Noah Kahan was born in Strafford, Vermont and he attended Hanover High School in Hanover, New Hampshire. Kahan began writing songs at age 8 and uploaded them to SoundCloud where his music began to gain exposure.
At age 17, Kahan began working with school friend music producers (Cwenga Matanzima). This attracted the attention of his current manager Drew Simmons of Foundations Artist Management. His music also caught the attention of songwriters such as Dan Wilson known for his work with Adele, Scott Harris, Carrie Underwood, among others. Kahan deferred his admission to Tulane University to pursue his developing music career. Kahan has said that two career goals he wished for were to be verified on Instagram and to have a Wikipedia page.
Kahan cites some of his inspirations as Paul Simon, Cat Stevens, Counting Crows, Hozier, and Mumford and Sons.
In 2016, Kahan signed to Republic Records and he began working with producer Joel Little, known for his work with Lorde and Khalid, with whom he recorded six songs. Kahan released his first single "Young Blood" in January 2017 and gained over 9 million streams.
In September 2017, Kahan released "Hurt Somebody", the lead single from his forthcoming debut EP of the same name. "Hurt Somebody" was re-recorded later in 2017 featuring Grammy nominated artist Julia Michaels. "Hurt Somebody" was released in January 2018.
On April 8, 2019, Kahan announced his debut full-length studio album entitled Busyhead, and included the duet version of "Hurt Somebody" as well as two other singles "False Confidence" and "Mess". It was released on June 14, 2019.
On April 30, 2020, Noah announced on his Instagram that he would drop an EP at midnight. He then dropped "Cape Elizabeth." The album was recorded over one week at Kahan's friend Phin Choukas' home studio in Vermont exactly one week after the singer left New York City in March to avoid COVID-19. "Cape Elizabeth" was then released on May 1, 2020.
On June 17, 2021 Kahan announced his second full-length album titled "I Was/I Am". Five days later he announced the "I Was/I Am" tour. On September 17, 2021, the album was released. Throughout the summer leading up to the release of the album Kahan released “Part of Me”, “Godlight”, and “Animal” as singles ahead of the album drop. “Part of Me” was the only one of the three singles to be dropped before the album announcement.
Kahan opened for Ben Folds and Anderson East in the United States in February 2017 and then went on to open for Milky Chance in March 2017. Later opening on an East Coast tour with The Strumbellas that began on October 12, 2017, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and concluded on November 14, 2017, in Buffalo, New York. He performed at Billboard's Industry Night on November 16, 2017, at the Ludlow House in New York City, showcasing his pop-folk song "Fine". In April and May 2018, Kahan supported George Ezra on his North American tour and then directly after embarked on his own tour, headlining shows across Europe throughout May 2018. Kahan then embarked on a world tour in October and November 2018, with Dean Lewis joining him in support for the North American leg. He later opened for Dean Lewis on his tour of Europe in February 2019, then joining James Bay on his North American tour for the following month. Kahan toured for 'The Busyhead Tour', in which he headlined shows across North America from September to November 2019.
In October 2021, Kahan headlined his 'I Am / I Was Tour', with support from Blake Rose and Genevieve Stokes.
On July 8, 2022, Kahan announced a U.S. tour for the fall and released the single "Stick Season", which he had first teased in October 2020. Over the following two years, the song became a fan favorite, further growing in popularity on social media app TikTok. Kahan followed it up with the release of "Northern Attitude" on September 16.
On October 14, 2022, Kahan released his album Stick Season. According to early reviews of the album from AP News, "There’s irony there because these feel like songs both longtime listeners and newer fans will want to belt back to Kahan — not because they’re produced for stadiums or arenas, but because they’re full of nostalgic melodies that will resonate far beyond New England." Kahan wrote this album during the pandemic which he spent back home in Vermont. Stick Season leans more into the folk genre than the rest of his older music which were more pop sounding. Kahan says that in his album, Stick Season, he wanted to pay homage to the folk singers that he grew up listening to. He adds that his greatest goal as a songwriter is to write music that other people can relate to and to be able to throw that lifeline to someone.
On March 17, 2023, Kahan was featured on Joy Oladokun's single "We're All Gonna Die", which was also released as part of her April 2023 album, Proof of Life.
On June 9, 2023, Kahan released a deluxe version of Stick Season titled, Stick Season (We'll All Be Here Forever), which includes seven previously unreleased tracks.
Godlight
Noah Kahan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They'll scream your name 'til the lights go out then they'll feed you to the wolves
It's hard to say who you'll be when they let those big red curtains close
You know this 'cause you told me so
I bet you forgot black heels in the summertime
Dad's bad cookin' though, you'd be polite
Honey, now you got a look that I don't recognize
To know me is to hate me
Is to hate what I've become
It's to watch me as I'm fallin'
From that ladder's last rung
It's to feel it like a secret you can't keep in
I'm not the way I was
I'm not the way I was
Were you freed within, did you leave your skin? Are you tethered in your doubt?
Have you breathed it in 'til it's medicine that you cannot live without?
'Cause you came back home a fuckin' alien and we're stuck here on the ground
Call your mom back, kid, before the high comes down
'Cause you forgot black heels in the summertime
Dirt road smoking on a Friday night
Honey, now you got a look that I don't recognize
You pulled me aside and you said
To know me is to hate me
Is to hate what I've become
It's to watch me as I'm fallin'
From that ladder's last rung
It's to feel it like a secret you can't keep in
I'm not the way I was
I'm not the way I was
But to feel it, to see it
The look in all their eyes
Is to breathe in, to be in
The good grace of that Godlight
It's to have it in your hands
The one thing you wanted all your life
It's all mine
It's a hole I can't fill
It's a curse I can't break
And I gave my soul to it
And I cannot be reclaimed
I was younger then
I was younger then
I was young
To know me is to hate me
Is to hate what I've become
It's to watch me as I'm fallin'
From that ladder's last rung
It's to feel it like a secret you can't keep in
I'm not the way I was
I'm not the way I was
But to feel it, to see it
To look in all their eyes
Is to breathe in, to be in
The good grace of that Godlight
It's to have it in your hands
The one thing you wanted all your life
It's all mine
And to feel it, to see it
The look in all your eyes
Is to breathe in, to be in
The good grace of this Godlight
It's to have it in your hands
The one thing I wanted all my life
It's all mine
"Godlight" by Noah Kahan delves into themes of fame, identity, and the pressure of expectations. The song opens with the realization that navigating through a crowd of angry people often results in stepping on some toes. The lyrics suggest that fame can be a double-edged sword, as the same crowd that screams your name can also turn on you and "feed you to the wolves." It reflects the fickle nature of fame and how it can affect one's sense of self.
The chorus highlights the internal struggle of the singer, who feels misunderstood and alienated. They express a sentiment of being someone different from who they used to be, and the conflict between the public perception and their true self. It's a plea for others to see beyond the surface and understand their evolving identity.
The second verse continues to explore this idea of transformation and the consequences that come with it. The reference to black heels in the summertime and dirt road smoking on a Friday night evoke memories of simpler times. However, the singer has changed, becoming an outsider or an "alien." They are now bound by doubt and reliant on something that feels like medicine but cannot be lived without. The lyrics urge the singer to reconnect with their roots, with a sense of urgency before the effects of the "high" wear off.
In the bridge, the song addresses the unfulfilled void and a curse that cannot be broken. The singer acknowledges that they have given their soul to their pursuit, but it cannot be reclaimed. The final repetition of the chorus emphasizes the disconnect between their current state and who they once were. They acknowledge that despite the allure of fame and the desire to possess what they have always wanted, it comes with a heavy cost.
Line by Line Meaning
There's no way out of an angry crowd without steppin' on some toes
Navigating through a hostile group of people inevitably involves offending some individuals.
They'll scream your name 'til the lights go out then they'll feed you to the wolves
The same people who were once supportive will abandon you when the spotlight fades, leaving you vulnerable to criticism and harm.
It's hard to say who you'll be when they let those big red curtains close
When the show is over, it's uncertain how your true identity will be shaped by the experiences and pressures of performing.
You know this 'cause you told me so
This knowledge is based on your own experiences and insights.
I bet you forgot black heels in the summertime
You ignored social norms and dressed inappropriately for the season.
Dad's bad cookin' though, you'd be polite
Even though your father's cooking skills are subpar, you always showed respect and politeness.
Honey, now you got a look that I don't recognize
You have undergone such significant changes in appearance and demeanor that I struggle to identify the person you've become.
You pulled me aside and you said
You requested a private conversation with me.
To know me is to hate me
Understanding my true self often leads to despising the person I've become.
Is to hate what I've become
Discovering the depths of who I am now often results in strong aversion.
It's to watch me as I'm fallin'
Others witness and observe my descent or downfall.
From that ladder's last rung
I am plummeting from the highest point of achievement.
It's to feel it like a secret you can't keep in
Experiencing this sensation is akin to harboring an unshareable secret.
I'm not the way I was
I have undergone substantial change and am no longer the person I used to be.
Were you freed within, did you leave your skin? Are you tethered in your doubt?
Have you truly discovered inner freedom or have you merely shed your old self superficially? Are you still tied down by uncertainty?
Have you breathed it in 'til it's medicine that you cannot live without?
Have you embraced your current state so deeply that it has become a necessary part of your existence?
'Cause you came back home a fuckin' alien and we're stuck here on the ground
Upon returning, you have transformed into someone unrecognizable, while the rest of us remain trapped in our ordinary lives.
Call your mom back, kid, before the high comes down
Reach out to your mother before the temporary elation fades away and reality sets in.
Dirt road smoking on a Friday night
Engaging in casual tobacco consumption on a rural road during the weekend.
But to feel it, to see it
The look in all their eyes
Experiencing and witnessing the envious and admiring expressions of others
Is to breathe in, to be in The good grace of that Godlight
A sense of euphoria and contentment comes from being in the favor or approval of a higher power.
It's to have it in your hands
The one thing you wanted all your life
Finally obtaining the long-desired object or achievement.
It's a hole I can't fill
It's a curse I can't break
There is an insurmountable void that cannot be satisfied and an unbreakable curse that plagues me.
And I gave my soul to it
And I cannot be reclaimed
I dedicated myself entirely to this pursuit, and now I am unable to reclaim the part of my essence lost in the process.
I was younger then
These experiences and realizations occurred during a period of youthful innocence and naivety.
To feel it, to see it The look in all your eyes
Experiencing and perceiving the emotions conveyed through the gazes of those around you.
To breathe in, to be in The good grace of this Godlight
Inhaling and immersing oneself in the benevolent illumination bestowed by a divine presence.
It's to have it in your hands
The one thing you wanted all your life
Finally grasping the cherished desire that has dominated your existence.
And to feel it, to see it
The look in all their eyes
Experiencing and witnessing the emotions displayed through the gazes of others.
Is to breathe in, to be in
The good grace of this Godlight
Inhaling and existing within the benevolent radiance bestowed by a divine presence.
It's to have it in your hands
The one thing you wanted all your life
Finally possessing the long-desired object or achievement.
It's all mine
It now belongs solely to me.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Noah Kahan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@sumph1
An unexpected but VERY WELCOME drop
@twodegreesofbyron1073
My first time hearing him. Such a gift!
@trixiealysson3188
damn he's a top tier lyricist
@EdenLangMusic
As a musician myself, I relate. Sometimes we work so hard to climb the ladder of success only to find it was up the wrong wall. Even after we "make it" we still feel so empty and hollow inside as before, realizing that our wildest dreams were not enough to quench the hole. People may gather around at the foot of the ladder cheering you on as you reach the top, only to find us fall off to our demise. So many people are being cancelled because of human error, but it was never our place to be in the "Godlight" in the first place. Only God can fill the gaping hole inside many of us creatives hearts, and as we let Him fill us we can shine that light to everyone else. If we ever step into the Godlight, we let ourselves and others down because it was never meant to be shown on sinful mortals anyway. In short, people should praise God not us.
@keiraubalde3317
Wow, this.✊🏻
@anxious_potato8585
Wow i needed to read this.
@erzpalo3367
agree! <3
@buttermoth5861
God doesn’t exist + cope + that’s not even what the song’s about, Noah isn’t even Christian lmao 🥴🤧
@buttermoth5861
@@markaguirre4497 alright firstly; I’d searched as well and didn’t find anything, secondly; I already knew the abrahamic god is the same across the religions, though it’s pretty obvious that Eden is Christian as she covers explicitly Christian music lmao. Maybe stop being such a condescending asshole with your whole “Christ is knocking on your heart 🥺🥺🥺” and more people would actually believe in the insane convoluted bs which is called the Bible.
@farazamjad72
Can’t he make bad songs?😂 I’ve been his fan since 4 years and every song I listen is fucking amazing!