Warpaint
88Rising Lyrics


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Every time I turn my head
Lovers kissin' everywhere
Fingers runnin' down their thigh
They're just livin' the lie
Love is nothing but a Cowboy
Shootin' up one life at a time
I'm just trying to nurse this cold heart
This cold heart of mine

Keep my head high
I'll survive, 'cause

Every day, I put my Warpaint on
I'm a warrior, I'll find another one
Step aside, I'm moving through
All by myself, I don't need you
Warrior, I put my Warpaint on

People like to call me cynical
Pessimistic when it comes to love
I'm not lookin' for a fucking miracle
I'm just lookin' for a sweeter drug
Love is nothing but a Cowboy
Shootin' up one life at a time
I'm just trying to nurse this cold heart
This cold heart of mine

Keep my head high
I'll survive, 'cause

Every day, I put my Warpaint on
I'm a warrior, I'll find another one
Step aside, I'm moving through
All by myself, I don't need you
Warrior, I put my Warpaint on

'Cause now I don't need you
'Cause now I don't need you

Keep my head high
I'll survive 'cause

Every day, I put my Warpaint on
I'm a warrior, I'll find another one
Step aside, I'm moving through




All by myself, I don't need you
Warrior, I put my Warpaint on

Overall Meaning

88RISING NIKI's song "Warpaint" addresses themes of heartbreak, resilience, and identity. The lyrics describe the singer's experience of feeling isolated amidst a world of couples, with love being likened to a cowboy shooting up one life at a time. Despite this, the singer is determined to push forward and put on her "Warpaint," symbolizing her inner strength and warrior spirit. The lyrics' message is one of self-empowerment, encouraging listeners to find their inner strength and resilience.


The lyrics' core message is reinforced by the song's title, "Warpaint," which is often associated with indigenous peoples' traditional warpaint. It has historically been used for protection and empowerment in battle, both symbolically and practically. This connection underscores the song's theme of strength and resilience, suggesting that the singer's "Warpaint" functions as a protective layer and source of inner strength.


The repetition of the phrase "I don't need you" in the final lines of the song firmly cements the singer's independence and self-reliance, making it clear that she is determined to fight her battles alone. The song promotes self-love and encourages listeners to embrace their inner warriors, reject societal pressures to conform, and stay strong in the face of adversity.


Line by Line Meaning

Every time I turn my head
Whenever I look around


Lovers kissin' everywhere
I see couples kissing in public


Fingers runnin' down their thigh
I notice physical intimacy between them


They're just livin' the lie
Their love is not genuine


Love is nothing but a Cowboy
Love is unpredictable and destructive


Shootin' up one life at a time
Cause heartbreak and damage to individuals


I'm just trying to nurse this cold heart
I'm healing and protecting myself emotionally


Keep my head high
Stay strong and optimistic


I'll survive, 'cause
I will persevere and overcome


Every day, I put my Warpaint on
I mentally prepare myself for the challenges of love


I'm a warrior, I'll find another one
I am resilient and will find a new lover


Step aside, I'm moving through
I'm determined to move forward


All by myself, I don't need you
I can handle this alone without your help


People like to call me cynical
Others see me as skeptical


Pessimistic when it comes to love
I have a negative view of love


I'm not lookin' for a fucking miracle
I have realistic expectations


I'm just lookin' for a sweeter drug
I want to experience a better form of love


'Cause now I don't need you
I've moved on and don't require your presence


Warrior, I put my Warpaint on
I am prepared for the battles of love




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: AINSLIE WILLS, BRAM INSCORE, JESSICA NITTIES

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@zhatsuki

[Verse 1: NIKI]
Every time I turn my head
Lovers kissin' everywhere
Fingers runnin' down their thigh
They're just livin' the lie
Love is nothing but a Cowboy
Shootin' up one life at a time
I'm just trying to nurse this cold heart
This cold heart of mine

[Pre-Chorus: NIKI]
Keep my head high
I'll survive, 'cause

[Chorus: NIKI]
Every day, I put my Warpaint on
I'm a warrior, I find another one
Step aside, I'm moving through
All by myself, I don't need you
Warrior, I put my Warpaint on

[Verse 2: NIKI]
People like to call me cynical
Pessimistic when it comes to love
I'm not lookin' for a fucking miracle
I'm just lookin' for a sweeter drug
Love is nothing but a Cowboy
Shootin' up one life at a time
I'm just trying to nurse this cold heart
This cold heart of mine

[Pre-Chorus: NIKI]
Keep my head high
I'll survive, 'cause

[Chorus: NIKI]
Every day, I put my Warpaint on
I'm a warrior, I find another one
Step aside, I'm moving through
All by myself, I don't need you
Warrior, I put my Warpaint on

[Bridge: NIKI]
'Cause now I don't need you
'Cause now I don't need you

[Pre-Chorus: NIKI]
Keep my head high
I'll survive 'cause

[Chorus: NIKI]
Every day, I put my Warpaint on
I'm a warrior, I find another one
Step aside, I'm moving through
All by myself, I don't need you
Warrior, I put my Warpaint on



All comments from YouTube:

@tessalonikawijaya3855

crying bc this song was featured in disney's raya trailer, im so proud of you girl. This. girl. literally. brings. southeast. asia. pride. to. international. taste. im fucking crying i cant wait for the movie and also niki's upcoming song!!!

@neropunkt

so proud of her working with a company that openly endorses Chinese concentration camps 😍😍 yasss queen, supporting asia

@afrk0236

@@neropunkt Can you explain please? I don't get what do you mean😅

@sunflowerm8863

who's here after NIKI announced Disney's Raya trailer?

@joshuafortune4420

Me

@kautsarrofie9711

yes, i am

@tmh-jts7022

meee

@amiliasapitri1185

Me

@negeriatasangin756

Me

1 More Replies...

@blackwhale8832

Çok güzel♡

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