Cairobi (formerly called Vadoinmessico) are a five-piece band from several … Read Full Bio ↴Cairobi (formerly called Vadoinmessico) are a five-piece band from several corners of the Earth residing in London and playing beautiful, nostalgic psychedelic folk-pop. Giorgio (from Italy), Salvador (from Mexico) started the band and were soon joined by banjo player Stefan (from Austria) and Alessandro (also Italian), and their English drummer Joe. They have recorded their debut album, with the help of mix engineer Craig Silvey (Arcade Fire, Portishead, etc) and are now ready to enchant the world with their exceptional sounds.

Zoraide
Cairobi Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I'll get it off my chest but
Not jut like anyone else would.
Not jut like anyone else would.

I'll get it off my chest but
Not jut like anyone else would.
Not jut like anyone else would.

I wouldn't have left any trace if you told me to hide
But none of us made a mistake we just did what felt right.

I'll get it off my chest but
Not jut like anyone else would.
Not jut like anyone else would.

I'll get it off my chest but
Not jut like anyone else would.
Not jut like anyone else would.

Now I shouldn't say that but you're playing far too rough for a wife
We weren't supposed to be fearing each other's eyes.

I wouldn't go back to the place where I couldn't survive,
Where I couldn't make up for the years marching ordered in line.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Cairobi's song Zoraide seem to describe a person who is struggling to express something that is weighing heavily on their mind. They acknowledge that they need to "get it off their chest" but they don't want to do it in the same way that anyone else would. There is a sense of individuality and perhaps even fear in the way that they want to express themselves.

Throughout the song, the singer seems to be reflecting on a past relationship, possibly a marriage. There is a suggestion that they were asked to hide or keep secrets, as they mention that they "wouldn't have left any trace if you told me to hide." They then go on to say that they didn't make any mistakes, but rather did what felt right. This could be interpreted as them feeling guilty about the end of the relationship, but also feeling like they did the right thing.

The singer then seems to address their former partner directly, saying "Now I shouldn't say that but you're playing far too rough for a wife." This could be interpreted as them feeling like they were mistreated or abused in the relationship, or it could be them projecting their own feelings of guilt and fear onto their former partner. They then reflect on the fact that they don't want to return to a place where they couldn't survive and where they were forced to conform. Overall, the lyrics seem to be a reflection on a complex and difficult past relationship, and the struggles that the singer is facing in moving forward.

Line by Line Meaning

I'll get it off my chest but
I need to speak my truth and express my feelings.

Not jut like anyone else would.
I will do it in my own unique way, not conforming to societal norms or expectations.

I wouldn't have left any trace if you told me to hide
I would have disappeared completely if it meant pleasing someone else.

But none of us made a mistake we just did what felt right.
Despite any potential consequences or judgment from others, we followed our hearts and made choices that felt true to ourselves.

Now I shouldn't say that but you're playing far too rough for a wife
I know I probably shouldn't criticize, but your behavior is too aggressive and controlling for a partner.

We weren't supposed to be fearing each other's eyes.
Our relationship was not meant to be full of fear or intimidation; we should feel safe and secure with each other.

I wouldn't go back to the place where I couldn't survive,
I refuse to return to a situation where I feel like I cannot thrive or be my true self.

Where I couldn't make up for the years marching ordered in line.
I refuse to continue living a life of conformity and oppression; I want to break free and live authentically.

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS