As a sophomore in high school, Lenae spent $300 for a studio session that would ultimately produce her first single, "Greetings." Soon after, in 2015, she was featured on Monte Booker’s song, "Baby." Booker and Lenae along with rapper, Smino, formed the original core of the music collective, Zero Fatigue, which was brought together by Chris "Classick" Innumerable at his recording studio, Classick Studios. Lenae's first EP, Moon Shoes, was originally released as a free download in August 2015, but was later reissued by Atlantic Records and the Three Twenty Three Music Group in 2016. It drew praise from critics for her "fluid vocals and spare, poetic lyrics."
In 2016, Lenae was officially signed to Atlantic Records. She also appeared as a featured performer on Mick Jenkins' album The Healing Component and on Noname's song "Forever." She would go on to tour with and open for Noname on her Telefone Tour from January to March 2017. Lenae also performed at WBEZ's Winter Block Party alongside fellow members of the underground collective Medicine Woman: Drea Smith, Via Rosa, and Jean Deau.
She released her second EP Midnight Moonlight on March 3, 2017. Later that month, she performed at SXSW, was featured on Smino's "Glass Flows," and was listed by Rolling Stone as one of "10 New Artists You Need to Know." In the following three months, she would go on to perform at several other festivals, including Mamby on the Beach in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood and Culture Shock in Purchase, New York. Beginning in August 2017, Lenae opened for SZA on her Ctrl Tour. The tour ended in December 2017. On February 9, she released her third EP, entirely produced by Steve Lacy, titled Crush.
On February 1, 2022, she released Skin Tight with Steve Lacy, the first single of her debut album, Hypnos. Following, she released her debut album on May 20, 2022. Featuring vocals and production from Monte Booker, Steve Lacy, KAYTRANAD , Fousheé, Mereba, Smino, Sango, Luke Titus, IAMNOBODI, Phoelix and Teo Halm.
Genesis
Ravyn Lenae Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
How's the other side?
Can I maybe
Steal you from the night
And if it's an issue
I'll say I miss you
I'd rather not
And if it's an issue
I'd rather not
I'd rather not, no
Birds and tigers
Storm survivors
None were all here first
Underwater
Son and daughter
Save the universe
But I think I want you
For a thousand, for a thousand
And I think I've loved you
For a thousand, for a thousand (a thousand years)
The lyrics of Ravyn Lenae's song "Genesis" reflect a longing to be with someone who is currently inaccessible because they are on the "other side." The singer asks if they can be stolen from the night, implying that this person may be living a clandestine or secretive lifestyle. However, the singer is aware that wanting to be with this person may be seen as an issue, so they offer to say that they miss them instead. The singer further suggests that they would rather not express a desire to kiss the person, indicating their understanding that such a desire may complicate things.
The chorus of the song contains the repeated phrase "For a thousand, for a thousand," which can be interpreted as the singer expressing their love for this person over a long period of time. The second verse contrasts the longevity of the singer's love with the transience of nature, as portrayed through the mentions of birds, tigers, and storm survivors. The mention of being "underwater" may also suggest a sense of being submerged or overwhelmed. However, the singer offers a glimmer of hope by mentioning that the world can be saved by a "son and daughter," which can be interpreted either literally or metaphorically.
Overall, "Genesis" is a song that speaks to the complexity of desire, the importance of connections with others, and the desire to hold onto meaningful relationships despite obstacles.
Line by Line Meaning
Tell me, baby
Asking if the person she's speaking to could provide an answer or explanation of something that's been on her mind.
How's the other side?
Asking about someone else's life, specifically if it's going well or not.
Can I maybe
Asking for permission or making a request that she's slightly unsure about asking.
Steal you from the night
To rescue someone from a situation, metaphorically 'the night,' that may be causing problems or discomfort.
And if it's an issue
Acknowledging that there might be a problem with something she's suggesting.
I'll say I miss you
Offering a backup plan or alternative if the original request can't be fulfilled.
I'd rather not
Declining the original suggestion, even if it's something she may want, because it may cause more problems than it's worth.
Birds and tigers
Describing various animals that have survived and thrived despite different circumstances.
Storm survivors
Referencing the idea that some survivors have come out stronger after going through a metaphorical storm or hard time.
None were all here first
As a way of saying that everyone has to start somewhere and nobody has all the answers or experience in the beginning.
Underwater
Describing a situation where it may be hard to breathe or come up for air, creating a sense of urgency and struggle.
Son and daughter
Referencing the idea that everyone is someone's child and has a place in the world.
Save the universe
A grand call to action, urging others to help make the world a better place.
But I think I want you
Confessing that she has strong feelings for the person she's addressing.
For a thousand, for a thousand
Emphasizing how deeply she cares for the person over an extended period of time.
And I think I've loved you
Explaining that this isn't just a crush or momentary attraction, but a strong and lasting feeling.
For a thousand, for a thousand (a thousand years)
Repeating the idea that her love has persisted for a long time, despite any challenges that may have arisen over that period.
Contributed by Dominic C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@vitogarboso9279
Tell me, baby
How's the other side?
Can I maybe
Steal you from the night?
And if it's an issue
I'll say I miss you
I'd rather not
And if it's an issue
That I wanna kiss you
I'd rather not
Birds and tigers, storm survivors
None were all here first
Underwater, son and daughter
Save the universe
But I think I want you
For a thousand
And i think I've loved you
For a thousand (a thousand years)
Tell me, baby
When they gave us life
Did they maybe
Crown me as your wife
When your name (?) my brain
The time took me apart
(I think they all know)
Cause when your father clothed me
I was holding on your heart
I saw it all, I saw it all grow.
Birds and tigers, storm survivors
None were all here first
Underwater, son and daughter
Save the universe
But I think I want you
For a thousand
And i think I've loved you
For a thousand, a thousand years
@gesh4374
There will come a day when the world stops sleeping on Ravyn and I will just sit on the side and watch people lose their mind... Beautiful track. Everything you do is a hit, believe that.
@talkativenatasha
Georgi Hristov this is what i tell myself all the time yo
@infomercialdaddy9200
I think it's starting to happen with her new EP. Definitely well deserved.
@hehehe4682
I hope she doesn't get too radio bashed once people realise that she's amazing
@onlyvontrez7961
that day approaches us
@gesh4374
Hope you all peeped Hypnos my fine gentlemen. What a STUNNER
@DudelikeYEAH100
she right up there with solange and sza and all them supportive black women
@haimainjauo242
this project is the best one out of all their projects
@BeautyIsMyCulture
Still one of my favorite love-chill songs after so many years. ♥️
@mr.miyagi7912
this is beyond human pop/soul/r&b/synthetic.... crazy, she knows that.... wow!!!! we love you and we stand beside you baby....