February 2019 saw the release of Kehlani’s third mixtape While We Wait, which served as a prelude to what would be their second album It Was Good Until It Wasn’t. The highly-anticipated album was released on May 8, 2020 to positive reception, with the album cover and music videos being shot in their home due to the COVID-19 pandemic at the time.
On April 29, 2022, Kehlani released their third album Blue Water Road, with features from Blxst, Justin Bieber, Syd, Jessie Reyez, Ambré and Thundercat.
As I Am
Kehlani Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In my head every time I take a step it's on the clouds
Feeling like a whole lot of power and I don't need a crown
Cause you know the royals you never get to fall in love anyways
And if you couldn't tell I'm falling even more everyday
And every time you kiss me I hear a song
When you look at me it's like nothing's ever wrong
Maybe I'm bad for living in the fantasy
[Hook:]
As I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, with you
Yeah yeah yeah yeah, baby baby
As I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, with you
[Verse 2:]
Can you put those hands on my body and baby just feel me?
If I gave you the chance to hold my soul would you just feel me, see the real me?
Cause I love that if you do
I would owe all my happiness to you
If you couldn't tell baby my smile has been brand new, yeah
And every time you kiss me I hear a song
When you look at me it's like nothing's ever wrong
Maybe I'm bad for living in the fantasy
One where you're almost as in love with me
[Hook:]
As I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, with you
Yeah yeah yeah yeah, baby baby
As I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, with you
[X2]
I can love you, I can love you
I can love you, better than she can
[Hook:]
As I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, with you
Yeah yeah yeah yeah, baby baby
As I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, with you
The lyrics to Kehlani's song "As I Am" are about insecurity in a relationship and the struggle to accept oneself while falling in love with someone else. In the first verse, Kehlani feels powerful and in love but recognizes that love doesn't always work out for the "royals." She admits that she lives in a fantasy where the person she loves is also in love with her, but wonders if she's bad for thinking that way.
In the second verse, she asks her partner to "feel" her - physically and emotionally - and asks if he would accept her for who she truly is. She notes that her mood has been uplifted since being with him and that she hears a song every time he kisses her. However, she still doubts herself and questions whether she's living in a fantasy.
The chorus repeats the phrase "As I am" and emphasizes Kehlani's desire for her partner to accept her for who she is, flaws and all. The bridge presents an interesting turn as Kehlani asserts that she can love her partner better than his current partner. This could suggest that she's feeling threatened by another woman, or more likely, that she fears her own inadequacy in comparison.
Overall, "As I Am" is a vulnerable and honest portrayal of the insecurities that come with falling in love. Kehlani's lyrics reveal a fear of not being enough for her partner and a struggle to accept herself as she is.
Line by Line Meaning
In my head every time I take a step it's on the clouds
I feel powerful and unstoppable in my thoughts and actions.
Feeling like a whole lot of power and I don't need a crown
I don't need materialistic things like a crown to feel empowered.
Cause you know the royals you never get to fall in love anyways
Being a royal means you can't fall in love freely and enjoyably.
And if you couldn't tell I'm falling even more everyday
My feelings for you are growing stronger each day.
And every time you kiss me I hear a song
Your kisses make me feel an emotional connection that is like a beautiful song.
When you look at me it's like nothing's ever wrong
Your eyes make me feel safe and loved, like nothing can ever harm me.
Maybe I'm bad for living in the fantasy
I may be unrealistic for living in this dreamlike state with you.
One where you're almost as in love with me
I imagine a love for us where we are both deeply invested in each other.
Can you put those hands on my body and baby just feel me?
I want you to physically and emotionally connect with me through touch.
If I gave you the chance to hold my soul would you just feel me, see the real me?
If I let you in, would you see and accept the truest version of myself?
Cause I love that if you do
If you do accept me, I will love you even more for it.
I would owe all my happiness to you
If you make me feel seen and loved, you will be the source of all my joy.
If you couldn't tell baby my smile has been brand new, yeah
You make me so happy that I can't help but smile constantly.
I can love you, I can love you
I am capable of giving you a deep and fulfilling love.
I can love you, better than she can
I know I can love you more than anyone else ever could.
As I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, with you
I am with you as my truest, most authentic self.
Yeah yeah yeah yeah, baby baby
Expressing excitement and affection towards the person she loves.
As I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, with you
Reiterating the message that she is with the person she loves as her true self.
Contributed by Annabelle B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@coolranchies600
In my head every time I take a step it's on the clouds
Feeling like a whole lot of power and I don't need a crown
Cause you know the royals you never get to fall in love anyways
And if you couldn't tell I'm falling even more everyday
And every time you kiss me I hear a song
When you look at me it's like nothing's ever wrong
Maybe I'm bad for living in the fantasy
One where you're almost as in love with me
[Hook]
As I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, with you
Yeah yeah yeah yeah, baby baby
As I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, with you
[Verse 2]
Can you put those hands on my body and baby just feel me?
If I gave you the chance to hold my soul would you just feel me, see the real me?
Cause I love that if you do
I would owe all my happiness to you
If you couldn't tell baby my smile has been brand new, yeah
And every time you kiss me I hear a song
When you look at me it's like nothing's ever wrong
Maybe I'm bad for living in the fantasy
One where you're almost as in love with me
[Hook]
[x2]
I can love you, I can love you
I can love you, better than she can
[Hook]
@amalfarah8572
Her old songs just have this special feel-good quality that just make you all nostalgic and happy
@wshelby83
It really does!!!
@ashleylorenjo
Totally agree
@ilek114
I think there is as just more honesty mixed with the innocence of being so young, not to be too deep. But truly there’s a certain magic about being that young with the newness of adulthood!
@thandomalik7141
Quarantine got me going thru some timeless songs, this is one of them...
@seiacheyenne1107
dawgggg same!!
@essencewilson9983
On God!
@taylorb8523
The song that made me love Kehlani!!
@floatingwiththeclouds2016
Who is here 2020!!!🧡🧡🧡🧡
@andrea.xqueenx._1950
meeee✋