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 Bookerβs 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 , FousheΓ©, Mereba, Smino, Sango, Luke Titus, IAMNOBODI, Phoelix and Teo Halm.
Light Me Up
Ravyn Lenae Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Light me up (hold me down)
If you want me, say it loud
If you love me, say it proud
Light it up (light it up)
Light me up (hold me down)
If you want me, say it loud
If you love me, say it proud
You notice something new
I know you feel it too 'cause
They sing at night at you
You notice something true
I know you feel it too 'cause
I do what you want to, oh
Oh, I gotta know
Gotta know what I'm waiting for
Can't wait another second more
Put your hands right here
Been waiting all night, dear
Light me up (light it up)
Light me up (hold me down)
If you want me, say it loud (say it loud)
If you love me, say it proud
Light it up (light it up) (put it down right)
Light me up (hold me down)
If you want me, say it loud
If you love me, say it proud
I've never been before a lover
I'm so sure you will open every door
Open the door, explore
Come inside, show me you're the leader
Switching sides, make me a believer
Boy, I'm trusting you
No coming down, I love the view
Oh, I gotta know
Gotta know what I'm waiting for
Can't wait another second more
So put your hands right here
Been waiting all night, dear
Light me up (light it up)
Light me up (hold me down)
If you want me, say it loud (say it loud)
If you love me, say it proud
Light it up (light it up)
Light me up (hold me down)
If you want me, say it loud
If you love me, say it proud
In "Light Me Up," Ravyn Lenae explores the dynamics of a romantic relationship and the desire for affirmation and reassurance from her partner. The repeated lines "Light me up, hold me down" represent the conflicting emotions she feels - wanting to be ignited and lifted up by love, while also needing stability and grounding in the relationship.
The lyrics emphasize the importance of clear and open communication. Ravyn encourages her partner to be vocal about his intentions, feelings, and commitment. When she says, "If you want me, say it loud, If you love me, say it proud," she is urging him to be upfront and express his emotions boldly. She desires authenticity and to hear his affirmation unequivocally, as it instills a sense of security and confidence in the relationship.
The verse "You notice something new, I know you feel it too" suggests a shared connection and mutual recognition between the two individuals. They are attuned to each other's emotions and can sense the changes and growth occurring within the relationship. The line "They sing at night at you" signifies how their love and connection inspire and uplift others, adding depth and significance to their bond.
The chorus repeats the plea for her partner to light her up and hold her down. By using "light me up" as a metaphor for passion, excitement, and love, and "hold me down" as a symbol of security and stability, Ravyn expresses her longing for a relationship that encompasses both sensuality and emotional support.
In the bridge, Ravyn admits her vulnerability and expresses her willingness to fully invest in the relationship. She conveys her trust and surrender, urging her partner to take the lead and make her a believer in their love. The line "No coming down, I love the view" showcases her enthusiasm and willingness to embrace the exhilaration the relationship brings.
Overall, "Light Me Up" is a plea for clarity, communication, and affirmation within a romantic relationship. Ravyn Lenae highlights the importance of expressing love openly, embracing passion, and finding a balance between excitement and stability.
Line by Line Meaning
Light me up (light it up)
Ignite my passion and excitement
Light me up (hold me down)
Elevate me while providing stability and support
If you want me, say it loud
Express your desire for me openly and confidently
If you love me, say it proud
Show your love for me proudly and without hesitation
You notice something new
You observe a fresh aspect or change
I know you feel it too 'cause
I understand that you experience the same sensation
They sing at night at you
Your presence captivates and inspires others, leading them to sing in admiration
You notice something true
You perceive a genuine truth or reality
I know you feel it too 'cause
I am aware that you share the same feeling
I do what you want to, oh
I willingly do what you desire and fulfill your wishes
Oh, I gotta know
Oh, I must determine
Gotta know what I'm waiting for
I need to understand the reason behind my anticipation
Can't wait another second more
Unable to tolerate any further delay
Put your hands right here
Place your hands in this exact location
Been waiting all night, dear
I have patiently waited throughout the entire night, my dear
I've never been before a lover
I have never experienced being in love before
I'm so sure you will open every door
I have complete confidence that you will unlock all opportunities and possibilities
Open the door, explore
Allow us to embark on a journey of discovery and adventure
Come inside, show me you're the leader
Enter my life and demonstrate that you can take charge and guide us
Switching sides, make me a believer
Changing our perspectives and convincing me to have faith and trust
Boy, I'm trusting you
Boy, I am placing my trust in you
No coming down, I love the view
There will be no descending from this high point as I am enamored with what I see
Lyrics Β© SC PUBLISHING DBA SECRETLY CANADIAN PUB., Hipgnosis Songs Group
Written by: Luke Titus Sangerman, Michael Edward Neil, Ravyn Lenae Washington, Steve Thomas Lacy-Moya
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@dontcaretbh
If THIS is how you coming w your debut albumβ¦β¦β¦. we about to be blessed immensely
@wtttff
frrr
@sweetsroyale8100
π―
@aaakooon
Big facts ! π―
@ij5355
manifesting she releases it on CD π
@khaybae
No really!!! I'm so excited
@brysonwore
i wonder how it feels to never make a bad song
@kmplktd7828
NO FR
@TLswerve0212
She doesnβt miss! π₯
@stedlg
average isnt bad