Kina started playing shows at the age of four in front of her stuffed animals. Now she plays in front of people, though it wasnβt the quickest transition for the admittedly shy songstress. While attending college at USC, Kina often retreated to the secluded stairwells around campus where she could write and sing without being heard. Protected by their quiet confines, she found a safe haven and a creative outlet for her music. Armed with a guitar and a cup of tea, Kina wrote in every stairwell she came across. And it was within these stairwells that she developed her confidence as a songwriter and her poise as a performer.
In 2007, Kina joined YouTube, made a music video and entered herself into a contest. A few months later, her video for βMessage From Your Heartβ aired during the Superbowl and its 97 million viewers (or 194 million eyeballs, depending on how youβre keeping track) and she walked away with a record deal. Since then, Kina has regularly posted her songs on YouTube, amassing many millions of views, and toured throughout North America. Her songs have been heard on television shows such as ABCβs General Hospital and MTVβs College Life.
History
Kina Grannis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Of family, of backyards, of you and me
If I went back there, straight back to the place
Where I wondered what we could be
I'd laugh
Who'd have thought?
Who'd have thought?
Of petty, and heavy things
I still remember what life was like back
Then before I had learned to speak
I'd hide
Sing it out, sing it out
Sing it out, sing it out
I felt it all
The kissing and fighting
I know the cost
I stayed home on New Year's Eve
All in all
I'd rather be right here than
Falling off the pages of history
Hmm, pages of history
Hmm
If I remind you of childhood, of memories
Of times both bitter and sweet
Let's take that feeling right here to this moment
And sew it into the seams
My love
Hold it all, hold it all
Hold it all, hold it all
I felt it all
The kissing and fighting
I know the cost
I stayed home on New Year's Eve
All in all
I'd rather be right here than
Falling off the pages of history
Oh, pages of history
Oh, pages of history
Hmm
The song "History" by Kina Grannis is a nostalgic track that takes listeners on a journey through different periods of the singer's life. The first verse talks about how the song brings back memories of the summers of the singer's childhood spent with family in their backyard. She wonders 'what we could be' when she listens to this song which suggests that she might be thinking about someone from her past. The chorus talks about how the singer has experienced both the good times and the bad times, kissing and fighting, and how she knows the cost of it all. Despite everything, she chooses to stay home on New Year's Eve and remain content with where she is in the present.
The second verse talks about how the song reminds the singer of the 90s and her childhood, and how she remembers what her life was like before she had even learned to speak. The singer seems to be using the song as a way to hold on to memories of the past and bring them into the present. The bridge is a call to action for the listener, letting them know that they can take their own memories and feelings from their past and bring them into the present so that they can be cherished and remembered forever.
Line by Line Meaning
That song reminds me of summers
This song evokes fond memories of the warm season filled with moments shared with family and friends.
Of family, of backyards, of you and me
The song links to happy and innocent times with loved ones and close acquaintances.
If I went back there, straight back to the place
Referring to a specific location in her past, the singer considers revisiting her childhood by returning to where her memories were made.
Where I wondered what we could be
The singer reflects on a time where everything was open to possibility, and wonders what opportunities might've been missed.
I'd laugh
In that moment of reminiscence, the singer would have a positive response connected with happy emotions.
Who'd have thought?
She marvels at how much things have changed over time and the unexpected outcome of events in her life.
That song reminds me of Newhart, of 90s
The song brings up memories of TV shows and the overall atmosphere of times past that are now viewed as nostalgic.
Of petty, and heavy things
The singer remembers both small and significant events of her past that would contribute to who she is today.
I still remember what life was like back
The lyric refers to the singer recalling the experience of her life before she was able to fully communicate with language.
Then before I had learned to speak
The singer is referring to a time where she was too young, and therefore too inexperienced or naΓ―ve β to fully understand the nature of what was happening around her.
I'd hide
During those times, the singer would retreat to a safe place to avoid certain aspects of life or people.
Sing it out, sing it out
The singer is expressing through song the same feelings from those past moments, and is encouraging others to do the same, which allows them to share in the emotional experience.
I felt it all
The singer relates to the full spectrum of emotions from her memories, including love and conflict between her and her acquaintances.
The kissing and fighting
The song involves the extremes of the human experience, which includes both love and discord.
I know the cost
The singer is aware of the price that must be paid for these experiences, both good and bad.
I stayed home on New Year's Eve
The singer rejects partying and socializing during New Year's Eve, instead valuing moments of quiet reflection.
All in all
In summary, the singer prefers to be exactly where she is in life, rather than have to relive those past moments.
I'd rather be right here than
The singer expresses contentment with her current place in life.
Falling off the pages of history
Restating her preference for where she is, the singer fears being relegated to forgotten historical footnote - a time period that has passed and is no longer relevant in people's memories.
If I remind you of childhood, of memories
The singer suggests that what feelings she has from childhood also carry over and resonate with others.
Of times both bitter and sweet
The singer acknowledges that everyone's past experiences are a mix of both enjoyable and difficult moments.
Let's take that feeling right here to this moment
She encourages anyone who may relate to her memories to take the positive aspects of their past and let it inform and inspire their current reality.
And sew it into the seams
The singer is suggesting that people integrate their past experiences into their current lives and use them to inform their decisions and actions moving forward.
My love
The singer may be addressing her significant other, or anyone she has an emotional attachment to, regarding how memories play a part in her current approach towards life.
Hold it all, hold it all
The singer is encouraging those who relate to her past memories to hold on to all those mixed emotions - love, pain, joy - and use those experiences to inform their current lives.
Oh, pages of history
As the song ends the singer again references to how the good and bad emotions from the past have played a role in her life, ultimately still influencing her decisions and approach to life today.
Writer(s): kina grannis
Contributed by Josiah D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@princessoftheworld1107
It took me so long to find this song again...and I'm happy that I did
@timelwell7002
Another beautifully crafted song, performed and recorded by a skilled singer/songwriter, who is (as yet) virtually unknown here in the UK. Kina's songs seem so simple, but this is somewhat deceptive. There are in fact subtleties in the vocal harmonies and guitar playing which indicate a high level of musical intelligence. The result here is a very accessible song, easy on the ear, where the lyrics and the way the song 'unfolds' is organic. Yet this apparent simplicity is in fact mixed in with some intriguing nuances which greatly enhance her compositions. These factors place her firmly in the gifted, and far from ordinary artist. A pure delight to listen to.
@KinaGrannis
Come say hi on tourrrr! http://kinagrannis.com/tour
@drownamy
Mirror writing in sync with tempo of the song, single shot in slow motion. And the beauty of everything in the video. Wow, just wow : )
@djrexj
Last frame flipped: social anxiety, growing, love, grandad, love, confusion, can't talk, no friends, cancer, jealousy, lost, love, friends
@alicaudle
Well done, I was just about to ask. The only thing is, I think "no friends" might be "love friends" but its just written a little sloppier than the other "love"s that are written.
@alicaudle
oh wait! ignore me! I was looking at "love friends" not realizing that there is also a "no friends" x) MY BAD.
@jjcuevas512
Kinaβs hidden talent-mirror writing!! Love the sounds of the new album!!
@sexyscientist
Naah! I don't remember how I know this but this is common knowledge for 8-9 years.
@sexyscientist
I think it is in the lyrics of a song in "one more in the attic" and she has written birthday wishes to Kinerds backwards.