Anna Saba Lykke Oehlenschlæger, known simply as Saba (stylised in all caps)… Read Full Bio ↴Anna Saba Lykke Oehlenschlæger, known simply as Saba (stylised in all caps), is a Danish singer, musical theatre actress and model. She is set to represent Denmark in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 with the song "Sand".
Chicago rapper/producer Saba first caught the attention of listeners as a frequent collaborator of Chance the Rapper. Saba's contributions to Chance songs like 2013's "Everybody's Something" and 2015's "Angels" showcased his range as both a rapper and vocalist and paved the way for his introspective debut studio album, Bucket List Project, in 2016. The loss of a close family member inspired 2018's Care for Me, a tragically beautiful album that explored death, mourning, and life after losing a loved one.
Saba (Tahj Malik Chandler) grew up on the West Side of Chicago, specifically within the Austin neighborhood, as part of a deeply musical family. That's also where he formed Pivot Gang, a group of longtime associates that has featured, among others, his brother Jerrel (aka Joseph Chilliams), cousin Walter Long (aka John Walt), Logan Yutters (aka MFn Melo), Frsh Waters, and DJ Damnage. Saba recorded several solo mixtapes -- his first were issued while he was an introverted high-schooler -- and gained traction with ComfortZone, a 2014 release inspired by his father's neo-soul recordings that capitalized on his contributions to awareness-raising tracks by fellow Chicagoans Chance the Rapper and Mick Jenkins. In 2015, Saba appeared as featured artist on several cuts, including Chance's "Angels," Jenkins' "Slumber," and Odd Couple's "What Kings Do." Additionally, he released the reflective Tink collaboration "Temporary," one of his most commercial songs to date.
In late 2016, Saba self-released the LP Bucket List Project, featuring artists like fellow Chicagoan rappers Noname and Twista. In February of 2017, Saba's cousin, mentor, and Pivot Gang collaborator Walter Long was violently murdered by a stranger. Saba reflected on the scars left by this horrible loss throughout his second album, CARE FOR ME, which was released in April of 2018. The vulnerable and emotionally complex album broke through with critics and took Saba's music to new audiences. He followed in November of that year with "Beautiful Smile," a collaborative single with Maryland rapper IDK.
Chicago rapper/producer Saba first caught the attention of listeners as a frequent collaborator of Chance the Rapper. Saba's contributions to Chance songs like 2013's "Everybody's Something" and 2015's "Angels" showcased his range as both a rapper and vocalist and paved the way for his introspective debut studio album, Bucket List Project, in 2016. The loss of a close family member inspired 2018's Care for Me, a tragically beautiful album that explored death, mourning, and life after losing a loved one.
Saba (Tahj Malik Chandler) grew up on the West Side of Chicago, specifically within the Austin neighborhood, as part of a deeply musical family. That's also where he formed Pivot Gang, a group of longtime associates that has featured, among others, his brother Jerrel (aka Joseph Chilliams), cousin Walter Long (aka John Walt), Logan Yutters (aka MFn Melo), Frsh Waters, and DJ Damnage. Saba recorded several solo mixtapes -- his first were issued while he was an introverted high-schooler -- and gained traction with ComfortZone, a 2014 release inspired by his father's neo-soul recordings that capitalized on his contributions to awareness-raising tracks by fellow Chicagoans Chance the Rapper and Mick Jenkins. In 2015, Saba appeared as featured artist on several cuts, including Chance's "Angels," Jenkins' "Slumber," and Odd Couple's "What Kings Do." Additionally, he released the reflective Tink collaboration "Temporary," one of his most commercial songs to date.
In late 2016, Saba self-released the LP Bucket List Project, featuring artists like fellow Chicagoan rappers Noname and Twista. In February of 2017, Saba's cousin, mentor, and Pivot Gang collaborator Walter Long was violently murdered by a stranger. Saba reflected on the scars left by this horrible loss throughout his second album, CARE FOR ME, which was released in April of 2018. The vulnerable and emotionally complex album broke through with critics and took Saba's music to new audiences. He followed in November of that year with "Beautiful Smile," a collaborative single with Maryland rapper IDK.
Grey
Saba Lyrics
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The best song is probably on the B-Side
Won't be surprised when the label deny
This so grey, grey
The best song is probably on the demo
But that's not the one that got you your limo
Limousine, grey
The single the one that wasn't as honest
But this is what they say make you the hottest
In the game, grey, grey
Sometimes I think about the pressures of a artist
And what it takes to get called a success
Even with no college
We barely even considered
Don't label me with them niggas
Infatuation with plastic
I wanted it to be realer
First they wanted to hip-hop
Then they wanted guerrilla
Then they wanted drug dealer
Then they wanted a dancer
Now they want a drug addict
Infatuation with plastic
White girl want to be sister
Driver want to be walker
And walker want to be sitter
The best song is probably on the B-Side
Won't be surprised when the label deny
This so grey, grey
The best song is probably on the demo
But that's not the one that got you your limo
Limousine, grey
The single the one that wasn't as honest
But this is what they say make you the hottest
In the game, grey, grey
Sometimes I think about the pressures of the label
And what it take to get paid for
Discovering art they ain't no
Existing, I know it ain't yo
Intention to try and change me
Multi-million, your children
Private school, they attending
An album selling what did it
I shuck and jive, a good nigga
Split the pot and I'm silent
I'ma give you your single
And you just give me the finest
"Saba, if it's so bad then
Hey why the hell are they signing?"
'Cause sitter want to be walker
And walker want to be driving
The best song is probably on the B-Side
Won't be surprised when the label deny
This so grey, grey
The best song is probably on the demo
But that's not the one that got you your limo
Limousine, grey
The single the one that wasn't as honest
But this is what they say make you the hottest
In the game, grey
Care for me, carefully
Back with more clarity, back like consecutive
I told you motherfuckers like
Oedipus, Heather B, Sway In The Morning
Painted that pain like a portrait
Action I aim for the target
Ain't for the fame but the fortune cool
Altering at altitudes
All for the thought for food
Offering that art that move
Carefully editing every word
Everything got to be charity
Give it my all
These melodies therapy
I keep it thoroughly
PIVOT the legacy
How could you not be moved
I don't give 'em an option to
Don't nobody want to be great
Everybody wanna be seen
And nobody wanna be quiet
Everything is
Everything is
Everything is
Everything is
Care for me, carefully
Back with more clarity, back like consecutive
I told you
Look, everything is grey
Everything is grey
Everything is grey
Everything
Won't be surprised when the label deny
This so grey, grey
The best song is probably on the demo
But that's not the one that got you your limo
Limousine, grey
The single the one that wasn't as honest
But this is what they say make you the hottest
Sometimes I think about the pressures of a artist
And what it takes to get called a success
Even with no college
We barely even considered
Don't label me with them niggas
Infatuation with plastic
I wanted it to be realer
First they wanted to hip-hop
Then they wanted guerrilla
Then they wanted drug dealer
Then they wanted a dancer
Now they want a drug addict
Infatuation with plastic
White girl want to be sister
Driver want to be walker
And walker want to be sitter
The best song is probably on the B-Side
Won't be surprised when the label deny
This so grey, grey
The best song is probably on the demo
But that's not the one that got you your limo
Limousine, grey
The single the one that wasn't as honest
But this is what they say make you the hottest
In the game, grey, grey
Sometimes I think about the pressures of the label
And what it take to get paid for
Discovering art they ain't no
Existing, I know it ain't yo
Intention to try and change me
Multi-million, your children
Private school, they attending
An album selling what did it
I shuck and jive, a good nigga
Split the pot and I'm silent
I'ma give you your single
And you just give me the finest
"Saba, if it's so bad then
Hey why the hell are they signing?"
'Cause sitter want to be walker
And walker want to be driving
The best song is probably on the B-Side
Won't be surprised when the label deny
This so grey, grey
The best song is probably on the demo
But that's not the one that got you your limo
Limousine, grey
The single the one that wasn't as honest
But this is what they say make you the hottest
In the game, grey
Care for me, carefully
Back with more clarity, back like consecutive
I told you motherfuckers like
Oedipus, Heather B, Sway In The Morning
Painted that pain like a portrait
Action I aim for the target
Ain't for the fame but the fortune cool
Altering at altitudes
All for the thought for food
Offering that art that move
Carefully editing every word
Everything got to be charity
Give it my all
These melodies therapy
I keep it thoroughly
PIVOT the legacy
How could you not be moved
I don't give 'em an option to
Don't nobody want to be great
Everybody wanna be seen
And nobody wanna be quiet
Everything is
Everything is
Everything is
Everything is
Care for me, carefully
Back with more clarity, back like consecutive
I told you
Look, everything is grey
Everything is grey
Everything is grey
Everything
The song "GREY" by Saba talks about the music industry's tendency to prioritize flashy, less honest songs over more authentic, heartfelt tracks. The chorus emphasizes the idea that the best songs are often overlooked and relegated to the B-side or left as demos, while the more marketable, radio-friendly songs become the mainstream hits. Saba is critical of this phenomenon, referring to it as "infatuation with plastic" and insinuating that labels prioritize profits over artistry.
Saba also reflects on the pressures that come with being a successful artist, particularly in terms of living up to the expectations of labels and fans. He touches on the hypocrisy of industry standards, noting how they initially sought out specific archetypes such as drug dealers or dancers, then moved onto drug addicts and "sisters." He touches on how labels package and sell artists, which changes perceptions and thereby amplifies the pressure on creatives to fit into the mold of the marketable.
Overall, the song is a commentary on how the music industry prioritizes artists that are willing to conform to certain standards, while also sacrificing authenticity and realness in the process. Saba urges listeners to care about his message, to listen carefully to his words and not fall victim to complacency.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Daoud Ayodele Miles Anthony, Dylan C. Frank, Tahj Chandler
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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@Daniel-de6gz
[Chorus]
The best song is probably on the B-side
Won't be surprised when the label deny
This so grey, grey
The best song is probably on the demo
But that's not the one that got you your limo
Limousine, grey
The single the one that wasn't as honest
But this is what they say make you the hottest
In the game, grey, grey
[Verse 1]
Sometimes I think about the pressures of a artist and what it takes to be called a
Success even with no college we barely even considered
Don't label me with them niggas, infatuation with plastic
I wanted it to be realer, first they wanted the hip-hop
And then they wanted guerilla and then they wanted drug dealer
And then they wanted a dancer now they want a drug addict
Infatuation with plastic, white girl want to be sister
Driver want to be walker and walker want to be sitter
[Chorus]
The best song is probably on the B-side
Won't be surprised when the label deny
This so grey, grey
The best song is probably on the demo
But that's not the one that got you your limo
Limousine, grey
The single the one that wasn't as honest
But this is what they say make you the hottest
In the game, grey, grey
[Verse 2]
Sometimes I think about the pressures of the label and what it take to get paid for
Discoverin' art, they ain't no existin', I know it ain't yo
Intention to try and change me, multi-million, your children
Private school they attendin' and album sellin' what did it
I shuck and jive, a good nigga, split the pot and I'm silent
I'ma give you your single and you just give me the finance
"Saba, if it's so bad then, hey why the hell are they signin'?"
Cause sitter want to be walker and walker want to be drivin'
[Chorus]
The best song is probably on the B-side
Won't be surprised when the label deny
This so grey, grey
The best song is probably on the demo
But that's not the one that got you your limo
Limousine, grey
The single the one that wasn't as honest
But this is what they say make you the hottest
In the game, grey
[Outro]
Care for me carefully, back with more clarity
Back like consecutive, I told you motherfuckers like Oedipus
Heather B, Sway in the Morning, painter that paint like a portrait
Action, I aim for the target, aim for the fame but the fortune cool
Alterin' the altitude, offerin' the thought for food
Offerin' that art that move, mm
Carefully editing every word, everything got to be charity
Give it my all, these melodies therapy
I keep it thoroughly PIVOT the legacy
How could you not be moved? I don't give them an option to, mm
Don't nobody want to be great, everybody want to be seen
And nobody want to be quiet, everything is
Everything is, everything is
Everything is, mm
Care for me carefully, back with more clarity
Back like consecutive, I told you, look
Everything is grey, everything is grey
Everything is grey
@MigLopezzz
Lyrics:
The best song is probably on the B-Side
Won't be surprised when the label deny
This so grey, grey
The best song is probably on the demo
But that's not the one that got you your limo
Limousine, grey
The single the one that wasn't as honest
But this is what they say make you the hottest in the game, grey
Sometimes I think about the pressures of a artist
And what it takes to be called a
Success, even with no college we barely even considered
Don't label me with them niggas
Infatuation with plastic, I wanted it to be realer
First they wanted the hip-hop
Then they wanted guerilla and then they wanted drug dealer
And then they wanted a dancer
Now they want a drug addict, infatuation with plastic
White girl want to be sister
Driver want to be walker and walker want to be sitter
The best song is probably on the B-Side
Won't be surprised when the label deny
This so grey, grey
The best song is probably on the demo
But that's not the one that got to your limo
Limousine, grey
The single the one that wasn't as honest
But this is what they say make you the hottest in the game, grey
Sometimes I think about the pressures of the label
And what it take to get paid for discoverin' art, they ain't no
Existin', I know it ain't yo, intention to try and change me
Multi-million, your children, private school, they attendin'
And album sellin' what did it, I shuck and jive, a good nigga
Split the pot and I'm silent
I'ma give you your single and you just give me the finest
"Saba, if it's so bad then, hey why the hell are they signin'?"
'Cause sitter want to be walker and walker want to be drivin'
The best song is probably on the B-Side
Won't be surprised when the label deny
This so grey, grey
The best song is probably on the demo
But that's not the one that got you your limo
Limousine, grey
The single the one that wasn't as honest
But this is what they say make you the hottest in the game, grey
Care for me, carefully, back with more clarity
Back like consecutive, I told you motherfuckers like Oedipus
Heather B, Sway in the Morning, painter that paint like a portrait
Action, I aim for the target, aim for the fame but the fortune cool
Altering altitude, offering the thought for food
Offering art that move, hmm
Carefully editing every word, everything got to be charity
Given my all, these melodies therapy
I keep it thoroughly PIVOT the legacy
How could you not be moved? I don't give them an option to
Don't nobody want to be great, everybody want to be seen
And nobody want to be quiet, everything is
Everything is, everything is, everything is
Care for me, carefully, back with more clarity
Back like consecutive, I told you m- look
Everything is grey, everything is grey
Everything is grey, everything
@rickypruitt4446
The best song is probably on the B-side
Won't be surprised when the label deny
Disagree—grey
The best song was probably on the demo
But that's not the one that got you your limo
Limousine—grey
The single the one that wasn't as honest
But this is what they say make you the hottest
In the game—grey—grey
[Verse 1]
Sometimes I think about the pressures of a artist
And what it takes to be called a
Success even with no college we barely even considered
Don't label me with them niggas, infatuation with plastic
I wanted it to be realer, first they wanted the hip-hop
And then they wanted guerilla and then they wanted drug dealer
And then they wanted a dancer now they want a drug addict
Infatuation with plastic, white girl want to be sister
Driver want to be walker and walker want to be sitter
[Chorus]
The best song is probably on the B-side
Won't be surprised when the label deny
Disagree—grey
The best song was probably on the demo
But that's not the one that got you your limo
Limousine—grey
The single the one that wasn't as honest
But this is what they say make you the hottest
In the game—grey—grey
[Verse 2]
Sometimes I think about the pressures of the label
And what it take to get paid for
Discoverin' art, they ain't no existed', I know it ain't yo
Intention to try and change me, multi-million, your children
Private school they attendin' an album sellin' what did it
I shuck and jive, a good nigga, split the pie and I'm silent
I'ma give you your single and you just give me the finance
"Saba, if it's so bad then, hey why the hell are they signin'?"
Cause sitter want to be walker and walker want to be drivin'
[Chorus]
The best song is probably on the B-side
Won't be surprised when the label deny
Disagree—grey
The best song was probably on the demo
But that's not the one that got you your limo
Limousine—grey
The single the one that wasn't as honest
But this is what they say make you the hottest
In the game—grey
[Verse 3: Saba]
Care for me carefully, back with more clarity
Back like consecutive
I told you motherfuckers like Oedipus
Heather B, Sway in the Mornin'
Painting that paint like a portrait
Action, I ain't for the talking
Ain't for the fame but the fortune cool
Alterin' the altitude
Offerin' the thought for food
Authoring that art that move, mm
Carefully editing every word
Everything got to be charity
Give it my all, these melodies therapy
I keep it thoroughly, PIVOT the legacy
How could you not be moved?
I don't give them an option to, mm
Don't nobody want to be great
Everybody want to be seen
And nobody want to be quiet
@mxxxw4529
This song is underrated and the song explains why
@nirvananicholson
The irony..
@gwizinsane
True story, that's how the game goes unfortunately. :/
@lucwijngaard8413
Amazing song
@shoutrite91
Wow lol yeah
@samuelathornton8783
Care for me is one of the only albums I can listen to on repeat and NEVER get tired of it.
Legendary
@deadpepper36
bucket list and comfort zone as well, all 3 albums are good af
@ethanward6713
@Dead Pepper GetComfortable and Ozymandeous have some gems too (probably spelt that wrong)
@thehoopsdimension8007
"Nobody wants to be great everybody wants to be seen" one of the most thought provoking bars EVER
@ethanward6713
Such a timeless track, fits together great with the themes in few Good Things also