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.
born to Run
K-OS Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who's that coming round suffering popularity breakdown?
I guess it's funny that, that I got stopped when I'm walking the streets
Walkin down streets
Walkin down paths, with the kids in the back way
I say "If you can't dance to this it doesn't matter" (woo hoo)
"If you can't dance to this it doesn't matter" (yeah)
I was runnin around with my head in the sand
But she told me before, baby, do your own dance
Stay off the highway
That doesn't mean you were born to run
Either we're brave or we're broken hearted
We don't believe there's a home above
That's why we're back to the place where we started
That doesn't mean you were born to run
Either we're brave or we're broken hearted
Sure as the stars in the sky above
We're going back to the place that we started
We fell from the sky in the universe
When we fell in love with the sound
Of the birds and all the ocean lights
And the gravity pulling us down
Time won't let you go
There are some things you'll never know
I'm hoping that she walks through the door
I'm going...
If the sky would fall would it take that to bring us together?
Do we have to start all over again?
That doesn't mean you were born to run
Either we're brave or we're broken hearted
We don't believe there's a home above
That's why we're back to the place where we started
That doesn't mean you were born to run
Either we're brave or we're broken hearted
Sure as the stars in the sky above
We're going back to the place that we started
Born to run, until we fell 4x
My heart, creep show, some old thing on the radio.
Who's that coming round suffering popularity breakdown?
I guess it's funny that, that I got stopped when I'm walking the streets
Walkin down streets
Walkin down paths, with the kids in the back way
I say "If you can't dance to this it doesn't matter"
"If you can't dance to this it doesn't matter"
I was running around with my head in the sand
Looking for people and a new fan
But she told me before, baby, do your own dance
Stay off the highway
The lyrics of k-os's "Born to Run" convey a sense of confusion and uncertainty while also celebrating individuality and originality. The opening lines set the tone for the rest of the song, describing a sense of nostalgia and longing for the past. The line "Who's that coming round suffering popularity breakdown?" suggests that the singer is experiencing burnout from the pressures of fame and success. However, he remains determined to stay true to himself, encouraging others to follow their own rhythm and dance to their own beat.
The chorus repeats the phrase "That doesn't mean you were born to run" multiple times, which could be interpreted in different ways. It could be seen as a rejection of the need to constantly be on the move, chasing something elusive and unattainable. Alternatively, it could be interpreted as accepting that some people are simply not destined for greatness, but that there is still value in staying true to oneself and finding joy in the journey rather than the destination.
The final stanza reinforces the theme of hope and renewal, asking whether it would take something as drastic as the sky falling to bring people back together. The phrase "Born to run, until we fell" suggests that while the pursuit of greatness may be natural, there is also a need to slow down and reflect on what truly matters in life. Ultimately, the song's message is one of resilience and self-discovery, reminding listeners that while the road may be long and difficult, we are all capable of navigating it in our own unique ways.
Line by Line Meaning
My heart, creep show, some old thing on the radio.
I am listening to an old song on the radio and it reminds me of a freak show. It makes me feel uneasy.
Who's that coming round suffering popularity breakdown?
I see someone who used to be popular but is now struggling to maintain their popularity.
I guess it's funny that, that I got stopped when I'm walking the streets
I find it amusing that people stop me when I walk down the streets because they recognize me.
Walkin down streets
I am walking down the streets and observing my surroundings.
Walkin down paths, with the kids in the back way
I am walking down paths with my children in tow.
I say "If you can't dance to this it doesn't matter" (woo hoo)
I am confident in the quality of my music and believe that if someone cannot dance to it, it is their loss.
"If you can't dance to this it doesn't matter" (yeah)
I reiterate that being unable to dance to my music is not important.
I was runnin around with my head in the sand
I was not paying attention to what was going on around me and was ignoring reality.
Looking for people and a new fan
I was searching for people who would appreciate my music and become my fans.
But she told me before, baby, do your own dance
Someone advised me to be true to myself and make music that is authentic to me.
Stay off the highway
I should avoid the mainstream and not conform to what is expected of me.
That doesn't mean you were born to run
Just because you are not conforming to mainstream expectations, it does not mean you are destined for greatness or success.
Either we're brave or we're broken hearted
We take risks and put ourselves out there despite the possibility of failure and heartbreak.
We don't believe there's a home above
We do not believe in a higher power or afterlife.
That's why we're back to the place where we started
We have returned to the place where we began, to start anew and rediscover our roots.
Sure as the stars in the sky above
We are certain of our journey and where we will end up.
We're going back to the place that we started
We are making a conscious effort to go back to our roots and original intentions.
We fell from the sky in the universe
We came into existence and fell in love with the universe, its sounds and beauty.
When we fell in love with the sound
We fell in love with the sounds of nature, birds, and the ocean.
Of the birds and all the ocean lights
We are enchanted by the beauty of nature and its various elements.
And the gravity pulling us down
We are being grounded in reality and the complexities of the universe.
Time won't let you go
We are unable to control time and its impact on our lives.
There are some things you'll never know
Some things in life are beyond our understanding and comprehension.
I'm hoping that she walks through the door
I am waiting for that special someone to enter the room and change my life.
I'm going...
I am yearning for something or someone to fulfill my desires.
If the sky would fall would it take that to bring us together?
I am questioning if catastrophic events are what is needed to bring people closer together.
Do we have to start all over again?
I am asking if we need a fresh start or a new beginning to move forward in life.
Born to run, until we fell 4x
We are meant to keep moving forward in life until we eventually fall.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Anthem Entertainment
Written by: J. GAHUNIA, KEVIN DERON BRERETON, RAY GARRAWAY, RUSSELL KLYNE, SANTOSH NAIDU, TOBY PETER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@oroycarbon9281891
FIFA 08 !! Good old days :)
@igor1310
so nostalgic... fifa 08 forever in my mind
@enricotiberi7872
FIFA 08... first year of U.S. Grosseto playing Serie B!!!
@diego288888
Que lindos recuerdos :,)
@elvishuaman9774
FIFA 08!! que buenos recuerdos
@ahmet-mk5ky
I miss old Fifa's Fifa 11 :( I miss all old things. everything is good
@FCTA_ChannelYT
+Schism Medya it was fifa 08, even older than we thought
@toadmilker8151
Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars!!!!!!! Good times :) 1944-2120 ad rip
@CyberPlayersMMO
Great and underrated song!
@DarylFaulkner
I worked this album for EMI and really campaigned for this song to be a single. We had trouble making an edit for radio but it's a hit - i stand by it.