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.
Inside Out
Ravyn Lenae Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No one can shake me now
And there were times you'd take me high to break me down
Then I'd come back around
I know I've been here before
Been here before, I entrap my own mind
And then I feel insecure
Ooh, I'm starting from the inside
Stick your chin up, see if you are satisfied (satisfied)
Take a look in the mirror and decide
Put a grin up even when you wanna cry
Take a look in the mirror
Don't deny yourself from nothing, it's not worth it
I love me from the inside out
Stick your chin up when you're in doubt
Yell your name from the inside out
I wonder why suddenly I'm attacked
No one can shake me now
And there were times you'd take me high to break me down
No other way around
I know I've been here before
Been here before, I entrap my own mind
And then I feel insecure
Feel insecure, I think now's the right time
Ooh, I'm starting from the inside
Stick your chin up, see if you are satisfied (ooh)
Take a look in the mirror and decide
Put a grin up even when you wanna cry (you wanna cry)
Take a look in the mirror
Don't deny yourself from nothing, it's not worth it
I love me from the inside out
Stick your chin up when you're in doubt
Yell your name from the inside out (ohh)
Even when you wanna cry, take a look inside
Let no one kill your pride even when they try to
(Dry all your tears up)
Dry all your tears up, see yourself clearer, you are the way
Even when you're giving up, know that you're enough
And if I give it time, I know there's some truth
You are much bigger, see yourself clearer
Look in the mirror, oh
See if you are satisfied
Take a look in the mirror and decide (ooh)
Put a grin up even when you wanna cry
Take a look in the mirror (oh)
Don't deny yourself from nothing, it's not worth it
I love me from the inside out
Stick your chin up when you're in doubt
Yell your name from the inside out
When you're giving up, know that you're enough
Sing it, "You're the one," ohh, oh, no
When you're giving up (you're giving up)
Know that you're enough (just know that you're enough)
Sing it, "You're the one"
When you're giving up (you're giving up)
Know that you're enough (just know that you're enough)
If I could create my own world or planet (sing it, "You're the one")
I would call it "Harmony" (ohh, oh, no)
My world would look like a place where
People take good care of creation
And look out for the wellbeing of others perfectly
Their energy will derive from God's love in their hearts
Our God's love working in their hearts
The lyrics of Ravyn Lenae's song "Inside Out" explore themes of self-discovery, self-acceptance, and empowerment. The song reflects on the journey of finding inner strength and resilience in the face of challenges and insecurities.
The opening lines, "I wonder why suddenly I can fly, No one can shake me now," signify a newfound sense of freedom and confidence. The singer has reached a point where they feel untouchable and unaffected by external negativity. However, they acknowledge that in the past, they were vulnerable to being brought down by others who tried to break them. But each time, they managed to bounce back, coming back stronger than before.
The chorus, "Ooh, I'm starting from the inside, Stick your chin up, see if you are satisfied," emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and self-assessment. The singer encourages themselves and others to look within, evaluate their own satisfaction and happiness, and not depend on validation from external sources. The mirror symbolizes self-reflection and the need to make choices and decisions that align with one's true self. Despite feeling insecure at times, the singer believes that now is the right time to embrace their true selves and not deny themselves any experiences or opportunities.
The lyrics highlight the importance of self-love and self-acceptance, as the singer proclaims, "I love me from the inside out." It echoes the idea that true happiness and fulfillment come from accepting and embracing oneself fully. The repetition of "Stick your chin up, see if you are satisfied" and "Yell your name from the inside out" reinforces the message of rising above doubts and insecurities and finding strength within oneself.
Line by Line Meaning
I wonder why suddenly I can fly
I am amazed at the newfound freedom and confidence I feel
No one can shake me now
I am unshakeable and resistant to negativity
And there were times you'd take me high to break me down
There were instances when you would uplift me only to tear me apart later
Then I'd come back around
But I always manage to bounce back and recover
I know I've been here before
I recognize this familiar pattern in my life
Been here before, I trap my own mind
I tend to imprison myself within my own thoughts
And then I feel insecure
Consequently, I experience feelings of insecurity
Feel insecure, I think now's the right time
However, I believe that now is the opportune moment for change
Ooh, I'm starting from the inside
I am embarking on a journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance
Stick your chin up, see if you are satisfied (satisfied)
Raise your head high and assess your contentment
Take a look in the mirror and decide
Reflect upon yourself and make a conscious decision
Put a grin up even when you wanna cry
Wear a smile even when you feel like crying
Don't deny yourself from nothing, it's not worth it
Do not deprive yourself of anything because it holds no value
I love me from the inside out
I have learned to love myself wholly and authentically
Stick your chin up when you're in doubt
Maintain a positive attitude amidst uncertainty
Yell your name from the inside out
Assert your identity and let your voice be heard
I wonder why suddenly I'm attacked
I wonder why I am now being targeted or criticized
And there were times you'd take me high to break me down
There were instances when you would raise me up and then tear me down again
No other way around
There is no alternative outcome
Even when you wanna cry, take a look inside
Even in moments of sadness, introspect and seek inner strength
Let no one kill your pride even when they try to (Dry all your tears up)
Do not allow anyone to diminish your self-worth, even when they attempt to do so (wipe away your tears)
See yourself clearer, you are the way
Gain a clearer understanding of yourself, as you are the path forward
Even when you're giving up, know that you're enough
Even in times of surrender, acknowledge that you are sufficient
And if I give it time, I know there's some truth
If I exercise patience, I will discover some truth
You are much bigger, see yourself clearer
You possess great strength and potential, so gain a clearer perception of yourself
Look in the mirror, oh
Direct your gaze towards the mirror
See if you are satisfied
Determine if you are content with what you see
Take a look in the mirror and decide (ooh)
Observe yourself in the mirror and make a decision
Put a grin up even when you wanna cry
Wear a smile even when you feel like crying
Don't deny yourself from nothing, it's not worth it
Do not deprive yourself of anything because it holds no value
I love me from the inside out
I have learned to love myself wholly and authentically
Stick your chin up when you're in doubt
Maintain a positive attitude amidst uncertainty
Yell your name from the inside out (ohh)
Express your identity and inner strength boldly
When you're giving up, know that you're enough
During moments of surrender, remember that you possess adequacy
Sing it, "You're the one," ohh, oh, no
Sing and affirm, "You are the one," in order to instill confidence
Know that you're enough (just know that you're enough)
Believe and understand that you are sufficient as you are
Sing it, "You're the one"
Sing the affirmation, "You are the one"
If I could create my own world or planet (sing it, "You're the one")
If I had the ability to construct my own realm or celestial body, affirming "You are the one"
I would call it "Harmony" (ohh, oh, no)
I would name it "Harmony" to exemplify peaceful coexistence
My world would look like a place where
My envisioned world would resemble a place where
People take good care of creation
Individuals prioritize the preservation and well-being of the environment
And look out for the wellbeing of others perfectly
They attentively ensure the optimal welfare of others
Their energy will derive from God's love in their hearts
Their vigor and spirit will originate from the love of God within their hearts
Our God's love working in their hearts
The love of God functioning and influencing their hearts
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, SC PUBLISHING DBA SECRETLY CANADIAN PUB., Hipgnosis Songs Group
Written by: Luke Sangerman, Michael Neil, Ravyn Lenae Washington, Teo Halm
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@zahramaxwell7361
I can’t even say that this song is just beautiful because that would be a complete understatement. 🦋
@XxPrettyLiaxX
@@luckyblo82 yo u a hater under this good album . LMFAOO
@Preciious2008
This is giving me 2001-2003 vibes. Love it! 😌🎧❤️
@ravenbroadway9677
She reminds me so much of Mya😭
@Preciious2008
@@ravenbroadway9677 Yes!! They do have a very similar voice!! ♥
@palesasapulane
She reminds me of Brandy
@angelsoflove1209
@@palesasapulane Me TOO !
@queenv4340
Yessss
@oratilemothibe607
this song went platinum in my bedroom
@NeroMai
This album deserves every award that exists. A Grammy, an Oscar, a Nobel peace prize, give em all!