“It feels so good to be restless.”
(Moving)
It is restlessness which drives her.
There is this urge which impels her never to stand still and to keep growing and learning. The feeling of never arriving yet always being there. The conviction that one must lose oneself first in order to someday, find oneself.
In the life of Y’akoto it is precisely this restlessness which has been the root and motive force behind all her work, the fount of her being and ultimately, the reason why her voice embodies so much more inherent depth, experience and life, than a singer of 23 years of age would otherwise, under normal circumstances, be endowed with. But let’s start at the beginning!
As the daughter of a Ghanaian father and a German mother, Jennifer Yaa Akoto was raised a cosmopolite from her infancy. She was born in Hamburg and grew up in Ghana with sojourns in Cameroun, Togo and Chad before finally ending up shuttling between Hamburg, Lomé and Paris, a wanderer between worlds, a modern-day nomad who has always drawn strength from a state of permanent transition, which she has always seen as the inexhaustible source of her inspiration. “The numerous relocations, all the travel, and the global adaptability this entailed – all these things strongly influenced me.” states Y’akoto. “Yet I feel no sense of displacement or inner conflict. On the contrary, it is all these stages of a journey, all the impressions and experiences en route, which together, form a sum that is greater than its parts – a greater whole – the sum of me, my totality.” And to be sure, this statement characterizes her career as an artist to date, which has turned out to be just as exhilarating and multifaceted as her eventful personal life.
Music has always defined Y’akoto’s life: her father was a renowned artist of the West African Highlife music genre while Y’akoto herself was given piano lessons at a very early age. At the age of 13, she sang in a band for the first time. With their effervescent fusion of Rock, Reggae, Soul and Funk, they toured the youth clubs and won numerous band competitions. At 16, she made a brief excursion into electronic music in a fit of adolescent whimsy which lasted until she ended up in a line-up involving beat box, guitar, bass and vocals. “The turning point in my music only came when I turned 20” reminisces Y’akoto. This was shortly after successfully graduating as a certified teacher of dance when the solo artist Y’akoto emerged full-blown, which meant, in concrete terms: less experimentation and getting down to basics; no more compulsive innovation for its own sake, but focusing upon the essentials. In short: effectiveness meets avant-garde. “Nowadays the most important thing is to tell stories with my songs. That is why the sound is stripped down to the very basics. Less is more. I took great pains to make sure that in this album, things were kept consistently purist and unadulterated.”
This record, her debut album, ‘Babyblues’ is a splendid collection of songs full of meaning and depth which Y’akoto wrote herself in the course of the past two years in close collaboration with Mocky, Haze and the Kahedi production team (Max Herre, Samon Kawamura and Roberto Di Gioia). “A number of songs on the album such as ‘Good Better Best’ or ‘Moving’ have a very strong Afro feel to them, but for me, they are, above all, folk music, because I want to address people at a very personal level. The songs deal primarily with real life, with the things that happen to each and every one of us every day of our lives; stories that everyone has experienced and can empathize with.” In consequence, Y’akoto’s tracks excel so impressively for reason of a fascinating universal validity which they express with no trace of being clichéd.
With her songs, Y’akoto follows in the footsteps of such luminaries as Billie Holiday, Nina Simone and Erykah Badu as she manages effortlessly to encapsulate grandly intense feeling in exquisite narrative vignettes, moving miniatures in which the concerns of a single individual become the concerns of many. And yet, Y’akoto is simply on a hegira of soul-searching.
At least that is what a spiritually empowered woman in Africa asserted, who Y’akoto consulted - just for fun, actually - in the course her latest sojourn there. The old lady took Y’akoto’s hand, looked deep into her eyes and solemnly declared that Y’akoto had lost her soul. A short, sharp shock. “Then the old lady said that I was in constant search of my soul, which immediately made perfect sense to me” declared Y’akoto, late of Hamburg. “And I then realized that’s why I’ve always refused to say that I perform ‘soul’ music. ‘Soul-searching-music’ would be the better term.”
And indeed, Y’akoto is actually on a hegira of soul-searching.
One thing’s for sure: a voyage of self-discovery like that can hardly be undertaken alone. You need a crew of capable, trustworthy hands to make a musical manifesto out of this soul-searching mission. And Y’akoto found this crew of kindred spirits in Mocky, Haze, as well as in Max Herre, Samon Kawamura und Roberto Di Gioia aka Kahedi. “What I like best about Mocky is his impulsiveness”, enthused the female vocalist about her work with the Canadian now residing in Berlin. “Without wasting words he knew immediately what I wanted. He always managed to bring the right spirit into our studio work and his love of experimentation was perfectly in tune with my approach to music.” Her collaboration with Max Herre turned out to be similarly rewarding. “Things could get tricky and complicated while recording vocal passages where raw, inmost feelings are revealed, but since Max is a vocalist himself, he has a profound understanding of my needs as a singer” states the 23 year-old about the studio sessions and adds: “Everyone involved were, first and foremost, really great musicians. Each an every one of them, a master of his craft. But what amazed me most was the fact that every one of them poured so much work and love into this project. Everything came so harmoniously and naturally, everything felt so right – it didn’t feel like just another job.”
And this feeling of uncompromising consistency is a recurring theme joyously audible through all the songs of the album. Each effortlessly rendered track leads smoothly to the next, the appeal of each individual song seemingly interwoven with that of every other in the album, within the greater context of an encompassing love for music which is the leitmotif.
Take, for instance, the lively and infectious song ‘Moving’, a musical allegory of melancholy mysticism and effusive sensuality. ‘Moving’ is a track which stays with you, imprinting echoes of itself in your mind, a breathtaking, continuous adventure which seems to have neither beginning nor end, with a compelling melody which stems mostly from Y’akoto’s experimental side, from her penchant for non-conformist artistic expression.
This individualistic bent is also strikingly manifest in the choice of track for her first single off the album: then instead of regaling the public with a cheerful effort like ‘Good Better Best’ styled with the help of Haze into a nimbly catchy world music hymn replete with captivating allusions to the music of traditional African dance, Y’akoto chose the moving ‘Tamba’ where she tells of the terrible fate of an African child-soldier. The song is fraught with mordant images which bury themselves into the listener’s mind like a spray of shrapnel, making the frightful lot of the child-soldier a thing to be heard and felt. “Of course, this isn’t a song that conjures a smile on the listener’s face. But it gives him food for thought” offers Y’akoto as explanation for her choice of ‘Tamba’ as first single release. “Music simply doesn’t always have to present a pleasant face. Sometimes music must hurt to make a difference.” That this album will have lasting impact is undeniable.
‘Babyblues’, where Y’akoto reveals her innermost feelings, is testament to the emotional gravity in which she was occasionally immersed in the course of writing her songs. More than anything, her title track ‘Babyblues’ underscores the mystery and darkness inherent in such an otherwise luminous personality as Y’akoto’s, where, accompanied by delicate strains of the piano, she mines the depths of her soul for that black, lightless pulsing core which she then brings to light, transmuted into a glittering prize. “There was actually a time when I felt the blues within me” confesses Y’akoto and laughs. “I got totally absorbed in the blues and that was hard – still, it was fun. A rather silly, childish sentiment came to life at the time – that’s the reason for the title ‘Babyblues’.”
The way in which the 23 year-old adds astounding weight to the meaning of her words with profound emotion; the way in which she combines her youthful vitality with the technical accomplishment of an avowed female vocalist of stature and experience; the way in which her acute flair for creating moving moments of emotion and sensibility emerges from her supreme artistic composure – all this touches the soul, moves the listener; makes a lasting impact.
There is this urge which impels her never to stand still and always to keep growing and learning. This feeling of never arriving yet always being there. The conviction that one must lose oneself first in order to someday, find oneself.
It is restlessness which drives her.
Sites: De.Wikipedia
Without You
Y'akoto Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I pursued by with my eyes
Hypnotized by your smile, by your grace, by your style
I wanted to be close to you
And I could tell you wanted too
'Cause I can't go home without you
Won't leave alone
My chance is blown
'Cause you are leaving with the break of dawn
So let us try to change our lives, tonight, oh, tonight
I won't explain, I'll use no words
For what I feel when you're near
Take my hand and turn me around
Let's take off from the ground
Dance me far, far away
Hold on tight, let's be insane
I can't go home without you
Won't leave alone
'Cause if I wake up without you
My chance is blown
'Cause you are leaving with the break of dawn
So let us try to change our lives, tonight
I've never felt this way
I cannot tell you why
There's something in the air that we can not deny
Don't wanna be afraid
Don't wanna be too wise
I want your love, I wanna feel alive
'Cause you are leaving with the break of dawn
So let us try to change our lives
I can't go home without you
Won't leave alone
'Cause if I wake up without you
My chance is blown
'Cause you are leaving with the break of dawn
So let us try to change our lives, tonight
The lyrics to "Without You" by Y'akoto convey a sense of urgency, desire, and fear of losing someone that has just been met. The song seems to be about falling for someone almost instantly after meeting them and wanting to spend the entire night with them before they leave in the morning. The opening lines suggest that the night was blue, perhaps representing a sense of melancholy or longing. The singer's focus on the target of their affection is clear- they watch them with their eyes and are completely taken in by their smile, grace, and style. They are drawn to them and want to be close to them. The chorus repeats the sense of urgency and fear of losing the person, stating that they cannot go home or wake up without them because their chance will be blown. The lyrics indicate that the two of them need to take this chance and try to change their lives that night.
The second verse, with its pleading lyrics, unfolds the singer's desire to be taken away far, far away and to hold on tight while they dance. Their emotions are on full display, as they "cannot tell why" they have never felt this way before. They are willing to let go of fear and just let themselves feel alive. The song ends as it began, with the chorus repeating the same lines, like a plea to hold on a little longer and not let go.
Line by Line Meaning
When I saw you, the night was blue
The singer was struck by the beauty of their love interest.
I pursued by with my eyes
The singer watched their love interest, hoping to get closer.
Hypnotized by your smile, by your grace, by your style
The singer was completely enamored with the beauty and charm of their love interest.
I wanted to be close to you
The artist desired to be near their love interest.
And I could tell you wanted too
The artist sensed that their love interest shared the desire to be close.
'Cause I can't go home without you
The singer cannot bear the thought of leaving without their love.
Won't leave alone
The singer wants to stay with their love interest.
'Cause if I wake up without you
The artist fears losing their chance with their love interest.
My chance is blown
If the artist wakes up without their love interest, the opportunity will be lost.
'Cause you are leaving with the break of dawn
The artist knows their love interest will be gone by morning.
So let us try to change our lives, tonight, oh, tonight
The singer wants to take a chance on love and change their lives tonight.
I won't explain, I'll use no words
The artist's feelings are too deep for words.
For what I feel when you're near
The singer experiences intense emotions in the presence of their love interest.
Take my hand and turn me around
The singer wants their love interest to take control and lead them.
Let's take off from the ground
The singer wants to escape reality and fly away with their love interest.
Dance me far, far away
The artist desires to dance and escape from the world with their love interest.
Hold on tight, let's be insane
The artist wants to hold tightly onto their love interest and do something wild and crazy.
I've never felt this way
The singer is experiencing new and intense emotions.
I cannot tell you why
The singer is unsure why they feel this way.
There's something in the air that we can not deny
The artist senses an undeniable connection with their love interest.
Don't wanna be afraid
The artist wants to embrace love without fear.
Don't wanna be too wise
The artist doesn't want to overanalyze their feelings and miss out on love.
I want your love, I wanna feel alive
The singer wants to be with their love interest and feel truly alive.
'Cause you are leaving with the break of dawn
The artist is desperate to be with their love interest before they leave.
So let us try to change our lives
The singer wants to take a chance on love and change their lives.
Tonight I can't go home without you
The singer cannot bear the thought of leaving without their love tonight.
Won't leave alone
The singer wants to stay with their love interest tonight.
'Cause if I wake up without you
The artist fears losing the chance to be with their love interest tonight.
My chance is blown
If the artist wakes up without their love interest tonight, the opportunity will be lost.
'Cause you are leaving with the break of dawn
The singer knows their love interest will be gone by morning.
So let us try to change our lives, tonight
The singer wants to take a chance on love and change their lives tonight.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Tom Hugo Hermansen, Yaa Akoto Kieck
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
RABİA TİĞLİ
When I saw you
The night was blue
I pursued by
With my eyes
Hypnotised
By your smile
By your grace
By your style
I wanted to
Be close to you
And I could tell you wanted too
[Chorus]
Cause I can’t go home without you
Won’t leave alone
Cause if I wake up without you
My chance is blown
Cause you are leaving with the break of dawn
So let us try to change our lives, tonight
Oh, tonight
[Verse 1]
I won’t explain
I’ll use no words
For what I feel
When you’re near
Take my hand
And turn me around
Let’s take off
From the ground
Dance me far
Far away
Hold on tight
Let’s be insane
[Chorus]
[Bridge]
I’ve never felt this way
I cannot tell you why
There’s something in the air
That we can not deny
Don’t wanna be afraid
Don't wanna be too wild
I want your love
I wanna feel alive
Oh...
[Outro]
Cause you are leaving with the break of dawn
So let us try to change our lives…
I can’t go home without you
Won’t leave alone
Cause if I wake up without you
My chance is blown
Cause you are leaving with the break of dawn
So let us try to change our lives, tonight
Shatha Alwafi
Wow! I accidentally heard the song, and wow it's underrated!!
am I the only one who thinks her voice has abit of an Amy Winehouse glitter to it ?! 🖤🖤✨
silviac221
Yes, there's an Amy Winehouse thing there, not just her voice. Fantastic, I've just discovered her.
Thaís R.
Desde que ouvi pela primeira vez não paro mais, a energia da sua música é forte, é maravilhosa! Sua voz é um das mais lindas que já ouvi... Obrigada pela sua arte, Yakoto! Sou sua fã do Brasil <3
Adrian PROFM
What is the boy's name?
RABİA TİĞLİ
When I saw you
The night was blue
I pursued by
With my eyes
Hypnotised
By your smile
By your grace
By your style
I wanted to
Be close to you
And I could tell you wanted too
[Chorus]
Cause I can’t go home without you
Won’t leave alone
Cause if I wake up without you
My chance is blown
Cause you are leaving with the break of dawn
So let us try to change our lives, tonight
Oh, tonight
[Verse 1]
I won’t explain
I’ll use no words
For what I feel
When you’re near
Take my hand
And turn me around
Let’s take off
From the ground
Dance me far
Far away
Hold on tight
Let’s be insane
[Chorus]
[Bridge]
I’ve never felt this way
I cannot tell you why
There’s something in the air
That we can not deny
Don’t wanna be afraid
Don't wanna be too wild
I want your love
I wanna feel alive
Oh...
[Outro]
Cause you are leaving with the break of dawn
So let us try to change our lives…
I can’t go home without you
Won’t leave alone
Cause if I wake up without you
My chance is blown
Cause you are leaving with the break of dawn
So let us try to change our lives, tonight
Ersin Koç
I came again after 3 years later and i feel lucky thanj you yako'to
Apoorva Baheti
Heard this at a store in Rome, what a song. I wish this had been discovered by more people.
Tibor
Apoorva Baheti heard it in a store too, last night. thank god god for shazam.
Erika Erocha
Que voz, que som... AMEI <3
Sergioo Ramoss
Ive been searching this song for about one month , i heard long time ago and one day i just remembered some part of lyrics , now i can die in peace 🤦♂️👋