When I am low
I feel for you
Time passes by
Feel it for you
I explore
Stroke my side
Yes, I do
Feel for you
So I tell myself
It's cool for me to wait for you
Just for you
I collect my thoughts and breathe
Because I take your lead
Take your lead

Tell me, what do I do when you're not here?
What do I do when you're not here?
Tell me, what do I do when you're not here?
What do I do when you're not here? (I get my kicks like you)

When I'm alone
I don't need you
I love my touch
Know just what to do
So I tell myself
It's cool to get my kicks like you
Just like you
I just touch myself
And say, I'll make my own damn way
Own damn way
Tell me, what do I do when you're not here?
Tell me, what do I do?
Baby, it's clear

Tell me, what do I do when you're not here?
What do I do when you're not here?
Tell me, what do I do when you're not here?
What do I do when you're not here?
(I get my kicks like you)
Tell me, what do I do when you're not here?
What do I do when you're not here?
Tell me, what do I do when you're not here?
What do I do when you're not here?
(I get my kicks like you)

What do I do when you're not here?
(I get my kicks like, I get my kicks like)
(I get my kicks like you)
Tell me, what do I do?
Baby, it's clear

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of FKA twigs's song "Kicks" showcase the struggle of a woman who is lost and lonely without her partner, but still manages to find solace in herself. In the first verse, she expresses how she feels for her partner, even when she's low, and how time passes by as she waits for him. She explores herself and touches her side, but her feelings for her partner stay strong. The chorus talks about the dilemma that she faces when her partner isn't with her. She questions herself about what she should do, and later realizes that she can take control of her happiness and get her kicks like her partner. In the second verse, she talks about how she loves the feeling of being alone and touching herself. She reiterates that it's okay to get her kicks like her partner does and to make her own path. The song ultimately speaks to the idea of self-empowerment and taking control of one's own happiness.

Line by Line Meaning

When I am low
When I am feeling down

I feel for you
I long for your presence

Time passes by
Time moves on

Feel it for you
I feel time passing while waiting for you

I explore
I search for answers

Stroke my side
I comfort myself

Yes, I do
I do comfort myself

Feel for you
I long for your presence

So I tell myself
I reassure myself

It's cool for me to wait for you
It's okay for me to keep waiting for you

Just for you
Only for you