Karpeh was born on January 30, 1993, in Cleveland, Ohio. He graduated with a degree in International Affairs from the George Washington University in 2015. Karpeh worked as a real estate agent in New York City for two years and in advertising for a year before pursuing music full-time.
Karpeh learned music production at GW University by remixing beats for friends. His music style is influenced by hip-hop, organic and electronic sounds. He plays multiple instruments including the saxophone, flute, guitar, bass, keyboard and drums.
Known by his stage name Cautious Clay, Karpeh, on September 22, 2017 released "Cold War", the first single from his debut EP Blood Type, which was first released on February 21, 2018, and then re-released on April 13, 2018 with the additional single "Stolen Moments".
Karpeh's second EP Resonance, was first released on May 30, 2018 and then re-released on August 22, 2018 with the additional song "Crowned". His third EP Table of Context, was released on March 27, 2019.
Karpeh played at the 2019 Billy Reid Shindig in Florence, Alabama. He will also feature on the soundtrack of 13 Reasons Why: Season 3 with the song "Swim Home". Swim Home is one of two collaborations with John Mayer, the other is "Carry Me Away", featured on Table of Context.
"Cold War" was sampled on the song "London Boy" for Taylor Swift's seventh studio album Lover (2019).
Puffer
Cautious Clay Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
On the inside I'm a slow drive
In a little boat at low tide
I know I'm taking after one side
I just wanna let it sink in
But the wit don't spit like it use to
'Cause everyone's alone
But it's the meaning that you want (ha)
Like a flower in the sun
I just wanna grow, grow, grow
Broad and wide, wide, wide
Running from the worst side
Of my own conscience on a ride
In a little boat at low tide
I'm only looking after one side
But if I let it sink in
I miss bad trips, stupid reviews
I miss time wasted with you too
'Cause everyone's alone
But it's the meaning that you want (meaning that you want)
Like a flower in the sun
I just wanna grow, grow grow
Broad and wide, wide, wide
'Cause everyone's alone
But it's the meaning that you want (hmm)
Like a flower in the sun
No, I just wanna grow, grow, grow (hmm)
In "Puffer" by Cautious Clay, the lyrics delve into the internal conflicts and contradictions within oneself. The song starts by describing the singer as "puffy on the outside," which could refer to their outer appearance or facade. However, on the inside, they reveal that they are more like a slow drive, implying a sense of introspection and contemplation. They compare themselves to being in a little boat at low tide, symbolizing a sense of vulnerability and being at a low point.
The chorus speaks to the desire for self-reflection and personal growth. The singer wants to let their thoughts sink in, but they feel that their ability to articulate or express themselves has diminished. They long for the sharpness and quick wit they once possessed. Despite this, they also acknowledge the importance of waiting for the sequel, implying that change and growth take time.
The second verse continues the theme of internal conflict and introspection. The singer talks about running from the worst side of their conscience, suggesting a struggle with their own emotions and thoughts. Again, the image of being in a little boat at low tide is repeated, emphasizing their vulnerability. They admit to looking after only one side of themselves, indicating a failure to address and understand all aspects of their being.
The chorus repeats, highlighting the universal experience of feeling alone, but ultimately seeking meaning in life. The mention of a flower in the sun represents the desire for personal growth and expansion. The singer just wants to grow broad and wide, suggesting a longing for self-discovery and seeking fulfillment.
Overall, "Puffer" by Cautious Clay explores the complex journey of self-discovery and the internal conflicts that often arise along the way. It speaks to the need for introspection, personal growth, and the search for meaning in life.
Line by Line Meaning
Puffy on the outside
Appearances may suggest that I am carefree and light-hearted
On the inside I'm a slow drive
Internally, I am calm and deliberate
In a little boat at low tide
I feel stranded and limited in my possibilities
I know I'm taking after one side
I am aware that I am inclined towards a particular direction or influence
I just wanna let it sink in
I simply want to fully grasp and absorb the situation
But the wit don't spit like it use to
My cleverness and quickness of thought have diminished
Hurry up and wait for the sequel
I am impatiently anticipating the next chapter or event
'Cause everyone's alone
Because ultimately, every individual is on their own
But it's the meaning that you want (ha)
However, what truly matters is the significance or purpose that you seek
Like a flower in the sun
Similar to a flower basking in sunlight
I just wanna grow, grow, grow
I simply desire personal growth and development
Broad and wide, wide, wide
Expansive and all-encompassing
Running from the worst side
Avoiding the most negative or detrimental aspects
Of my own conscience on a ride
Within my own mind, navigating through experiences and choices
I'm only looking after one side
I am solely focused on a particular viewpoint or aspect
But if I let it sink in
However, if I allow myself to fully comprehend and accept it
I miss bad trips, stupid reviews
I long for negative experiences and foolish judgments
I miss time wasted with you too
I also yearn for the moments spent with you, even if they were unproductive
'Cause everyone's alone
Because ultimately, every individual is on their own
But it's the meaning that you want (meaning that you want)
However, what truly matters is the significance or purpose that you seek
Like a flower in the sun
Similar to a flower basking in sunlight
No, I just wanna grow, grow, grow (hmm)
No, I simply desire personal growth and development
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Andrew Michael Wells, Anthony Rossomondo, Joshua Karpeh
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@CAXAAPT
Puffy on the outside
On the inside, I'm a slow drive
In a little boat at low tide
I know I'm taking after one side
I just wanna let that sink in
But the wit don't spit like it used to
Hurry up and wait for the sequel
'Cause everyone's alone
But it's the meaning that you want
Like a flower in the sun
I just wanna grow, grow, grow
Broad and wide, wide, wide
Running from the worst side
Of my own conscience on a ride
In a little boat at low tide
I'm only looking after one side
But if I let it sink in
I miss bad trips, stupid reviews
I miss time wasted with you too
'Cause everyone's alone
But it's the meaning that you want (meaning that you want)
Like a flower in the sun
I just wanna grow, grow, grow
Broad and wide, wide, wide
'Cause everyone's alone
But it's the meaning that you want, hmm
Like a flower in the sun
Yeah, I just wanna grow, grow, grow, hmm
@bighoff2496
Listened to this song on Spotify atleast 20 times. All I gotta say is, this has no right to hit as hard as it does. Clay never misses 🤘
@nrvtv7753
I probably listened to this a trillion times.This song is perfect.
@bighoff2496
@NRV TV broyhanausxh yes
@shhh9739
This is amazing. A lot of ppl missing out on your music.
@sekhemramin269
🤝Same , just found this track on Apple Music this week
@rolphh7548
One of the best songs I’ve heard in awhile
@heizu5163
Man I mess with this heavy! I don't seek out new music that often anymore, but Clay is that dude, always solid.
@shawnanderson7328
This is probably the greatest song that has made its presence to my ears in a LONG time.
@stevemac5
same here
@jonathanmukeba6282
The Visual
The Aesthetic
The Music
Everything is fine ❤️