The pair first made contact over message boards on Okayplayer.com and began recording and sending music back and forth. Soon after, Phonte and Nicolay formed The Foreign Exchange without having ever met each other in person, hence the name Foreign Exchange.
The album, Connected, was released in 2004 and was a showcase for Nicolay's musical talents as well as an introduction to like-minded Little Brother affiliates who guested on the album. The album received strong and the single, "Sincere" featuring YahZarah, was released with a promo video.
In October 2008, the group released their sophomore album Leave It All Behind.
In June 2009, the group announced that Zo! and Carlitta Durand are now official artists on The Foreign Exchange Music imprint.
Valediction
Foreign Exchange Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No need to take off your shoes
Usually you could stay
But not today not today no
This place is no longer yours and
I left your things they're right by the door
Please don't be that way
Not today not today no
But inside it's slowly killing me
Nothing more for me to say
But not today not today no
So we must say our goodbyes
To all of the pain and the lies
But nothings been more true
Then these words to you
I've been changed and rearranged and it's not like it was before
And when the sun shines I'll show her why
She can't kick me anymore
Me anymore
The lyrics of Foreign Exchange's song Valediction depict a painful goodbye between two lovers. The beginning of the song sets the scene, with the singer telling the other person that they don't need to get too comfortable because they won't be staying for long. The tone is somber and somewhat resentful, as the singer acknowledges that they are still in love with this person but cannot keep their relationship going any longer. The line "Our love is such a rush but inside it's slowly killing me" is particularly poignant, as it suggests that the singer is torn between the intense feelings they have for this person and the emotional toll that those feelings have taken on them. As the song progresses, the singer makes it clear that they need to say goodbye to the pain and lies of their past relationship, and that they have been changed and rearranged by it. However, there is a sense of hope and determination in the lyrics that suggests that the singer is ready to move on and start a new chapter in their life, free from the toxicity of their past relationship.
One interesting fact about Valediction is that it features rapper Phonte Coleman and Dutch producer Nicolay, who make up the group Foreign Exchange. The song is taken from their fourth studio album, Love in Flying Colors, which was released in 2013. Another interesting fact is that the song was written by Phonte Coleman and singer/songwriter Carmen Rodgers, who is also featured on the album. It has been described as a standout track on the album, with its introspective lyrics and soulful instrumentation earning it praise from critics and fans alike. Additionally, the album as a whole was noted for its experimentation with different genres, including R&B, electronic, and Brazilian music.
Line by Line Meaning
No need to remove your coat
You don't have to make yourself comfortable.
No need to take off your shoes
You don't have to stay for long.
Usually you could stay
In the past, you were always welcome here.
But not today not today no
Today is different.
This place is no longer yours and
Things have changed and you are not a part of it anymore.
I left your things they're right by the door
Your belongings are ready for you to take with you.
Please don't be that way
Don't be angry or upset with me.
Not today not today no
Today is not the day for arguments.
Our love is such a rush
Our love was passionate and intense.
But inside it's slowly killing me
But it's hurting me more than it's helping me.
Nothing more for me to say
There's nothing left for me to say.
But not today not today no
But today is not the day to say it.
So we must say our goodbyes
We have to end this relationship.
To all of the pain and the lies
To all of the hurt and the deception we caused each other.
But nothings been more true
Despite everything, this is the truth.
Then these words to you
These words I am saying to you.
I've been changed and rearranged and it's not like it was before
I have changed and our relationship will never be the same again.
And when the sun shines I'll show her why
But I will move on and I will be better off without you.
She can't kick me anymore
You can't hurt me anymore or control me.
Me anymore
I am not the same person you once knew.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MATTHIJS ROOK, PHONTE LYSHOD COLEMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Rage_quit84
This has to be one of the best albums ever
Enrique Noyola
You should check the album connected by them 🔥
Tasha N James
Direct and Beautiful!! He cared more for himself!! Beautifully honest.
Evelyn Stansberry
The album in its entirety is about an addiction and they refer to it as a "her." How absolutely amazing a concept!!💡
born90cyph
He cared more for himself? That sounds sketchy, but the relationship was harmful to "self", it was.
Nat Rey
This song is the best short song i've ever heard
Misti Gaffney
The shortest truth ever told....this song describes my former situation perfectly. He didn't belong with me and the valediction was evident...that relationship changed and rearranged me
Bro. Tolliver
"She can't keep me anymore"... jesus. And then bringing the refrain from "Day Keeper" as an allusion to both the song and the relationship; this is music at it's finest. Take me back to the days when I first discovered FE+
Jay D. Winfrey
Good catch!
AceMarCano
the drum pattern is out of this world... beautiful record... wonderful vocals and lyrics ..