In 2015, they issued the Bouquet EP on Disruptor Records, a softer and more indie-flavored effort that featured the single "Roses," which was certified double-platinum and hit number one on the Top Dance Songs chart. The song also earned the Chainsmokers nominations for the Billboard Music Awards in the Top Dance/Electronic Artist and Top Dance/Electronic Song categories. After playing over 300 shows in 2015, including dates at festivals like Lollapalooza, Firefly, Tomorrowland, and Ultra, the duo returned in 2016 with the platinum-certified "Don't Let Me Down," a collaboration with Pittsburgh pop singer Daya that topped the Billboard dance chart and would later win a Grammy. That year, the Chainsmokers also performed as part of the Tilt Tour, the first ever fan-sourced tour. In addition, Pall and Taggart host two SiriusXM shows: Nice Hair, a monthly mix; and the weekly YouTube EDM 15.
The follow-up single to "Don't Let Me Down" would carry the duo to new heights. Featuring Halsey on vocals, "Closer" began its slow climb to the top of the singles chart in the summer of 2016. Once it hit number one, it remained in the top spot for over ten weeks, breaking the record previously held by Drake's "One Dance." As their chart dominance continued, they released the Collage EP, which joined their two Top Three singles with new collaborations featuring Phoebe Ryan, XYLØ, and Charlee. Their debut record, Memories: Do Not Open, arrived in 2017. Featuring guests Emily Warren, Jhene Aiko, Florida Georgia Line, and hit singles "Paris" and the Coldplay collaboration "Something Just Like This," Memories debuted at the top of the Billboard chart. At the start of 2018, the pair veered in a more contemplative and lyrical direction with the single "Sick Boy," which landed on the EP of the same name. Sick Boy debuted on the Billboard 200 just outside the Top 50.
Kanye
The Chainsmokers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Didn't need a telescope
To see where I am going
I have never been the one
Trying hard to hold my tongue
Is my stereo on
One day I'll stand with a crown on my head
With every step, no, I won't second guess what I want
I wanna be like Kanye
I'll be the king of me always
Do what I want and have it my way
All day, like Kanye ah, yeah, yeah
Like Kanye, Kanye, yeah yah, yeah yah
I'll be the king of me
From a broken home, okay
Single momma let me chase what I was made for
We be out to Paradise, build on nickels and dimes
I'm entitled to so much more
One day I'll stand with a crown on my head
Like a God yeah, like a God
With every step, no, I won't second guess what I want
I wanna be like Kanye
I'll be the King of me always
Do what I want and have it my way
All day, like Kanye-eah, yeah, yeah
I'll be the king of me, me, me
I'll be the king of me, me, me
Like Kanye, Kanye, yeah yah, yeah yah
I have never wished and hoped
Didn't need a telescope
To see where I am going
I have never been the one
Trying hard to hold my tongue
Is my stereo on
I wanna be like Kanye
Do what I want I'll have it my way
I wanna be like Kanye
I'll be the king of me, me, me
I'll be the king of me, me, me
Like Kanye, Kanye, yeah yah, yeah yah
The song "Kanye" by The Chainsmokers talks about how they want to be like the famous rapper and icon Kanye West. The lyrics suggest that they want to be their own kings and take control of their lives, just like Kanye has in the past. They want to have the confidence and unapologetic attitude that Kanye has always had, and not second-guess what they want. The Chainsmokers also talk about their childhood and upbringing, being raised by a single mother and wanting to achieve more than what is expected of them. They want to be successful and feel entitled to more.
The song is essentially an anthem of empowerment and individuality, encouraging listeners to be confident and take control of their lives. The reference to Kanye West serves as a symbol of success and power, someone who has achieved great things despite criticism and obstacles.
Line by Line Meaning
I have never wished and hoped
I have always been certain of the path that I am on, making me confident about my decisions
Didn't need a telescope
It's clear to me where my life is going without the need for any external guidance or support
To see where I am going
I know my destination, and I am determined to reach it
I have never been the one
I have never been afraid or hesitant to speak my mind and stand up for what I believe in
Trying hard to hold my tongue
I have never been one to shy away from expressing my opinions or thoughts, even if it may be controversial or unpopular
Is my stereo on
I am always in tune with myself and my desires, and I am constantly motivated to push forward towards my goals
One day I'll stand with a crown on my head
I am confident that I will achieve my ambitions and be recognized for my accomplishments, like royalty
Like a God yeah, like a God
I will be held in high esteem and revered for my achievements, much like a deity
With every step, no, I won't second guess what I want
I will move forward with certainty, never doubting myself or my desires
I wanna be like Kanye
I aspire to be as unapologetically confident and successful as Kanye West
I'll be the king of me always
I will lead my life in my own way and always be in control of my own destiny
Do what I want and have it my way
I will never let anyone or anything hold me back from achieving what I want, and I will always have control over my life
All day, like Kanye ah, yeah, yeah
All day, I will work hard and stay focused on my goals, like Kanye West
From a broken home, okay
Despite my difficult background, I am still determined to achieve my dreams
Single momma let me chase what I was made for
My mother always encouraged me to pursue my passions and follow my own path in life
We be out to Paradise, build on nickels and dimes
I will work hard, even with limited resources, to achieve my dreams and live the life I want
I'm entitled to so much more
I know that I deserve to have the best in life and I will work hard to make it a reality
Do what I want and have it my way
I will never let anyone or anything hold me back from achieving what I want, and I will always have control over my life
I'll be the king of me, me, me
I will always be in control of my own life, and no one else will have power over me
Like Kanye, Kanye, yeah yah, yeah yah
I will be as bold and confident as Kanye West and always strive for greatness in my life
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ANDREW TAGGART, SKYLAR STONESTREET, MICHAEL DEL RIO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ELMATADORRR
I have never wished and hoped
Didn't need a telescope
To see where I am going
I have never been the one
Trying hard to hold my tongue
Is my stereo
At one day I'll stand with a crown on my head
Like a God yeah, like a God
With every step, no, I won't second guess what I want
I wanna be like Kanye
I'll be the King of me always
Do what I want, I'll have it my way
All day, like Kanye-eah, yeah, yeah
Like Kanye, Kanye, yeah-ah, yeah-ah
Like Kanye, Kanye, yeah-ah, yeah-ah
I'll be the king of me
Born in a broken home, okay
Single momma let me chase what I was made for
We made out to Paradise,
Build on nickels, rubbing dimes
I'm entitled to so much more
One day I'll stand with a crown on my head
Like a God yeah, like a God
With every step, no, I won't second guess what I want
I wanna be like Kanye
I'll be the King of me always
Do what I want, I'll have it my way
All day, like Kanye-eah, yeah, yeah
Like Kanye, Kanye, yeah-ah, yeah-ah
Like Kanye, Kanye, yeah-ah, yeah-ah
I'll be the king of me
I'll be the king of me, me, me
I'll be the king of me, me, me
Like Kanye-eah yeah-ah, yeah-ah
I have never wished and hoped
Didn't need a telescope
To see where I am going
I have never been the one
Trying hard to hold my tongue
Is my stereo at
I'll be the king of me, me, me
I'll be the king of me, me, me
Like Kanye-eah yeah-ah, yeah-ah
@THECHAINSMOKERS
We just want to say THANK YOU to everyone who has watched & supported our new single. And everyone living like Kanye out there! It means a lot to us to have such amazing fans and that you are all enjoying the song so much!and no more #seflies haha ;) BUT really thank you! The fact you are playing this video and sharing it with your friends is so amazing! Get ready for a lot more music!
@edwardhaboud2951
First i want to thank you for giving us this opportunitie of earing this amazing music and second this is so cool i love this song definetly i will but it on itunes
@jordanjanaewentworth
I love this fucking song
@bebegrrl26
YAAAAAASSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@imdetamilboy
Thank you for recognizing Lord Yeezus as the God he is.
@jaidahb.g3414
I absolutely love this song and you guys are amazing :) Keep on making those awesome songs for us plz and thank you
@gordonhannan2528
This song really hits differently now
@silverandstuff2657
Yeah... it goes harder.
@zombae.
was looking for this comment
@KCJbomberFTW
Way harder