Know What I Want by Kali Uchis Lyrics Meaning – Decoding the Empowerment Anthem
Lyrics
I’m prayin’ that’s that way that it goes
‘Cause right when I’m ’bout to turn the door knob
It seem it’s all locked up and the key decomposed
Remind me this the life that I chose
Go full speed, I can’t read, the signs that say stop
I brush it off and try to act all nonchalant, yeah
I notice everything, I just act like I don’t
But I know what I want (I know)
Yeah, I know just what I want (just what)
But I know what I want (I want)
But, I know what I want (Don’t tell me cause)
You swear that you’re grown
It’s 5 in the morning
You won’t call or come home
I’m getting really tired of it
All up in my phone, boy leave it alone
And I’m learning, now I know
Should’a left your ass in the friend zone
One door open when another door close
I’m prayin’ that’s that way that it goes
‘Cause right when I’m ’bout to turn the door knob
It seem it’s all locked up and the key decomposed
Remind me this the life that I chose
Go full speed, I can’t read, the signs that say stop
I brush it off and try to act all nonchalant
Yeah, I notice everything, I just act like I don’t
But I know what I want (I know)
Yeah, I know what I want (just what)
But I know what I want (I want)
Yeah, I know what I want (Don’t tell me cause)
But I know what I want (I know)
Yeah, I know what I want (just what)
But, I know what I want (I want)
Yeah, I know what I want (don’t tell me cause)
I know just what I want
Don’t tell me cause I know
Yeah I know
Yeah I know
Don’t tell me cause (I know what I want)
Yeah, I know what I want
Boy, I know what I want
Yeah, I know what I want
Boy, I know what I want
(I know) yeah, I know what I want
(Just what) boy, I know what I want
(I want) yeah, I know what I want
Don’t tell me cause
You swear that you’re grown
It’s five in the morn’
And you wont call or come home
I’m getting really tired of it
All up in my phone
Boy, leave it alone
Should’a left your ass in the friend zone
Kali Uchis’s ‘Know What I Want’ melds a dream-like melody with lyrics echoing autonomy and self-discovery, becoming an anthem for those who stand at life’s crossroads with certainty in their hearts. As Uchis weaves through a plush soundscape of contemporary R&B and touches of soul, her words serve not just as lyrics but as a manifesto for independence and personal growth.
Her velvety voice delivers a layered narrative that taps into the universal struggle of knowing oneself amid the chaos of expectations and relationships. This song, a mirror held up to the trials of reaching one’s full potential, is a testament to Kali Uchis’s grasp on the intricate dance of human emotions.
Navigating Uncertainty with Unyielding Assurance
Uchis starts her lyrical journey at a proverbial closed door, a potent symbol for opportunities and the sporadic nature of life’s offerings. However, the repetition of ‘I know what I want’ acts as a powerful mantra, a beacon cutting through the mist of confusion that often surrounds the decision-making process. It’s a declaration that, despite the unforeseen challenges and the paths that either appear or vanish, her resolve remains strong.
Throughout the song, this resolve doesn’t waiver but instead is reinforced. The power lies not in the absence of doubt or fear but in the persistent push against them. It’s the persistence that resonates—a testament to the human capacity for resilience and determination amidst the most challenging of obstacles.
The Hidden Meaning Behind the Locked Doors
Each locked door in the lyrics represents a thwarted attempt at progress, a reminder that not every path is meant for us. The idea of a ‘decomposed key’ is particularly poignant; suggesting that sometimes, the means to unlock our futures transform or become irrelevant with time. It’s a candid acknowledgement of life’s ephemeral nature and the need to adapt.
But there is a deeper undercurrent at play here—a subtext that speaks to the essence of self-awareness. Uchis implies that, although there are external barriers to success, the most formidable are internal. Recognizing one’s worth and desires is the real key to unlocking one’s full potential. It’s not about waiting for a door to open; it’s about knowing which doors are worth opening.
The Melodic Assertion of Independence
Musically, the track creates a delicate balance with an inviting groove that underpins a narrative of emancipation. As the backdrop to her expressions of independence, the song contrasts its smooth, laid-back beat with the tension of her lyrical assertions. Uchis’s refusal to be guided by others’ judgment or expectations is not a rebellion but an enlightened form of self-care.
This contrast is precisely what infuses ‘Know What I Want’ with its empowering ethos. The song is not just a plein-air painting of freedom but also a subtle nod to the intricate waltz of choosing oneself over the din of detracting voices. The music not only complements the lyrics but heightens their profundity, dwelling in the listener’s consciousness long after the last note has faded.
A Tussle with Love and Power in Relationships
In a significant shift, the song moves from abstract concepts to intimate grounds as Uchis confronts a lover who is unable to fulfill her expectations. This slice of storytelling adds a layer of complexity to the notion of knowing what one wants. She confronts the paradox of emotional attachment and self-respect, prompting listeners to ask themselves where the line should be drawn.
Uchis’s lyrics illustrate the struggle between longing for connection and asserting boundaries. The words ‘should’ve left your ass in the friend zone’ reverberate with the power of hindsight and the recognition of self-worth. It speaks volumes about the courage required to walk away from what no longer serves us, even if that means facing solitude.
Memorable Lines That Echo Beyond the Music
To close, let us revisit those emblematic lines, ‘I know what I want,’ which has found its place as an enduring refrain within the world of music quotations. It’s a simple statement yet carries the weight of an epiphany. More than just lyrics, they have become a resonant slogan for listeners who find themselves at a crossroads, searching for the courage to heed their inner voice.
Ultimately, the song beckons us to not just listen but to internalize its message. Uchis communicates the universal journey of finding certainty in uncertainty, the phenomenal realization when one finally knows what they want. These words are not an end but a starting point—a mantra for the moments we find ourselves needing a reminder of our capability to shape our destinies.
