“BeFoUr” examines Zayn’s life before leaving One Direction and was written in a studio in a Las Vegas hotel immediately after his departure from the band. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Zayn talked about the inspiration behind the song which came during a Big Sean concert this same night
“We were sitting backstage in a VIP area and I was just telling him [Malay], ‘It’s crazy being here in Vegas. I’ve literally been all over the world with One Direction. I’ve done this before, but not like this. Not by myself, not this way, not here with the intention of working on my own music.”
The song title, “BeFoUr”, is obviously a pun. On the track, Zayn repeats several times the line “I’ve done this before”, addressing his career and incredible success with his former band One Direction.
When Zayn left One Direction, there were only four members left. Thanks to the title, the lyrics can be also interpreted as “I’ve done this, be four”, then referencing directly at the boy band.
Ironically enough, the last One Direction’s album Zayn appears on is titled “Four” (because it was their fourth LP).
The song was previewed in a behind-the-scenes video for his Fader cover story in November 2015 (this cover story was actually his first introduction as a solo artist).
BeFoUr
Zayn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Not like this
I don't drink to get drunk
I feel all the right funk
If there's something I want
I'll take all the right wrongs, now
I'm gonna stay in my zone
And I can't be bothered to fight it no more, no
Numb on a roof
Set it on fire
Just to give me proof
I'm living on a wire
Numb on a roof
Set it on fire
Just to give me proof
I'm living on a wire
So say what you wanna say, what you wanna
So say what you wanna say, what you gotta say, now
So say what you wanna say, what you want
Shame is you won't say that to my face
I've done this before
Not like this, not like this
Time for me to move up
So many hours have gone
Heart beats the pump of my blood
No strings for you to pull on
You've got your tongue in your cheek
So pardon if I don't speak
Can't tune my chords into your songs, no
Now I'm on the roof
Set it on fire
Just to give me proof
I'm living on a wire
So say what you wanna say, what you wanna
So say what you wanna say, what you gotta say, now
So say what you wanna say
So say what you wanna say, what you want
Shame is you won't say that to my face
I've done this before
Not like this, not like this
Flashing lights
So say what you wanna say, what you wanna
So say what you wanna say, what you gotta say, now
So say what you wanna say, what you want
Shame is you won't say that to my face
So say what you wanna say, what you wanna (so say what you wanna say)
So say what you wanna say, what you gotta say, now
So say what you wanna say, what you want
Shame is you won't say that to my face
I've done this before
Not like this (not like this) not like this (not like this)
I've done this before
Not like this (not like this) not like this (not like this)
The song "BeFoUr" by Zayn talks about the artist's feelings of being tired and drained from certain aspects of his life. He mentions that he has been through similar experiences before but not in the same way. He clarifies that he doesn't drink to get drunk, but he knows how to have fun and feel good without going overboard. He mentions that if he wants something, he will go after it, even if it means making some wrong choices. Nevertheless, he wants to remain in his zone and is tired of people constantly trying to interfere and control his life. Zayn also points out that he's on a journey that has no safety net, and he's living life without slowing down.
The song speaks about the struggles of being in the public eye and dealing with constant criticism and judgement from others. Zayn mentions that he doesn't care what people say or think about him; he is more concerned with staying true to himself. He has moved past the point of explaining himself and is in a better place where people's words don't affect him. He is not going to let anyone manipulate or control him, and he will continue to live life on his terms.
Overall, "BeFoUr" is a song about self-discovery, self-love, and perseverance. Zayn talks about the challenges of being in the public eye, but he is determined to follow his own path despite the constant hurdles.
Line by Line Meaning
I've done this before
I have faced challenges in the past and I am accustomed to doing so.
Not like this
However, the current situation is different and unlike any other that I have faced before.
I don't drink to get drunk
I do not need to resort to substance abuse to enjoy myself and let go.
I feel all the right funk
I know how to enjoy myself without drinking and can always find the right vibe.
If there's something I want
When I desire something, I will go after it at all costs.
I'll take all the right wrongs, now
Even if it means doing what may seem wrong to others, I will follow what is right for me.
I'm gonna stay in my zone
I will stay in my comfort zone and not let anyone pull me out of it.
I'm tired of picking that bone
I am sick of arguing or fighting over the same thing repeatedly.
And I can't be bothered to fight it no more, no
I refuse to waste any more energy or time on the matter.
Numb on a roof
I feel disconnected and out of touch with reality on this rooftop.
Set it on fire
I am ready to change things and take risks, even if it means potentially losing everything I have.
Just to give me proof
I need some kind of indication or validation that I am living my life the way I want to.
I'm living on a wire
I am walking a fine line between success and failure, and I am aware of this fact.
Time for me to move up
Now is the time for me to advance and move forward in my life.
So many hours have gone
I have spent a lot of time on this journey, and I am not going to waste it now.
Heart beats the pump of my blood
My passion and drive keep me alive and motivated to keep going.
No strings for you to pull on
Others cannot control or manipulate me, as I am independent and self-reliant.
You've got your tongue in your cheek
You are being sarcastic, which I find offensive in this situation.
So pardon if I don't speak
I will not engage in any further conversation or argument with you.
Can't tune my chords into your songs, no
I cannot align myself with your beliefs or values, as they differ from my own.
Flashing lights
I am getting distracted by the outside world, and need to refocus my attention.
Shame is you won't say that to my face
You are too cowardly to say these things to me in person, which I find disrespectful.
So say what you wanna say, what you wanna
Speak your mind if you have something to say, regardless of what others may think.
So say what you wanna say, what you gotta say, now
Express yourself now, do not hold back or regret what you do not say later on.
I've done this before
I am reiterating the fact that I am experienced and equipped to handle any challenges coming my way.
Not like this (not like this) not like this (not like this)
However, the current situation is unique and unlike any other that I have encountered before.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Terrance Smith, Harold S. Lilly, James R.W. Ho, Zain Javadd Malik
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@nishantmishra7718
The era of zayn malik is going to come soon so don't worry
@mooonllight
But when I've been waiting for years , he's so underated 💔
@Zoroxluffy1001
@@mooonllight he's coming he has signed for new label
@yisselsuazo8050
Yes
@Gaurav-fb1ks
@@Zoroxluffy1001 He signed for New Agency not new label. He is still working with shitty RCA label
@sanskar5180
It never went away
@aarzuuu
This song is driving me inzayn
@leylaosman3486
Clever
@jhanjames6538
Inzayn!
@lei7417
Amazayn!