Hailing from South London, more specifically Croydon, RAYE (real name - Rac… Read Full Bio ↴Hailing from South London, more specifically Croydon, RAYE (real name - Rachel Keen) is a British singer-songwriter. Aside from writing hits for other artists, RAYE has bounced between R&B, pop and dance music in regards to her own discography. Her debut album and one of her first independent releases "'My 21st Century Blues'', was released on February 3 2023.

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.

Wife Me
RAYE Lyrics

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First base
I don't give it up until I'm first place
Boy, I know you want this in the worst way
No, now you better not waste my time
The only way you gon' get it is if you wife me babe
Wife me babe

If you were mine, make every day your birthday

On time whenever that you want me
All yours, all yours
I'd give my all to you if I know you'd never hurt me
Pick you up whenever you are working
Got your boydem jealous when I walk in
Fill you up, fill your cup
You know I'ma be the drink for you if you feeling thirsty

Save it for you if you are true
Don't be no fool
Ooh, ooh

First base
I don't give it up until I'm first place
Boy, I know you want this in the worst way
No, no you better not waste my time
The only way you gon' get it is if you wife me babe
Wife me babe

(Wife me babe, wife me babe)
If I was yours, I'd never leave you hungry
24/7, when you need me, I'll be there babe
On time, on time for our 1-2-3-4 year anniversary
Believe that I know you wanna pin me down
That is even if you ever get to work out how
If you need it, boy you better make me believe it

Save it for you if you are true
Don't be no fool
Ooh, ooh

First base
I don't give it up until I'm first place
Boy, I know you want this in the worst way
No, no you better not waste my time
The only way you gon' get it is if you wife me babe
Wife me babe

First base
I don't give it up until I'm first place
Boy, I know you want this in the worst way
No, no you better not waste my time
The only way you gon' get it is if you wife me baby

You gotta wife me baby
Wife me babe, wife me baby

Overall Meaning

In “Wife Me”, Raye and Steel Banglez emphasize the importance of commitment in a romantic relationship. The song talks about how the old fashioned way of dating and courting should still apply in modern times. Raye's first verse imparts that she doesn't engage in relationships if she's not given the first priority. She wants her man to prove his dedication by making her his only partner.

Raye's first base reference means she won't engage in sexual activity, nor will she invest her time in someone who's not fully committed. The title of the song, “Wife Me”, is not about getting married per se, but more about committing to a monogamous relationship and treating each other with respect and value. The lyrics indicate that this song is a personal, intimate plea from the artist.

In conclusion, the song “Wife Me” is a love song that emphasizes the importance of monogamy, respect, and commitment in a relationship. The song encourages couples to invest in their relationship by prioritizing one another, building trust, and respecting each other’s boundaries.

Line by Line Meaning

First base
We need to start at the beginning and take things slowly

I don't give it up until I'm first place
I won't engage with you physically unless I know our relationship has a strong foundation

Boy, I know you want this in the worst way
I understand you're attracted to me, but I need more than just physical desire

No, now you better not waste my time
I don't want to be led on or played with. Be honest and genuine with me

The only way you gon' get it is if you wife me babe
I need to know you're serious about me and willing to commit to me for the long term

If you were mine, make every day your birthday
I want you to feel loved and appreciated every day we're together

On time whenever that you want me
I will be there for you whenever you need me, without hesitation

All yours, all yours
I am completely devoted and committed to you

I'd give my all to you if I know you'd never hurt me
I will invest myself fully in this relationship if I have trust in you

Pick you up whenever you are working
I will support and encourage your ambitions and career

Got your boydem jealous when I walk in
Other men will be envious of what we have

Fill you up, fill your cup
I will provide for your emotional, physical, and intellectual needs

You know I'ma be the drink for you if you feeling thirsty
I will be there to comfort and support you during tough times

Save it for you if you are true
I will reserve my full love and commitment for you if you are honest and loyal

Don't be no fool
Don't take advantage of me or play games with my heart

If I was yours, I'd never leave you hungry
I will take care of you and make sure your basic needs are met

24/7, when you need me, I'll be there babe
I will always be available and ready to support you, no matter what

On time, on time for our 1-2-3-4 year anniversary
I am looking forward to celebrating our future milestones together

Believe that I know you wanna pin me down
I know you want to commit to me and build a future together

That is even if you ever get to work out how
Even if you're not sure how to do it, I still believe in us

If you need it, boy you better make me believe it
I need to trust that you are sincere in your feelings and words

You gotta wife me baby
You need to commit to me fully and build a life together

Wife me babe, wife me baby
Make me your wife and build a lifelong partnership with me

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Downtown Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Janee Bennett, Pahuldip Singh Sandhu, Rachel Agatha Keen, Zeph Ellis

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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