There’s no doubt that there’s a … Read Full Bio ↴NAOMI WACHIRA, Kenya, living in Seattle
There’s no doubt that there’s a better future in store for Naomi, especially after her great breakout year in 2013. Named the Best Folk Singer in Seattle by alt publication Seattle Weekly and featured on their cover, Naomi became the toast of the town, which in turn led to a friendship with the much-loved indie songwriter Damien Jurado, who came onboard to produce this album. Other key collaborators that Naomi brought in, renowned Seattle bassist Evan Flory-Barnes, cellist Natalie Hall (Macklemore), drummer Darren Reynolds (Patrick & The Locomotive), and Latin percussionist Lalo Bello, all brought their own ideas to the accompaniment, guided by Jurado’s desire to keep the music as vibrantly alive as possible. The result is Naomi Wachira’s debut full-length, a portrait of a Kenyan artist at home in the Pacific Northwestern United States.
When you listen to Naomi’s songs, you’ll hear the lifelong influence of two powerful, groundbreaking female songwriters: Miriam Makeba and Tracy Chapman. Makeba became one of the biggest stars on the continent through her socially aware songwriting, something she shared closely with American songwriter Tracy Chapman. Chapman was a voice for social change as well, but Naomi loved her positive idealism, a concept that informs all the songs on Naomi’s album. Makeba’s also a personal icon for Naomi, who cites “the way she carried herself, her grace and character,” as influencers. “She was able to maintain her integrity as an African. She didn’t need to change who she was to fit with Western audiences.” That’s why you won’t hear any stereotypical African music on Naomi’s debut. She’s making music inspired both by the music she discovered in America and the music she grew up with in Kenya, not a Western conception of how African music should sound. The daughter of a Kijabe pastor, Naomi joined the traveling family band at five years old, spreading the good word through gospel song. This explains the beautiful harmonies on her album, for as she says “In my family everyone sang and everyone knew their part. Harmony was second nature for us.” Larger African concepts also play a part in Naomi’s music, like the Zulu idea of Ubuntu. This concept means “I am because we are,” and it’s a community-based worldview that focuses on caring for each other.
This is why the songs on Naomi’s debut album sound so alive. They’re plucked from her own life, powered by her Northwest musical community, and imbued with her own sense of hopefulness. The Seattle Times had a recent photo of Naomi at Seattle’s naturalization ceremony, receiving her American citizenship with tears streaming down her face. It’s a remarkable photo, and a reminder of the distances we often travel to find our dreams.
Burn Me
Naomi Wachira Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've been afraid to welcome you, Cause I've heard you tear apart
But I've also heard you're sweet like honey, you make life delightful
I've also heard you're a great companion, you make life less lonely
So burn me if you will, I don't care
I don't wanna die alone
Watch me run with desire, Cause I've got nothing to lose
Cause I've heard you're sweet like honey, you make life delightful
I've heard you're a great companion, you make life less lonely
So burn me if you will, I don't care
I don't wanna die alone
So I'm letting go of fear, I'm letting go of pain, I'm letting go of anything, anything in my way
I'm letting go, letting go, letting go, letting go, I'm letting go
So burn me if you will, I don't care, I'm gonna rise
Burn me if you will, I don't care, I'm gonna rise
I'm gonna rise, I'm gonna rise, I'm gonna, I am…
I'm gonna rise, I am, Iam, I'm gonna rise
So burn me if you will, I don't care, I'm gonna rise
The first verse of Naomi Wachira's song "Burn Me" starts off expressing fear over a potential relationship with a person who has a reputation of being unpredictable and emotionally damaging. This person is described as "burning" and "tearing apart." However, the second half of the verse expresses that there is also a considerable amount of positive praise towards this person. They are described as sweet and a great companion. In the chorus, the singer boldly states that they are willing to take the risk of being burned if it means they won't die alone.
The second verse of the song expresses a refusal to be held back by fear any longer. The singer is determined to pursue this relationship with a newfound sense of passion and urgency. Once again, the person is described as sweet and a great companion. The second chorus repeats the same sentiment as the first, that the singer is willing to take the risk of being burned. However, this time, it is followed by a declaration that they will rise above the pain and the negative experiences.
The bridge of the song serves as a sort of mantra, emphasizing that the singer is letting go of anything that may hold them back from pursuing what they want in life. The repetition of "letting go" symbolizes a release of negative thoughts and emotions. The final chorus reiterates that the singer is willing to take the risk of being burned, but it is followed by a declaration that they will rise above it no matter what.
Overall, "Burn Me" is a song about taking a chance despite any potential consequences. It encourages listeners to pursue relationships and experiences that are fulfilling, even if they come with risks.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I've been afraid to hold you, Cause I've heard you burn, leave ashes
I haven't been able to accept you because I've heard rumors that you destroy and leave nothing behind
I've been afraid to welcome you, Cause I've heard you tear apart
I've been hesitant to let you into my life because I've heard you cause destruction and pain
But I've also heard you're sweet like honey, you make life delightful
On the other hand, I've heard that you are full of joy and can make life more pleasant
I've also heard you're a great companion, you make life less lonely
Additionally, I've heard that you can provide companionship and make life less isolating
So burn me if you will, I don't care
I am willing to take the risk of being hurt by you, because I value what you could bring to my life
I don't wanna die alone
I don't want to miss out on the potential for connection and companionship
Watch me now as I let fear go, I am determined to hold you
I'm actively working to overcome my fear of getting hurt, and I am committed to pursuing a relationship with you
Watch me run with desire, Cause I've got nothing to lose
Now that I've let go of my fear, I am driven with desire for companionship and willing to take risks to achieve it
So I'm letting go of fear, I'm letting go of pain, I'm letting go of anything, anything in my way
I am intentionally letting go of anything that might hold me back from pursuing a relationship with you
So burn me if you will, I don't care, I'm gonna rise
Even if being with you hurts me, I am committed to moving forward and coming out stronger on the other side
I'm gonna rise, I'm gonna rise, I'm gonna, I am…
I'm determined to rise above the pain and difficulties and come out on top
I'm gonna rise, I am, Iam, I'm gonna rise
I will not be held down by fear or pain, I will stand strong and move forward
Contributed by Jason T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.