have the right to critique or judge my music
Get to judge how I speak
You have the right to critique or judge my words
Even judge how I breathe
You have the right to critique or judge my every action
Just two years ago, yea
Only two years ago
You were sitting right in my seat
You were in the same position or situation that I was in
Starving hungry like me
You were also struggling to succeed
So empathize beside me
Understand my struggle and stand with me
Understand I'm highly favored
I have been blessed and am fortunate
Fuck your favors
I do not need or want any special treatment or favors
Yea, I got me (I already won)
I am enough and have already succeeded
I've already won oh
I have already succeeded
Lyrics © OLE MEDIA MANAGEMENT LP, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: JETMIR SALII, JOSE ANGEL VELAZQUEZ, KEHLANI ASHLEY PARRISH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind