In 2007, Knowles began to record music again. Her second studio album Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams (2008) deviated from the pop-oriented music of her debut to Motown-inspired sounds from the 60's and 70's. It peaked at number nine on the US Billboard 200 and received positive reviews from critics. She followed this up with the 1980s pop and R&B-inspired EP True (2012) on Terrible Records and her imprint Saint Records. Her third studio album, A Seat at the Table (2016) was released to widespread critical acclaim and became her first number-one album in the United States. The album's lead single, "Cranes in the Sky" won the Grammy for Best R&B Performance. Her fourth studio album, When I Get Home, was released in March 2019 to further critical acclaim.
Knowles was heavily influenced by Motown girl groups and says that her first passion is songwriting. Frequently compared by the media to her sister Beyoncé, Knowles has claimed that they have different aspirations and are musically different. She has been ranked by Billboard as the 100th most successful dance artist of all-time, and in 2017 was honored with the "Impact Award" at Billboard Women in Music. Her other ventures include an endorsement deal with Rimmel London and a line of hip-hop-oriented merchandise for young children.
Don't Wish Me Well
Solange Lyrics
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I took a day
Too much talk but not much to see
I know you always speak in something
So I'll leave on the mic for you
And I'm going all the way
But I'll leave in the lights for you
I'm going all the way
And now you're almost out of view
'Cause when I say what I mean you ought to know
You got to know
I don't let it go
'Cause when I say what I mean you ought to know
You got to know
I won't let it go
Away away away
Look what remains
Pour ashes where they claimed my name
They say I changed
What a pity if I stayed the same
Thinking that everything is funny
But don't say that the jokes on you
And I'm going all the way
But I'll leave on the lights for you
I'm going all the way
And now you're almost out of view
'Cause when I say what I mean you ought to know
You got to know
I don't let it go
Away away away
Solange's song "Don't Wish Me Well" is a lyrical exploration of the complexities of relationships and the toll they can take on the individuals involved. The opening lines, "I went away this don't have love for me / I took a day / Too much talk but not much to see," speak to the idea of distance and the need for individuals to sometimes step away from a situation to evaluate their feelings. Solange acknowledges that her partner may "always speak in something," implying that they may be hiding their true feelings or intentions. Despite this, she leaves a message for them on the microphone, suggesting that even in her absence she is still communicating her thoughts and emotions.
The chorus, "And I'm going all the way / But I'll leave in the lights for you / I'm going all the way / And now you're almost out of view," speaks to the idea of moving forward in one's own journey, but leaving a glimpse of hope for the other person. Solange emphasizes that when she speaks, she means what she says and won't let it go easily. This idea of standing firm and knowing one's own worth is reinforced in the second verse, where Solange reflects on the ways in which others have tried to change her or make her feel small. She rejects this notion, stating that if she stayed the same it would be a "pity." She further highlights the importance of clear communication and understanding in relationships, urging her partner not to be fooled by appearances or jokes at her expense.
Overall, "Don't Wish Me Well" is a powerful anthem for anyone navigating the complexities of love and relationships. Solange's lyrics and vocals are raw and honest, and the message is clear: know your own worth, communicate clearly, and don't let anyone change you.
Line by Line Meaning
I went away this don't have love for me
I left, but there was no one who cared about me staying or going.
I took a day
I needed some time alone to reflect and clear my mind.
Too much talk but not much to see
People talk a lot but their words are empty and lack action.
I know you always speak in something
I'm aware that you always have something to say, but it's not always meaningful or truthful.
So I'll leave on the mic for you
I'll leave the stage (or attention) to you, so you can have your say.
And I'm going all the way
I'm committed to what I'm doing and won't settle for less.
But I'll leave in the lights for you
I'll let you have the spotlight and shine, while I step away.
I'm going all the way
I'm fully invested and determined to reach my goals.
And now you're almost out of view
You're slowly disappearing from my life, as I move forward with mine.
'Cause when I say what I mean you ought to know
I'm direct and honest in my communication, so you should understand where I'm coming from.
You got to know
It's important for you to understand.
I don't let it go
I don't ignore or forget about what I believe in or stand for.
'Cause when I say what I mean you ought to know
I'm not going to sugarcoat or hide my feelings or beliefs, so you need to listen carefully.
You got to know
It's vital for you to comprehend.
I won't let it go
I won't back down or give up on what I believe in or stand for.
Away away away
I'm moving on and leaving behind what no longer serves me.
Look what remains
This is all that's left of what once was.
Pour ashes where they claimed my name
My identity and reputation have been destroyed and reduced to ashes, and I'm letting go of the past.
They say I changed
People accuse me of being different than before.
What a pity if I stayed the same
It would be a shame if I didn't grow, evolve, and improve, and remained stuck in the same old patterns.
Thinking that everything is funny
Some people trivialize or dismiss serious matters and situations by making jokes about them.
But don't say that the jokes on you
Don't pretend that you're not affected or responsible for the consequences of your words or actions.
Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY, WARP MUSIC LIMITED, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC
Written by: Adam Brainbridge, David Donnell Longstreth, Kwesi Sey Sampha Sisay, Solange Knowles
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind