On The Low by Burna Boy Lyrics Meaning – Unveiling the Depth of Desire and Commitment in Afrobeat Rhythms
Lyrics
Yeah, yeah
Kpokpotikpo kpo kpo kpo
Baby your love dey high me like choko
Kpokpotikpo kpo kpo kpo
Baby your love dey high me like choko, yeah
Kpokpotikpo kpo kpo kpo
Baby your love dey high me like choko (baby, I’m riding)
Kpokpotikpo kpo kpo kpo (fighting, yeah)
Angeli, Angelina, you dey cool my temperature
If you call, I go come deliver
I no go fall e your hand, never
Say na me you go love forever
I’m a khaki, no fit be leather
Oh my Angeli, Angelina
Oh my Angeli, Angelina
Oh mi o da oh
Anytime wey I see you for the club, I dey television your body
Shey you no know say the thing wey you carry fit kill somebody
You know I feel a vibe, you feel a vibe, so baby whine it pon me
Yeah, and I know you shy but it’s cool when we’re making love
On the low
On the low
On the low
On the low
On the low
On the low (riding)
On the low (fighting)
On the low
Angeli, Angelina, you dey cool my temperature
If you call, I go come deliver
I no go fall e your hand, never
Say na me you go love forever
Omo khaki no fit be leather
Oh my Angeli, Angelina
Oh my Angeli, Angelina
Oh no
Shey when I wan dey comot, make I signal you
Why you want to dey question me like an interview (yeah)
I’m tryna put the ring on your finger too
And be a better guy, guy
Be a better guy guy
On the low
On the low
On the low
On the low
On the low
On the low (riding)
On the low (fighting)
On the low
Angeli, Angelina (ah baby)
You dey cool my temperature (ah baby)
If you call, I go come deliver (ah baby)
I no go fall e your hand, never (ah baby)
Say na me you go love forever (ah baby)
Omo khaki no fit be leather (ah baby)
Oh my Angeli, Angelina (ah baby)
Oh my Angeli, Angelina (ah baby)
Jesu!
Nigerian Afro-fusion maestro Burna Boy has a knack for blending infectious beats with poignant lyricism. His track ‘On The Low,’ produced by Kel P Vibes, is no exception. At first glance, the song pulses with the frenetic energy of West African rhythms and dancehall influences, yet a closer listen reveals layers of emotional complexity and narrative.
The song, which has become an anthem that crosses continents and musical preferences, delves into themes of clandestine love, passionate desire, and the lengths to which one will go for a lover. From the pulsating melody that captures the thrilling secrecy of an under-wraps relationship to the vulnerability expressed through heartfelt lyrics, ‘On The Low’ invites listeners to explore the enigmatic corridors of Burna Boy’s romantic escapades.
Decoding the Vernacular – Kpokpotikpo’s Captivating Call
The repeated phrase ‘kpokpotikpo kpo kpo kpo’ might throw off non-native listeners, but in the fervor of Afrobeat, it’s an entrancing call that sets the stage for the song’s sensual narrative. The vernacular serves as an essential hook, drawing listeners into the dance before Burna Boy unfolds his tale of love that intoxicates him ‘like choko,’ a reference to a heightened state of being that can only be attributed to his lover’s potent allure.
It’s this seductive preamble that primes the audience, signaling that this isn’t just another love song, but a journey into the psyche of a man grappling with an all-consuming affection that defies sober reasoning. The motif resonates like a heartbeat within the song, echoing the perpetual motion of his deep infatuation.
Angelina – The Muse and the Cooling Balm
Burna Boy’s use of the name ‘Angeli, Angelina’ is more than a mere paramour’s moniker; it’s a sonorous testament to the soothing effect this figure has on him. Angelina isn’t just a love interest; she’s the panacea to the fever pitch of his life—both as an artist frequently embroiled in the spotlight’s heat and as a man seeking solace.
His offer to ‘come deliver’ upon her call and the vow to never fail her illustrates the depths to which his devotion runs. She cools his ‘temperature,’ acting as the equilibrator to his fiery existence. This symbiosis between Burna Boy and Angelina propels the song beyond typical love tropes into an earnest exposé on vulnerability and reliance.
The Thrill of Secrecy – ‘On The Low’ Explained
The chorus, ‘On the low,’ captures the essential dynamic of the relationship. It’s a refrain that speaks to the clandestine, perhaps taboo, nature of their encounters. The lovers opt for the shadows, the secrecy feeding their flame. The phrase suggests an intimacy that is cherished more because it is hidden, sheltered from the court of public opinion and melodramatic expectations.
In decoding this deliberate choice for privacy, the phrase encapsulates the contemporary dilemma of love in the limelight and the refuge found in quiet defiance. Burna Boy’s choice of discretion in love becomes a mantle, signifying the shielding of something pure and untainted amidst the chaos of celebrity and everyday life.
Commitment Beyond the Casual – Ringing In Depth
As the narrative progresses, Burna Boy hints at a transition from hushed affection to affirmed commitment. With lines like, ‘I’m tryna put the ring on your finger too,’ he signals an eagerness to elevate their union, an evolution from a love that’s ‘on the low’ to one that’s recognized and enduring.
This potential for change, a desire to be ‘a better guy,’ reflects the artist’s personal growth and challenges the stereotype of fleeting love that often plagues popular music narratives. It’s an intimate peek into the process of maturing through love.
Irresistible Memory – The Lines That Burn Bright
While the entire composition of ‘On The Low’ is engaging, certain lyrics linger long after the song ends. ‘Angeli, Angelina, you dey cool my temperature’ stands out not only for its fluid melody but for encapsulating the essence of the relationship. It’s a memorable line that communicates the song’s core—a love that is sustaining, intoxicating, and tranquilizing.
Another arresting lyric, ‘Shey you no know say the thing wey you carry fit kill somebody,’ speaks to the lethal potential of love, a passion so pervasive it’s quite literally heart-stopping. These lines serve as mnemonic devices that ensure ‘On The Low’ isn’t just heard, but felt and remembered.
