One of the few bands in the northeast that can lull you with ethereal sound… Read Full Bio ↴One of the few bands in the northeast that can lull you with ethereal soundscapes while simultaneously sending you into a a crazy mosh, Jelani Sei are a group of individuals who are constantly searching the realms of harmony to find that new groove.

Having roots in Evan Lawrence’s basement, Jelani Sei has evolved into a full lineup that includes Kayana Guity on vocals, Samuel Smith on guitar, Scott White on guitar and Enayi Tamakloe on drums. The completion of the lineup has allowed the band to reach a point of musical clarity they wouldn’t have been able to find on their own. From playing all around New England, into New York City and Philadelphia, they have developed their own sound, self dubbing it as “Progressive R&B.”

Jelani Sei recently released their second EP entitled, “Kaaria,” a four track encapsulation of their musical growth from their previous releases, as well as a conversation of the current state of the world. Jelani Sei represents not only unity, but love, passion and a drive to push oneself beyond limits they didn’t think they were capable of.

Téléphone
Jelani Sei Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Caught up in the mesh
You're subbing in for me
I black out call it quits
I try to understand
Will you ever go, my friend?
I'm high to numb my risk
I'm smoking all my money
I'm smoking all my rent

You have no business here
You've bought where I belong
And tried to call it home

But I ain't having it
I ain't having it, I ain't having it
I ain't having it, I ain't having it
I ain't having it, I ain't having it
No, I ain't having it
I ain't having it

I black out call it quits
(Quits, quits, quits)
I black out call it quits
(Quits, quits, quits)
I black out call it quits

(Quits, quits, quits)
I black out call it quits

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Jelani Sei's song Telephone convey a sense of confusion and frustration. The singer seems to be caught up in a difficult situation or relationship, unable to escape from it. The line "caught up in the mesh" suggests feeling trapped or entangled, while "you're subbing in for me" implies that someone else has taken the singer's place or role, perhaps in a romantic or professional capacity. The singer then declares "I black out call it quits" several times, indicating a desire to disconnect or end the situation, but also a sense of powerlessness or incapacity to do so. The line "will you ever go, my friend?" introduces an element of uncertainty or doubt about the future, as if the singer is unsure whether the other person will stay or leave. The repeated phrases "I'm high to numb my risk" and "I'm smoking all my money, I'm smoking all my rent" suggest a reliance on drugs or other destructive habits to cope with the stress and confusion of the situation. Overall, the lyrics convey a feeling of being overwhelmed and overpowered by outside forces, struggling to maintain control and agency in the face of difficult circumstances.

Line by Line Meaning

Caught up in the mesh
Feeling trapped and unable to escape

You're subbing in for me
Someone else is taking over my role or position

I black out call it quits
Giving up and surrendering to the situation

I try to understand
Attempting to make sense of the circumstances

Will you ever go, my friend?
Questioning the loyalty of a supposed friend

I'm high to numb my risk
Using drugs to mitigate feelings of danger or peril

I'm smoking all my money
Finances are being consumed by addiction

I'm smoking all my rent
Addiction is causing financial problems, including an inability to pay rent

You have no business here
Someone is intruding where they do not belong

You've bought where I belong
Someone has taken control of the space or situation that rightfully belongs to the artist

And tried to call it home
Attempting to make the space their own