“Higher” is a song by Nigerian artist Tems, featured as the fifth track on her debut extended play, For Broken Ears, released on September 25, 2020. The song, produced by Tems and Tejiri Akpoghene, is an evocative blend of R&B and soul that showcases Tems’ unique vocal style and introspective songwriting.
The lyrics of “Higher” delve into themes of emotional complexity, resilience, and self-discovery. Tems uses the song to explore the struggles and triumphs of navigating relationships, questioning loyalty, and seeking clarity and enlightenment.
The repeated emphasis on the word “higher” signifies a desire to rise above challenges and reach a state of peace and understanding.
In this article, we’ll explore the message conveyed in the song’s lyrics.
Table of Contents
“Higher” Lyrics Meaning
[Intro]
Mmm, oh
Higher, higher
Saying higher-er-er-er, ayy
The introduction sets the tone of the song with a repeated focus on the concept of going “higher,” which suggests a desire to rise above current circumstances or emotions.
The repetition emphasizes the aspiration for elevation or transcendence.
[Verse 1]
Tell me why you’re crying now kini big deal
When you gave me something I don’t really feel
But you knew that already
When I found you on the ground you were dying
Now why you come into my yard, uninvited?
Can you see me on the edge? I’m enlightened
In this verse, the narrator questions the sincerity of someone who is upset (“Tell me why you’re crying now kini big deal”) despite having given something that wasn’t truly meaningful.
The line “When I found you on the ground you were dying” suggests that the narrator previously helped this person when they were in a difficult situation.
The phrase “Can you see me on the edge? I’m enlightened” shows that the narrator has gained insight or clarity, possibly about the relationship or their own life.
[Chorus]
If the world was ending
Would you cry or would you try to get me?
Tell me now, I want you to be clear, yeah
Tell me now, I need you to be clеar, yeah
I will wait for you, for you
I will wait for you, I will wait for you
The chorus explores themes of loyalty and emotional clarity. The narrator questions whether the other person would be there for them if the world were ending, highlighting a need for honesty and commitment.
The repeated promise “I will wait for you” signifies patience and willingness to support the other person despite uncertainties.
[Verse 2]
Get me, can you put thе time on a rewind, yeah
Help me understand, can you tell me now
Why you made the war that we’re fighting now
And you fall and you run when you see my big guns
Run around, run away as the rebel comes out
Then you call, call on me when you call me I come
But there you go again
This verse delves into the complexities of the relationship, with the narrator asking for understanding and clarity about the conflicts they face (“Why you made the war that we’re fighting now”).
The imagery of “big guns” and “rebel” suggests confrontation and resistance.
Despite the challenges, the narrator remains responsive when called upon, indicating a persistent connection.
[Verse 3]
With your deaf ears
Open your mind to the sound of the trumpet
What do you want from a life of the hopeless
Now here you are, you’re begging and crying
I want to fly, yeah, I’m flying till morning
Running away to the land of discovery
Running away from the suffering, I’m gone, yeah
Running away from the darkness, I’m out here, yeah
The third verse addresses the other person’s reluctance to listen (“With your deaf ears”) and their struggles (“begging and crying”).
The narrator expresses a desire to escape to a “land of discovery,” away from suffering and darkness, symbolizing a pursuit of freedom and self-discovery.
This section emphasizes the narrator’s journey towards personal growth and liberation.
[Chorus]
Higher than all the limits
Going way beyond the noise and your feelings
When you speak all I can hear is silence
Running back from all the pain and violence
Big tunes, now it’s big tunes I’m killing
Cry now from the side now, call my name
Fall down when you see me, you know that
You know that I will stay for you
I will wait for you, for you
I will wait for you, I will wait for you
The refrain reinforces the theme of transcending limitations and emotional turmoil (“Higher than all the limits”). The narrator seeks to rise above “noise and your feelings,” suggesting a focus on inner peace and clarity.
The promise to “wait for you” remains, underscoring a steadfast commitment despite the challenges faced.
Deeper Meaning Behind Tems’ “Higher”
“Higher” by Tems is about pulling oneself from a life of hopelessness and striving for something greater. It reflects on the struggles within a relationship where one party is self-sabotaging, while the other remains hopeful and committed to waiting for them to realize their potential.
The repeated use of the word “higher” throughout the song signifies a desire to transcend emotional struggles and reach a state of enlightenment and peace.
In the lyrics, Tems questions the sincerity and intentions of others while expressing her own commitment to waiting and supporting those she cares about. She seeks to overcome internal battles and external pressures, ultimately aiming to rise above limits and find solace in her personal growth.
In interviews, Tems has mentioned that her songs are very personal, and she has a deep appreciation for them, including “Higher,” which she wrote years before its release.
In the end, “Higher” serves as an anthem for anyone who has felt the pull of something greater, encouraging them to rise above the noise of life and reach for a state of enlightenment.
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