Their sophomore album, Leave It All Behind (2008) found The Foreign Exchange much closer in geography (Nicolay becoming a resident of Wilmington, NC), but located much further from their hip-hop origins. On the strength of their exhilarating live show and several nationally programmed music videos, Leave It All Behind became the group's most successful album to date, culminating in a Grammy-nomination for the album's first single, Daykeeper.
Authenticity, released on October 12, 2010 on +FE Music, is The Foreign Exchange’s third album.
Valediction
The Foreign Exchange Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No need to take off your shoes
Usually you can stay
But not today, not today no
This place is no longer yours
And I left your things right by the door
Please don't be that way
Not today, not today no
But inside it's slowly killing me
Nothing more for me to say
Not today, not today no
So we must say our goodbyes
To all of the pain and the lies
Nothing's been more true
Than these words to you
I've been changed,
and rearranged and,
it's not it was before.
And, when the sunrise
I'll show her why
She can't keep me anymore...
Me anymore
The lyrics of The Foreign Exchange's song Valediction paint a picture of a relationship that has reached its end. The singer asks their partner to leave without taking off their coat or shoes, suggesting a sense of urgency and discomfort in their presence. The lyrics imply that the love between them is overwhelming and intense, but ultimately destructive, causing pain and allowing lies to fester. The chorus declares that today is the day to say goodbye to the relationship, and to acknowledge the truth that nothing is more real than this moment of separation. The final verse suggests a transformation on the part of the singer, as if they have moved beyond the relationship and are ready to face a new day without their former partner.
Overall, the lyrics of Valediction express a sense of finality and resolution. The song is a farewell to a relationship that has run its course, and the tone is melancholic yet empowering. The singer seems to be acknowledging both the pain and the growth that come with moving on, and the emotional intensity of the lyrics creates a powerful sense of closure.
Line by Line Meaning
No need to remove your coat
You don't have to get too comfortable here because you won't be here for long.
No need to take off your shoes
You don't have to settle in or feel too relaxed because your time here is up.
Usually you can stay
In the past, you were always welcome here, but not anymore.
But not today, not today no
Today is different. You need to leave and this time it's final.
This place is no longer yours
You have lost ownership of this space, as it is no longer yours to occupy.
And I left your things right by the door
Everything you left behind is there, but it's a reminder that you can't come in anymore.
Please don't be that way
Don't make this any harder than it already is by fighting or arguing with me.
Not today, not today no
I'm firm in my decision, so there's no negotiating. You need to leave and not come back.
Our love is such a rush
Our relationship has always been exciting and fast-paced, but it's not sustainable.
But inside it's slowly killing me
Despite the thrill of our relationship, it's actually hurting me deeply on the inside.
Nothing more for me to say
I've said all I need to say to make it clear that it's over between us.
Not today, not today no
I won't change my mind about our breakup, not now or in the future.
So we must say our goodbyes
We can't keep holding on to our past, it's time to say farewell and move on.
To all of the pain and the lies
Our relationship was filled with hurt and dishonesty, and it's time to leave it all behind.
Nothing's been more true
My decision to end things has never been more accurate or honest.
Than these words to you
The best thing I can say to you right now is goodbye, and I mean it with all my heart.
I've been changed,
Our relationship has changed me, and I'm not the same person I was before.
and rearranged and,
The experience has disrupted my way of life and given me a fresh perspective.
it's not it was before.
I can't go back to the way things were before our relationship.
And, when the sunrise
When tomorrow comes, I'll be starting anew without you.
I'll show her why
I'll prove to myself that I can live without you and be happy.
She can't keep me anymore...
You won't have any influence over me or my life from this point on.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Rage_quit84
This has to be one of the best albums ever
Enrique Noyola
You should check the album connected by them 🔥
Tasha N James
Direct and Beautiful!! He cared more for himself!! Beautifully honest.
Evelyn Stansberry
The album in its entirety is about an addiction and they refer to it as a "her." How absolutely amazing a concept!!💡
born90cyph
He cared more for himself? That sounds sketchy, but the relationship was harmful to "self", it was.
Nat Rey
This song is the best short song i've ever heard
Misti Gaffney
The shortest truth ever told....this song describes my former situation perfectly. He didn't belong with me and the valediction was evident...that relationship changed and rearranged me
Bro. Tolliver
"She can't keep me anymore"... jesus. And then bringing the refrain from "Day Keeper" as an allusion to both the song and the relationship; this is music at it's finest. Take me back to the days when I first discovered FE+
Jay D. Winfrey
Good catch!
AceMarCano
the drum pattern is out of this world... beautiful record... wonderful vocals and lyrics ..