Tyrant (feat. Jorja Smith)

Kali Uchis's song 'Tyrant,' featuring Jorja Smith, is a rich tapestry of love, power dynamics, and vulnerability. The lyrics explore the complexities of a romantic relationship against a backdrop of a chaotic world. The opening lines set the stage with a sense of urgency and danger, as Uchis sings about sirens and violence, questioning whether her partner would become a tyrant if given power. This introduces the central theme of the song: the delicate balance between control and affection in a relationship.

The chorus uses the metaphor of a kaleidoscope to describe the ever-changing, dizzying nature of love. Uchis expresses a desire to stay in this whirlwind of emotions, indicating both the excitement and the potential disorientation that comes with intense romantic involvement. The repetition of 'round and 'round emphasizes the cyclical, sometimes repetitive nature of such relationships. The mention of seizing the throne and having control poses a question about the dynamics of power within the relationship and whether it would change if the roles were reversed.

Cultural references, such as the nod to French actress Brigitte Bardot, add a layer of sophistication and worldliness to the song. The reference to El Chapo, a notorious figure known for his escapes, plays into the theme of disappearing from problems or the public eye for the sake of love. Uchis and Smith's vocals blend to create a sense of dialogue, as if they are conversing about the risks and rewards of surrendering to love and the potential for power to corrupt or enhance the bond between them.