and musicianship have been showcased in numerous projects over the past several years.
The Pittsburgh native has spent much of the last decade performing his original work,
sharing the stage with James Vincent McMorrow, Emily King, Norah Jones, and Maps & Atlases
among others. Kevin recently released his debut single “Coloring,” signifying a new direction in his work
and showcasing his versatility as a songwriter. “Coloring” earned considerable attention
since its premiere on Pigeons and Planes, having been featured on Spotifyʼs New Music Tuesday list
as well as charting on Spotifyʼs Viral 50 list.
Coloring
Kevin Garrett Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't want the world to know I'm on your shelf
But if you want to try at all
Stay for the night, tell you why nothing's right if you're gone
Stay for the night, if it's all a lie, I wouldn't mind if you're wrong
Stay for the night, we've been alright for so long
There's no coloring around us anymore
Don't want the world to know what makes me weak
Don't want the world to know that side of me
When I never even leave
Stay for the night, tell you why nothing's right if you're gone
Stay for the night, if it's all a lie, I wouldn't mind if you're wrong
Stay for the night, we've been alright for so long
There's no coloring around us anymore
You either know or you don't
Don't try your best to stall
Stay for the night, tell you why nothing's right if you're gone
Stay for the night, if it's all a lie, I wouldn't mind if you're wrong
Stay for the night, we've been alright for so long
There's no coloring around us anymore
You either know or you don't
The song "Coloring" by Kevin Garrett is about one's reluctance to reveal their vulnerabilities to the world. The opening lines suggest a desire for privacy and an avoidance of being perceived as dependent on another person. However, the chorus offers a counter-proposal of surrendering to intimacy for a night, as a means of expressing the loss experienced in their absence. The singer yearns for the other person to stay and perceives that their departure would be detrimental. The lines, "tell you why nothing's right if you're gone", emphasize that this departure will create a vacuum, that without the other person, their world will be in disarray. Despite a possible rise of hope for a continued relationship, the song acknowledges the reality of the situation- there's no "coloring" around them anymore, either you know or you don't.
The second verse continues to highlight the theme of withholding parts of oneself, even from the people they choose to share their lives with. The line, "When I never even leave," suggests a possibility that the singer is actually present with the other person physically but may not necessarily be present mentally or disclose all aspects of themselves. Throughout the song, the repetition of the phrase "Stay for the night" could also be interpreted as a plea for the other person to stay because they might be leaving for longer than just one night. Overall, the song's introspection evokes emotions such as fear, vulnerability, and the loss of something special.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't want the world to know I'm by myself
I don't want to show the world that I'm alone
Don't want the world to know I'm on your shelf
I don't want people to know I'm just waiting for you
But if you want to try at all
But if you want to give us a chance
Stay for the night, tell you why nothing's right if you're gone
Stay tonight, I'll explain how everything feels wrong when you're gone
Stay for the night, if it's all a lie, I wouldn't mind if you're wrong
Stay tonight, even if our love is just pretending, I don't mind if you're mistaken
Stay for the night, we've been alright for so long
Stay tonight, we've been doing just fine until now
There's no coloring around us anymore
There's no hiding our true feelings anymore
You either know or you don't
You either understand how we feel or you don't
Don't want the world to know what makes me weak
I don't want to show the world my vulnerabilities
Don't want the world to know that side of me
I don't want people to see that part of me
When I never even leave
When I can't even get away from my own thoughts
Don't try your best to stall
Don't delay our decision any longer
Contributed by Colin L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@taylorbrooks8347
Sometimes I feel like just taking off running down the street, hoping I can outrun all the problems that life accumulates. I totally feel this video.
@b3an3er
I feel you brother
@stephenfwindle
I second that.....walking works
@DrFartfire
b3an3er are you still feeling after a year later?
@24sowl11
I'm assuming you are speaking of an idea that comes to you;however, it is a dangerous and negative way to think and perceive your self in this manner. its part of the aspects that leads us to mental illness. self victim is a thing. its ok to feel songs like this and speak about it but if you always feel this way its very pathetic and just projecting petty. the truth is everyone have problems. its nature taking its course its up to you to face them and outcome it makes you feel really good. again in not judging anyone to feel like this ones in a while but come man everyone have problems like this don't see yourself as a victim.
@24sowl11
It can.
@indirabestari2880
everyone here has a good taste of music.
he's so brilliant.
@i-love-hard2184
I don't know why you're not super famous yet, but boy, you will
@malikwilliams7951
Jennifer Cochran He just did work on Lemonade with Beyonce fyi.
@Nina-ju8dk
Biebs By 5H ahh lauren