Meaning and Lyrics of Floating Parade by Michael Kiwanuka
Song Lyrics meaning of Floating Parade by Michael Kiwanuka
About Michael Kiwanuka
Michael Kiwanuka:
When it comes to the sumptuous intersection of retro-soul and modern-day introspection, Michael Kiwanuka’s name often rises to the summit. Born on May 3, 1987, in Muswell Hill, London, Kiwanuka’s Ugandan descent permeates his lineage while his music exudes a transcontinental charm.
Emerging in the British music scene in the early 2010s, Kiwanuka’s raw, soulful sound bears the unmistakable influence of icons like Otis Redding, Bill Withers, and Bob Dylan, infusing a rich tapestry of emotion into his tracks. His 2012 debut album, “Home Again”, set the stage with melancholic guitars, warm strings, and introspective lyrics, quickly establishing him as a purveyor of soul revivalism.
But it was with his sophomore effort, the 2016’s Mercury Prize-nominated “Love & Hate”, that Kiwanuka truly found his voice and critical acclaim. Lush, multi-layered arrangements met with vintage sensibilities to produce almost cinematic soundscapes, while tracks like “Black Man in a White World” took on a galvanizing social commentary. This was no mere retro act; Kiwanuka was tapping into the zeitgeist.
Further evolving with his eponymous third album, “Kiwanuka” (2019), he continued to seamlessly blend genres and eras, using sophisticated production, afrobeat rhythms, and existential reflections, all while maintaining an achingly intimate connection with his listeners. Indeed, Kiwanuka’s discography is a testament to his ability to transcend time, uniting past and present in a sonic experience that’s both profoundly familiar and hauntingly new.
One notable example of his remarkable artistry is the song “Floating Parade”. Showcasing his penchant for complex arrangements and emotional depth, the track is a journey through lush instrumentation, punctuated by his soulful, gravelly vocals. The composition melds psychedelia with vintage soul, invoking an atmosphere of both nostalgia and novelty. It’s a testament to Kiwanuka’s skillful balancing act between reverence for the past and a forward-looking musical vision.
In sum, Michael Kiwanuka isn’t just riding a wave of soul revivalism; he’s a leading architect of its renaissance, crafting music that’s at once a throwback and an evolution. His works resonate because they tell our collective story—they confront, they soothe, they reflect. And in today’s ever-fragmented landscape, that’s nothing short of revolutionary.
Meaning of Floating Parade by Michael Kiwanuka
Michael Kiwanuka’s “Floating Parade” – Detailed Interpretation
Michael Kiwanuka’s “Floating Parade” is a mesmerizing blend of soul, introspective lyricism, and evocative musicality that encapsulates the artist’s unique ability to bridge the past and present. The song is drenched in lush, nostalgic tones, reminiscent of the golden age of soul, yet it’s imbued with a contemporary sensibility that makes it strikingly relevant.
Intro:
The song opens with a hypnotic chant, “Ooh, love, like this / Nothing like this, like this.” Kiwanuka’s repetition here is both comforting and trance-inducing. It’s as if he’s grounding the listener in a mantra, a prelude to the journey we’re about to undertake. The simplicity of these lines belies their depth, as they hint at the unparalleled and indescribable nature of love.
Verse 1:
“We can’t be stronger than life itself / We can be solid but hardly make a dent / So I’ll be a full-on child for a while.” These lines are a poignant reflection on human vulnerability and the limitations of our existence. Kiwanuka acknowledges that no matter how resilient we strive to be, we can only impact life so much. The decision to embrace a childlike perspective suggests a return to innocence and wonder, a theme that runs deep in the song. It’s a call to let go of the pretensions of strength and embrace a more genuine, unguarded existence.
Verse 2:
“People keep talking about how pots don’t melt / Well, we don’t belong in this hard luck hand we’re dealt / So we need foreign times to arrive.” Here, Kiwanuka uses imagery and metaphor to critique the stagnation and resilience against inevitable change. The idea of “pots don’t melt” suggests a resistance to change or a refusal to evolve. Kiwanuka, however, seeks liberation from this stasis, yearning for “foreign times,” or new experiences, to disrupt the status quo.
Chorus:
“And we’ll reach out to that floating parade / Don’t wait.” The chorus is an invitation to join a transcendent journey, symbolized by the “floating parade.” This parade seems to represent an ethereal, almost utopian vision of life where constraints are lifted. The imperative “Don’t wait” is a call to action, encouraging immediacy and presence. It’s Kiwanuka saying: seize the moment; transcend the mundane.
Post-Chorus:
Reiterating the lines from the intro, the post-chorus reinforces the central theme of love’s uniqueness and its transformative power. The repetition is like an anchor, reminding us repeatedly of the song’s core message.
Verse 3:
“Count all your blessings,” my mother says / Don’t keep repressing a heart that’s heaven-sent / Fall on my knees to the sky for a sign.” This verse introduces a personal note, with Kiwanuka quoting maternal wisdom. Counting blessings is a universal concept but juxtaposed with “repressing a heart that’s heaven-sent,” it takes on a deeper significance. It’s about not just recognizing but embracing the divine or pure aspects within us. The act of falling on his knees for a sign suggests seeking guidance, perhaps a spiritual awakening or affirmation from the universe.
Chorus (Reprise):
Reiterating the reach towards the “floating parade,” the chorus now embodies a more resolved and hopeful tone. The repetition solidifies the commitment to transcendence and the pursuit of a higher, more meaningful existence.
Post-Chorus (Reprise):
As the song winds down, the post-chorus chant takes on a mantra-like quality, embedding the listener with the hauntingly beautiful essence of “love, like this.”
Interpretation Summary:
“Floating Parade” is a rich tapestry of introspection, spiritual yearning, and a call for transformation. Michael Kiwanuka masterfully combines soulful melodies with profound lyrical content, creating a piece that resonates on multiple levels. The song is both a personal reflection and a universal message, inviting listeners to embrace authenticity, seek new experiences, and connect with the transcendent power of love.
Kiwanuka’s ability to weave such a compelling narrative within the framework of a song speaks volumes about his artistry. “Floating Parade” is not just a song; it’s an invitation to look beyond the trivial, to cherish the ethereal, and to join in a collective journey towards something greater. In a music landscape often cluttered with the ephemeral, Kiwanuka stands out as a beacon of sincere and profound expression.
Michael Kiwanuka’s “Floating Parade” is a mesmerizing blend of soul, introspective lyricism, and evocative musicality that encapsulates the artist’s unique ability to bridge the past and present. The song is drenched in lush, nostalgic tones, reminiscent of the golden age of soul, yet it’s imbued with a contemporary sensibility that makes it strikingly relevant.
Intro:
The song opens with a hypnotic chant, “Ooh, love, like this / Nothing like this, like this.” Kiwanuka’s repetition here is both comforting and trance-inducing. It’s as if he’s grounding the listener in a mantra, a prelude to the journey we’re about to undertake. The simplicity of these lines belies their depth, as they hint at the unparalleled and indescribable nature of love.
Verse 1:
“We can’t be stronger than life itself / We can be solid but hardly make a dent / So I’ll be a full-on child for a while.” These lines are a poignant reflection on human vulnerability and the limitations of our existence. Kiwanuka acknowledges that no matter how resilient we strive to be, we can only impact life so much. The decision to embrace a childlike perspective suggests a return to innocence and wonder, a theme that runs deep in the song. It’s a call to let go of the pretensions of strength and embrace a more genuine, unguarded existence.
Verse 2:
“People keep talking about how pots don’t melt / Well, we don’t belong in this hard luck hand we’re dealt / So we need foreign times to arrive.” Here, Kiwanuka uses imagery and metaphor to critique the stagnation and resilience against inevitable change. The idea of “pots don’t melt” suggests a resistance to change or a refusal to evolve. Kiwanuka, however, seeks liberation from this stasis, yearning for “foreign times,” or new experiences, to disrupt the status quo.
Chorus:
“And we’ll reach out to that floating parade / Don’t wait.” The chorus is an invitation to join a transcendent journey, symbolized by the “floating parade.” This parade seems to represent an ethereal, almost utopian vision of life where constraints are lifted. The imperative “Don’t wait” is a call to action, encouraging immediacy and presence. It’s Kiwanuka saying: seize the moment; transcend the mundane.
Post-Chorus:
Reiterating the lines from the intro, the post-chorus reinforces the central theme of love’s uniqueness and its transformative power. The repetition is like an anchor, reminding us repeatedly of the song’s core message.
Verse 3:
“Count all your blessings,” my mother says / Don’t keep repressing a heart that’s heaven-sent / Fall on my knees to the sky for a sign.” This verse introduces a personal note, with Kiwanuka quoting maternal wisdom. Counting blessings is a universal concept but juxtaposed with “repressing a heart that’s heaven-sent,” it takes on a deeper significance. It’s about not just recognizing but embracing the divine or pure aspects within us. The act of falling on his knees for a sign suggests seeking guidance, perhaps a spiritual awakening or affirmation from the universe.
Chorus (Reprise):
Reiterating the reach towards the “floating parade,” the chorus now embodies a more resolved and hopeful tone. The repetition solidifies the commitment to transcendence and the pursuit of a higher, more meaningful existence.
Post-Chorus (Reprise):
As the song winds down, the post-chorus chant takes on a mantra-like quality, embedding the listener with the hauntingly beautiful essence of “love, like this.”
Interpretation Summary:
“Floating Parade” is a rich tapestry of introspection, spiritual yearning, and a call for transformation. Michael Kiwanuka masterfully combines soulful melodies with profound lyrical content, creating a piece that resonates on multiple levels. The song is both a personal reflection and a universal message, inviting listeners to embrace authenticity, seek new experiences, and connect with the transcendent power of love.
Kiwanuka’s ability to weave such a compelling narrative within the framework of a song speaks volumes about his artistry. “Floating Parade” is not just a song; it’s an invitation to look beyond the trivial, to cherish the ethereal, and to join in a collective journey towards something greater. In a music landscape often cluttered with the ephemeral, Kiwanuka stands out as a beacon of sincere and profound expression.
Lyrics of Floating Parade by Michael Kiwanuka
Intro
Ooh, love, like this
Nothing like this, like this
Ooh, love, like this
Nothing like this, like this
Ooh, like this
Like this (Like this)
Ooh, like this
Like this
Verse 1
We can't be stronger than life itself
We can be solid but hardly make a dent
So I'll be a full on child for a while
Verse 2
People keep talking about how pots don't melt
Well, we don't belong in this hard luck hand we're dealt
So we need foreign times to arrive
Chorus
And we'll reach out to that floating parade
Don't wait
Post-Chorus
Ooh, love, like this
Nothing like this, like this
Ooh, love, like this
Nothing like this, like this
Verse 3
"Count all your blessings," my mother says
Don't keep repressing a heart that's heaven-sent
Fall on my knees to the sky for a sign
Chorus
And I'll reach out to that floating parade
Don't wait
Post-Chorus
Ooh, like this
Like this (Like this)
Ooh, like this
Like this
Ooh
Ooh, love, like this
Nothing like this, like this
Ooh, love, like this
Nothing like this, like this
Ooh, like this
Like this (Like this)
Ooh, like this
Like this
Verse 1
We can't be stronger than life itself
We can be solid but hardly make a dent
So I'll be a full on child for a while
Verse 2
People keep talking about how pots don't melt
Well, we don't belong in this hard luck hand we're dealt
So we need foreign times to arrive
Chorus
And we'll reach out to that floating parade
Don't wait
Post-Chorus
Ooh, love, like this
Nothing like this, like this
Ooh, love, like this
Nothing like this, like this
Verse 3
"Count all your blessings," my mother says
Don't keep repressing a heart that's heaven-sent
Fall on my knees to the sky for a sign
Chorus
And I'll reach out to that floating parade
Don't wait
Post-Chorus
Ooh, like this
Like this (Like this)
Ooh, like this
Like this
Ooh
Discography Michael Kiwanuka
KIWANUKA
Release: 2019-10-10
Label: Polydor Records
Popularity: 👏👏👏
Out Loud! (RSD 2018 / Live)
Release: 2018-04-23
Label: Polydor Records
Popularity: 👏
Love & Hate
Release: 2016-07-15
Label: Polydor Records
Popularity: 👏
Upcoming Events for Michael Kiwanuka
All Things Go Music Festival - Saturday
Price Range: $119 – 650
Date: 2024-09-28
Location: Merriweather Post Pavilion
Brittany Howard & Michael Kiwanuka
Price Range: $60.5 – 90.5
Date: 2024-10-03
Location: Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage
Brittany Howard & Michael Kiwanuka
Price Range: $40.5 – 110.5
Date: 2024-09-29
Location: The Met Presented by Highmark
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