The alias "k-os" is pronounced "chaos" and is an acronym for "Knowledge of Self," although in a later interview he also said that it stands for "Kheaven's Original Sound." His music incorporates a wide variety of music genres including but not limited to rap, funk, rock, and reggae. The lyrics frequently focus on promoting a "positive message" while at times expressing criticism of mainstream hip hop culture's obsession with money, fame and glorification of violence. A musician as well as a producer, k-os has written and produced a large portion of all four of his albums. k-os usually performs with a live band, something that is uncommon in the hip hop genre. He sometimes plays guitar and keyboard both during live performances and in the studio.
k-os received his first musical exposure with the single "Musical Essence," released in 1993. After the release of his second single "Rise Like The Sun" in 1996 he withdrew from the industry because he was dissatisfied with his musical style. He reappeared briefly in 1999 and released his debut album Exit in 2002. The album received positive reviews but sold relatively few copies. He released his second album Joyful Rebellion in 2004, which received platinum status in Canada. Joyful Rebellion received positive reviews, but at times was criticized for speaking extensively on the state of hip hop. k-os's third album, Atlantis: Hymns for Disco, was released in 2006, and his fourth album entitled Yes! was released in April of 2009.
The Rain
K-OS Lyrics
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But then you turn and walk away
All for love
Not even born yesterday
I see you on the streets
And you just pass me by
You think I got no feelings
Think I'm living high
I could be on the TV
I could be in them magazines
But it's never enough
When you felt the touch
Of an angel that's rocking your soul
When the rain comes down
You're never around
But when the sun comes up
You always steal the fire
And rain comes down
On this side of town
But people have no feelings
They just run around
They just, they just
We keep chasing dollars
It's making me holler
I just don't know
I don't need a check
I need some respect
So people you know
And the war
And the babies crying
And the car
And the house
And the rings
And the things that don't mean nothing
You could try to hate
'Cause if I am right your right down
But I'm here to elevate
I'll be floating in outer space now
When the rain comes down
Will you be around?
When the sun comes up
Will you always steal my fire?
And rain comes down
On this side of town
But people have no feelings
People
These lyrics from k-os's song The Rain are a commentary on the fleeting nature of love and the constant pursuit of materialistic desires. The first stanza begins with the singer's love interest claiming to love him but ultimately walking away from him for the sake of love. He is not new to this and has experienced being ignored by her when they saw each other in the street. She thinks he has no feelings and assumes he lives a good life based on his appearance. The singer, however, goes on to state that even if he were rich and famous, it would never be enough without the touch of an angel that has touched his soul.
The chorus brings in the repeated imagery of rain, which symbolizes the storms of life that test the strength of relationships. However, instead of standing firm during these times, his love interest is never around during these times of trial, but when things are good, she always steals the fire. K-os goes on to criticize society's obsession with chasing money and how it has made him holler. He states that he doesn't need a paycheck but instead needs respect and genuine relationships, which are missing these days. He then talks about how the world is full of suffering, with war, babies crying, and people running after things that have no value.
Line by Line Meaning
You say you love me
You claim to have feelings for me
But then you turn and walk away
But then you easily abandon me
All for love
For the sake of love
Not even born yesterday
I am not naive or inexperienced
I see you on the streets
I see you around in public
And you just pass me by
And you ignore me or act indifferent
You think I got no feelings
You perceive me as emotionless or unfeeling
Think I'm living high
You assume I am prosperous or successful
But let me tell ya
But I must inform you
I could be on the TV
I could have a level of fame
I could be in them magazines
I could be featured in publications
But it's never enough
But that would not satisfy me completely
When you felt the touch
When you experience a connection
Of an angel that's rocking your soul
With a being or force that moves you deeply
When the rain comes down
During hard times or struggles
You're never around
You are always absent or unavailable
But when the sun comes up
But during good times or success
You always steal the fire
You always seem to take the spotlight or credit
On this side of town
In this area or community
But people have no feelings
But individuals lack compassion or empathy
They just run around
They are only concerned with their own pursuits
We keep chasing dollars
We keep pursuing money or wealth
It's making me holler
It's making me scream out in frustration
I just don't know
I'm uncertain or confused
I don't need a check
I don't just need financial compensation
I need some respect
I also require consideration or regard
So people you know
From the people you are acquainted with
And the war
And the conflict or violence
And the babies crying
And the infants who are distressed
And the car
And the vehicle or possession
And the house
And the home or property
And the rings
And the rings or jewelry
And the things that don't mean nothing
And the material items that hold no true significance
You could try to hate
You might attempt to dislike me or my choices
'Cause if I am right your right down
Because if my viewpoint is accurate then you must acknowledge the truth
But I'm here to elevate
But I'm here to rise above or elevate the situation
I'll be floating in outer space now
I'll be detached or removed from all that troubles me now
Will you be around?
Will you be present or supportive?
People
Individuals with no specific description or context
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JADE RAYANN WILLIAMS, JAMES CHRISTOPHER ELIOT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind