Flashing Lights
♫ Kanye West Lyrics
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Flashing lights, lights
Flashing lights, lights
She don't believe in shootin' stars
But she believe in shoes and cars
Wood floors in the new apartment
Couture from the store's department
I'm more of the, trips to Florida
Order the h'orderves, views of the Water
Straight from the page of your favorite author
And the weather so breezy
Man why can't life always be this easy
She in the mirror dancing so sleazy
I get a call like where are you Yeezy
Try to hit you with a 'Oeur de Whopee'
Till I get flashed by the paparazzi
Damn, these niggas got me
I hate these niggas more than the Nazi
As I recall, I know you love to show off
But I never thought that you would take it this far
What do I know? Flashing lights, lights
What do I know? Flashing lights, lights
I know it's been a while
Sweetheart, we hardly talk, I was doing my thing
I know I was foul bay-bay
A-bay lately you been all on my brain
And if somebody would've told me a month ago
Fronting though, yo I wouldn't wanna know
If somebody would've told me a year ago
It'd go, get this difficult
Feeling like Katrina with no fema
Like Martin with no Gina
Like a flight with no visa
First class with the seat back I still see ya
In my past, you on the other side of the glass
Of my memory's museum
I'm just saying, Hey Mona Lisa
Come home you know you can't Rome without Caesar
As I recall, I know you love to show off
But I never thought that you would take it this far
What do I know? Flashing lights, lights
What do I know? Flashing lights, lights
As you recall, you know I love to show off
But you never thought that I would take it this far
What do you know? Flashing lights, lights
What do you know? Flashing lights, lights
Flashing lights, lights
Flashing lights, lights
Lights, lights, lights, lights
"Flashing Lights" by Kanye West appears to be about the difficulties of being a celebrity and the impact of fame on personal relationships. The first verse highlights the luxury and materialistic aspects of fame that the artist may value, but also the paparazzi and intrusiveness that comes with it. The chorus indicates that even with all the attention and material possessions, there's a sense of uncertainty and confusion felt by the artist. He's trying to reconcile his fame with what feels authentic and maybe yearning for a deeper connection that's not based solely on materialism.
The second verse deals more explicitly with personal relationships. It seems as though the artist has been caught up with their own success and neglected a past partner. However, with some time and space, they've realized that they missed this person and want them back in their life. But there's a clear sense of regret and self-awareness that it may be too late or too difficult to repair the damage done in the relationship.
Overall, the song depicts the complexities and contradictions of fame and the toll it can take on personal relationships. The flashing lights of the cameras symbolize the constant scrutiny and pressure that celebrities face.
Line by Line Meaning
Flashing lights, lights
The repetition of this phrase emphasizes the intrusive, blaring nature of paparazzi and flashbulbs.
She don't believe in shootin' stars / But she believe in shoes and cars
The woman is materialistic and values consumer goods over romantic idealism.
Wood floors in the new apartment / Couture from the store's department
Kanye and the woman live a luxurious lifestyle, with high-end fashion and home decor.
You more like L'eau de Stardee shit / I'm more of the, trips to Florida / Order the h'orderves, views of the Water / Straight from the page of your favorite author
Kanye sees himself as sophisticated and cultured, while the woman is shallow, interested in trendy perfume. They have different tastes and preferences.
And the weather so breezy / Man why can't life always be this easy
Kanye is enjoying a carefree, pleasant moment and wishes life was always this simple and relaxed.
She in the mirror dancing so sleazy / I get a call like where are you Yeezy
The woman is dancing seductively and carefree, while Kanye is interrupted by a call demanding his attention. They are not in the same frame of mind or situation.
Try to hit you with a 'Oeur de Whopee' / Till I get flashed by the paparazzi / Damn, these niggas got me / I hate these niggas more than the Nazi
Kanye is attempting to impress the woman with a fancy French phrase, but they are interrupted by the paparazzi taking photos. Kanye feels violated and frustrated by their intrusion, comparing them to Nazis.
I know it's been a while / Sweetheart, we hardly talk, I was doing my thing / I know I was foul bay-bay / A-bay lately you been all on my brain
Kanye and the woman have been apart for a while, and Kanye regrets his past behavior but misses her and thinks of her often. He uses affectionate nicknames for her.
And if somebody would've told me a month ago / Fronting though, yo I wouldn't wanna know / If somebody would've told me a year ago / It'd go, get this difficult
Kanye reflects on how his life has changed unexpectedly and how things have become more challenging, even if he wouldn't have wanted to know that in advance.
Feeling like Katrina with no fema / Like Martin with no Gina / Like a flight with no visa / First class with the seat back I still see ya / In my past, you on the other side of the glass / Of my memory's museum / I'm just saying, Hey Mona Lisa / Come home you know you can't Rome without Caesar
Kanye compares himself to people in difficult situations, such as Hurricane Katrina victims, Martin Lawrence without his comedic partner, or traveling without the proper documentation. He reminisces about the woman and how he still thinks about her, even though she is a part of his past. He uses the famous paintings of Mona Lisa and Caesar and Rome to suggest that the woman should return to him in order to achieve her full potential.
As you recall, you know I love to show off / But you never thought that I would take it this far / What do you know? Flashing lights, lights
Kanye admits that he likes attention and wants to be seen as important, but he has gone too far and is now being negatively affected by the flashing lights of the paparazzi.
Lights, lights, lights, lights
This phrase repeats the central metaphor of flashbulbs and paparazzi, emphasizing their overwhelming and omnipresent nature.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Kanye West, Eric Hudson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind