In 1964, at the age of 11, Khan formed her first musical group, the Crystalettes. While still in high school, she joined the Afro-Arts Theater, a group which toured with Motown great Mary Wells; a few years later, she adopted the African name Chaka Khan while working on the Black Panthers' breakfast program. After quitting high school in 1969, Khan joined the group Lyfe, soon exiting to join another dance band, the Babysitters — neither was on the fast track to success, but her fortunes changed when she teamed with ex-American Breed member Kevin Murphy and Andre Fisher to form Rufus.
Debuting in 1973 with a self-titled effort on the ABC label, Rufus was among the preeminent funk groups of the decade. Distinguished by Khan's dynamic vocals, the group earned half a dozen gold or platinum albums.
While still a member of the group in 1978, Khan embarked on a successful solo career. Her signature hits, both with Rufus and solo, include "Tell Me Something Good", "Sweet Thing", "Ain't Nobody", "I'm Every Woman", "I Feel for You" and "Through the Fire".
Twisted
Chaka Khan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There's someone I've found, so far he's true
Out of me there's a voice which keeps calling
I'm hiding alone, crazy I know, and I am
Tied to your strings and twisted
I'm just waiting to show the others who know
And I am tied to your strings and twisted
So medication's still the devil in me
So into make-believe, your smile I see
Out of me there's a voice which keeps calling
I'm hiding alone, crazy I know, and I am
Tied to your strings and twisted
I'm just waiting to show the others who know
And I am tied to your strings and twisted
Hold me in this tiny room sedated here I'll stay
Next to me, I beg of you don't throw the key away
Out of me there's a voice which keeps calling
I'm hiding alone, crazy I know, and I am
Tied to your strings and twisted
I'm just waiting to show the others who know
And I am tied to your strings and twisted
I'm hiding alone, crazy I know, and I am
Tied to your strings and twisted
I'm just waiting to show the others who know
And I am tied to your strings and twisted
I'm going crazy, boy, look out
(Tied to your strings and twisted)
Look out, boy
The lyrics to Chaka Khan's song Twisted capture the feeling of being trapped in a toxic relationship, where one is tied to the strings of their partner and feeling twisted from the inside out. The opening lines "Here, certified unsound I feel like you / There's someone I've found, so far he's true" suggest that the singer has found someone who understands their struggles but is still recovering from the damage done by their previous partner. The internal voice that keeps calling out highlights how the singer is torn between their desire to get out and their fear of being alone.
Throughout the song, the singer refers to being crazy, hiding alone, and being sedated in a tiny room. These references may allude to the singer's mental state, perhaps struggling with anxiety or other mental health issues. The line "hold me in this tiny room, sedated here I'll stay" particularly stands out, as it suggests that the singer is willing to give up their freedom to stay with their partner, despite the toxicity of the situation.
Ultimately, the message of the song seems to be one of hopelessness and desperation, with the singer feeling trapped and helpless to escape the situation they find themselves in. The repeated refrain of being "tied to your strings and twisted" reinforces this feeling of being trapped and unable to break free.
Line by Line Meaning
Here, certified unsound I feel like you
I can see that we are both struggling with mental health issues and it makes me feel like we have a connection.
There's someone I've found, so far he's true
I have found someone who seems to be honest and genuine.
Out of me there's a voice which keeps calling
I have an inner voice that is telling me something important.
I'm hiding alone, crazy I know, and I am
I am isolating myself from others, which I know is not a healthy behavior.
Tied to your strings and twisted
I feel like I am being controlled by someone else and it is causing me to feel confused and conflicted.
I'm just waiting to show the others who know
I am waiting for a chance to prove to others that there is more to me than what they see on the surface.
So medication's still the devil in me
I struggle with the idea of taking medication to help with my mental health issues, as it feels like a personal failure.
So into make-believe, your smile I see
When I am feeling down or anxious, I find comfort in imagining that someone else is happy and smiling.
Hold me in this tiny room sedated here I'll stay
I am willing to stay in a restricted environment if it means that I can feel safe and protected there.
Next to me, I beg of you don't throw the key away
I am afraid of being trapped and abandoned, and I am asking someone to promise that they will not leave me alone.
I'm going crazy, boy, look out
I am feeling overwhelmed and like I am losing control of my thoughts and emotions, and I want others to be aware of this.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Colin Campsie, George McFarlane
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
tony tee
During the making of this album CHAKA was uneasy with the direction producer ARIF MARDIN was taking her....but she trusted in his exceptional talents and ended up with a phenominal album!!! the arrangements are unusual...but how can u loose with CHAKA KHAN on vocals?? Thats rite.....YOU CANT !!!
Robert Gonzales
Well we Aries aren't easily led by the nose so I can understand Chaka's reluctance. We need to know you got our back. We can sniff out fakes and false folks and will deal with them accordingly. Our Mars fire will burn you to hell and back.
Joe Wilson
If you missed this album then you just missed it!!! Sorry 4 your loss too because this is one of Chaka's best ever for my money!!! Twisted is the shyt!!!!! But it didn't stop there. The whole album was classic and it still touches my heart to this very day!!! Don't get it "twisted"!!!!!
Jerry j.edward Goodwin
Arif Marden was such a Production Genius!!! This album is about as close to musical perfection as is possible from that era!
tmjw69
My feelings exactly
Patricia Jones
!!!!!!!
ben flint
Look out boy! She's done gone crazy!! Seriously, tho, a song like no other. Still plays in my head almost 30 years later.
Evan Alston
@ben flint Ben this this is good vinyl, this lock in a moment in time!!!
mizpahboy
I dig everything CK has done but "Twisted" is by far and away my favorite. As a matter of fact that whole LP is kick ass
gerald deyounge
The spectacular way Ms. CK hits notes are surreal(octave and range), Its an experience, who can have an epiphany, you giggle(can't believe it), cry, laugh, get emotional, and then you are on the dance floor. The complete package singer of our time.