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."
In For The Kill
Shamir Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm ready to be sacrificed
Tell my love I wish them well
And I'm sorry [?]
[?] I'm holding on desperately
But you know they always will
Going in for the kill
[?] I'm just a compromise
But still, there's life in my eyes
Stay still and surrender to the [?]
[?] I'm holding on desperately
But you know they always will
Going in for the kill
Please don't cry
Turn around and say goodbye
I'll be back someday
And when [?]
I promise you
I won't make the same mistakes
[?] I'm holding on desperately
But you know they always will
Going in for the kill
But can't you see
I'm holding on desperately
But you know they always will
Going in for the kill
The lyrics to "In For The Kill" by Shamir convey a sense of resignation and acceptance of a looming sacrifice. The singer speaks of being ready to be sacrificed, asking that their loved ones be informed of their well wishes and apologies. There is a sense of uncertainty as the singer clings onto the hope that they will survive, but they are aware of the inevitability of their sacrifice.
The chorus is particularly powerful, with the repetition of the line "Going in for the kill" emphasizing the unstoppable force that the singer is up against. The lines "Stay still and surrender to the [?]" suggest a sense of helplessness and inevitability in the face of a greater power. The singer also promises to return someday, but the implication is that they may not survive their current situation.
Line by Line Meaning
Let me off and say goodbye
I am ready to die and want the people who captured me to free me and let me go.
I'm ready to be sacrificed
I am prepared to suffer and bear the consequences of my actions.
Tell my love I wish them well
Please convey my regards to my loved ones and let them know that I care for them.
And I'm sorry [?]
I regret and apologize for any harm I might have caused.
[?] I'm holding on desperately
Despite my desperation, I know that there is no point in resisting my captors.
But you know they always will
However, I also know that they will never let me go.
Going in for the kill
They are ready to execute me.
[?] I'm just a compromise
I am aware that my life is not worth much and that I am merely a pawn in this game.
But still, there's life in my eyes
Despite my current predicament, I still have hope and a fighting spirit.
Stay still and surrender to the [?]
I have come to realize that resistance is futile and it's time to accept my fate.
Please don't cry
I don't want my loved ones to be sad for me.
Turn around and say goodbye
It's time for them to bid me farewell, and I want them to do so with dignity.
I'll be back someday
I am hopeful that someday I will be able to return to my loved ones.
And when [?]
And when that day comes, I hope to make amends for my mistakes.
I promise you
I vow to my loved ones.
I won't make the same mistakes
I won't repeat the errors of my past, and will work to make things right.
[?] I'm holding on desperately
Despite my desperation, I know that there is no point in resisting my captors.
But you know they always will
However, I also know that they will never let me go.
Going in for the kill
They are ready to execute me.
But can't you see
Can't you see how unfair this is?
I'm holding on desperately
I'm struggling to find the strength to accept my fate.
But you know they always will
No matter what I do, they will always be in control.
Going in for the kill
They are ready to take my life.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: Bailey Shamir, Sylvester Nicholas Barry
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Liam Noel Gulfan
Cut me off and say goodbye
I'm ready to be sacrificed
Sell my loved ones I wish them well
And I'm sorry
And oh swell
See I'm holding on desperately
But you know they always will
Going in for the kill
Well I know, I'm just a compromise
But still, there's life in my eyes
Stay still and surrender to the fee,
Well pain and madness
See I'm holding on desperately
But you know they always will
Going in for the kill
Ohhh, Aoooh, Aoooh, Aooh oh yeah
Please don't cry
Turn around and say goodbye
I'll be back someday
And when I do
I'll promise you
I won't make the same mistakes
See I'm holding on desperately
But you know they always will
Going in for the kill
Why can't you see
I'm holding on desperately
But you know they always will
Going in for the kill
Veronica Rouby
He's literally dropping his mixtape. Love it.
Liam Noel Gulfan
Cut me off and say goodbye
I'm ready to be sacrificed
Sell my loved ones I wish them well
And I'm sorry
And oh swell
See I'm holding on desperately
But you know they always will
Going in for the kill
Well I know, I'm just a compromise
But still, there's life in my eyes
Stay still and surrender to the fee,
Well pain and madness
See I'm holding on desperately
But you know they always will
Going in for the kill
Ohhh, Aoooh, Aoooh, Aooh oh yeah
Please don't cry
Turn around and say goodbye
I'll be back someday
And when I do
I'll promise you
I won't make the same mistakes
See I'm holding on desperately
But you know they always will
Going in for the kill
Why can't you see
I'm holding on desperately
But you know they always will
Going in for the kill
Hydrochloride
This is one of my favorite songs of Shamir, I can keep it on repeat forever without getting tired of it.
Tabitha Elkins
Great video! Poppin' colors, funny story, great acting and directing, and this song is really catchy! Thumbs up, Shamir!
Forjando Labz
GREAT MASTERPIECE THIS VIDEO! I CAN'T STOP WATCHING IT
linds
This is absolutely insane and I love it
thecomplexgirls
I love it! Sooo eccentric! 💜
ka
love this song
K- SmilesxD
Your album explains my life ♡
Isabella
su voz es tan increíble♥♥