Border: A Soulful Escape
Production and Sound
"Border" opens with an ethereal, synthy guitar line that creates a sense of anticipation before transitioning into a classic R&B soundscape, complete with a whimsical backing track and delicate key accents. Kehlani's layered, gospel-style vocals soar over this arrangement, creating a dreamy and introspective atmosphere. The song's sweetness and warmth perfectly complement Kehlani's lyrical plea to escape California and leave her demons and disorders behind.
Vocal Performance and Instrumentation
The track showcases Kehlani's vocal prowess, as she effortlessly navigates the emotional complexities of the song. Her voice conveys both vulnerability and strength, painting a vivid picture of someone grappling with their mental health and seeking solace in a fresh start. Producer Jack Ro's instrumentation is equally impressive, providing a lush backdrop that enhances the song's emotional impact.
Lyrical Themes and Narrative
"Border" is a captivating and heartfelt exploration of the desire for escape and healing. Kehlani's lyrics resonate with anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed by their surroundings or struggled with their mental health. The song's beautiful melody and powerful vocals offer a sense of hope and reassurance, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, there's always a chance for a fresh start and a brighter future.
The Empowering Outro
The outro adds a powerful layer to the song's narrative, as Kehlani addresses someone who has tried to exploit her vulnerability and mental health struggles for their own gain. Her defiant words, "You do not get to turn the thing that saved my life into something for you to use," underscore the importance of self-advocacy and setting boundaries, even in the face of love and support.
Kehlani Border Review
This empowering message elevates "Border" beyond a simple plea for escape, transforming it into an anthem of resilience and self-worth. It is a captivating and heartfelt exploration of the desire for escape and healing, showcasing Kehlani's vocal prowess and Jack Ro's masterful production. The song's relatable lyrics and empowering message make it a standout track on "While We Wait 2."
Listen to Kehlani Border
Kehlani Border Lyrics Meaning Explained
The meaning of "Border" by Kehlani is a poignant exploration of the desire for escape and healing in the face of mental health struggles. The song delves into the complexities of navigating a world that often feels overwhelming and judgmental, while also highlighting the importance of self-advocacy and setting boundaries within relationships. Kehlani's raw and honest lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone yearning for a fresh start, seeking solace away from their "demons and disorders."
Verse 1: A Plea for Escape
"Border" opens with Kehlani's plea for escape, painting a picture of a world where even something positive like an "angel" wouldn't make a difference amidst her struggles ("You could be an angel, babe/ And I wouldn't know it, I wouldn't give a damn, no way"). She describes a life passing her by, leaving her clinging to her faith and battling intense emotions ("That I fall hard, fought to keep down") that threaten to destabilize her.
Pre-Chorus: The Struggle to Stay Afloat
The pre-chorus echoes this struggle, portraying a relentless fight against overwhelming challenges ("I fight to stay way too many days/ And I drag my feet through too many waves/ Bigger than I can swim").
Chorus: The Urge to Escape
The chorus then becomes a yearning for a fresh start, a desire to cross borders and leave behind the negativity and mental health struggles ("demons and disorders") that haunt her. The fear of judgment is palpable, but she finds solace in the support of someone who understands her "borderline" state.
Verse 2: Vulnerability and Longing for Support
In the second verse, Kehlani's vulnerability shines through as she reflects on past relationships and the dismissive attitudes towards her mental health ("my exes wanna see me in a padded room"). She expresses a longing for healing through nature and medication ("I think I need nature and a Valium"), seeking solace in a less restrictive environment. The repetition of the questions "And if they lock me up would you come visit?/ And if they make me stay would you consider stayin'?" reveals a deep-seated fear of relapse and a desperate need for unwavering support. She questions the commitment of her current partner, asking, "have you made up your mind?" while acknowledging her own efforts towards stability ("I'm medicated this time").
Outro: Reclaiming Agency
The outro serves as a powerful declaration of self-empowerment. Kehlani confronts someone who has attempted to exploit her vulnerability, asserting her autonomy and refusing to allow her journey of self-care to be used against her. Her defiant words, "You do not get to turn the thing that saved my life into something for you to use," underscore the importance of self-advocacy and setting boundaries, even in the face of love and support.
Border Meaning: A Journey Towards Healing and Self-Empowerment
"Border" is a poignant reflection of the challenges faced by those battling mental health issues. It explores the complexities of seeking support and maintaining boundaries within relationships, while also highlighting the importance of self-advocacy and prioritizing one's well-being. The song's raw honesty and emotional depth resonate deeply, offering a message of hope and strength to anyone navigating their own journey toward healing and self-discovery.
Kehlani Border Lyrics
[Verse 1]
You could be an angel, babe
And I wouldn't know it, I wouldn't give a damn, no way
Life has been passin' by, passin' me up
And I'm holdin' on for what it's worth
'Cause all I got is me and my faith (My faith)
That I fall hard, fought to keep down
And it's takin' me far from grounded
But it means somethin' that you're proud
[Pre-Chorus]
'Cause I fight to stay way too many days
And I drag my feet through too many waves
Bigger than I can swim
Then I start again
[Chorus]
Let's leave California
Maybe I need to cross the border
Away from my demons and disorders
Nothin' can catch us if we're runnin' forward
And maybe everyone here would call me crazy
And then you'd tell 'em it's the borderline
No one can catch me if I'm runnin' forward
[Verse 2]
And my еxes wanna see me in a padded room
But I think I need naturе and a Valium
You saw passed my outbursts and my attitude
So I ain't mad at you, I still ain't mad at you
And if they lock me up would you come visit?
And if they make me stay would you consider stayin'?
And waitin' outside, have you made up your mind?
I'm medicated this time
[Pre-Chorus]
'Cause I fight to stay way too many days
And I drag my feet through too many waves
Bigger than I can swim
Then I start again
[Chorus]
Let's leave California
Maybe I need to cross a border
Away from my demons and disorders
Nothin' can catch us if we're runnin' forward
And maybe everyone here would call me crazy
And then you'd tell 'em it's the borderline
[Outro]
I left to take care of myself, but you do not get to lie (Nobody **** understands me, bro, it's excruciating)
You do not get to turn the thing that saved my life (Don't make it up, I'm tired, I'm so tired)
And saved save me from myself, and my explanation for what's been wrong with me my entire life
You do not get to turn that into something for you to use
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