Lola Young is an R&B-rooted, stylistically dynamic vocalist and multi-instr… Read Full Bio ↴Lola Young is an R&B-rooted, stylistically dynamic vocalist and multi-instrumentalist whose combination of smoky vocals and mature songwriting has prompted comparisons to Amy Winehouse and Adele. Although the South East London native's 2019 debut, the Intro EP, made a significant impression, she experienced her true breakout in 2021. Her atmospheric cover of "Together in Electric Dreams" soundtracked John Lewis & Partners' annual Christmas advertising campaign that year, and she was also shortlisted for the 2022 BRITS Rising Star category, a distinction that affirmed her individuality. Following a handful of singles, including "So Sorry" and "Stream of Consciousness," Young issued her debut album, 2023's My Mind Wanders and Sometimes Leaves Completely.

Fake
Lola Young Lyrics

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Everybody keeps telling me about the new magazines
And everybody keeps telling me that I'd be lonely without it
And everybody keeps telling me that I'd be broke without a penny to my name
And everybody keeps telling me that I'd be heartless without it

But I swam down the river
I met the fish and the gods
And I met my mister

Right here in my heart

I'm better off without it
I'm better off alone
I'm better off without it
So leave the fake shit
Leave your fake shit at home

Everybody keeps telling me about the new SPF 50
And everybody keeps telling me that I'd be, huh, so burnt without it
And everybody keeps telling me that I'd be broke without a penny to my name
And everybody keeps telling me that I'd hate myself without it

But I swam down the river
I met the fish and the gods
And I met my sister
Right here in my heart

I'm better off without it
I'm better off alone
I'm better off without it
I'm better off alone

And everybody keeps telling me that I need something else to own

I'm better off without it
So leave the fake shit
Leave your fake shit
Oh, leave the fake shit
Leave the fake shit
Oh, leave the fake shit
Leave your fake shit at home
(Fake shit)
(Fake shit)
(Fake shit)

Leave the fake shit
Leave your fake shit at home (fake shit)

Overall Meaning

In Lola Young's song FAKE, she sings about how people are constantly telling her what she needs and what she should have in her life. The lyrics talk about how society pressures people to conform to certain beauty standards by promoting new magazines and different skincare products such as SPF 50. The lyrics reveal how people often feel like they need these things to fit in and be accepted by society, but Lola Young disagrees. She believes that she doesn't need any of those things, and she's better off without them.

She then goes on to describe how she went on a journey down a river where she met "the fish and the gods." It can be interpreted that the river and the fish and gods symbolize self-discovery and finding inner peace. She found love within herself, symbolized by herself being her "mister" and her "sister." Overall, Lola Young encourages listeners to embrace their true selves and not let societal pressures dictate their lives.

Line by Line Meaning

Everybody keeps telling me about the new magazines
People constantly try to convince me that there is something new and exciting out there that I should be interested in.

And everybody keeps telling me that I'd be lonely without it
Everyone seems to think that I need whatever it is they are trying to sell me, and that without it, I will be alone and unhappy.

And everybody keeps telling me that I'd be broke without a penny to my name
They also suggest that if I don't buy what they are selling, I will be financially destitute.

And everybody keeps telling me that I'd be heartless without it
Additionally, they believe that I will become a cold and unfeeling person if I do not have what they are pushing.

But I swam down the river
However, I ventured forth and left these people behind.

I met the fish and the gods
I discovered a new world and all its wonders.

And I met my mister
I found the love of my life within myself.

Right here in my heart
I didn't need anything else to complete me.

I'm better off without it
I realized that I don't need anything external to be happy and fulfilled.

I'm better off alone
I learned that being happy with myself is more important than anything else.

So leave the fake shit
Therefore, I have no interest in anything artificial or insincere.

Leave your fake shit at home
I don't want to be bothered with anyone's attempts to deceive or manipulate me.

And everybody keeps telling me that I need something else to own
Despite what others may say, I know that I don't need to possess anything to feel complete.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Conor Dickinson, Lola Young, William Brown

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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