Divorce

Kelela's song 'Divorce' delves into the emotional complexities and inner turmoil that accompany the end of a relationship. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the struggle and pain that come with separation. The opening lines, 'Under the surface, I'm lying / Fighting the time, now I'm drowning,' suggest a facade of composure while internally battling overwhelming emotions. The metaphor of 'pushing a rock up a mountain' conveys the exhausting and seemingly futile effort to move on from the relationship, highlighting the weight of emotional baggage that the protagonist carries.

The line 'I wanna go, you around it / With somebody new' introduces the theme of jealousy and the difficulty of seeing an ex-partner move on with someone else. This adds another layer of complexity to the protagonist's feelings, as they grapple with the pain of separation while witnessing their former partner's new beginning. The repeated questioning, 'Why when it's done I keep trying?' reflects the confusion and denial often experienced during the aftermath of a breakup, where the heart struggles to accept the finality of the situation.

The song's closing lines, 'Steady, I'm diving / In deep / Oh, where you been hiding?' suggest a deep dive into introspection and self-discovery. The protagonist is searching for answers and perhaps a sense of closure. Kelela's soulful delivery and the haunting melody amplify the emotional weight of the lyrics, making 'Divorce' a poignant exploration of the pain, confusion, and eventual self-reflection that follows the end of a significant relationship.