The singer, songwriter, keyboardist, and producer, born Sampha Sisay, started making music in his early teenage years. In 2009, the South London native broke through with a remix of the xx's "Basic Space," which led to a busy schedule across 2010 and 2011. This period entailed collaborations with SBTRKT, Jessie Ware, and Lil Silva, as well as a solo debut with Sundanza, an EP issued on the Young Turks label. After a less eventful 2012, the following year Sampha was featured on Drake's "Too Much" and Beyoncé's "Mine," and issued Dual, his second Young Turks EP, an abstract and skeletal showcase for his fragile-sounding yet expressive voice. As he continued to work with fellow U.K. natives SBTRKT, Bullion, and FKA twigs, Sampha was also sought by more high-profile North American artists, and in 2016 alone appeared on Kanye West's The Life of Pablo, Frank Ocean's Endless, and Solange's A Seat at the Table. His own "Timmy's Prayer" (co-written by West) and "Blood on Me" were out by the end of the year as previews of his first full-length. Process, recorded while Sampha was grieving the death of his mother, and released in February 2017, hit number seven in the U.K. and narrowly missed the Top 50 in the U.S. Later in the year, Sampha made appearances on Drake's More Life and releases from Richard Russell's Everything Is Recorded project. Process went on to win the 2017 Mercury Prize, as well as Gilles Peterson's Worldwide Awards Album of the Year. Over the next few years, Sampha contributed in various capacities to recordings by Loyle Carner, Alicia Keys, Headie One and Fred again.., Actress, and many other artists across genres. An expanded "bonus edition" of Process, released in 2022, added two tracks previously available only in Japan.
Satellite Business
Sampha Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Looking at my phone stuck going through the images
Looking in the mirror I can see a limit
I can see a body, I can feel a difference
A thing called time, yeah, I track it with the digits
Satellite business, I was in a space
Communication with the energy for forgiveness
Communication with the energy disappearing
The love and the care and the words I was given
The memory is fading like a dream
But I'm carried by a spirit then I'm back living in it
Through the eyes of my child, I can see an inner-vision
Through the eyes of my child, I can see you in my vision
Through the eyes of my child, I can see an inner-vision
Through the eyes of my child, I can see you in my vision
Thinking maybe there's no ends
Maybe just infinity
Maybe no beginnings
Maybe just bridges, think, uh
Thinking maybe there's no ends
Maybe just infinity
Maybe no beginnings
Maybe just bridges, may-
"Satellite Business" by Sampha is a reflective and introspective song that explores themes of self-reflection, time, communication, memory, and the power of perspective. The lyrics convey a sense of searching and longing for connection, both with oneself and with others.
The song begins with the singer looking through a telescope, questioning whether they will receive a visit. This can be seen as a metaphor for their desire for connection and understanding. The next line references being stuck looking at images on their phone, which suggests a feeling of being consumed by distractions and superficial interactions. Looking in the mirror, they recognize a limit - a recognition of their own limitations and perhaps a realization of their mortality.
The lyrics then shift to the concept of time, and how they track it with digits. This may reflect a sense of trying to quantify and make sense of the passing of time, and the realization that time is an ever-present force that shapes our experiences. The mention of "satellite business" implies a desire to connect with others, but also suggests a distance and detachment in communication. There is a longing for forgiveness and a desire to reconnect with lost energy and memories.
The song takes a hopeful turn as the singer mentions being carried by a spirit and experiencing inner vision through the eyes of their child. This suggests a renewal of perspective, a fresh way of seeing the world through the innocence and wonder of a child. The repetition of the line "Through the eyes of my child, I can see you in my vision" emphasizes the importance of relationships and connection in shaping our perception of the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Looking through the telescope, will I get a visit?
Wondering if I will receive any visitors while observing the world from a distance.
Looking at my phone stuck going through the images
Engrossed in scrolling through pictures on my phone, feeling trapped in the virtual world.
Looking in the mirror I can see a limit
Reflecting on myself, recognizing the boundaries and limitations I possess.
I can see a body, I can feel a difference
Aware of my physical existence and experiencing a sense of uniqueness.
A thing called time, yeah, I track it with the digits
Acknowledging the concept of time and measuring it using numerical representations.
Satellite business, I was in a space
Engaged in distant communication and feeling detached from reality.
Communication with the energy for forgiveness
Engaging in communication fueled by a desire for forgiveness and understanding.
Communication with the energy disappearing
Communicating with an energy or connection that is gradually fading away.
Communication with a memory reappearing
Engaging in communication that brings back a memory from the past.
The love and the care and the words I was given
Recalling the affection, nurturing, and guidance received from others through their words.
The memory is fading like a dream
Realizing that the memory is slowly dissipating and becoming hazy, much like a dream.
But I'm carried by a spirit then I'm back living in it
Finding solace and inspiration in a spiritual presence, allowing me to fully embrace and experience life.
Through the eyes of my child, I can see an inner-vision
Gaining a new perspective and insight into the world through the innocent eyes of my child.
Through the eyes of my child, I can see you in my vision
Seeing the importance of others and their role in my vision of the future, influenced by the perspective of my child.
Thinking maybe there's no ends
Contemplating the possibility that there are no definitive conclusions or endings in life.
Maybe just infinity
Considering the idea that life and existence may be endless and infinite.
Maybe no beginnings
Speculating that perhaps there are no clear starting points or origins.
Maybe just bridges, think, uh
Suggesting that instead of distinct beginnings or endings, life is interconnected through various connections and transitions.
Maybe just bridges, may-
Continuing the thought that life is like bridges, linking different experiences and moments together.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Sampha Lahai Sisay
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Pdta9x
Thank you, Sampha, for gracing us with yet another mesmerizing song and a captivating album. The anticipation was wholly rewarded with your musical brilliance.
@Gurren95
Love this version, so mesmerizing. But really really hope he drops the more fast paced version as well, I was hype for that to come out!
@juppimm3927
This is my favorite off of the album. Sampha, I have no idea how you've matured your sound this far in only two albums.
@Z2wastaken
There’s nothing as artistically produced as this album. Especially this song.
@meganhamilton5416
Wow, just wow. Wish this song was longer...hits the soul.
@khiddtank
anyone else notice how this song plays perfectly after Suspended?
@itsjuswilliam2447
I hope he would drop the different version of this song he teased on Instagram cuz it was fire
@Jackruby22
Thats the mix I’m looking for😢 sampha has to drop a bonus with it..
@mishael695
Thinking maybe there’s no ends, maybe just infinity 🥹
@skirtmag
I can't be the only one feeling this.. I can't be just me ❤😢 ❤