Later
emawK Lyrics
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Told you what I said
Gave you what I knew
Handed you the keys to my soul
You went and drove me wild
Took me for a fool
(Had to take them keys back)
I was mesmerized by your sermons
Idle mind on the road of good intention
Cut across, now we riding into oncoming traffic
I've got this wheel I swear
The sound of this new year
Is tires screeching
I never say goodbye right
Island to myself
I learned not to trust
Your point of view
(You're too far in the distance)
Alleys colored my fears
Orange darkness and black eyed blues
Before you judge me take a trip to the reflection pool
Hope you take a look
Hope you don't get lost
Looking at youth
(Don't come back until you feel the set of horns under your pillow)
I know who I am
You know who I was
My heart still beats true
I never say goodbye right
I'm gon' live my truth
The lyrics from emawk's song "Later" speaks of a relationship that ended due to the singer's realization of the other person's dishonesty. The song begins with the singer explaining how they bared their soul to their partner, sharing their dreams and desires, only for the partner to take advantage of their vulnerability and drive them wild in a negative way. The singer then reflects on how they were mesmerized by their partner's words, but did not appreciate the guilt that came with it. They go on to explain how they were on the road of good intention, but due to the influence of the partner, they ended up heading in the wrong direction - into oncoming traffic.
The next verse speaks about the singer being left alone on an island, having learned not to trust the partner's point of view. They explain how the alleys have colored their fears, but before the partner judges them, they should take a trip to the reflection pool and reflect on themselves. The singer expresses their hopes that the partner takes a look at their own behavior and doesn't get lost in their youth. They end the song affirming that they know who they are, and while the partner knows who they were, the singer's heart still beats true.
Overall, "Later" speaks to the pain of being betrayed by someone who you trusted and thought was your equal. The lyrics are reflective and introspective, speaking to the singer's own journey of self-discovery and self-love.
Line by Line Meaning
Showed you what I did
I shared my accomplishments with you
Told you what I said
I was honest with you about my words and actions
Gave you what I knew
I shared my knowledge with you
Handed you the keys to my soul
I trusted you with my deepest thoughts and feelings
You went and drove me wild
Your actions caused me to lose control
Took me for a fool
You underestimated me and my intelligence
(Had to take them keys back)
I had to take back my trust and vulnerability
I was mesmerized by your sermons
I was captivated by your persuasive speeches
But I don't like guilt on my Sunday
I don't want to feel ashamed or guilty, especially on a day of rest
Idle mind on the road of good intention
My mind wandered while I was trying to do something good
Cut across, now we riding into oncoming traffic
I took a risky shortcut and now the situation is dangerous
I've got this wheel I swear
I am in control of my own life
The sound of this new year
The changes and challenges of this new year
Is tires screeching
Are causing chaos and distress
I never say goodbye right
I struggle with saying goodbye properly
Island to myself
I am alone and isolated
I learned not to trust
I have become cautious and skeptical
Your point of view
Your perspective and opinions
(You're too far in the distance)
You are too distant or removed to understand my current situation
Alleys colored my fears
Dark and dangerous places made me feel afraid
Orange darkness and black eyed blues
The colors and emotions associated with my past struggles
Before you judge me take a trip to the reflection pool
Take time to reflect and understand my perspective before criticizing me
Hope you take a look
I hope you try to understand my experiences
Hope you don't get lost
I hope you don't become confused or misguided
Looking at youth
Thinking about the past and younger versions of myself
(Don't come back until you feel the set of horns under your pillow)
Don't return until you have faced and overcome difficult challenges
I know who I am
I have a strong sense of self-identity
You know who I was
You may have known me in the past, but I have changed
My heart still beats true
I am still honest and authentic
I'm gon' live my truth
I will live honestly and in accordance with my own beliefs
Writer(s): Kwame Nkrumah
Contributed by Harper N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
