k-os (born Kevin Brereton on February 20, 1972 in Toronto, Canada) is a Can… Read Full Bio ↴k-os (born Kevin Brereton on February 20, 1972 in Toronto, Canada) is a Canadian rapper, singer, songwriter and record producer of Trinidadian descent. His real name may also be cited as Kheaven, a spelling he adopted later.

The alias "k-os" is pronounced "chaos" and is an acronym for "Knowledge of Self," although in a later interview he also said that it stands for "Kheaven's Original Sound." His music incorporates a wide variety of music genres including but not limited to rap, funk, rock, and reggae. The lyrics frequently focus on promoting a "positive message" while at times expressing criticism of mainstream hip hop culture's obsession with money, fame and glorification of violence. A musician as well as a producer, k-os has written and produced a large portion of all four of his albums. k-os usually performs with a live band, something that is uncommon in the hip hop genre. He sometimes plays guitar and keyboard both during live performances and in the studio.

k-os received his first musical exposure with the single "Musical Essence," released in 1993. After the release of his second single "Rise Like The Sun" in 1996 he withdrew from the industry because he was dissatisfied with his musical style. He reappeared briefly in 1999 and released his debut album Exit in 2002. The album received positive reviews but sold relatively few copies. He released his second album Joyful Rebellion in 2004, which received platinum status in Canada. Joyful Rebellion received positive reviews, but at times was criticized for speaking extensively on the state of hip hop. k-os's third album, Atlantis: Hymns for Disco, was released in 2006, and his fourth album entitled Yes! was released in April of 2009.

Burning Bridges
k-os Lyrics

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(Now dance fast this is what we do overall in this century)

I don't really care that I'm burning some bridges
We don't need no water, let it burn to the ground
Some might fear, some of them are superstitious
But my ear is to the ground and I walk the streets downtown

It's just the same ol' story

It's such a different story
It's just the same ol' story
It's for the game

When I was a young boy
I always seemed to care what they thought about me
But now I'm all grown up and I make my own choice
I will be standing tall, dropping down on my feet

I don't really care that I'm burning some bridges
We don't need no water, let it burn to the ground
Some might fear, some of them are superstitious
But my ear is to the ground 'cause I walk the streets downtown
Downtown, downtown

Downtown
Where ever the crown, it's downtown
Turn on the light
'Cause your left hand knows what you're doing with your right
And when the right hand glows, left is jealous of the light
So you put them both together and you clap for your life
Time, that's why I'm back in the building
Convert the flame the faith that I was building
Get off the bridge all the women and children
Fire code, sheep in wolf's clothes

I don't really care that I'm burning some bridges
We don't need no water, let it burn to the ground
Some might fear, some of them are superstitious
But my ear is to the ground 'cause I walk the streets downtown
Downtown, downtown

Who would think that you would be the one to bring this on
Who would think that you would be the one to break my heart
I don't care what they say
You're my girl anyway
If the truth sets your free
What's the use if you're not for me?

Oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh

Overall Meaning

In "Burning Bridges," k-os delivers a message about moving forward and not being held back by fear or superstition. He sings about not caring that he's burning some bridges, an apt metaphor for severing ties and leaving the past behind. The chorus repeats the line "We don't need no water, let it burn to the ground," suggesting that sometimes it's necessary to let things go and let them crumble, rather than trying to save them. K-os acknowledges that some people may be afraid or superstitious about this approach, but he insists on staying grounded and walking the streets of downtown, where the action is. He contrasts his current attitude with his younger self, who worried about what others thought of him, but now he makes his own choices and stands tall on his own two feet.

The verses in "Burning Bridges" incorporate a number of different themes and references. The lines "It's just the same ol' story / it's for the game" hint at a sense of repetition and the idea that life is sometimes just a game with rules to play by. K-os also mentions "the women and children" getting off the bridge, perhaps alluding to the phrase "women and children first" often heard in emergency situations. In the rap verse, he talks about the importance of time and faith, as well as the danger of people posing as something they're not ("sheep in wolf's clothes").

Overall, "Burning Bridges" is a call to action, urging listeners to let go of what's holding them back and embrace change and growth. K-os delivers this message in a poetic and creative way, using a variety of metaphors and references to make his point.

Line by Line Meaning

I don't really care that I'm burning some bridges
I am okay with severing some relationships

We don't need no water, let it burn to the ground
It's fine if the bridges are burned down

Some might fear, some of them are superstitious
People may be afraid of change or hold irrational beliefs

But my ear is to the ground and I walk the streets downtown
I am in touch with the current reality and am actively involved in the community

When I was a young boy
As a child

I always seemed to care what they thought about me
I used to worry about what other people thought of me

But now I'm all grown up and I make my own choice
Today, I am mature and independent

I will be standing tall, dropping down on my feet
I will assert myself and firmly plant my feet on the ground

Where ever the crown, it's downtown
The center of attention is in the city

Turn on the light
Illuminate the truth

'Cause your left hand knows what you're doing with your right
Be honest and sincere in your actions

And when the right hand glows, left is jealous of the light
Jealousy can arise even when we've done nothing wrong

So you put them both together and you clap for your life
Celebrate your actions and choices in life

Time, that's why I'm back in the building
I am focused on making the most of my time

Convert the flame the faith that I was building
Transform my passion into something meaningful

Get off the bridge all the women and children
Help those in need get to safety

Fire code, sheep in wolf's clothes
Be aware of hidden dangers and false appearances

Who would think that you would be the one to bring this on
Surprised by who caused the current situation

Who would think that you would be the one to break my heart
Amazed that someone I trusted could hurt me so much

I don't care what they say
I am determined to stand firm in my beliefs

You're my girl anyway
I still care for you despite our differences

If the truth sets your free
Being honest helps you break free from problems

What's the use if you're not for me?
Why bother being honest if they do not support me?

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DAVE WILLIAMS, KEVIN DERON BRERETON, RAY GARRAWAY, RUSSELL KLYNE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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