Nana Adjoa is an Amsterdam, The Netherlands-based singer-songwriter and son… Read Full Bio ↴Nana Adjoa is an Amsterdam, The Netherlands-based singer-songwriter and sonic explorer, "armed with a deft poeticism, a fierce sense of musicianship, a bold approach to songwriting, an unflinching sense of curiosity and an openness to endless possibility."

Following a string of singles and three EPs since 2017, her first full-length album, Big Dreaming Ants, was released in September 2020.

honestly
Nana Adjoa Lyrics

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Honestly, we'll never see it coming
Well I'll keep watch, you keep the motor running
Such a waste of effort and you know it
It's impossible to disarm this bomb in disguise

So when it goes off, let it explode

Honestly, we'll never hear it coming

A sirens scream grows out of sweet sound humming
Followed by a blast so loud and numbing
There won't be any time left to tell a fella why

So let it go now, it's out of your control

People telling you the threat is ever growing
People believe that they're really in control of it
People preparing for the things they don't know and it's
The oldest story in the book overtold, and the

People keep telling you the threat is growing
People believe that they're really in control of it

People preparing for the things they don't know and it's
The oldest story in the book overtold, and the...

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Nana Adjoa's song "Honestly" talk about an impending disaster that is impossible to prevent, disarm, or control. The first stanza mentions a bomb in disguise that cannot be disarmed and will eventually explode, so the singer suggests letting it happen. The second stanza compares the upcoming explosion to a sudden blast that will catch people off guard, leaving no time to explain the situation. Again, the singer advises letting it go since it's beyond anyone's control.

The chorus repeats the idea that people are aware of the threat but cannot stop it or control it. There's a sense of resignation and inevitability in the lyrics, as if the singer has accepted the fact that disaster is looming and it's futile to resist it. The phrase "the oldest story in the book overtold" implies that humanity has faced similar situations in the past and failed to prevent them.

The lyrics of "Honestly" are cryptic and open to interpretation, but one possible reading is that they reflect the anxieties and uncertainties of the modern world. The threat of climate change, political turmoil, and social injustice can feel overwhelming and insurmountable, leading to a sense of powerlessness and fatalism. The song seems to suggest that sometimes, the best we can do is accept our fate and let things unfold as they will.

Line by Line Meaning

Honestly, we'll never see it coming
We are blind to potential dangers and unaware of our surroundings.

Well I'll keep watch, you keep the motor running
I'll be vigilant and ready to act, while you keep the means of escape open.

Such a waste of effort and you know it
It is pointless to try and prevent what is inevitable.

It's impossible to disarm this bomb in disguise
The threat is disguised and cannot be easily neutralized.

So when it goes off, let it explode
When the danger inevitably strikes, accept it and move on.

People telling you the threat is ever growing
Others are warning us that the danger is increasing.

People believe that they're really in control of it
Despite the warnings, people think they can manage the threat and stay safe.

People preparing for the things they don't know and it's
People are getting ready for unknown dangers, but it's all in vain.

The oldest story in the book overtold, and the
This is a common and predictable scenario that has happened many times before.

People keep telling you the threat is growing
The warning signs keep appearing and cannot be ignored.

People believe that they're really in control of it
Despite the warnings, people still believe they can manage and mitigate the threat.

People preparing for the things they don't know and it's
People are preparing for unknown dangers, but it is all futile.

The oldest story in the book overtold, and the...
This is a recurring pattern that has happened countless times in history.

Writer(s): eelco topper, nana adjoa, arriën molema

Contributed by Evan B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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Comments from YouTube:

neonchild

6y↑13

you know when you lay at the park, alone, under the trees, pastel sunset...
the sun hits just right through the leaves.. and you're just like..wow. what a life!
That's what this feels like.