Several tracks on The Boxer are about rejecting a situation that is not good for you. According to the Tenderoni Songfacts Kele explained to The Sun that this song concerns, “having the hots for someone a bit too young to you.”
Tenderoni
Kele Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Away, away, away, away
Been running with the rude boys
For much too, much too long
You think you are one of them
Every time that we kissed
Don't be so quick to pull away
Away, away, away, away
I know you're thinking murder
Driving in your father's car
I will not let you disappear
Not your fault, not your problem
Not one to apologize
If you want tough, I'll give you tough
She said she was even more than this
And you were born for greatness
She said she was even more than this
And you were born for greatness
She said she was even more than this
And you were born for greatness
She said she was even more than this
And you were born for greatness
T-E-N-D-E-R-O-N-I
T-E-N-D-E-R-O-N-I
You were born for greatness
You were born for greatness
You were born for greatness
You were born for greatness
You were born for greatness
You were born for greatness
You were born for greatness
You were born for greatness
She said she was even more than this
And you were born for greatness
She said she was even more than this
And you were born for greatness
She said she was even more than this
And you were born for greatness
She said she was even more than this
And you were born for greatness
T-E-N-D-E-R-O-N-I
T-E-N-D-E-R-O-N-I
T-E-N-D-E-R-O-N-I
T-E-N-D-E-R-O-N-I
In Kele's song "Tenderoni," the lyrics convey a message of self-discovery and self-acceptance. The chorus begins with the repetition of "away," which can be interpreted as distancing oneself from negative influences, such as the "rude boys" the singer has been running with "for much too long." The second verse delves into the singer's relationship with a partner, who they believe may be holding back from fully embracing the relationship, but the singer urges them not to pull away too quickly. This theme of not letting individuals disappear, of pulling them back into the light, is echoed in the lines "if you want tough, I'll give you tough," indicating the singer's willingness to fight for those they care about.
The song takes a darker turn in the bridge, with the ominous line "I know you're thinking murder, driving in your father's car," suggesting that the partner may be struggling with their own personal demons. However, the following lines express the singer's belief in their partner's greatness, that they were "born for greatness." This is emphasized in the repetition of the final chorus, which ends with the affirmation of their partner's capabilities.
Overall, "Tenderoni" presents a message of hope, of not giving up on oneself or those we care about, and embracing our potential for greatness.
Line by Line Meaning
Away, away, away, away
The singer is calling for the listener to distance themselves from their current situation.
Been running with the rude boys
For much too, much too long
You think you are one of them
The listener has been associating with a group of people who are not a positive influence and may be starting to adopt their behavior.
Every time that we kissed
It seems you were holding back
Don't be so quick to pull away
Away, away, away, away
The singer feels as though the listener is hesitant to fully commit to their relationship and is telling them to stay and not run away.
I know you're thinking murder
Driving in your father's car
I will not let you disappear
The artist is aware that the listener is possibly contemplating something dangerous and is telling them that they will not let them go through with it and disappear from their life.
Not your fault, not your problem
Not one to apologize
If you want tough, I'll give you tough
The artist is acknowledging that the problems in the listener's life are not entirely their fault but is willing to be tough with them and support them through it.
She said she was even more than this
And you were born for greatness
The singer is referencing someone else's belief that the listener is capable of achieving more and is destined for greatness.
T-E-N-D-E-R-O-N-I
T-E-N-D-E-R-O-N-I
The title of the song, 'Tenderoni.'
You were born for greatness
You were born for greatness
You were born for greatness
You were born for greatness
The listener is being reaffirmed that they are capable of achieving greatness.
T-E-N-D-E-R-O-N-I
T-E-N-D-E-R-O-N-I
T-E-N-D-E-R-O-N-I
T-E-N-D-E-R-O-N-I
Repetition of the song title.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: KELE OKEREKE, ALEX XXXCHANGE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@longstarbobandy
Away, away, away, away
Away, away, away, away
Been running with the rude boys
For much too, much too long
You think you are one of them
Every time that we kissed
It seems you were holding back
Don't be so quick to pull away
Away, away, away, away
I know you're thinking murder
Driving in your father's car
I will not let you disappear
Not your fault, not your problem
Not one to apologize
If you want tough, I'll give you tough
She said she was even more than this
And you were born for greatness
She said she was even more than this
And you were born for greatness
She said she was even more than this
And you were born for greatness
She said she was even more than this
And you were born for greatness
T-E-N-D-E-R-O-N-I
T-E-N-D-E-R-O-N-I
You were born for greatness
You were born for greatness
You were born for greatness
You were born for greatness
You were born for greatness
You were born for greatness
You were born for greatness
You were born for greatness
She said she was even more than this
And you were born for greatness
She said she was even more than this
And you were born for greatness
She said she was even more than this
And you were born for greatness
She said she was even more than this
And you were born for greatness
T-E-N-D-E-R-O-N-I
T-E-N-D-E-R-O-N-I
@marckusradon1248
Am I the only one who thinks this song was perfect executed?
@blaquemann9398
Nope. I come back to it. Its a super gay song but damn if doesn't jam and the video is visually stunning.
@Pansycacke
@@blaquemann9398, why is it gay? lol
@blank1611
@@Pansycacke cos the singer is gay and its quite big in the underground uk gay scene
@Pansycacke
@@blank1611, the singer is gay so then this song is gay. Alright, that makes sense lol.
@captainspongeboy
🎣
@FS3K
I'm glad the Sonic Generation trailers brought me to such an awesome song! Can't believe I hadn't heard this song before, it's so good!
@lifevest1
Remember hearing in 2011 and now it's one of those songs that rockets me back to my senior year of high school. Love it!
@ARMSonic1
2024 and still remember this song of the trailer...
@timemaster1016
Who else is still listening this in 2020?