Waitin
Kelela
The Emotional Turbulence of Longing in Kelela's 'Waitin'
Kelela's song 'Waitin' delves into the emotional complexities of longing and unresolved feelings in a relationship. The recurring imagery of 'falling into the sky' and 'falling into each other' suggests a sense of surrender and vulnerability, as if the narrator is caught in an endless loop of emotional highs and lows. This metaphor captures the essence of being deeply connected to someone yet feeling the weight of uncertainty and distance.
The lyrics reveal a narrative of missed opportunities and the struggle to communicate. Lines like 'Saw you then, it fucked me up' and 'Shoulda said can we go to bed' indicate moments of regret and the desire to bridge the gap between the past and present. The repetition of 'Been waiting for today, but I don't know what to say' underscores the internal conflict and the difficulty of expressing one's true feelings. This sense of waiting and anticipation is a central theme, highlighting the tension between hope and reality.
Kelela's soulful delivery and the atmospheric production further amplify the song's emotional depth. The mention of 'winter's always warmer when you're round' adds a layer of warmth and comfort that contrasts with the overall sense of longing. The song captures the bittersweet nature of holding onto memories while grappling with the present. It speaks to the universal experience of yearning for connection and the complexities that come with it, making 'Waitin' a poignant exploration of love and loss.