When He's Not There (feat. Lucky Daye)

Kehlani's song 'When He's Not There (feat. Lucky Daye)' delves into the complexities of a clandestine relationship. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a love triangle where the protagonist is involved with someone who is already in a committed relationship. The song's narrative is rich with emotional tension and forbidden desire, exploring the thrill and guilt that come with secret meetings. The protagonist acknowledges the deceit but is also drawn to the irresistible pull of the affair, highlighting the internal conflict between moral boundaries and passionate longing.

The song opens with a reference to a three-bedroom apartment in Brooklyn, setting a scene of urban life and hinting at the normalcy that contrasts with the hidden affair. The protagonist's encounter with the woman's partner uptown, where he 'cracked a smile and kept it pushin',' underscores the secrecy and the unspoken understanding that what the partner doesn't know won't hurt him. This line encapsulates the essence of the song: a hidden world that exists parallel to the everyday life of the woman and her unsuspecting partner.

Throughout the song, Kehlani and Lucky Daye's voices intertwine to express the yearning and the physical and emotional connection that persists despite the circumstances. The lyrics 'Turn off the lights, keep one and leave your backdoor open' and 'I'ma dive in head first and swim right into your ocean' are metaphors for the intimacy and the secretive nature of their meetings. The song also touches on the idea of unfulfilled desires within the woman's primary relationship, suggesting that the protagonist offers something her partner cannot. This dynamic adds layers to the narrative, making it not just a story of infidelity but also one of seeking completeness and understanding in a relationship.

The chorus, repeating 'I come over when he's not there,' serves as a haunting reminder of the recurring nature of their secret encounters. It emphasizes the temporary and fleeting moments they share, which are both thrilling and bittersweet. The song's conclusion leaves listeners pondering the consequences of such a relationship and the emotional toll it takes on all parties involved.