Shamir is known for his androgynous countertenor voice. Radio.com wrote that his singing voice, "like Joplin's, stops you in your tracks." Shamir has said that he doesn't mind having his voice described as androgynous, but notes that 'countertenor' is the correct term: "It's not feminine, it's not masculine. It's a happy medium ... I feel like if the world was more like that, our problems would be gone."
Critic Jamieson Cox, writing for Pitchfork Media, wrote:
"With a piercing countertenor somewhere between Prince masquerading as Camille and the cracking adolescent soul of the teenage Michael Jackson, the 19-year-old North Las Vegas native dismantles the expectations maintained for vocalists based on their gender, demanding instead that the focus be placed on his agile, fluttering performance."
Shamir's style has been described as a distinctive mix of disco and funk with hints of pop "laced with old skool house". Life & Soul has described him as "a dynamic young artist who successfully adopts the craft of his musical heroes Michael Jackson and Prince."
Float
Shamir Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Even if you know
It can be very dangerous
Like a timer ready to blow
And I can always leave
You won't even have to see me
And I'll go on my way
I guess there's no need to stay
So I'll just float, in time
Meet me at the finish line
Oh, meet me at the finish line
I know you're keen to see
The parts deep down in me
Even when I'm hiding them
'Cause I'm scared they'll chastise me
I'm done trying to come forth
I've reached my final form
I pray the lord have mercy on
Whoever takes me on
So I'll just float, in time
Meet me at the finish line
Oh, meet me at the finish line
Oh, at the finish line
Oh, oh, oh at the finish line
I don't wanna be left behind
I don't wanna be left behind
I don't wanna be left behind
Oh meet me at the finish line
Oh, meet me at the finish line
Oh, meet me at the finish line
You say you love me so
Even if you know
It can be very dangerous
Like a timer ready to blow
In Shamir's song "Float," the lyrics explore themes of love, self-acceptance, and the fear of vulnerability. The song begins with the acknowledgment of a dangerous love, one that feels like a ticking time bomb. Despite the awareness of the potential risks, the singer is prepared to leave and go their own way, believing that staying is unnecessary. This demonstrates a sense of self-preservation and an understanding that sometimes it is better to let go of toxic or volatile relationships.
As the song progresses, Shamir delves into the fear of being truly seen and understood. The singer reveals that there are parts of themselves that they hide, fearing judgment or condemnation from others. However, they have reached a point of self-acceptance and no longer feel the need to prove themselves or come forth. They surrender to their final form and hope for mercy from anyone who may choose to enter their life.
The repetition of the phrase "So I'll just float, in time" indicates a surrender to the unknown and a willingness to let life unfold naturally. The singer invites the listener to meet them at the finish line, embodying a sense of completion or resolution. They emphasize their desire to not be left behind, suggesting a longing for connection and acceptance despite their self-imposed barriers.
Overall, "Float" is a song that explores the complexities of love, self-discovery, and the need for authentic connection. It speaks to the willingness to let go of harmful relationships, accepting oneself fully, and the hope for understanding from others.
Line by Line Meaning
You say you love me so
Despite the knowledge that love can be dangerous, you verbally express your affection for me
Even if you know
Regardless of your awareness
It can be very dangerous
Love has the potential to cause harm
Like a timer ready to blow
Similar to a ticking time bomb, love has the potential to explode and cause destruction
And I can always leave
I have the option to depart and separate from this relationship
You won't even have to see me
You won't even have to witness my departure
And I'll go on my way
I will continue my journey alone
I guess there's no need to stay
Therefore, there is no requirement for me to remain in this relationship
So I'll just float, in time
Instead, I will navigate through life without any particular direction or purpose
Meet me at the finish line
Join me at the end of this journey
I know you're keen to see
I understand that you are eager to explore
The parts deep down in me
The hidden aspects of my being
Even when I'm hiding them
Even when I am concealing these aspects
'Cause I'm scared they'll chastise me
Due to my fear of being criticized or punished for revealing my true self
I'm done trying to come forth
I have ceased attempting to expose myself
I've reached my final form
I have attained a state of completeness and no further transformation is desired
I pray the lord have mercy on
I hope for divine forgiveness and compassion
Whoever takes me on
For whoever decides to accept me as I am
I don't wanna be left behind
I do not wish to be abandoned or left in solitude
Oh meet me at the finish line
So please meet me at the end of this journey
Oh, at the finish line
Right there, at the destination
Oh, oh, oh at the finish line
Repeated emphasis on meeting at the end
I don't wanna be left behind
I do not want to be left alone
Oh meet me at the finish line
Please join me at the conclusion of this journey
Oh, meet me at the finish line
Indeed, let us rendezvous at the endpoint
Oh, meet me at the finish line
Oh, please arrange our meeting at the arrival point
Lyrics © PFIVE Entertainment Mexico
Written by: Shamir Bailey
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind