The eldest so… Read Full Bio ↴Kenna Zemedkun is an Ethiopian-born American musician.
The eldest son of an immigrant family relocated to Virginia Beach (and later raised in Cincinnati, Ohio), Kenna began to express an interest in music upon receiving a copy of U2's The Joshua Tree. More records by influential artists such as The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, The Cure and The Cars followed, and remain as inspiration and influence of Kenna's music today. With the release of his first single, "Hell Bent", Kenna gained moderate popularity and an underground following of fans who eagerly awaited the release of his debut album, New Sacred Cow. After many delays and swapping of record labels, the album was finally released under Columbia Records in 2003. A subsequent North American tour was launched in the Summer of 2003 with Depeche Mode frontman Dave Gahan.
The album, which was co-produced by Chad Hugo of The Neptunes, is difficult to place in a single genre, containing elements of Electronica, Synth pop, Post rock, and House music. Two singles, "Sunday After You" and "Freetime" followed the release of the album; the music video of the latter, along with "Hell Bent", appear sporadically on MTV2.
A second album, titled "Make Sure They See My Face," was released in October 2007.
Kenna has also contributed to many other tracks by bands associated with Chad Hugo or The Neptunes, including but not limited to "Spiral" from William Orbit's album Hello Waveforms and "Red to Black" and "The Hard Way" off of The Rising Tied, the first album from Mike Shinoda's Fort Minor (although the second cut is only available as a bonus track, on the limited edition version of the album).
Hell Bent
Kenna Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Of fiction and heartache
And the pain is of no consequence
When I am Hell bent
My walls are closing in
[Chorus]
Controlling me, controlling me,
Control of me, control of me,
Your losing
Am I awake
The morning star that brings me here
Since everything in me between pluto and god
All is hell bent
My walls are closing in
I feel the claim
[Chorus: x2]
Controlling me, controlling me,
Yeah, said
Naked, broken my world closing
And I can't find myself
Or my way out
Controlling me
Controlling me
Controlling me
Your losing me
Say oh
Controlling me
Oh yeah
Hell bent
My walls are closing in
The lyrics of Kenna's song "Hell Bent" depict a feeling of being trapped and controlled by outside forces, whether they be heartbreak, pain, or even the morning star. The first verse "Am I the key of fiction and heartache" could be interpreted as the singer feeling as though they are the cause of their own suffering, or that their suffering is simply a product of their own imagination. The line "And the pain is of no consequence" seems to suggest that the singer has grown so used to feeling pain that it no longer has any real impact on them; they are "hell bent" on continuing to feel this way. The mention of walls closing in could be a metaphor for feeling trapped and suffocated, unable to break out of their current situation or emotional state.
The chorus emphasizes the theme of control, with the repetition of "controlling me" and "losing me". It seems as though the singer is torn between feeling like they are being controlled by something or someone, and feeling like they are losing control over themselves. The use of "your" suggests that there is a specific person or entity who is doing the controlling, but it is left unclear exactly who or what that might be.
The second verse continues the theme of being trapped, with the mention of the morning star bringing the singer to a place where they feel "hell bent". The line "Since everything in me between pluto and god" is an interesting one, as it seems to suggest that the singer's entire being is consumed by this feeling, encompassing everything from the furthest reaches of outer space to the divine. Again, the walls closing in metaphor is repeated, along with the statement "I feel the claim", which could be interpreted as the singer feeling as though they are being pulled deeper into their own personal abyss.
Line by Line Meaning
Am I the key
Questioning if she holds the answer to her own happiness and future.
Of fiction and heartache
Wondering if her life is just a made-up story filled with sadness.
And the pain is of no consequence
Feeling numb to the hurt and struggles she experiences.
When I am Hell bent
Determined to push through and overcome whatever obstacles come her way.
My walls are closing in
Feeling trapped and suffocated by her problems.
Controlling me, controlling me, Is losing me, your losing, Control of me, control of me, Your losing
Realizing that someone else's attempt to control her life is causing her to distance herself and lose respect for them.
Am I awake
Questioning if she is really living her life or just going through the motions.
The morning star that brings me here
Feeling as if fate has brought her to where she is meant to be in the present moment.
Since everything in me between pluto and god
Reflecting on the powerful emotions and experiences that exist inside of her.
All is hell bent
Everything within her is urging her to push forward and fight for her happiness.
I feel the claim
Feeling as if her life and future are being demanded of her, regardless of her readiness or willingness.
Naked, broken my world closing
Feeling vulnerable and like her world is coming apart at the seams.
And I can't find myself
Feeling lost and uncertain of her own identity and purpose.
Or my way out
Feeling trapped and powerless to escape her struggles on her own.
Your losing me
Recognizing that someone else's attempts to control her are driving her away and potentially damaging their relationship.
Hell bent
Determined to fight and overcome whatever troubles she is facing.
My walls are closing in
Feeling suffocated and trapped by her problems, with no clear way out.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: KENNA, CHAD HUGO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Alidey.
Saw this late at night on Toonami when I was a little girl. I still vividly remember it til this day especially the sad ending to the music video. That beat is one of a kind. Chad Hugo is a genius.
@awt1989
thats where i learned about daft punk and gorillaz also! not sure what drugs they were sending out the airwaves but its engraved into my memory also!
@sallyoldani7799
I don't remember the first time. But I think I was able to download this son off from limewire and would enjoy it in the car with others. The video was cool. Don't sell yourself. Peace.
@crazyfvck
@Anna Midnight Run Special Edition ;) I still have it on VHS :)
@88srt
May God Bless You! Jesús Is King and Loves You Unconditionally Brothers/Sisters! Repent, Surrender, and Claim Jesus Christ As Your Lord And Savior and Recognize That He Died On The Cross And Paid The Full Price For Your Sins! It Will Be The Best Decision You Will Ever Make!!! If You Haven’t Already! He is Beside You! Me The Lord’s Face Shine Upon You and Give You Peace! Amen! May God Bless You! Above All God 💯❤️🙏🏼✝️
@mikeowens40
The video was more by Mark Osborne I believe and it was the same for me. Late nights as a kid with toonami and my thoughts. Bittersweet times
@ChromaSoul
F**king incredible song.. I remember seeing this as a child and it stuck with me for years. Also the claymation video by Mark Osborne paired with it so perfectly..
@laurast.martin2421
Same! What an amazing thing to watch and hear when I was a child! It has stuck with me ever since.
@Mogwai-fk4bf
You both make me feel ancient. I was in my early 20's when I first came upon this but I was equally as captivated. @@laurast.martin2421
@shanebonter6521
I thought I would go my entire life without hearing this song again. It popped in to my head after acid tripping, popped into my head at complete random.. It takes me right back to 2001/2002. Skating with friends and waiting for my life to begin.