Nonetheless, Kwabs never had any notion of seriously pursuing music as a career until his unadorned YouTube cover of Corinne Bailey Rae's "Like a Star" became a massive viral hit, racking up 100,000 views. He was approached with a management contract, and decided to take music farther. He released a few original songs on YouTube, leading to his being hotly tipped by MTV and BBC radio and securing a deal with Atlantic. On his 2014 debut EP, Wrong or Right, he collaborated with London-born, Vienna-based producer Sohn. The melancholy songs on the EP set his smooth, powerful baritone voice to a minimalist, synthesized backing somewhat reminiscent of the Human League. The style was dubbed "Synth&B," and the collaboration drew comparisons to that between Seal and Adamski back in the '90s. A second EP, Pray for Love, and a more upbeat single, "Walk," followed. Kwabs also worked with Plan B and Dave Okumu on his debut album, which was expected to be released in 2015. ~ John D. Buchanan, Rovi
Pray for Love
Kwabs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Along the path we tread so well
And the shades we use to paint it
Can't start to show our lives parallel
Eyes to the ground
We watch our feet
We're a little bruised and battle-worn
Cannot shield our storm
We prayed for love
We prayed for love
We prayed for love
Someone in the distance
Who will listen
Listen to our breaking hearts
We prayed for love
Someone in the distance
Who will listen
Listen to our breaking hearts
The endless days of thunder
Seemed to leave us here without a chance
Feeling like a world around us
Is falling down like an avalanche
We look ahead you know our hearts
Are gunna lead us through another fight
The negative like string between us
Strong in our desire
We prayed for love
We prayed for love
We prayed for love
Someone in the distance who will listen
Listen to our breaking hearts
We prayed for love
Someone in the distance who will listen
Listen to our breaking hearts
Wherever the road takes us
The winds began to break up
Just stay by my side
Wherever the road takes us
The winds began to break up
Just stay by my side
We prayed for love
Someone in the distance
Who will listen
Listen to our breaking hearts
We prayed for love
Someone in the distance who will listen
Listen to our breaking hearts
The song "Pray For Love" is a heartfelt appeal for companionship and support on the journey of life. The opening lines "It's safe to say we made it / Along the path we tread so well" suggest that the singers have already overcome many obstacles together and achieved some measure of success. However, the use of the word "shades" to describe their depiction of their lives implies that their experience is more complex than a straightforward triumph-over-adversity story. They can't even fully express the depth of their journey through the images they've created. This is reinforced by the line "We're a little bruised and battle-worn" which acknowledges that the journey hasn't been without pain and struggle.
The chorus reveals the central theme of the song - the need for love and understanding in the face of adversity. The repeated phrase "We prayed for love / Someone in the distance who will listen / Listen to our breaking hearts" emphasizes the emotional vulnerability that the singers are feeling. They are looking for someone who will offer them support and compassion, who will acknowledge and be moved by their pain. The line "The negative like string between us / Strong in our desire" suggests that their bond is founded on a shared experience of hardship and that they draw strength from each other in their determination to overcome it. The closing lines "Wherever the road takes us / The winds began to break up / Just stay by my side" offer a message of hope that despite the challenges they face, they will continue to move forward together.
Line by Line Meaning
It's safe to say we made it
We have successfully journeyed together so far
Along the path we tread so well
We have become familiar with this journey
And the shades we use to paint it
Our perspectives color our experiences
Can't start to show our lives parallel
Our lives run parallel yet are unique
Eyes to the ground
We are focused and grounded
We watch our feet
We are careful and mindful of our steps
We're a little bruised and battle-worn
We have faced struggles and have been hurt
But the walls they built to keep us
Obstacles cannot stop us
Cannot shield our storm
We are strong and resilient even in difficult times
We prayed for love
We hoped for emotional support and connection
Someone in the distance
Someone who seems far away from us
Who will listen
Who will pay attention and care
Listen to our breaking hearts
Hear the pain and struggles we are going through
The endless days of thunder
Times of difficulty and turmoil
Seemed to leave us here without a chance
It has felt like we are powerless
Feeling like a world around us
Sensations of being overwhelmed and surrounded by chaos
Is falling down like an avalanche
Things are collapsing and seem unstoppable
We look ahead you know our hearts
We are determined and passionate about our future
Are gunna lead us through another fight
We will persevere through another challenge
The negative like string between us
The negativity is present and affecting us
Strong in our desire
Our desire for love and support remains powerful
Wherever the road takes us
No matter where life leads us
The winds began to break up
The difficulties and obstacles are starting to dissipate
Just stay by my side
We want to support each other through anything
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ERIC APPAPOULAY, KWABENA ADJEPONG, BEN DREW, GEORGE MOORE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@amannvig
It’s safe to say we made it
Along the path we tread so well
And the shades we use to paint it
Can’t start to show our lives parallel
Eyes to the ground
We watch our feet
We’re a little bruised and battle-worn
But the walls they built to keep us
Cannot shield our storm
We prayed for love
We prayed for love
We prayed for love
Someone in the distance
Who will listen
Listen to our breaking hearts
We prayed for love
Someone in the distance
Who will listen
Listen to our breaking hearts
The endless days of thunder
Seemed to leave us here without a chance
Feeling like a world around us
Is falling down like an avalanche
We look ahead you know our hearts
Are gunna lead us through another fight
The negative like string between us
Strong in our desire
We prayed for love
We prayed for love
We prayed for love
Someone in the distance
Who will listen
Listen to our breaking hearts
We prayed for love
Someone in the distance
Who will listen
Listen to our breaking hearts
Wherever the road takes us
The winds began to break up
Just stay by my side
Wherever the road takes us
The winds began to break up
Just stay by my side
We prayed for love
Someone in the distance
Who will listen
Listen to our breaking hearts
We prayed for love
Someone in the distance
Who will listen
Listen to our breaking hearts
@adaehsmith4687
Stunning! I love this song and the video is gorgeous! xx
Kwabs be straight slayin' the game, no doubt! AUTHENTIC VIEWS gave him a boost, but his raw talent remains unchanged. He's holdin' it down like a true boss! Drop a thumbs up if you're vibin' with it, fam!
@3dgar7eandro
For real This guy most be the most underated British artist of the decade... What a beautiful voice and soul 😌👏👏👏👌👌
@MrPAACK
Honestly, this song touches my soul. This deserves way more views.
Kwabs deserves way more attention!
@BrooklynJPakathi
1. this video is amazing
2. this director is amazing
3. kwabs is amazing
4. love is amazing
@briana14333
all of his songs + visuals are crazy good!
@azizharmen8684
We need more of this music. Majority of people dismiss great meaningful music to listen to something with a synthetic beat.
@JamaicanMeCrazy980
WHAT. A. SONG.
Heard this last year and still gives me goosebumps
@tneashahcoy-pinnock9924
Every single time I listen to any of your songs, I just clench and I feel goosebumps. You have amazing talent. This is amazing. You are so incredibly talented; I will never be able to say that enough.
@YesPleaseMuse
What a voice. I could listen to this all day.
@UrbanSophistic
This is breathtaking. The sounds and the visuals. Can't wait to hear more from Kwabs!