“Daffodils” by Alicia Keys

Daffodils, as you likely already know, is a type of flower – and a beautiful one at that. And you know how flowers tend to bloom in Spring? That it is that concept, poetically, that this song is centered on. 

Premise-wise, the song seems to be based on the concept of the vocalist and addressee being in a romantic relationship, though one that has its issues. But said issues are more along the lines of being personal to the parties involved.

As far as the vocalist is concerned, she reads like someone who is depressed and in the midst of such is trying to find herself. So it goes for the addressee, though in his regard self-discovery is primarily about finding a proper source of income. 

So it can be postulated that these individuals are in love alright but perhaps having gotten seriously involved prematurely, before finding their own place in the world so to speak.

But that is not to imply that breaking up is an option. Instead what Alicia is celebrating is that after their relationship has endured a rough patch as detailed above, and now, finally, a breakthrough is on the verge of taking place. That is what she means by “here comes the daffodils”.

No condition is permanent. And what the vocalist is saying is that she and her partner have faithfully vested in their romance throughout. So it is only a matter of time before they reap goodness accordingly. In fact she is now able to perceive that said time is at hand.

So whereas it may be tempting to classify this piece as a self-help or motivational tune, which it may well be to some readers, at the end of the day, the way it really reads is as a love song. But it is one in which the vocalist is expressing to her partner that better days are ahead, not only for their relationship but also to some degree for him personally. 

So it is very easy to imagine these sentiments being relayed to a lover who is, say going through a financial crisis. And in that regard, he is being motivated to keep his head up. But more to the point would be that the vocalist truly loves him. Owing to this, she perceives their future prosperity to be intertwined.

Release Date of “Daffodils”

“Daffodils” is a song from Alicia’s eighth studio album (“Keys”). Both “Daffodils” and “KEYS” were released on the same day (December 10 of 2021).

“Keys” was largely produced by the singer herself. It was released through American record label, RCA Records.

Prior to the album’s official date of release, the following singles were released to promote it:

• “Lala (Unlocked)”
• “Best of Me”

Credits

Alicia teamed up with American singer and songwriter, Natalie Hemby to compose “Daffodils”. She (Alicia) subsequently handled Daffodils‘ production by herself.