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.
mirror in the Sky
K-OS Lyrics
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I am looking for the mirror in the sky
Make me row my boat
Out to the sea but they knocking on my door again
If I told you wouldn't believe it
Tonight there's a roaring storm
Took some time for my eyes to reveal it
When I wake and I go to my closet
Find something fresh to wear
Hoping I open up the door now
Seems that the cupboard is bare
It's the same old soul, the same old song
The same old role
It's the same old soul, the same old song
The same old wrong
Now I take the time to down the roadblocks
I can't stop no, no, the same old song
Dressed up and nowhere to go,
I am looking for the mirror in the sky
Make me row my boat
Out to the sea but they knocking on my door again
(x2)
Yo, I'm not a gangster, I'm not a beggar
I'm not a, I'm not a pimp, I'm not a prankster
I'm not an actor, not a fighter
I'm a just a man that makes the crowd push up your lighter
Been chopping down blocks
Things never stop (same old soul)
Ticka ticka tock and say (same old song)
Oh, the day we gonna lie (same old soul)
Listen to the radio, just fly (same old song)
Freeze the frame. Whatâ??s her name?
Play the game but got no fame
(x2)
I'm all dressed up this evening with no real place to go
With all these human beings putting on a show
(x2)
The lyrics of "Mirror in the Sky" by k-os depict the frustration and restlessness felt by the singer. He finds himself all dressed up and with nowhere to go, searching for answers or direction, represented by the metaphor of the "mirror in the sky." He seeks a deeper understanding and purpose in his life but faces several obstacles. These obstacles are symbolized by the sea and the people "knocking on my door again." Despite his efforts to move forward, he feels trapped by the same old patterns, the same old song, and the same old role he has always played. He even points out his dissatisfaction with the lack of diversity in his closet, and the lack of options in his life.
The second part of the song, introduced by the rap verse, adds another layer to the meaning. The singer clarifies that, even though he is not a gangster, pimp, prankster, actor, or fighter, he still has something to offer. He is a man that makes the crowd connect, feel united, and bring out their lighters, figuratively and literally. However, the system, the block, and the same old song prevent him from shining, from making progress, and from gaining fame. He feels like he is playing a game he cannot win and wonders who he is doing it for, what is the point of it all.
Overall, "Mirror in the Sky" is a poignant and introspective song that explores the universal theme of identity, purpose, and the search for something beyond oneself.
Line by Line Meaning
Dressed up and nowhere to go,
I'm feeling restless and anxious, not sure where to direct my energy and creativity.
I am looking for the mirror in the sky
I'm searching for inspiration or guidance from something greater than myself.
Make me row my boat Out to the sea but they knocking on my door again
I want to escape the pressures and expectations of my daily life, but I keep getting pulled back into reality.
If I told you wouldn't believe it
I have experienced something extraordinary or surprising, but other people might not believe me if I shared it.
Tonight there's a roaring storm
There is chaos and disruption in my life right now.
Took some time for my eyes to reveal it
It took me a while to understand the full extent of what is happening around me.
Now it seems that it won't go on
I'm feeling overwhelmed or hopeless about the future.
When I wake and I go to my closet Find something fresh to wear
I want to reinvent myself or start anew.
Hoping I open up the door now Seems that the cupboard is bare
I feel like I have exhausted my options and there are no new opportunities or ideas available to me.
It's the same old soul, the same old song The same old role
I feel stuck in a rut and keep repeating the same patterns in my life.
It's the same old soul, the same old song The same old wrong
I know that my current situation or mindset is not serving me well.
Now I take the time to down the roadblocks I can't stop no, no, the same old song
I am trying to remove the obstacles that are holding me back, but it's a difficult process and I feel like I'm not making much progress.
Yo, I'm not a gangster, I'm not a beggar I'm not a, I'm not a pimp, I'm not a prankster I'm not an actor, not a fighter I'm a just a man that makes the crowd push up your lighter
I am a unique individual with my own talents and passions, not conforming to any stereotypical roles or expectations.
Been chopping down blocks Things never stop (same old soul) Ticka ticka tock and say (same old song) Oh, the day we gonna lie (same old soul) Listen to the radio, just fly (same old song)
I am constantly facing challenges and obstacles, but I keep pushing forward. Sometimes I get trapped in negative thought patterns or behaviors that are holding me back.
Freeze the frame. What's her name? Play the game but got no fame
I am trying to fit in or find my place in the world, but it's a struggle and I feel unnoticed or unappreciated.
I'm all dressed up this evening with no real place to go With all these human beings putting on a show
I am surrounded by people who are pretending or trying to impress others, and I feel disconnected or out of place.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: KEVIN DERON BRERETON, SEBASTIEN ALEXANDRE GRAINGER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind