The lead singer and songwriter from Antony and the Johnsons has collaborated with Oneohtrix Point Never and Hudson Mohawke on her latest work. With her official name changed to ANOHNI, the album HOPELESSNESS is set to an electronic dance soundtrack with soulful vocals and direct lyrics addressing surveillance, drone warfare, and ecocide. HOPELESSNESS is a departure from the singer's recent symphonic collaborations. The album seeks to disrupt assumptions about popular music by embedding vigorously political lyrics within dance/pop tracks.
Karma
Anohni Lyrics
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For better or for worse
Slam the door, a window flies open
Feel the contours of my words
I am bruised but not broken
For better or for worse
For more or less
Don't look backwards
Don't look forwards
Mom has been my compass
Has been my compass
I call you from the crossroads
Come and be good to me
And treat me right
Who knows the direction the winds will blow?
Come and kiss me softly in this hard life
Whisper sweet things and just let go
And just let go
And just let me go
And just let go
And just let go
And just let go
Come and be good to me
And treat me right
Who knows the direction winds will blow?
Winds will blow
Don't look forwards
Don't look forwards
And just let me go
For better or for worse
More or less
Don't look backward and don't look forwards
Mom has been my compass
Has been my compass
I call you, I call you from the crossroads
Come and be good to me
Treat me right
Who knows the direction winds will blow?
Come and kiss me softly in this hard life
Whisper sweet things and just let me go
The lyrics of Anohni's "KARMA" convey a sense of uncertainty and vulnerability as the singer navigates through life's challenges. The song speaks to the many twists and turns that one encounters in life, and the need for someone to lean on during those difficult moments. The opening lines, "For more or less, for better or for worse, slam the door, a window flies open, feel the contours of my words" suggest that life is full of unpredictable moments, but with each experience, there is an opportunity for growth and change. The refrain, "Don't look backwards, don't look forwards, mom has been my compass" emphasizes the importance of family and the role they play in shaping our lives. It also highlights the need to stay grounded in the present moment and not allow past or future fears to hold us back.
The chorus, "I call you from the crossroads, come and be good to me, and treat me right, who knows the direction the winds will blow?" underscores the singer's vulnerability and the need for human connection. The crossroads symbolize a point of uncertainty in life, and the singer is seen reaching out to someone to be his guide. The line "come and kiss me softly in this hard life, whisper sweet things, and just let go" suggests a plea for comfort and understanding amidst life's difficulties. Ultimately, the song emphasizes the fact that although life may be uncertain, having someone there to lean on can make all the difference.
Line by Line Meaning
For more or less
No matter what the circumstances may be
For better or for worse
Regardless of how the situation turns out
Slam the door, a window flies open
Every ending is a new beginning
Feel the contours of my words
Pay attention to the meaning behind what I say
I am bruised but not broken
Despite experiencing pain, I am still standing
Don't look backwards
Don't dwell on the past
Mom has been my compass
My mother has always been my guide
I call you from the crossroads
I need your help to navigate a difficult decision
Come and be good to me
Please show me kindness
And treat me right
Respect me as a person
Who knows the direction the winds will blow?
Nobody can predict what will happen in the future
Come and kiss me softly in this hard life
Offer me comfort and affection during difficult times
Whisper sweet things and just let go
Say kind words and allow me to move on
And just let me go
Allow me to move forward without hindrance
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Antony Hegarty
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind