Tinashe Jorgensen Kachingwe[1] (/tiːˈnɑːʃeɪ/ tee-NAH-sheh;[2] born February… Read Full Bio ↴Tinashe Jorgensen Kachingwe[1] (/tiːˈnɑːʃeɪ/ tee-NAH-sheh;[2] born February 6, 1993[1]), known mononymously as Tinashe, is an American singer, dancer, and actress.[3] Born in Lexington, Kentucky, Tinashe moved to Pasadena, California as a child, where she pursued work in entertainment. Her notable roles included as a motion-capture model in the animated film The Polar Express (2004), Robin Wheeler in the Cartoon Network television series Out of Jimmy's Head (2007–2008), and a recurring role in the CBS series Two and a Half Men (2008–2009).

Between 2007 and 2011, Tinashe was a member of the girl group the Stunners. Following their disbandment, she released the positively-reviewed self-recorded mixtapes In Case We Die (2012) and Reverie (2012). Following their success, Tinashe signed with RCA Records and released her third mixtape, Black Water (2013). Her debut single, "2 On" (featuring Schoolboy Q; produced by Mustard), reached number one on the Rhythmic airplay chart, and peaked at number 24 on the Billboard Hot 100.[4] Her debut studio album, Aquarius (2014), was noted by music critics as one of the most "solid" debuts by a new female artist in years. The album garnered her nominations for Soul Train and BET Awards.[5] Her collaboration with Snakehips and Chance the Rapper, "All My Friends", won the Ivor Novello Award for Best Contemporary Song in 2016.[6] The same year, Tinashe appeared on Britney Spears' single "Slumber Party", which topped Billboard's Dance Club Songs chart. Tinashe's second studio album, Nightride (2016), reached number eight on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart in the US. Joyride (2018), her third studio album, peaked at number 58 on the Billboard 200 chart and reached number six on the UK R&B Albums chart. After departing RCA, Tinashe independently released the albums Songs for You (2019), 333 (2021) and BB/Ang3l (2023).

"Illusions"
Tinashe Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I've got to terms with the fact that nothing is what it seems!
What you've been taught is that who you are isn't quiet good enough
You need to be... More than
Bigger than, brighter than, smarter than slimmer than... Richer
How you already...
It's some idea that in some pretty feature
You can be better than how you are
So if you look happy with who you are

It's actually good news because you're not who you think you are

This life is an illusion
Who you think you are is who you think you are

Overall Meaning

In Tinashe's song "Illusions," you can see her reflection on the concept of self-perception. Tinashe sings about how she has come to terms with the fact that nothing is what it seems. She continues to express how the society compels her to be bigger, brighter, smarter, slimmer, and richer than who she already is. She adds that the idea that we can be better than who we are is just a pretty feature created by our minds. Hence, if we are finally content with who we are, actually, it's good news because we're not who we think we are. Therefore, the entire concept of life is an illusion. The title of the song is a clear indication over here as it means something that appears to be different from what it is. Tinashe argues that we are just living in a world of pretenses, trying to be something or someone else in order to fit into the society's expectations.

In essence, Tinashe is trying to tell the listeners that we need to accept ourselves for who we are without trying to change ourselves to fit into the society's illusory standards. It is a wake-up call to everyone, reminding them to break free from the prison of social expectations and just focus on being their true selves.

Line by Line Meaning

I've got to terms with the fact that nothing is what it seems!
I have come to accept that things are not always as they appear.

What you've been taught is that who you are isn't quiet good enough
You have been conditioned to believe that your current self is inadequate.

You need to be... More than
You feel like you are not enough and need to exceed expectations.

Bigger than, brighter than, smarter than slimmer than... Richer
You measure yourself against arbitrary standards of success and perfection.

How you already...
You fail to recognize and appreciate the strengths and accomplishments you already possess.

It's some idea that in some pretty feature
You hold onto the belief that someday you will magically transform into the person you aspire to be.

You can be better than how you are
You believe there is always room for improvement and that you must constantly strive for self-improvement.

So if you look happy with who you are
Contentment with oneself is a rare, valuable trait to possess.

It's actually good news because you're not who you think you are
If you are happy with yourself, it indicates that you have recognized that you are more than the limitations you set for yourself.

This life is an illusion
Life may not be what it seems; it is a fleeting and transient experience.

Who you think you are is who you think you are
Your understanding of your identity is shaped by your own beliefs and perceptions.

Contributed by Chase T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS