Introduction
Jhene Aiko is a renowned singer-songwriter known for her soulful voice and meaningful lyrics. One of her most popular songs is “W.A.Y.S,” which was released in 2014 as part of her album “Souled Out.” This song resonates with many of her fans due to its deep and emotional lyrics. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the meaning of “W.A.Y.S” and what it represents.
The Lyrics
The lyrics of “W.A.Y.S” are powerful, and they touch on themes of loss, grief, and hope. The song starts with the following lines:
“I’ve been contemplating suicide
But it really doesn’t suit my style
So I think I’ll just act like a fool
And let you watch me smile.”
These lines show the artist’s vulnerability and how she has been struggling with depression. However, she decides not to give up and chooses to put on a brave face, even if it means pretending to be happy. The chorus of the song goes:
“Why ain’t you smiling?
What happened to your laughter?
I know you’re trying,
But what else can I ask for?
Don’t worry about it,
Don’t even think about it.
You worry bout the way you feelin’ now.
Oh baby, you gotta keep it real now.”
These lines are a message of hope to anyone going through a tough time. The artist reminds us that it’s okay to feel sad and that we shouldn’t be too hard on ourselves. She encourages us to keep it real, to be honest about our emotions, and to keep pushing forward.
The Meaning
“W.A.Y.S” stands for “Why Aren’t You Smiling?” and is a question that many of us have been asked at some point in our lives. The song is about the struggles that come with life and how we can sometimes feel like giving up. However, it’s also a reminder that we shouldn’t let our struggles define us and that there is always hope.
The artist has talked about how the song was inspired by her brother’s death and how she was struggling to cope with the loss. She has said that the song is a tribute to him and that she hopes it can help others who are going through a similar experience.
The Music Video
The music video for “W.A.Y.S” is a beautiful and moving tribute to the artist’s brother. It features home videos of the artist and her family, as well as footage of her brother’s funeral. The video is a reminder of the importance of family and how we can find strength in our loved ones.
Conclusion
“W.A.Y.S” is a song that has touched the hearts of many people around the world. Its message of hope and resilience is something that we can all relate to, especially during difficult times. The song reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles and that there is always hope for a better tomorrow.
