The song resonates with themes of self-love and empowerment, encapsulated in the repeated line, “I get my kicks like you.” But there’s more to “Kicks” than just finding joy in solitude. It’s a journey of emotional evolution, where FKA twigs confronts the void left by an absent lover and emerges stronger, embracing her own company. The songwriter’s intent seems to be a message of self-reliance and the importance of personal fulfillment, independent of others. Why this song, though? It appears to be a reflection of FKA twigs’ own experiences, translating her personal journey into a universal anthem of self-empowerment.
Ever wondered how music can be a mirror to our souls? “Kicks” by FKA twigs is a lyrical journey through the landscapes of loneliness, longing, and, ultimately, self-empowerment.
“Kicks” Lyrics Meaning
The song begins with a soft, almost melancholic tone, as she sings “When I’m low (Low, low), I feel for you (You, you).” This opening sets the stage for a narrative of longing and emotional dependence. As the song progresses, there’s a gradual shift. The lyrics “I explore, Stroke my side, Yes, I do, Feel for you,” signify a turning point. Here, FKA twigs begins to explore the concept of self-love and appreciation, symbolized through physical touch. This exploration is a metaphor for her journey towards finding contentment within herself.
The chorus, “So, I tell myself it’s cool for me to wait for you, just for you,” reflects a moment of realization. It’s an internal dialogue where she acknowledges her feelings and starts questioning them. This questioning leads to a powerful assertion of independence in the lines “I just touch myself and say, ‘I’ll make my own damn way’.” It’s a declaration of self-sufficiency and finding joy independently.
The repetitive questioning, “What do I do when you’re not here?” serves as a rhetorical device, emphasizing her transition from dependency to autonomy. Each repetition carries more strength, more resolve, moving from a place of uncertainty to a statement of self-assurance.
By the end, the mantra “I get my kicks like you” becomes an anthem of empowerment. It’s no longer about what she does in the absence of her lover, but about finding joy and satisfaction in her own presence, echoing the universal theme of finding strength and happiness within oneself.
The Story Behind “Kicks”
FKA twigs, known for her ethereal and deeply personal music, wrote this song during a transformative period in her life. It reflects her state of mind, grappling with themes of loneliness, longing, and the journey towards self-acceptance and empowerment.
This song is more than just lyrics and melody; it’s a reflection of FKA twigs’ struggles and triumphs. It’s born from a place of introspection and self-discovery, a testament to her journey of learning to find joy and satisfaction within herself, regardless of her relationship status.
“Kicks” is not just a narrative about coping with absence; it’s a celebration of the power of self-love and independence. It’s a story about turning loneliness into a journey of self-empowerment, where the absence of a lover becomes an opportunity for personal growth and self-appreciation.
In a way, “Kicks” is FKA twigs’ personal diary set to music, inviting us to explore our own journeys of self-discovery. It’s a powerful reminder that sometimes, the most significant relationship we can have is the one with ourselves.