After moving to Atlanta for college, Kays continued to develop her skills as a singer, songwriter, and performer. She started writing her own music at the age of seventeen and regularly performed at open mic nights. Her talent caught the attention of online audiences through covers she posted on social media platforms, which helped her cultivate a devoted fan base.
In 2018, Kays independently released her debut EP titled "A House Too Big," featuring self-published singles. She initially shared her music on YouTube and expanded her presence to platforms such as TikTok, where she has amassed over 1.9 million fans on her sarakaysmusic account.
In 2020, Kays signed a contract with Atlantic Recording Corporation, marking a significant milestone in her career. Her first single released under the label, "Remember That Night," went viral on TikTok towards the end of 2020. The song achieved chart success in the Netherlands and Flanders in 2021, further elevating her profile.
In early 2021, Kays made her national television debut with a performance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, showcasing her growing recognition in the industry.
On August 6, 2021, she unveiled her EP "Struck By Lightning," a collection of seven tracks that has been referred to as a mini-album or album. Sara Kays' musical journey showcases her evolution from a young street musician to a rising star in the American music scene.
Math
Sara Kays Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I use math every day in my life
I add, subtract, divide
And most of the time it makes me wanna die
'Cause the number below my feet
And the number below my spine
And the numbers on the menu are always too high
So I don't know how low I have to go
'Cause I wake up in my body and it never feels like home
I feel like I'm in another person's house, I can't get out
So I don't know how low I have to go
I wanna rewire my mind
So I don't care if there's a space between my thighs
It keeps me up at night
To think I'll calculate until the day I die
'Cause the number below my feet
And the number below my spine
And the numbers on the menu are always too high
So I don't know how low I have to go
'Cause I wake up in my body and it never feels like home
I feel like I'm in another person's house, I can't get out
So I don't know how low I have to go
I don't know how low
All the numbers in my mind
Are set out to ruin my life
I don't wanna let them win, but they just might
And I know this is a problem
That I'm improperly solving
When I say I'll just go lower one more time
So I don't know how low I have to go
'Cause I wake up in my body and it never feels like home
I feel like I'm in another person's house, I can't get out
So I don't know how low I have to go
I don't know how low
No, I don't know how low I have to go
(I don't know how low)
The song "Math" by Sara Kays delves into the struggle with body image and how it affects one's mental health. The lyrics speak about the constant calculation of numbers that keep haunting her, from the number on the scale to the number of calories on the menu. She acknowledges the frequent use of math in everyday life, from simple adding and subtracting to complex calculations about herself. Furthermore, she wishes to rewire her mind to stop caring about the space between her thighs and not let the numbers consume her life. The repetition of the line "I don't know how low I have to go" reflects her exhaustion and weariness towards this never-ending battle.
Sara Kays reveals her vulnerability by sharing her personal journey with body dysmorphia and how it has affected her mental well-being. The focus on numbers emphasizes how societal pressure has led her to define herself based on her physical appearance. The reference to teachers shows that this message is taught repeatedly from an early age, and it's only as she grows up that she realizes how damaging it is.
In conclusion, the song Math is a powerful message about the struggle with self-acceptance and society's obsession with body image. It's an honest depiction of how it can lead one to a never-ending cycle of self-deprivation and unhealthy thinking.
Line by Line Meaning
All of my teachers were right
Math is an essential discipline that we cannot do without
I use math every day in my life
Whether we are aware of it or not, we all use math in our everyday life
I add, subtract, divide
Basic arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, and division are widely applied in our day-to-day dealings
And most of the time it makes me wanna die
Math can be frustrating and challenging, especially for those who find it difficult
'Cause the number below my feet
Constantly worrying about our weight can lead to unhealthy and damaging behaviors
And the number below my spine
Becoming obsessed with having the perfect body can lead to self-doubt and low self-esteem
And the numbers on the menu are always too high
Trying to count calories and maintain a certain diet can feel overwhelming and restrictive
So I don't know how low I have to go
Feeling lost and overwhelmed, unsure of how far one needs to go to meet their perceived expectations and standards
'Cause I wake up in my body and it never feels like home
Feeling disconnected from one's body, as if it does not belong to them, can lead to feelings of discomfort and insecurity
I feel like I'm in another person's house, I can't get out
Feeling trapped and out of place, as if one is living in someone else's body
I wanna rewire my mind
Striving to change one's thought patterns and beliefs
So I don't care if there's a space between my thighs
Seeking to let go of societal pressures and unrealistic beauty standards
It keeps me up at night
Constantly worrying about how one's body appears can lead to sleepless nights and stress
To think I'll calculate until the day I die
Feeling as if counting calories and stressing over one's appearance will be a lifelong struggle
All the numbers in my mind
Constantly being consumed with numbers, such as body weight and calorie counting
Are set out to ruin my life
Obsessing over these numbers can lead to a negative impact on one's mental and physical well-being
I don't wanna let them win, but they just might
Despite a desire to overcome these negative thoughts and behaviors, it can feel like an uphill battle
And I know this is a problem
Recognizing that these obsessive thoughts and behaviors are unhealthy and detrimental to one's well-being
That I'm improperly solving
Acknowledging that one's attempts at addressing this issue are not entirely successful
When I say I'll just go lower one more time
Making excuses and justifications for continuing to engage in damaging behavior
No, I don't know how low I have to go
Feeling uncertain and overwhelmed, unsure of how to overcome negative thoughts and behaviors
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Sara Kays, Steven Beyer
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@irismejia9725
I’m honestly so so proud of you Sara. Sharing music as personal as yours, is not easy. And you help so many of us cope with things that would’ve been harder to push though without you. We love you Sara ♥️
@kailahprice6792
100% 🥺♥️
@mushroomsprouts1967
Its just sara, no h
@jeffbarden2299
0
@irismejia9725
@@mushroomsprouts1967 fixed it! Sorry :(
@cloudiikatee
Yea! I agree!!
@eveyaspaas3667
I’ve been waiting for this one after I heard a short snippet. Hits home while I’m in too deep with my ED. Thank you for making this, it makes me feel less alone <3
@kayleighmeyer609
sending love and a virtual hug 🤍
@wanderingpaladin4927
"For those who feel they are colourblind, know that it does not take eyes to see."
@okayrosette8807
Honestly, letting weight determine whether u are eating today really really sucks. Im so happy that Sara is helping so many individuals feel heard. 🥺🥺🥺❤️