RAYE’s debut EP 'Welcome To The Winter' was released in 2014 and was comprised of predominantly R&B sounds. After signing with Polydor Records, RAYE had her breakthrough by featuring on the 2016 singles; "By Your Side" by Jonas Blue and "You Don't Know Me" by Jax Jones. The latter, co-written by RAYE herself, would peak at number three on the UK Singles Chart. Both songs were certified platinum or higher by the BPI, and marked a shift in RAYE’s career both commercially and sonically. After releasing the 'Second' EP in 2016, RAYE released "I, U, Us" as the lead single alongside a Charli XCX directed music video. This marked the first collaboration of several between the British songwriters. RAYE later co-wrote XCX's song "After the Afterparty" and appeared on a remix version, as well as featuring on the track "Dreamer" from her 2017 mixtape 'Number 1 Angel'. RAYE was short-listed for the BBC Music Sound of... award for 2017 and was named in third place. Later in the year, RAYE released the platinum certified hit "Decline" featuring Mr. Eazi, which would serve as the lead single from her 'Side Tape' EP which followed in May 2018. In October 2018, RAYE embarked on her own headlining tour, visiting a number of cities around the UK and Ireland.
After releasing multiple singles in 2019 and 2020, RAYE’s debut mini-album, 'Euphoric Sad Songs' was released on 20 November 2020. The project featured the top 10 hit "Secrets" with Regard as well as "Regardless" with Rudimental. In early 2021, RAYE released the single "Bed" with Joel Corry and David Guetta. The song would peak at number three on the UK Singles Chart, becoming RAYE’s highest charting single as a lead artist on the chart. Later in the year, RAYE took to social media to reveal that her record label, Polydor Records, has been withholding her debut album for several years. Following the statements, RAYE disclosed in July that she is now officially an independent artist.
RAYE was brought up in a musical family - her parents met at church - both of them musicians in the parish, and her musical heritage goes right back to her Grandfather, who was a songwriter and musician in his own right. Since the age of 10, she's been writing her own music, slowly developing all the time to become the artist she is today. Along the way, RAYE has become confidently adept at various different instruments including the cello, flute, and piano, alongside honing her production skills (and learning to play the guitar). Music has always been a huge part of RAYE’s life. Brought up on the classic soul/jazz maestros of the 40's and 50's like Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole etc - this is where her love for songwriting and melody began. Since then her influences, have aligned with the times, citing Drake, and her all time hero Lauryn Hill as huge sources of inspiration.
Ambition
RAYE Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A descendant of London
I watch as people are falling like rain
Encouraged to seek other options
I don't need other options
You either eat it or you spit it out
You're either silent or you run your mouth
You breathe in or you breathe out
Like it's winter all year around
So welcome you to it now
Oh, wait, that was my sound
Could you dig it up or sweat it out?
Could you give it up and sit down?
But after that, I hope you know your place
'Cause you just gave me the damn crown
And I'm gonna wear it proud
Watch me as I wear it now
I'm a ride this money like a wave
This money like a wave, this money like a wave
Now I made it this far, but this far ain't nothing
If we're talking ambition, I think you should know that I don't wanna settle for nothing
I wanna know that I got myself
I wanna ride my money like a wave
My money like a wave, my money like a wave, yeah
I want the future, I want the best view
I'd like to buy all my day ones a house too
Collie, Ben, Jodie, I got you
I've got a list of everything I would do
Make that dumb guy regret what he did do
Then he'll be calling up my phone like "I miss you"
Then I'll be like haha, you can go now
'Cause you didn't wanna know when I told you
I'm gonna make something of my life
Believe that, yeah babe
I've got God, he is on my side
And I'm a child of '97 so I plan to be on time
And I'm ahead of this game
Yes, I were meant for this life, oh
And I'm gonna wear it proud
Watch me as I wear it now
I'm a ride this money like a wave
This money like a wave, this money like a wave yeah
You know I only phone back
If I know that it's the money calling (it's the money calling)
Tell 'em bitches do not phone back
I am in the studio recording (I am in the studio recording)
Mummy, listen when I'm talking (mummy, listen when I'm talking)
Mummy, listen, it's important (mummy, listen, it's important)
I wasn't gonna tell you, but I thought I'd let you know
That I just got us both a mortgage
Now it's top floor with these fancy reservations
I don't even like it, I'm just here for observations
Tryna tell the difference from my people and my pagans
Cuh' the last time that I slipped, I had a sticky situation
I will never slip again, you can put that on my savings
They wait for me to fall, I keep on waiting
This feeling is amazing, how's it feel to hate the kid
But deep inside, you know you rate him? Man, that shit must be frustrating
And I'm gonna wear it proud
Watch me as I wear it now
I'm a ride this money like a wave
This money like a wave, this money like a wave
Now I made it this far, but this far ain't nothing
If we're talking ambition, I think you should know that I don't wanna settle for nothing
I wanna know that I got myself
I wanna ride my money like a wave
My money like a wave, my money like a wave, yeah
Now I made it this far, but this far ain't nothing
Oh if we're talking ambition, I think you should know that I don't wanna settle for nothing
The lyrics of Raye's song "Ambition" speak about her aspirations and ambitions in life, particularly about her desire to succeed financially and make something out of her life. The opening lyrics talk about her London origins and her observation of people around her, who are "falling like rain" and urged to seek other options. Raye, however, asserts her belief in staying the course and persevering, even if it means being cold like winter.
She also talks about wearing the crown, which could signify her success and dominance in her chosen field. The song's chorus emphasizes her determination to ride her money like a wave, implying that she intends to make the most of her financial success. She also intends to provide for the people important to her, as she mentions wanting to buy a house for her "day ones."
Raye's self-confidence and sense of purpose are also evident in the latter part of the song, where she talks about the future, making a mortgage payment for a top floor condo, and distinguishing between her true friends and those who deceive her. In summary, "Ambition" portrays a young woman on a mission, determined to make a mark on the world and be successful on her own terms.
Line by Line Meaning
In August, I'm staring at rain clouds
I am from London and even when it rains in August, I don't lose sight of my goals.
A descendant of London
I come from a long line of people who have lived and succeeded in London.
I watch as people are falling like rain
I see others giving up on their dreams and passions as easily as rain falls from the sky.
Encouraged to seek other options
They are being told to give up and look for something easier to do.
I don't need other options
I am determined to pursue my dreams no matter how hard it gets and I am not looking for any easier options.
You either eat it or you spit it out
You either commit to achieving your goals or give up.
You're either silent or you run your mouth
You either take action or make excuses.
You breathe in or you breathe out
You either live or just exist.
I'm so cold but the sun's up
I may feel lonely and cold, but I know that the sun is up and I am ready to start a new day.
Like it's winter all year around
I am constantly facing difficulties and challenges, but I never give up.
So welcome you to it now
I welcome you to join me on this journey to success.
Oh, wait, that was my sound
I know my worth and my potential and I will achieve my goals on my terms.
Could you dig it up or sweat it out?
Are you willing to put in the effort and dedication required to achieve your goals?
Could you give it up and sit down?
Are you willing to give up on your dreams or settle for less?
But after that, I hope you know your place
After seeing my success, I hope you realize that I am not to be underestimated and I know my worth.
'Cause you just gave me the damn crown
My hard work and determination have earned me the recognition and respect I deserve.
And I'm gonna wear it proud
I am proud of my achievements and I will show it.
Watch me as I wear it now
Witness my success and my pride in it.
I'm a ride this money like a wave
I will continue to work hard and manage my money wisely to achieve even more success.
Now I made it this far, but this far ain't nothing
I have achieved a lot, but I have bigger and better ambitions.
If we're talking ambition, I think you should know that I don't wanna settle for nothing
I have high ambitions and I will not settle for anything less.
I wanna know that I got myself
I want to know that my success is my own and that I am capable of achieving anything I set my mind to.
I want the future, I want the best view
I want to achieve even more success and see things from a position of power and influence.
I'd like to buy all my day ones a house too
I want to share my success and give back to those who have supported me from the beginning.
Make that dumb guy regret what he did do
I want to prove my doubters wrong and show them that they made a mistake in not believing in me.
Then he'll be calling up my phone like "I miss you"
Once he sees my success, he will realize what he has missed out on and regret not being a part of it.
And I'm ahead of this game
I am already ahead of the competition and will continue to lead the way.
Yes, I were meant for this life, oh
I am destined for success and will work hard to achieve it.
You know I only phone back
If I know that it's the money calling (it's the money calling)
I am focused on my success and will only respond to opportunities that will help me achieve it.
Tell 'em bitches do not phone back
I am in the studio recording (I am in the studio recording)
I am dedicated to my craft and will not be distracted by those who do not support me.
Mummy, listen when I'm talking (mummy, listen when I'm talking)
Mummy, listen, it's important (mummy, listen, it's important)
I value my mother's opinion and want her support in achieving my goals.
I wasn't gonna tell you, but I thought I'd let you know
That I just got us both a mortgage
I am proud of my success and want to share it with my family, including buying a house for us to live in.
Now it's top floor with these fancy reservations
I don't even like it, I'm just here for observations
I have achieved a lot of success and am now living in luxury, but I am humble and always seeking more knowledge and growth.
Tryna tell the difference from my people and my pagans
Cuh' the last time that I slipped, I had a sticky situation
I am always wary of those who are not genuine and supportive in my life, as they can lead to trouble and setbacks.
I will never slip again, you can put that on my savings
They wait for me to fall, I keep on waiting
I am constantly working hard to improve and achieve more success, and I will not let anyone bring me down.
This feeling is amazing, how's it feel to hate the kid
But deep inside, you know you rate him? Man, that shit must be frustrating
I am proud of my success and can understand why others may be jealous or resentful, but I won't let that bring me down.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: KNOX BROWN, RACHEL AGATHA KEEN, MICHAEL EBENAZER KWADJO OMARI OWUO JUNIOR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Hailenzharmony
I've been listening to Raye for a while & love all her songs. I can't wait until she gets Big because she's awesome! 🤗
Ohmz
It's coming true!
King Julian
I just like how you can blast Raye's music in the car without all the sexual, vulgar, and explicit language like you hear from a lot of the mainstream crap!
Dan Yorks
I hope she stays this way too. Because, you and I and everyone else who listens to RAYE knows damn well if she starts singing about that stuff she probably will blow up. Unlike Tinashe who started singing about her feelings and is now singing about sex.
Pretzel
+King Julian +Dan Yorks I hope so too guys...
haas31
guess you should listen to Trevor Jackson and jacob latimore too
Jared Faulkner
I mean look at her now blowing up u kinda called it…. that 2018-2022 period changed her a bit now she’s back to more this vibe music but very explicit and kinda vulgar/s3xual
Nassor Oliveira
This song inspires me so much, never tired.
Joy Menezes
- Meu Deus!!!!! Qe Voz '👌👌😍😍 Arrazou..
Thaisa Reis
VAI SER UM TOMBO QUANDO O MUNDO TE CONHECER, FOFA. 👏 😍