Apart from his solo career, Anderson formed the duo NxWorries in 2015 with record producer Knxwledge. He is frequently accompanied by the band Free Nationals, who play a variety of instruments, such as electric guitar, bass, piano, keyboards and drums, and also serve as backing vocalists. In 2021, he formed the duo Silk Sonic with fellow singer-songwriter Bruno Mars. The duo's debut single, "Leave the Door Open", became Anderson's first single to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
Green Light
Anderson .Paak Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Always feeling thirsty
To drink some neighbour's fountain dry
Ever since my birthday
Forever dreaming up ideals
Always painting pictures
Of where I'm going, never knowing
But if you wanna love me, please do
If you wanna hold me - why
That would be something
Something real
Just give me a green light
Now I'm a lonely guy, if only
I could feel completed
And those who know me say I'm slowly
Becoming a defeatist
But if you wanna love me, please do
If you wanna hold me - why
That would be something
Something real
Just give me a green light
If you wanna love me - well
If you wanna hold me - why
That would be something
Something real
Just give me a green light
Come clip my wings with a lover's touch
Show me satisfaction
Lock me to the rails insomuch
As I can channel in this passion
But if you wanna love me, please do
If you wanna hold me - why
That would be something
Something real
Just give me a green light
In "Green Light," Anderson .Paak reflects on his journey of self-discovery and the pursuit of love and fulfillment. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and vulnerability, as he opens up about his inner struggles and desires.
The opening lines, "I was a mixed up child, I'd cry, always feeling thirsty, to drink some neighbor's fountain dry, ever since my birthday," speak to his innate restlessness and yearning for something more. He reflects on his tendency to constantly seek new experiences and opportunities without fully understanding the consequences. This is further emphasized by the line, "Forever dreaming up ideals, always painting pictures, of where I'm going, never knowing when being too ambitious."
The chorus, "But if you wanna love me, please do, if you wanna hold me - why, that would be something, something real, just give me a green light," reveals his desire for genuine love and connection. He longs for someone to accept and embrace him, acknowledging that the possibility of love is what propels him forward. The repetition of the phrase "something real" emphasizes the importance of authenticity and sincerity in his relationships.
As the song progresses, Anderson .Paak acknowledges his loneliness and the feelings of incompleteness that accompany it. He mentions that others perceive him as a defeatist, possibly implying that his relentless pursuit of love and fulfillment has left him feeling drained and discouraged. However, he still holds onto hope, expressing that if someone were to love and hold him, it would be a significant and meaningful experience.
Overall, "Green Light" is a heartfelt plea for love and acceptance, with Anderson .Paak grappling with his emotions and aspirations.
Line by Line Meaning
I was a mixed up child, I'd cry
As a confused child, I often felt overwhelmed and would cry.
Always feeling thirsty
I constantly yearned for more in life.
To drink some neighbour's fountain dry
Seeking fulfillment from external sources, even if it wasn't sustainable.
Ever since my birthday
Since I was young, this desire has been present in my life.
Forever dreaming up ideals
Continuously imagining and striving for my visions.
Always painting pictures
Depicting my aspirations through creativity.
Of where I'm going, never knowing
Though I have goals in mind, I am uncertain of the exact path.
When being too ambitious
Sometimes my excessive ambition can be overwhelming.
But if you wanna love me, please do
If you genuinely want to love me, then go ahead.
If you wanna hold me - why
If the desire to embrace me is sincere, then why not?
That would be something
It would be meaningful and significant.
Something real
Something authentic and genuine.
Just give me a green light
Grant me permission or approval to pursue my dreams.
Now I'm a lonely guy, if only
Currently, I feel alone and incomplete, wishing for something more.
I could feel completed
To experience a sense of wholeness and fulfillment.
And those who know me say I'm slowly
People who are familiar with me claim that I'm gradually
Becoming a defeatist
Adopting a negative mindset and giving in to pessimism.
Come clip my wings with a lover's touch
Allow love to guide and support me, even if it means restricting my freedom.
Show me satisfaction
Reveal genuine contentment and fulfillment to me.
Lock me to the rails insomuch
Bind me tightly to a path that channels my passion.
As I can channel in this passion
Utilize and direct my intense enthusiasm towards my pursuits.
If you wanna love me - well
If you genuinely desire to love me, then
If you wanna hold me - why
If you truly want to embrace me, then why hesitate?
That would be something
It would be significant and meaningful.
Something real
Something authentic and genuine.
Just give me a green light
Grant me permission or approval to pursue my dreams.
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Michael Davies
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Arson Aardvark
I miss Jonwayne. I hope he puts out something new eventually. Too much talent.
ZCaptain
The first EVER time I heard Anderson Paak. After this, history was made. It's been beautiful to see the man shine his ever increasing talents with the best artists in the industry and winning a Grammy while doing so.
Mr.E
Word!
Paak is a beast.
I just wish Jon would make more music. he has the talent and the skill.
SAZERU
jonwayne and .paak is an amazing collab i did not expect or see coming but one i was fucking thrilled to see. im so happy this was your intro to him, i bet it was fucking astounding because i didnt see him coming in like that either
Seeker Goldstone
You've gotta hear his Dre collab
Darius Bakker
His style so calm and subtle, honey to the ears
SAZERU
dude honey to the ears is the perfect way to put it
Ryan S
Straight classic
I can't wait to see JW get his!
GeminiEye1
This track never gets old
Bobby Russell
Jowayne is a beast, so easy to listen to.