Skip to main content

Sing My Life: Birthday By Disclosure, Kehlani, Syd

"Can I call you on your birthday? Just to make sure that you're okay"

 


Birthdays can bring out the real in all of us. Happy Friday and it happens to be the Queen’s Birthday. Yes Beyoncé! Yeah,yeah, everybody loves Beyoncé. Shout out to all the Virgos! I'm so loving the Disclosure video for 'Birthday' featuring Kehlani and Syd. The visuals take on the 'Alice in Wonderland' aspect where Syd and Kehlani are stuck in a shrunken room. The giant versions of Syd and Kehlani wrestle with thoughts of reaching out to each other. The visual ends with claymation version of Syd and Kehlani, who who are shown in a candy land. They talk to each other while experiencing adventures including flying on the top of a single engine plane. And then they both get burnt. The closing of the video has voices singing 'Happy birthday'. Then a heart shaped box with Syd and Kehlani's names, and a cake with Disclosure's faces appear on the screen.

Most of the world's population actually celebrates birthdays. And, I’m big on birthdays. Maybe not that mine anyway, because no one ever makes a fuss over it. But yeah, there's a certain magic in celebrating people on the day that they were born. Of course we have several holidays however, nothing comes close to the day that one was born in the fact that they celebrate the next milestone. You know that a lot can happen in year, so thank God for life...toast! 

Of late, I’ve been talking about muses and you know you come to a place of reflection. This song has me reflecting as it discusses lingering feelings and dealing with thoughts of a calling a former love interest on their birthday even though the relationship is over. The chorus says, "Would you prefer it if I'd go ghost?; And let you go your own way; Can I call you on your birthday?; Just to make sure that you're okay; Got the number to your old phone; But is it working?"

Have you ever tried to reach out to someone on their birthday? Somebody that you used to know, and maybe somewhat feel something for? Story time! There is one person who on their birthday I was contemplating to send a message. It's always a debate but I stand by birthdays so I say whatever. Fortunately I think you know when you're linked on social media you it’s easy to pluck up courage. Most of the time, we fear of what they would think. Whether they reciprocate or not, it’s up to them. I saw a notification on one of my social media platforms. I sent him a birthday message. To be honest, deep down, I had hoped for a, "Thank you", c'est tout! In the song, Kehlani sings, “I ain’t even callin’ for no reconciliation; I just want to tap in and see how you been; I’ve waited for an adequate amount of time; To give us both some space; I think it’s been good for us to stay up out of the way.” I’m admitting that I have his number. I don’t know if it’s still the same. It’s not about reconciliation. Remember, we had a situation... a situationship. My mentor has a different narrative about what type of ship that was but I don't want to make it more than what it was. 

I remember his birthday because he and I actually share the same birthday month. Actually we are exactly a week apart. "But to put the hurt to rest, put maturity to the test; So I'm callin' to say "Are you okay?" on your special day" As I said, I'm big on birthdays. There are people who sending a message could make a difference. The idea that someone is thinking of you and acknowledges that you are still alive and breathing. You have another time of grace to walk and perhaps fulfill your purpose. Not everybody has big social circles, so you just want to make them feel 'special' on their day.

Is it okay to reach out to somebody that you used to know, on their birthday? They don't need to be in your life. You aren't asking for long conversations or a second time around. And you are only human, there's a heart somewhere. "Emotion aside; Ah; Am I makin' your day?"


Reaching out can take us to that place of vulnerability. We are afraid of the perception of desperation, obsession and even humiliation. But what if, the person on the other hand took the reaching out with grace, and composure. They are civil in their reception of the two words, "Happy birthday". And if not received with a "thank you", their silence isn't necessarily a brush off. You don't need to overthink it. It is just silence, and perhaps, it still remains best to maintain space. But still...

"Can I call you on your birthday? Just to make sure that you're okay"

When art imitates life, some things are best said through a song...

Until the next song lyrics...

P.S.: Always write your own love story!

Ciao!

Lady E

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular Posts

We Aren't that Couple!

We are perfectly imperfect! Bonjour mes armies, comment ça va? Je vais trés bien merci!  Bring your glasses of your favourite poison and let's chat. We are drawing close to that time of the year. I wouldn't let us leave this profound year without a few lessons. It's story time.   It's taken time—actually, years—for he and I to come to this place. We haven't always seen eye-to-eye, yet we find ourselves here. It's actually insane! But time does help with self-discovery. For me, the healing process has put things into perspective. I'm not yet there, but I'm becoming her, and he's willing to see me through it.  What I love about he and I is simply the fact that we aren't that couple. You know those who have to constantly update their Gram or WhatsApp status to validate the strength of their union? Before you come for me, it's "cute," and yes, you and your person should declare your affection for each other. I'm just from the sch...
Post a Comment
Read more

Book Review: The Kings that Didn’t Need This Queen

Until you resolve your brokeness, you will continue to be broken. I am pretty stoked about sharing this month's read. As a writer, reading various forms of literature enriches the craft. Reading builds culture and reinforces application of lessons learnt. I also read books and blogs by fellow writers to support their work through commenting, and sharing. This is how we grow communities you see. Prior to offering a review of this month's book, I would like to share a brief history of the writer. I met this young woman, Nobuhle Nyoni at a birthday, and album listening party for producer and artist, Verseless. She was friendly and bubbly, we even shared a ride into town as we went home. That wouldn't be the last time that I would be in communication with her. Through the magazine that I am editor for, we made effort to push her event. Though I didn't manage to attend the event, I saw the potential of this young woman. In 2017, under the collective called Veryus ,...
Post a Comment
Read more

But Why Wait?

When you find what you are looking for, why wait?  She finally made it! Congratulations to the now Mrs Jennifer Affleck.  Jenny from the block is officially Mrs. Jennifer Lynn Affleck. It's official, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are married. According to news reports, the couple tied the knot on Saturday, during an "intimate ceremony in Las Vegas." This actually comes as a surprise because nothing is ever small, or intimate with J lo. For as long as we have known the Bronx native, she goes all out. We expected that her wedding would be as extravagant as her 'Marry Me' character.  Clearly she didn't want to jinx her second chance. The Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez a.k.a Bennifer's love story began 20 years ago. The couple initially met in December 2001 on the set of the rom-com "Gigli," where they played criminals stuck on a job together. Not long after that they started dating. By November 2002, the two were engaged, but postponed their weddin...
Post a Comment
Read more

5 Ways Your 30s Are Better Than the 20s

Talk thirty to me! Never ask a lady her age, they say. At a particular age, many refuse to share how old they really are. This year, so many people that I know turned 30. Even famous individuals such as Chris Brown and Misred joined the dirty thirty gang. From my thirty something self, I welcome you all. Your thirties are a whole different stage of life compared to your twenties and forthcoming forties. Though a tricky age to be, your 30s are a defining decade. They are a reflection of the rest of your life based on the map that you draw. Being thirty or plus something comes with an evolution to your being. You discover that you are no longer the same person you were at seventeen or twenty five. This means that entering into this decade you have a new point of view! Don't cry about turning older! These are the five reasons why your 30s are way much better than your 20s. 1. You know what you want How many of us couldn't wait to sing, "I've got the keys, ...
Post a Comment
Read more

5 Inexpensive Dates in a Bad Economy

If he's making the economy an excuse, swipe left.... A guy who makes too many excuses whilst pursuing you is not worth your time. He will make excuses for not making time for you. More so, for not taking you on a date. A real man makes a plan...all the time! Yes, the economy is atrocious...a complete nightmare! Does that mean that humanity stops? Y'all,  we have procreation to continue until the end of time. A season of a recession, shouldn't hinder dates, relationships and the whole nine yards that come with that package. Couples over centuries overcame obstacles such as family feuds, classism, racism, tribalism, religious differences etc. They all found a way around those challenges. Any guy who uses 'in this economy' as an excuse is dropped like a pin. Honestly, such an individual lacks ambition and creativity. I want the flowers, chocolate, and the date. Otherwise...skrrr! You will have to show innovation in your pursuit. If you can't be strategic w...
4 comments
Read more