The 20 year old Londoner’s debut track “Back To Me” had over 30,000 SoundCloud plays and 150,000 YouTube views in just one week, getting radio play from tastemaker DJ’s on BBC Radio 1, a 1 Xtra playlisting and attracting coverage on Hypebeast, Clash, The Hunger and The Guardian to name a few.
In September, Joel will release his 4-track debut EP, “Astronaut”, via Black Butter. He may be signed to a particularly British label, but aesthetically Joel has more in common with American singers like Miguel, Frank Ocean, The Weekend, D’Angelo and Maxwell.
At turns, dark and disturbing, at others boldly witty and markedly candid, this is indie R&B at its best.
Girlfriends
Joel Compass Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Boom bat, boom, boom boom, t-ba
You got the things that make me go
Boom bat, boom, boom boom, t-ba
I don't, know how, you ever let this go
So let your girlfriends know
I got the things that make you go
It send a shock right through my veins
Girl
Hoping maybe I can get a sign
Let me take you from the girls that waste your time
Your afterglow
that they don't know
Your secret smile
better let it show
You could fold inside my arms
As I fall, fall, for you
I got the things that make you go
Boom bat, boom, boom boom, t-ba
You got the things that make me go
Boom bat, boom, boom boom, t-ba
I don't, know how, you ever let this go
So let your girl friends know
I got the things that make you go
Gotta get me some of that blowback
Gotta get me some of that high
Can you feel the tension between us
Oh, oh, oh, oh
I gotta get us one of those Kodaks
'Cause I picture you in my life
All the broken pieces turn seamless
Your afterglow
that they don't know
Your secret smile
better let it show
You could fold inside my arms
As I fall, fall, for you
You owe it to yourself to set,
To set the world, to set, to set the world on fire
You owe it to yourself to set,
To set the world, to set, to set the world on fire
You owe it to yourself to set,
To set the world, to set
to set the world on fire (to see the world on fire)
You owe it to yourself to set,
To set the world, to set, to set the world on fire
I got the things that make you go
Boom bat, boom, boom boom, t-ba
You got the things that make me go
Boom bat, boom, boom boom, t-ba
I don't, know how, you ever let this go
So let your girlfriends know
let your girlfriends know
I got the things that make you go
Boom bat, boom, boom boom, t-ba
You got the things that make me go
Boom bat, boom, boom boom, t-ba
I don't, know how, you ever let this go
So let your girlfriends know
I got the things that make you go
The lyrics to Joel Compass's song "Girlfriends" depict a man who is in love with a woman and wants her to know that he has the qualities that make her happy. The chorus, "I got the things that make you go Boom bat, boom, boom boom, t-ba/ You got the things that make me go/ Boom bat, boom, boom boom, t-ba" reflects the give-and-take of the relationship. He believes that he makes her happy and, in turn, she completes him.
The verse "Your afterglow/ that they don't know/ Your secret smile/ better let it show" suggests that the woman has a hidden side that only he knows about. He implores her to let that side of her show to the world, indicating that he is proud of her and wants to showcase her for who she is. "Gotta get me some of that blowback/ Gotta get me some of that high/ Can you feel the tension between us/ Oh, oh, oh, oh/ I gotta get us one of those Kodaks/ 'Cause I picture you in my life/ All the broken pieces turn seamless" further highlights how deeply he is in love with her and how he sees her as the missing piece to complete him.
Overall, the lyrics of "Girlfriends" highlight the beauty and simplicity of romantic love. The song emphasizes the power of understanding and loving someone for who they are, imperfections and all.
Line by Line Meaning
I got the things that make you go
Boom bat, boom, boom boom, t-ba
I have the qualities or possessions that excite you and make you feel good.
You got the things that make me go
Boom bat, boom, boom boom, t-ba
You have the qualities or possessions that excite me and make me feel good.
I don't, know how, you ever let this go
So let your girlfriends know
I don't understand how you could let go of something so good. You should tell your friends about us and what we have.
I saw the sunshine on your face
It send a shock right through my veins
Girl
Hoping maybe I can get a sign
Let me take you from the girls that waste your time
I felt an instant attraction to you when I saw the sunshine on your face. I hope to receive a hint from you that you feel the same way. Let me rescue you from the girls that don't value your time and attention.
Your afterglow
that they don't know
Your secret smile
better let it show
You could fold inside my arms
As I fall, fall, for you
Your radiance and happiness is something that others don't understand. But, you should let it show, especially your beautiful smile. You could be safe and comfortable in my arms as I begin to fall in love with you.
Gotta get me some of that blowback
Gotta get me some of that high
Can you feel the tension between us
Oh, oh, oh, oh
I gotta get us one of those Kodaks
'Cause I picture you in my life
All the broken pieces turn seamless
I need to experience that same positive feeling that you give me. I can feel a strong chemistry between us. I want to capture and cherish these moments with you. Regardless of our individual struggles, we can harmoniously join together.
You owe it to yourself to set,
To set the world, to set, to set the world on fire
You owe it to yourself to set,
To set the world, to set, to set the world on fire
You owe it to yourself to set,
To set the world, to set
to set the world on fire (to see the world on fire)
You owe it to yourself to set,
To set the world, to set, to set the world on fire
You have a responsibility to yourself to achieve greatness and inspire significant change in the world. You possess the power to make the world 'ignite' with your passion and drive. Therefore, you must use your talent to make the world a better place.
let your girlfriends know
I got the things that make you go
Your friends should know that I am someone who can satisfy and make you happy.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: GEORGE ASTASIO, JASON ANDREW PEBWORTH, JOEL HUGH COMPASS, MIRANDA ELEANOR DE FONBRUN COOPER, DARRYL REID, JONATHAN CHRISTOPHER SHAVE, AMANDA GHOST, NICOLA ROBERTS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Karina Lucille
Put this on Spotify! This played at my job 24/7 and had great memories
M
This is evident that he is a genius and can sing many genres of songs
Janine jayyy
🙏 Hope you've made it and all the hard work has paid off!
Some true bangers! Theyv'e made a high contrast remix of 'Run', being a huge fan of drum and Bass they've 'hit the nail on the head!'
8 years later, hope your music is still growing strong! All the best 🙂
figure out
I love it! Awesome beat
Jordan Carvell
In my opinion, he is as versatile as people will let him be, what good artist doesn't have a few bad hits mixed in there some where ? He's got to get big some how hasn't he? Just let him do what he's doing and he'll end up doing more club banger-ish tunes like this and then the unexplainably good songs like astronaut and fucked up , he can only be as good as he is allowed to be
domjl17
I used to work with Joel, he's the nicest guy, hope this is big, it should be
George valentin
Very catchy love the video and the song is dope
Chloe Carter
Literally obsessed with this song atm!!
Silver Reyes
Different from his past songs , but it shows he is versitile . Keep up the good music Joel! Been subscribed from the beginning !
20Javid
I think this is very good as it shows the versatility of his voice