Kele Okereke released his first solo album, titled The Boxer on 21 June 2010, through Wichita / Polydor in the UK and Europe and Glassnote Records for the rest of the world. The album was released under the name Kele, dropping his surname. Okereke explained the album title, saying "as a boxer, you have to rely on nobody else but yourself to achieve what it is you want to achieve. Even though you take hits, you have to keep focus on your priorities and keep going. I thought that was an inspiring image". The first single from the album Tenderoni was released on 14 June 2010.
Okereke sees the 'Kele' brand as a way for him to embrace his interest in dance music. "I've been into clubbing for years. I've said from the beginning I'm into dance, it gets me excited and I think this record is going to go some way to prove that to people, hopefully." - Kele Okereke
In September 2011 it was announced that Kele would be releasing a follow up to The Boxer; an EP titled The Hunter.
On 23 July 2014 Kele announced his second solo album, entitled Trick, to be released on his own label Lilac Records via Kobalt Label Services on 13 October 2014.
He released his third album Fatherland on 6 October 2017 under his full name Kele Okereke. The album features the singles Streets Been Talking and Grounds For Resentment feat. Olly Alexander. Fatherland also features the duet Versions of Us with Grammy-winning English singer and songwriter Corinne Bailey Rea
In January 2019, Leave to Remain a new musical written by Okereke and Matt Jones debuted in London. Announced in September 2018, the musical about an interracial gay couple was preceded by the single Not the Drugs Talking which showed a move back towards beats following the more acoustic Fatherland. Telling a love story through the Prism of Brexit, the new show is accompanied by a tie-in album of new songs. Speaking about the subject matter and his feelings on the UK in 2019, Okereke claimed that “It’s not a time that I’ve been proud to be British. It’s an ugly time”.
www.iamkele.com
New Rules
Kele Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I used to want to bed the world
But now I just get by
Shoot an arrow to the sun
Or as far as it can go
It's alright
I'm learning to be laid back
I'm learning to be laid back
About certain things
About certain things
I used to want to rule the world
But now I just get by
Shoot an arrow to the sun
Or as far as it will go
It's alright
There's nothing to prove anymore
Nothing to lose
I burned away all my desire
The hunger's gone but it's
It's alright
I'm learning to be laid back
About things
I'm learning to be laid back
About certain things
About certain things
The song "New Rules" by Kele begins with the singer reflecting on his past desires to conquer the world and make a name for himself. However, he has now come to accept that he doesn't need to achieve such grandeur ambitions anymore. Instead, he is content with simply getting by and taking things as they come. He compares his current philosophy to shooting an arrow towards the sun, indicating that even though he may not reach his ultimate goals, he is still striving towards them. The chorus repeats the sentiment that he's "learning to be laid back" about certain things, acknowledging that he's taking life one step at a time and not worrying too much about what the future may hold.
As the song progresses, the message becomes clearer. Kele admits that he has burned away his desire to be on top, recognizing that there's nothing left to prove and nothing left to lose. His hunger for success has dissipated, and he's okay with that. The repetition of "it's alright" reinforces that message, suggesting that he's content with the way his life has turned out. The final chorus brings the song full circle, repeating the same sentiments as before. The hooks tie together beautifully, creating a cohesive message about embracing life's ups and downs and taking things as they come.
Line by Line Meaning
I used to want to bed the world
I used to have grandiose dreams of conquering or changing the entire world
But now I just get by
But now I've adjusted my goals and just focus on getting through life
Shoot an arrow to the sun
A metaphor for reaching for the impossible, even if it means risking failure or burning out
Or as far as it can go
Or pushing oneself to the limits of what is possible, without fear of failure or setback
It's alright
Acceptance of the current state of affairs and a sense of calm contentment
I'm learning to be laid back about things
Taking a more relaxed approach to life, without getting too stressed or anxious
I'm learning to be laid back about certain things
Identifying specific aspects of life that may have caused excessive stress or anxiety, and trying to let them go
There's nothing to prove anymore
An understanding that there is no longer a need to impress others or seek validation through external accomplishments
Nothing to lose
A sense that there is nothing left to risk or give up, because one has already achieved a sense of wholeness or completeness
I burned away all my desire
I have let go of all the things that used to drive me or consume me, and feel more at peace as a result
The hunger's gone but it's
Although the intense drive or passion that used to consume me is gone, there is still a sense of contentment and fulfillment
Contributed by Adam N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@baeblemusic
Watch The Full Session: http://baeble.me/2wqGZQ7
@cameronhopkins1498
Still here 13 years later. Awesome version of a song that comes from the heart
@Browncoat1138
Kele wearing a Yankees cap and Pistons jersey playing a delicate ballad on a classical guitar feels wrong... Yet oh so right! I love this.
@carlo88moe
aww, kele's lyrics and expressions are always so melancholy...love this dude
@SquornshellousZeta
I'm totally obsessed with this song, and this is such a gorgeous version.
@mylefteye
Wow, its so heartfelt when you see them actually playing it live. Amazing. And I LOVE when the girl starts singing her parts. Anyways one of my favorite songs on the album.
@drworm3
This video makes Kele look very vulnerable. Its seems very genuine and the emotion is conveyed. Its so beautiful.
@freakazoid1978
Beautiful. I'm a fan of both Bloc Party and Kele's solo stuff. It's really growing on me. I'm enjoying it more and more.
@JuhQman
keles grin in the end is one of the nicest things I've seen in a while. So cool :P
@OsofoGriot
This song sends shivers down my spine every time I hear it, bone-chillingly beautiful, great piece of cinematography too, the whole scene is just picturesque!