Indeed, the kid born Charles Misodi Njapa in the Bronx and raised on Long Island, New York more than made good on his hip-hop ambitions. His early ’90s transition from eager intern to assistant engineer at West Hempstead’s The Music Palace recording studio insured that he would meet up with his heroes: A Tribe Called Quest’s charismatic front man Q-Tip; influential crate digger Pete Rock; and respected Nas producer Large Professor. It was L.P. who blessed Charles with his 88-Keys moniker after witnessing his budding skills on the ARS-10 keyboard. “I told myself if I ever make it in this business, that’s the name that I was going to use because I got it from one of the great ones,” 88‘ recalls.
Over the years, 88-Keys’ distinctive brazen beats-meets-atmospheric production have appeared on a number of high-profile works including Blackstar’s 1998 underground landmark debut Mos Def and Talib Kweli Are Blackstar (“Thieves In The Night”); the eccentric funk-rock of Macy Gray’s 1999 platinum plus How Life Is (“Why Didn’t You Call Me” Remix) and Beanie Sigel’s 2001 street-praised The Reason (“Watch Your Bitches”). It’s such strikingly diverse credits that have made the humble 88-Keys one of the most respected producers in the music game.
The Friends Zone
88-Keys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don’t know if you ever think about it
With the fainted light
Makes everything so right
There is something in your eyes
You cannot hide
I can feel the tide
Ooh~
All I know about is
I don’t wanna be in your friend zone
No
I don’t, I don’t, I don’t, I don’t
No
I don’t wanna be in your friend zone
I don’t, I don’t, I don’t, I don’t
No
你說話像在 繞著圈圈打轉
但我從來不想 只做你的朋友
如果曖昧的賞味期限已滿
甜的滋味 酸的期待
敢不敢拆封我的愛？
What they can’t see
I’ve been trying
Just to hope one day you can
Take a look at my way
Don’t tryna escape
I know we feel the same
All I know about is
I don’t wanna be in your friend zone
No
I don’t, I don’t, I don’t, I don’t
No
I don’t wanna be in your friend zone
I don’t, I don’t, I don’t, I don’t
No
The lyrics of 88-Keys's "The Friends Zone" deal with the frustration and uncertainty that comes with being stuck in the "friend zone" with someone you have romantic feelings for. The singer expresses their doubts about whether the other person even cares or thinks about them in that way. The use of the faded light and something in the other person's eyes suggests a flirtatious or romantic atmosphere, yet the singer is still uncertain whether they are interpreting the signals correctly. They feel a tide building that promises to elevate their relationship to a higher level, but it all hangs in the balance.
The chorus emphasizes the singer's reluctance to remain in the friend zone and their desire for something more. They repeat the phrase "I don't wanna be in your friend zone" several times, underscoring their frustration and their determination to not be relegated to a platonic relationship. Even the use of Mandarin Chinese in the song hints at a feeling of being lost in translation, a symbolic expression of the language barrier two people may face when trying to communicate their feelings.
In summary, "The Friends Zone" is a song about being stuck in the uncertain limbo of a platonic relationship while harboring romantic feelings for someone. It's an all-too-familiar situation for many people, and the song captures the yearning for a deeper connection and the frustration of not being able to break free from the friend zone.
Line by Line Meaning
I don’t know if you care about me
The singer is unsure whether the person he likes cares about him or not.
I don’t know if you ever think about it
The singer wonders if the person he likes ever thinks about him.
With the fainted light
The dim lighting has a positive effect on the singer's mood.
Makes everything so right
The lighting creates a feeling of contentment and happiness in the singer.
There is something in your eyes
The singer notices something in the person's eyes, possibly affection or interest.
You cannot hide
Despite the person's attempts to conceal their true feelings, the singer can still sense them.
I can feel the tide
The singer senses a strong attraction or connection with the person.
We’re gonna touch the sky
The singer believes that his feelings for the person will lead to great heights, happiness, and success.
All I know about is
The singer is only certain of one thing.
I don’t wanna be in your friend zone
The singer is hoping to have a romantic relationship with the person, not just a platonic one.
你說話像在 繞著圈圈打轉
The person the singer likes talks in a way that is confusing or difficult to understand.
但我從來不想 只做你的朋友
The singer doesn't want to just be friends with the person he likes.
如果曖昧的賞味期限已滿
If the time for ambiguous flirtation is over.
甜的滋味 酸的期待
The sweetness of the person's actions is met with the bitterness of false hope and unrequited love.
敢不敢拆封我的愛？
Will the person have the courage to reciprocate the singer's feelings?
What they can’t see
Other people are unaware of the feelings that the singer has for the person.
I’ve been trying
The singer has been attempting to communicate his feelings to the person.
Just to hope one day you can
The singer wishes that one day the person will understand his feelings for her.
Take a look at my way
The singer wants the person to pay attention to his feelings.
Don’t tryna escape
The singer wants the person to stop trying to avoid his feelings or distance herself from him.
I know we feel the same
The singer believes that the person has similar feelings for him but is hesitant to admit them.
No
The singer is expressing a strong refusal to remain in the friend zone.
I don’t, I don’t, I don’t, I don’t
The singer repeats his desire not to be in the friend zone.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Oddisee, StarRo, Yu Qi Tang
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Tiara Hudson
I love your album, my boyfriend turned me on to you and I'm so glad that he did! I was just listening to this song coming from class today!
Micheal Shyne
still love this album dude inspiration at its best
Graphik712
Extremely unique flavor. No song like it!
kurisu3000
This is amazing!
ZouseKouseki
Nice song this beat is off the hook, u ever just post any instrumentals?
venomows1
this song is great :D
Henrique Brenzinger
Probably half of those views are mine from 10 years ago, love this song
Kwezzy
dope dude!
Graphik712
woahhh! dopenesssss!
victor wilson
man I just got the lake placid RL jersey for 70% off.