It often just happens without an… Read Full Bio ↴You can't plan for a new beginning.
It often just happens without any warning or notice. There's no time for preparation. However, if
you embrace it with an open heart and mind, everything can change for the better.
Ever since 2004, production powerhouse and platinum-selling eclectic pop unit The Cataracs had
been a duo—Niles and David. However, in the summer of 2012, after the release of the sizzling
hot Gordo Taqueria [Indie-Pop/Republic Records] and its fiery lead single "All You" featuring
Kaskade and Waka Flocka Flame, David decided to follow a lifelong dream and travel the world,
effectively leaving The Cataracs a one-man unit. Niles dusted himself off and kept forging ahead
though.
"It left me really vulnerable and anxious for a minute," he admits. "It also gave me the
opportunity to come into my own as a solo act and even realize the initial vision that I had for
The Cataracs. I like creating intelligent dance music that makes people move. That's what I've
wanted to do since the beginning. Campa and I weren't always on the same page about that.
Now, I have an even clearer understanding of what The Cataracs is, and I'm making the best
music I've ever made."
That's a bold claim, but it's true. From day one, Niles had served as the group's producer and
produced other artists under the moniker "The Cataracs". He was behind the immortal beat for
Far East Movement's "Like a G6" featuring Dev. The track became a worldwide phenomenon,
surpassing digital sales of 3 million and topping the Billboard Hot 100. It also kick-started the
careers of Far East Movement and Dev and created unanimous demand for production from
Niles.
From there, he worked the board for Dev's platinum smash "In the Dark" as well her entire major
label debut, The Night the Sun Came Up, Snoop Dogg's saucy "Wet", and other tracks from the
likes of Enrique Iglesias, Usher, 50 Cent, New Boyz, and more. He's also been sought out by
everyone from E-40 to David Guetta.
At the same time, honing his two-prong vision for The Cataracs, he's pushing the boundaries of
pop. On his solo material, he cooks up an infectious concoction of sexy dance music with lo-fi
hip hop swagger and undeniable pop bliss. In November and December, Niles will be releasing
a free track every week leading up to the debut of a yet to be titled free EP.
The next chapter of The Cataracs has kicked off with a bang, and it's only just begun.
"I've got confidence like I've never had before," enthuses Niles. "I want fans to walk away from
my music with something they're not getting anywhere else. I want to break the fucking boring
static coming out of the radio. I want to give people addictive, catchy songs. That's what I love to
do."
Undercover
The Cataracs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And when I asked, you said you didn't know why
You keep it, undercover (oh!)
You keep it, undercover (huh)
When you laughed you said it, must be nice to have it
All figured out I said now I thought you realized
You keep it, undercover (oh yeah)
We used to talk like lovers (in the middle of the night)
And now we're hardly friends (aye hoo hoo hoo)
Well if there's something you need (need need need need)
Don't you know, you don't got to pretend
Somewhere your probably springing
Ooh hoo hoo
Everybody's looking at you hoo hoo
What chu gonna do now baby (baby)
It's alright, I'm a hold you down
Ooh hoo hoo
Everybody's looking at you hoo hoo
What chu gonna do now baby (baby)
Flash light, I'm a hold you down
Undercover
You keep it, undercover
Now everybody say it was, best for you
But, deep inside your heart you can't decide if it's true
You keep it, undercover
You keep it, undercover (uh huh)
Well then, send you off to a, good school
You'll, learn to get along, how to play by the rules
You keep it, undercover (hey!)
You keep it, undercover (hey!)
We used to talk like lovers (in the middle of the night)
And now we're hardly friends (aye hoo hoo hoo)
Well if there's something you need (need need need need)
Don't you know, you don't got to pretend
Somewhere your probably springing
Ooh hoo hoo
Everybody's looking at you hoo hoo
What chu gonna do now baby (baby)
It's alright, I'm a hold you down
Ooh hoo hoo
Everybody's looking at you hoo hoo
What chu gonna do now baby (baby)
Flash light, I'm a hold you down
Undercover
Undercover
Undercover
It's alright
Undercover
Undercover
Undercover
Flash light
Baby, it's alright
Baby, flash light
The lyrics to “Undercover” by The Cataracs tell the story of a relationship that has lost its spark and drifted apart. The singer is trying to understand why his partner has become distant and is keeping their feelings “undercover”. The song begins with the singer describing how his partner started to cry but couldn’t explain why, indicating there is an underlying emotional issue that is being concealed. Throughout the song, the singer tries to reassure his partner that it's okay for them to open up and not pretend to be okay or happy when they're not. However, it seems as though his partner is hiding their emotions, as they're afraid to be vulnerable in front of others, which is showcased in the chorus, "You keep it, undercover".
The singer reminisces about how they used to talk like lovers in the middle of the night and now they're hardly friends. He encourages his partner that if they need help, they don't have to pretend and can confide in him, even if others are watching. The use of the phrase “flash light, I'ma hold you down” suggests that the singer is a steady force in his partner's life and will be there during difficult times.
Overall, the lyrics of the song highlight the importance of being open and honest in relationships, even when it's hard to do so. The repetition of “undercover” throughout the song signifies how toxic it is to bottle up feelings, and how it can lead to a relationship's downfall.
Line by Line Meaning
The other day you said you started to cry
You recently mentioned that you cried
And when I asked, you said you didn't know why
When I inquired, you expressed not understanding the reason
You keep it, undercover (oh!)
You keep it hidden
You keep it, undercover (huh)
You keep it concealed
When you laughed you said it, must be nice to have it
When you chuckled, you remarked about others having something that you lack
All figured out I said now I thought you realized
I mentioned that I thought you understood it all
We used to talk like lovers (in the middle of the night)
We exchanged intimate conversations in the wee hours of the night
And now we're hardly friends (aye hoo hoo hoo)
Currently, we are not close acquaintances anymore
Well if there's something you need (need need need need)
If you require something
Don't you know, you don't got to pretend
You do not have to feign
Somewhere your probably springing
It's possible you are holding back something significant
Ooh hoo hoo
Vocalizing sound effect
Everybody's looking at you hoo hoo
Everyone's attention is fixed on you
What chu gonna do now baby (baby)
What are you going to do next?
It's alright, I'm a hold you down
It's okay, I'll support you
Flash light, I'm a hold you down
I will guide you through this situation
Now everybody say it was, best for you
Everyone claims it was in your best interest
But, deep inside your heart you can't decide if it's true
However, internally you are uncertain if it's accurate
Well then, send you off to a, good school
Therefore, someone is sending you to a prestigious educational institution
You'll, learn to get along, how to play by the rules
You will acquire knowledge on how to fit in and follow the norms
Hey!
Exclamation of excitement or surprise
Undercover
Hidden, concealed
Undercover
Concealed, disguised
Undercover
Camouflaged, secret
It's alright
Everything's fine
Flash light
A light used to illuminate in the dark
Baby, it's alright
Sweetheart, everything's fine
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind