Cafuné’s song “Tek It” is a poignant exploration of the emotional complexities within a relationship that has reached its breaking point. Featured on their debut album Running, the song has garnered significant attention, including being sampled by Lil Uzi Vert in his track “Red Moon.”
The lyrics of “Tek It” delve into themes of disillusionment, emotional imbalance, and the struggle to come to terms with a partner’s inability to reciprocate feelings and efforts.
In this article, we’ll explore the message conveyed in the song’s lyrics.
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“Tek It” Lyrics Meaning
[Verse 1]
Where did you learn what it means to reciprocate?
And how much can I be expected to tolerate?
So I started to think about the plans I made
The debt unpaid
And you just can’t call a spade, a spade
In this verse, the singer questions their partner’s understanding of reciprocity in the relationship, highlighting a sense of frustration with the one-sided effort.
The mention of “plans I made” and “debt unpaid” symbolizes unfulfilled promises and emotional investments that have not been reciprocated.
The phrase “you just can’t call a spade a spade” suggests the partner’s inability to be honest or acknowledge the reality of the situation.
[Chorus]
I watch the moon
Let it run my mood
Can’t stop thinking of you
I watch you (Now I let it go)
(And I watch as things play out like)
So long, nice to know you, I’ll be moving on
The chorus reflects the singer’s introspection and emotional turmoil. The moon serves as a metaphor for their fluctuating mood and thoughts about the relationship.
Despite the lingering feelings, the singer resolves to move on, indicating a painful but necessary step towards self-preservation.
[Verse 2]
We started off in such a nice place
We were talking the same language
I o-open and I’m closing
You can’t stand the thought
Of a real beating heart
You’d be holding, having trouble
O-o-owning and admit that
I am hoping
This verse reminisces about the early, positive stages of the relationship when both partners were in sync (“talking the same language”). However, it quickly shifts to reveal a disconnect.
The partner’s inability to handle the emotional depth of the relationship (“a real beating heart”) and their reluctance to take responsibility (“having trouble owning”) are highlighted. The singer’s hope contrasts with the partner’s emotional unavailability.
[Bridge]
You
Yeah, I always know the truth
But I can’t just say it to you
Yeah, I know the truth
I knew
Yeah, I always know the truth
But I can’t just say it to you
Yeah, I know the truth
The bridge underscores the internal conflict the singer faces. They have always been aware of the truth about the relationship but find it difficult to confront their partner directly. This section emphasizes the struggle between knowing and expressing painful realities.
[Outro]
I never thought we’d see it through
I never could rely on you
And few times your face came into view
Into view
I’m not into you
Into you
In the outro, the singer reflects on their initial doubts about the relationship’s longevity (“I never thought we’d see it through”) and acknowledges the partner’s unreliability. The final lines, “I’m not into you,” signify a decisive end to the emotional turmoil and a firm resolution to move on.
Deeper Meaning Behind “Tek It”
Cafuné’s song “Tek It” explores the emotional complexities and challenges of a failing relationship.
The song was inspired by a “situationship” that one of the band members, Sedona Schat, was experiencing at the time. The term “Tek It” typically refers to a romantic or sexual relationship that lacks clear boundaries or commitment. In this context, the lyrics reflect the frustration and disillusionment that come from seeking emotional reciprocity that wasn’t being provided by the other person.
The phrase “take it” might also refer to the emotional burden the singer has been carrying. By saying “take it,” the singer could be addressing her partner, implying that she can no longer bear the weight of the unreciprocated relationship and are handing it back.
Or, “take it” can signify acceptance. The singer acknowledges the reality of the situation and decides to let go. This acceptance is a crucial step in the healing process, as reflected in the chorus where the singer decides to move on, singing, “I watch you (Now I let it go).”
In the end, the singer decides to take control of her life by moving on from a relationship that is not fulfilling.
Jacob Carter is a lyricist. He created the lyrics writing course to teach people how to analyze and write lyrics. He graduated from the University of Oxford with a degree in English Literature, so he’s skilled at playing with words.
He’s also an amateur guitarist, which means he knows music and melody very well. With this background, he’s a great lyricist you can rely on to learn writing lyrics.