Early public performances by Kimbra included singing at JBC (now the dive bar Nivara Lounge) in Hamilton at age 9, the Waikato Times Gold Cup race meeting in 2000 as a 10-year-old, and singing the national anthem at age 12 before 27,000 people at the Auckland vs Waikato NPC rugby final. In 2007, after winning the Juice TV award for best breakthrough music video for her second single "Simply on My Lips", she came to the attention of ex-Independient Records boss Mark Richardson (Jamiroquai, Paula Abdul) and his newly-formed management company and independent label Forum 5 in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Before her debut album, Kimbra released 2 singles: 'Simply On My Lips' and 'Deep For You'.
Kimbra's debut album, Vows was released in 2011. Three singles have been released from this album - 'Cameo Lover', 'Settle Down', 'Good Intent'. According to the Settle Down Songfacts, Vows spans five years of Kimbra's life from age 17 to 22. and explores love, identity and coming of age.
Kimbra also collaborated with Australian artist Gotye for the single 'Somebody That I Used To Know ' in 2011. This song has peaked on the charts in The USA, Australia, New Zealand, Belgium and The Netherlands at #1.
A significantly reworked version of her debut album was released in the U.S. in May of 2012. At the end of that year Kimbra triumphed in five categories at the New Zealand Music Awards, most notably Best Female Solo Artist and Best Pop Album. She also continued to receive plaudits for her Gotye collaboration well into 2013, among them the 2012 Grammy for Record of the Year.
Along with touring with Gotye and making festival appearances, including a spot at Brazil's Rock in Rio festival, Kimbra began work on her second album, The Golden Echo. She returned to the studio with producer Rich Costey and a host of collaborators including Bilal, Van Dyke Parks, Muse's Matt Bellamy, the Mars Volta's Omar A. Rodriguez-Lopez, and Silverchair's Daniel Johns, who co-wrote some of the album's songs. Singles such as the genre-hopping "'90s Music" and the smooth disco-funk homage "Miracle" hinted at The Golden Echo's eclecticism ahead of its August 2014 release.
Kimbra reunited with Bilal in 2015, appearing on his album In Another Life, and debuted her own single "Sweet Relief" in 2016. The 2017 single "Everybody Knows" offered the first taste of her third album Primal Heart. Featuring songs co-written and co-produced by Kimbra -- as well as collaborations with John Congleton and Skrillex -- Primal Heart appeared in April 2018.
Top Of The World
Kimbra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hustling hope for dollars, try cope a day (a day)
On a condition
We on our way to the top
We got the world at our fingers
We make the penny drop
Gotta get in and get outta the gate
I'll say it loud till I mean it
Talk like I be the messiah
I'm on top, I'm on top, I'm on top of the world
See me run, see me run, see me run with the girls
I'm on top, I'm on top, I'm on top of the world
Need a break, then I'll take to the top of the world
On my knees, all my life I've been sold a chase
Hustling hope for dollars, try cope a day (a day)
Euphoria
Mystery like a new treasure
We go so good together
Search all my life to find better
But I won't hold my breath
I'll just fill up and deliver
They got attention deficit
Waitin' for their love to visit
All my life turn to dust
All I knew who to trust
Had a chance for good love
See me on tele
See me on billboards and banners
See me with white picket fences
Now watch me build up my palace (ha ha ha)
Now out on the run, you'll see me gathering might
Won't forget where I started where we would (pray from the gutters)
'Cause I'm on top, I'm on top, I'm on top of the world
See me out, see me out with the diamonds and pearls
I'm on top, I'm on top, I'm on top of the world
They can talk, they can talk, but I got the good word
Man it's crazy to define brand new
It's amazing I got high on few
But tonight I'm feeling tired and alone
Dear lord, I hope we didn't go wrong
I think I'm winning
Feel like I might
Feels like I'm in it
Feel like a god
I'm in demand
They're on my time
One in a million
'Fore they could find
On my knees, all my life I've been sold a chase
Hustling hope for dollars, try cope a day (a day)
We pray from the gutters
Like martyrs we followed you
Pray from the gutters
Like martyrs, I followed you
Yeah I'm on top, I'm on top, I'm on top of the world (we pray from the gutters)
See me top, see me top, see me top of the herd (like martyrs, we followed you)
I'm tryin', I'm tryin' for the top of the world (pray from the gutters, like martyrs we followed you)
On my knees, all my life I've been sold a chase
Hustling hope for dollars, try cope a day (a day)
I'm happy, I'm winning
Not concerned if I'm cheating
They built me up to be beaten
They built me up to be beaten
The lyrics of Kimbra's song "Top of the World" express a sense of determination and resilience in the face of adversity. The opening lines portray a lifelong struggle to attain success and financial stability. The singer feels as though they have been constantly sold false promises, hustling every day just to get by. Despite this, they refuse to give up and are committed to achieving their goals.
The chorus of the song celebrates the feeling of being on top of the world, both metaphorically and literally. It represents the singer's triumph over their struggles, as they confidently proclaim their accomplishments. They run with the girls, symbolizing a sense of unity and empowerment. The need for a break acknowledges the hard work put into reaching this position of success, but it also signifies a moment to savor the victory.
The lyrics also touch upon the theme of fame and recognition. The singer references being seen on television, billboards, and having a lavish lifestyle with white picket fences and a palace. It signifies the transformation from their humble beginnings to a life of luxury. However, amidst all the accomplishments, there is a hint of doubt and weariness. They question if they made the right choices and if they are truly happy. The mention of feeling tired and alone suggests that despite the external success, there may be internal struggles.
Overall, the lyrics of "Top of the World" portray the journey of a determined individual who has faced numerous challenges but has managed to rise above them and attain success. It explores themes of perseverance, self-discovery, and the complexities that come with achieving one's dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
On my knees, all my life I've been sold a chase
Throughout my entire life, I have been constantly pursuing something, often sacrificing my own well-being.
Hustling hope for dollars, try cope a day (a day)
I have been striving to find financial stability, hustling every day just to make ends meet.
On a condition
Under a specific circumstance or agreement.
We on our way to the top
We are progressing towards success.
We got the world at our fingers
We have complete control and influence over the world.
We make the penny drop
We have the power to make significant changes or impact.
Gotta get in and get outta the gate
We must seize opportunities and make quick progress.
I won't stop till I wake
I will keep striving until I reach my goals and become fully aware of my accomplishments.
I'll say it loud till I mean it
I will continue to express my aspirations and beliefs until they align with my true intentions.
Talk like I be the messiah
I speak with great confidence and influence, as if I were a savior-like figure.
I'm on top, I'm on top, I'm on top of the world
I have achieved great success and feel a sense of superiority.
See me run, see me run, see me run with the girls
Witness me enjoying my success and freedom, alongside other empowered individuals.
Need a break, then I'll take to the top of the world
If I require rest or escape, I will retreat to a place of ultimate success and fulfillment.
Euphoria
An intense feeling of happiness and excitement.
Mystery like a new treasure
My presence carries an aura of intrigue and fascination, like a newly discovered valuable object.
We go so good together
We complement each other perfectly, enhancing our individual qualities.
Search all my life to find better
I have spent my entire life seeking something superior or more fulfilling.
But I won't hold my breath
I am not overly optimistic or expectant of finding what I seek.
I'll just fill up and deliver
Instead, I will build myself up and offer my own unique qualities to the world.
They got attention deficit
Others struggle to maintain focus or remain interested in one thing for too long.
Waitin' for their love to visit
They are eagerly anticipating or hoping for acknowledgement and affection from others.
All my life turn to dust
Everything I have experienced or achieved has become meaningless and insignificant.
All I knew who to trust
I have lost faith in the reliability or honesty of others.
Had a chance for good love
I had an opportunity to experience genuine affection and romantic connection.
See me on tele
Observe me appearing on television or in media.
See me on billboards and banners
Notice my presence being advertised prominently on billboards and banners.
See me with white picket fences
Witness me living a traditional, idealized life with a stable and comfortable home.
Now watch me build up my palace (ha ha ha)
Now observe as I construct my own metaphorical kingdom of success and security, expressing a sense of amusement and satisfaction.
Now out on the run, you'll see me gathering might
Now that I am actively pursuing my goals, you will witness me gaining strength and influence.
Won't forget where I started where we would (pray from the gutters)
I will always remember the humble, disadvantaged beginnings from which we arose and sought solace through prayer.
'Cause I'm on top, I'm on top, I'm on top of the world
Because I have achieved great success and dominance, I feel a powerful sense of superiority and triumph.
See me out, see me out with the diamonds and pearls
Observe me confidently flaunting opulent and luxurious possessions, symbolizing my elevated status.
They can talk, they can talk, but I got the good word
Others may criticize or gossip about me, but I possess the true knowledge or message of value.
Man, it's crazy to define brand new
It is remarkable and difficult to fully understand the concept of something entirely fresh and innovative.
It's amazing I got high on few
It is astonishing that I managed to experience euphoria and fulfillment from only a limited number of experiences.
But tonight I'm feeling tired and alone
However, in this moment, I am exhausted and filled with feelings of loneliness.
Dear lord, I hope we didn't go wrong
I sincerely pray, dear higher power, that we did not make a mistake or take the wrong path.
I think I'm winning
I believe I am succeeding and achieving my goals.
Feel like I might
I have a strong sense of possibility and potential for ongoing success.
Feels like I'm in it
It feels as though I am fully immersed and actively participating in my pursuits.
Feel like a god
I feel an immense sense of power, superiority, and invincibility.
I'm in demand
My presence and abilities are highly sought after and desired.
They're on my time
Others must conform to my schedule and prioritize me.
One in a million
I possess extremely rare and exceptional qualities or talents.
'Fore they could find
Before others have the chance to discover or fully comprehend my uniqueness.
We pray from the gutters
We express our sincere and humble prayers from a place of poverty or hardship.
Like martyrs we followed you
Similar to martyrs, we have faithfully devoted ourselves to following and supporting a higher cause or person.
Yeah, I'm on top, I'm on top, I'm on top of the world (we pray from the gutters)
Yes, I have achieved overwhelming success and dominance, feeling a sense of superiority and triumph, while still acknowledging our humble beginnings and prayers.
See me top, see me top, see me top of the herd (like martyrs, we followed you)
Observe me rising above and standing out from the crowd, similar to how martyrs have faithfully followed their cause.
I'm tryin', I'm tryin' for the top of the world (pray from the gutters, like martyrs we followed you)
I am continuously striving and putting in effort to reach the pinnacle of success, just like how we once prayed from the gutters and followed a cause with unwavering dedication.
I'm happy, I'm winning
I am joyful and content, as I am successfully accomplishing my goals.
Not concerned if I'm cheating
I do not worry or feel guilty about potentially taking shortcuts or bending the rules in my pursuit of success.
They built me up to be beaten
Others helped elevate me to a position of prominence or high expectations, only to see me fall and be defeated.
They built me up to be beaten
Others helped elevate me to a position of prominence or high expectations, only to see me fall and be defeated.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Kimbra Lee Johnson, Lars Hornveth, Sonny Moore
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sir Abyss
It's a shame she never got bigger after the success of Somebody That I Used to Know. She's a goddamn treasure.
Angel ToshiroX
Gotta add after years but I don’t think she gives a fuck about fame
piecesofme
3 million views isn’t enough??
Scuba Moose
Same deal with gotye tho
Grant Ormsby
As far as I'm aware she's got a good career in the States. She's not really a mainstream artist as such. But she's definitely successful in her own right, being paid to make music. So... Win.
Zen Williams
This song is easily 4 years ahead of its time. No question she's an artist but a fucking visionary.
Trevor Philips
@david vickers 😂
david vickers
Its got cardi b vibes.
shane glass
This is actually so bad lmfao
chaatai77
She is destined to be understood after her work being mainstream by others. Great artist in this sense.