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.
Moon Shoes
Ravyn Lenae Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't want them thinking that we do not know how to smile
I think this is happy
Let's chill under trees and pretend we're enjoying the breeze
The breeze... (the breeze, the breeze... breeze, breeze)
Let's put on our moon shoes (moon shoes, moon shoes)
Let's put on our moon shoes [?][?][?]
I think we should dance now (I, I, I think we should dance now, see.)
I don't want them thinking that we cannot function in crowds
I, I think we should go now
They'll know I'm a clinger and prefer to linger and rather not have me around
I think this is happy, I think this is sad
I think this is laughing, I think this is glad Let's put on our moon shoes from the [?][?][?] (I, I, I think we should dance now, see...) I think this is happy, I think this is sad
I think this is laughing, I think this is glad I think is is happy, I think this is happy
In Ravyn Lenae's song Moon Shoes, the lyrics suggest a desire to break free from societal constraints and expectations, to truly live in the moment and find happiness in simple pleasures. The first stanza speaks to the pressure of maintaining a certain image for others, but the singer encourages laughter and happy feelings regardless. The reference to the moon shoes in the chorus suggests a desire to escape gravity, to lighten the weight of societal expectations and truly enjoy life. The singer suggests finding joy in nature, sitting under trees and enjoying the breeze.
The second stanza continues with the theme of breaking free from expectations, but specifically in social situations. The singer encourages dancing, despite possible judgements from others, and suggests leaving when there is tension. The repetition of "I think this is happy, I think this is sad" suggests a deeper contemplation of emotions and a desire to truly understand one's own feelings. Overall, the lyrics convey a desire for authenticity and living life to the fullest, regardless of societal pressures and expectations.
Line by Line Meaning
I think we should laugh now
We should try to enjoy the present moment and have fun
I don't want them thinking that we do not know how to smile
We don't want to give off the impression that we are unhappy or unfriendly
I think this is happy
The current situation is pleasant and enjoyable
Let's chill under trees and pretend we're enjoying the breeze
Let's relax in nature and create a carefree atmosphere
The breeze... (the breeze, the breeze... breeze, breeze)
The gentle wind is a calming presence and adds to the happy atmosphere
Let's put on our moon shoes (moon shoes, moon shoes)
Let's embrace our playful, imaginative side and escape reality
I think we should dance now (I, I, I think we should dance now, see.)
Let's continue to enjoy the moment by dancing and letting loose
I don't want them thinking that we cannot function in crowds
We don't want to be judged for being socially awkward or uncomfortable in large groups
I, I think we should go now
It's time to leave the current place or situation and move on to something else
They'll know I'm a clinger and prefer to linger and rather not have me around
Others may perceive us as being too clingy or hesitant to leave, which could make them uncomfortable
I think this is happy, I think this is sad
The current situation is bittersweet and has both positive and negative aspects
Let's put on our moon shoes from the [?][?][?]
Let's use our imagination to escape reality and find happiness
I think this is happy, I think this is sad
The conflicting emotions of the current situation make it hard to define as solely happy or sad
I think this is laughing, I think this is glad
Despite the bittersweet nature of the situation, we can still find joy and happiness
I think is is happy, I think this is happy
Overall, the situation is a happy and enjoyable one
Contributed by Parker V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@msluvlee717
Saturdays on Disney is how I found this song. Glad whoever is doing the music for that show has taste!
@nyahharewood7651
Same
@yoami7761
Same
@ChrisTechChannel
Same
@annaross1362
same here
@Queenabo
Same
@natashad25
She needs to sing this song on COLORS
@BrotherMalMusic
Well she didn't do this but she did Sticky
@shadaij.givens3083
probably the only one here in 2020 but i found this song a couple months ago and i've been obsessedddd😩
@ashleywildeman796
No sis I'm still here 😭!