They released their second studio album (Stranger) in 2018, which was called a “finely calibrated mix of purpose and playfulness, executed to stylish perfection” by NPR, “pop caffeine” by Bust Magazine, a “totally vibrant declaration of worth” by The FADER, and “at once triumphant and defiant” by The New Yorker. Tunde toured with Stranger through 2019, opening for Years & Years and My Brightest Diamond.
In addition to their own work, Tunde has collaborated with Detroit artist Flint Eastwood on her track, “Push” and folk singer Chris Bathgate, co-writing and performing on Bathgate’s single “Low Hey.” Olaniran also co-wrote and produced “Hijabi” and “Dog” by Mona Haydar, directing the viral video for “Hijabi,” which was named one of the top 20 protest songs by Billboard Magazine. Beyond music, Tunde was also a contributing author to Octavia’s Brood, a sci-fi/visionary fiction anthology named by Ms. Magazine as one of the top feminist books of 2015.
Olaniran’s art direction and production work with Allied Media Conference (2016-present) included performance collaborations with Angelica Ross, Mariame Kaba, Tarana Burke, adrienne maree brown and Esperanza Spalding.
Olaniran was named a 2018 Art Matters Fellow and a 2019 United States Artists Music Fellow, alongside artists like Juliana Huxtable and Helado Negro. They are currently producing a third studio album during a 2020/2021 UMS digital artist residency. Tunde will be directing their first experimental short film and gallery exhibition in 2022, commissioned by Cranbrook Art Museum, with support from John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and National Endowment for the Arts.
Let me go
Tunde Olaniran Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Of everything and anything you told me
Can't believe I believed ‘em again
But I've done a bit of growing up since you left
And though it took me a second to realize
Even though you got a lot
You didn't get my best
Once upon a time, I was yours, you were mine
Let me go
Let me go
But once upon a time
I was dumb and you were blind
Now unravel me from your finger
Let me go
Let me go
Bang, boom, the body in the room
Middle of the floor, dying from an open wound
Hard to see at first, but then the camera zooms
Close up on my heart
More than once broken apart
I'm dead the bullet in my head
Shot from your gun
Let me taste the lead
The way you misled me
Poison you fed me
Only strengthened me
Once upon a time, I was yours, you were mine
And you had me hook, line, and sinker
Let me go
Let me go
But once upon a time
I was dumb and you were blind
Now unravel me from your finger
Let me go
Let me go
Once upon a time, I was yours, you were mine
And you had me hook, line, and sinker
Let me go
Let me go
But once upon a time
I was dumb and you were blind
Now unravel me from your finger
Let me go
Let me go
The song Let Me Go by Tunde Olaniran is a poignant reflection on the aftermath of a toxic relationship. The lyrics reveal the singer's journey towards self-empowerment and the realization that the person they were with did not deserve their love. The first line invokes Quentin Tarantino, the director whose films often explore themes of vengeance and retribution. This sets the tone for the rest of the song, as the singer seems to be seeking closure and justice for the harm they have suffered.
The second line "Of everything and anything you told me" suggests that the singer has been deceived and manipulated by their partner. They admit to falling for their partner's lies once again, but they have also grown since the relationship ended. The line "Even though you got a lot, you didn't get my best" reveals that the singer recognizes their self-worth and is no longer willing to settle for a relationship that does not bring out the best in them.
The chorus has a powerful message, as the singer demands to be let go from their former partner's grasp. The use of the phrase "hook, line, and sinker" suggests that the singer was completely trapped and unable to escape the relationship. But now, they have found their voice and are determined to break free from the toxicity. The following lines "But once upon a time, I was dumb and you were blind, now unravel me from your finger" further emphasize the singer's newfound strength and self-awareness. They are no longer willing to be held captive by someone who doesn't see their value.
The second verse is a metaphorical retelling of the singer's emotional journey. The imagery of a dead body on the floor and a bullet in the singer's head suggests that the emotional damage inflicted by their partner was severe. But the line "Only strengthened me" shows that the singer has emerged stronger from the experience. The final chorus is a triumphant declaration of independence as the singer insists on being released from the suffocating grip of their former partner.
Overall, Let Me Go is a powerful song about the aftermath of a toxic relationship. It speaks to the experience of many who have struggled to break free from the grasp of someone who doesn't treat them with the love and respect they deserve.
Line by Line Meaning
Like Quentin Tarantino, I'll start at the end
Just like how Quentin Tarantino's movies start at the end and the story is revealed in pieces, I will jump to the conclusion of everything you told me.
Of everything and anything you told me
Referring to all the things the singer has been told by the person they are addressing.
Can't believe I believed 'em again
Expressing disbelief that they fell for the same lies again.
But I've done a bit of growing up since you left
Acknowledging personal growth and development since the person they were with left them.
And though it took me a second to realize
Implies that the artist took longer than they should have to recognize certain things.
Even though you got a lot
Referring to the person's success or wealth.
You didn't get my best
The person the singer was with didn't receive the singer's best effort or love.
Once upon a time, I was yours, you were mine / And you had me hook, line, and sinker
Describing a time when the artist was completely in love with the person they are addressing and would do anything for them.
Bang, boom, the body in the room / Middle of the floor, dying from an open wound
Lyrics describing a scene of violence and death.
Hard to see at first, but then the camera zooms / Close up on my heart / More than once broken apart
Describing how the artist's broken heart is revealed slowly, like a zooming camera.
I'm dead, the bullet in my head / Shot from your gun / Let me taste the lead / The way you misled me / Poison you fed me / Only strengthened me
Using metaphorical language, describing how the person's lies and deceit have hurt the singer, but also empowered them to realize their strength.
Now unravel me from your finger / Let me go / Let me go
Asking to be freed from the grasp of the person they were with and to be allowed to move on with their life.
Contributed by Chase E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.