Tori Kelly first rose to attention when her cover of Frank Ocean’s “Thinkin Bout You,” went viral, racking up over 22 million views. To date, her YouTube channel boasts over ONE MILLION YouTube Subscribers with over 89 million views. Now, two EP’s later Handmade Songs, which Kelly self-penned, produced, mixed and released, and Foreword, she plans to release her first full length debut this spring.
Kelly co-wrote “Nobody Love” off her 2015 Spring debut alongside Rickard Goransson and Max Martin. Martin says, "After hearing Tori sing, we felt so inspired that we had no choice but to get involved. It’s been such a pleasure to be a part of her journey.” She also co-wrote with such vets as Savan Kotecha, Toby Gad, Claude Kelly, Chuck Harmony, Wolf Cousins, and Ed Sheeran. The album, she says, does not depart from her soulful roots. “It’s like a marriage between that soulful urban thing and a mainstream pop vibe. It was hard to get to that place, but once we had ‘Nobody Love,’ I knew we’d cracked the code. It felt seamless.”
Working with one of the most successful hit makers in the industry is a long way from Kelly’s early years making songs in her bedroom and posting them online. Born and raised in Temecula, California, Kelly is the daughter of musicians, her dad is a singer and bassist and her mom plays piano and saxophone. She sites early influences like gospel singer Crystal Lewis, Jill Scott, Jeff Buckley, and Maxwell.
Over the past year and a half, Kelly has sold out shows in several major cities (including The Troubadour and The Roxy in Los Angeles, the Bowery Ballroom and Gramercy Theatre in New York City, and Bush Hall in London), headlined a nine-city sold-out U.S. tour, and supported Ed Sheeran, and Sam Smith on tour.
“I'm excited to get out and play for people. That's always the dream.”
Funny
Tori Kelly Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What is your definition of a true superstar?
Is it beauty? Is it money? Is it power? Is it fame?
Are you in it for the glory? What's the purpose? What's the game?
Everything you ever wanted got you tied up in chains
Be careful how you play the game
'Cause the same things that chose you are the same things that own you
The same ones that praise you are the same ones that hate you
Funny how it all goes around
If you lose your soul, you lose it all
If you're at the top, then brace for the fall
Surrounded by faces, but no one to call
Funny how it all goes around
If you lose your soul, you lose it all
If you're at the top, then brace for the fall
Surrounded by faces, but no one to call
Funny how it all goes around
If you look through a microscope at this messed up world
You would see every scratch, every flaw, every ounce of dirt
Your so-called friends you're leaning on, but all they do is take
You say it's fine, but deep inside you wish you could escape
Everything you ever wanted got you tied up in chains
Be careful how you play the game
'Cause the same ones that shun you are the same ones that love you
The same words that break you are the same words that shape you
The same rules that blind you are the same rules that guide you
Funny how it all goes around
If you lose your soul, you lose it all
If you're at the top, then brace for the fall
Surrounded by faces, but no one to call
Funny how it all goes around
If you lose your soul, you lose it all
If you're at the top, then brace for the fall
Surrounded by faces, but no one to call
Funny how it all goes around
You keep on crying out
Don't let me hit the ground
Your soul is crying out
Don't let me hit the ground
You keep crying out, Lord
Don't let me hit the ground
Your soul is crying out
Don't let me hit the ground
If you lose your soul, then you lose it all
If you're at the top, then brace for the fall
Surrounded by faces, no one to call
Funny how it all goes around
If you lose your soul, then you lose it all
Surrounded by faces, but no one to call
If you're at the top, brace for the fall
Funny how, funny how it all goes around, yeah
Oooh, yeah
Don't let me hit the ground
You keep on crying out
Don't let me hit the ground
Funny how it all goes around
The lyrics of "Funny" by Tori Kelly are a reflection on the difficult and often negative aspects of fame and success. The song cautions against being too focused on material possessions, fame, and glory, reminding listeners that these things can be incredibly fleeting and often lead to feelings of emptiness and loneliness. The lyrics also touch on the importance of surrounding oneself with true friends and loved ones, rather than just people who will use and take advantage of you. The song highlights the destructive nature of the entertainment industry and the lows that come with the highs of success.
The chorus of "Funny" establishes the overarching theme of the song: that what goes around comes around, and that losing your soul is the greatest loss of all. The verses explore this theme in more depth, with lines like "The same thing that built you is the same thing that kills you" and "The same ones that praise you are the same ones that hate you" hinting at the complex and often intense emotional experiences that come with fame and success.
Overall, "Funny" is a poignant and honest examination of celebrity culture and the potential pitfalls of seeking fame and fortune.
Line by Line Meaning
It's so easy to lose all the meaning of who you are
It’s easy to forget your authentic self and lose your way in the pursuit of fame.
What is your definition of a true superstar?
What qualities do you think makes someone a true superstar?
Is it beauty? Is it money? Is it power? Is it fame?
Do you think it’s physical appearance, wealth, influence, or popularity that makes someone a true superstar?
Are you in it for the glory? What's the purpose? What's the game?
What motivates you to become a superstar? What's your end-goal? What's the price you're willing to pay?
Everything you ever wanted got you tied up in chains
The things you've wanted so badly that you've worked tirelessly for have become your shackles.
Be careful how you play the game
Be mindful of the choices and decisions you make as they may have lasting consequences.
'Cause the same things that chose you are the same things that own you
The very things that made you a superstar can become your master, controlling every aspect of your life.
The same thing that built you is the same thing that kills you
The very same things that contributed to your success can also lead to your downfall and eventual ruin.
The same ones that praise you are the same ones that hate you
People who shower you with compliments and flattery can also talk negatively behind your back.
Funny how it all goes around
It's ironic how things can turn on you and go in circles.
If you lose your soul, you lose it all
If you lose your moral compass and identity, then everything else you gained is meaningless.
If you're at the top, then brace for the fall
If you’ve reached the highest echelon, you should prepare for the inevitable decline.
Surrounded by faces, but no one to call
When you’re famous, you’re surrounded by numerous people, but you may have no one to trust or call your true friend.
If you look through a microscope at this messed up world
If you examine this world through a critical lens and focus on its flaws and imperfections,
You would see every scratch, every flaw, every ounce of dirt
You’d see all the blemishes and mistakes, no matter how small or large.
Your so-called friends you're leaning on, but all they do is take
The people you think are your friends and rely on for support can be only interested in taking advantage of your success.
You say it's fine, but deep inside you wish you could escape
You put up a brave face, but inside you’re longing to escape your situation.
'Cause the same ones that shun you are the same ones that love you
The people who ignore or ostracize you are the same people who are capable of loving you.
The same words that break you are the same words that shape you
The very words that hurt and damage you can also empower and shape you.
The same rules that blind you are the same rules that guide you
The same set of principles that may cloud your judgement can also provide you with direction and guidance.
You keep on crying out
You keep on pleading and asking for help.
Don't let me hit the ground
Don’t let me fall and crash.
Your soul is crying out
Your inner-self is in distress.
If you lose your soul, then you lose it all
You have nothing left once you’ve lost your true identity.
Surrounded by faces, no one to call
You can be surrounded by people, but no one who genuinely cares for you and can offer you support.
Funny how, funny how it all goes around, yeah
It’s oddly coincidental how everything appears to be cyclical and connected.
Oooh, yeah
Exclamation of wonder and amazement.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Charles T Harmon, Claude Kelly, Tori Kelly
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Michael Muryn
Interesting comment.
I actually discovered her tonight because I was just curious if someone talked about an "unbreakable smile" concept over the web.
Reason I seeked that is I am a bit fed up with negativity people tend to propagate a bit too much, but even when I feel mega up, proud of decisions I do, happy about how I feel, there will always be couple of events or people that will try to bring me down with some negativities, but they won't break my smile easily!! I choose to be happy, no matter how people can decide to judge me, I know who I am and what I do, if they choose to assume things without verifying, I should not and will not let their wrong assumptions drain my positive energy!!)
That being said, I am not sure what you imply about appearance / sexiness and I have not checked much of her. But people does not necessary need to get naked to be very attractive. I don't think her "beauty" is harming her much. ;-)
As for Simon turning her down... I did not know... I guess it is time to do some search. Not only it shows dedications. People like Simon are there to take decision and love it or hate it, he has left a mark and he has been nicer sometime than his bad reputation. But things like this are hurdle on the road. It does not necessary mean Simon put her down (did not yet see it), but if he did not take her, we should not actually conclude that wa mean. He was only an hurdle along the road.
AJ Rafael
i love this one.
David Dellota
yeah haha
I think the next collab for you guys is long overdue
kayriana73
Collaaabbbbb aj and tori plz. I miss them
Abbie Carney
You guys really need to collab again!!! Maybe a Christmas one???
kharla quinga
funny how it goes all goes around ♥
Jordon Winn
me too AJ, me too
Abby Kate
I really wish more people would pay attention to the lyrics of her songs. They all have so much meaning that often goes unnoticed.
Yafit Harris
Soooo right
The Waiting Season
I definitely agree!!
Ian Maheti Mbano
"The same rules that blind you Are the same rules that guide you"