Lyrics and Meaning of “After the Storm” by Kali Uchis

“After the Storm” is a beautiful collaboration between Kali Uchis, Tyler, The Creator, and Bootsy Collins. The lyrics are an anthem for those facing personal battles, encouraging them to persevere through tough times because, as the song suggests, the sun will shine again. This blog post explores the heartfelt meaning behind each verse, pre-chorus, chorus, and bridge, unraveling the layers of wisdom embedded within the song.

The Meaning of “After the Storm” by Kali Uchis

“After the Storm” by Kali Uchis is a poignant anthem of resilience and hope, a lyrical masterpiece that captures the essence of pushing through life’s inevitable hardships. Through its soulful melodies and introspective lyrics, the song reminds us that even in our darkest moments, there’s a promise of light and renewal. Featuring smooth vocals and a vibrant, uplifting rhythm, Uchis encourages listeners to hold on and remain steadfast, as the trials we face will eventually give way to brighter days. The song’s message resonates deeply, offering a comforting reminder that storms are temporary, and strength can be found within ourselves to weather any challenge.

Lyrics

[Intro: Bootsy Collins]
Ah, whatever goes around
Eventually comes back to you
So you gotta be careful, baby
And look both ways before you cross my mind

[Verse 1: Kali Uchis & Bootsy Collins]
Did you ever wonder, yeah, do you ever wonder?
What he might be going through on his own, and
The demons that he’s facing alone
(Sometimes it hurts, baby)
I hate that sometimes I can’t go home
And it just ain’t the same on the phone, no
But everybody’s gotta go on, don’t they?
Yes, we do, baby

[Pre-Chorus: Kali Uchis & Bootsy Collins]
So if you need a hero (If you need a hero)
Just look in the mirror (Just look in the mirror)
No one’s gonna save you now
So you better save yourself
And everybody’s hurting
Everybody’s going through it
But you just can’t give up now
‘Cause you gotta save yourself
Yeah, gotta hang on, baby

[Chorus: Kali Uchis]
The sun’ll come out
Nothing good ever comes easy
I know times are rough
But winners don’t quit, so don’t you give up
The sun’ll come out
But we’ve been struggling endlessly
Someday we’ll find the love
‘Cause after the storm’s when the flowers bloom

[Verse 2: Tyler, The Creator]
Kali, what you mean? I take it offensive
‘Cause I’m the hottest flower boy that popped up on the scene
Feeling better, better than ever
‘Cause your umbrella, -brella (-brel-la)
Sun is beaming on me like headlights beaming on Bambi
Now let’s pretend the street is the room and you are a Camry
‘Cause you drive me candy, the Tito to my Randy
Now let’s produce some thrillers, my chocolate wit’ yo’ vanilla, uh

[Chorus: Kali Uchis]
The sun’ll come out
Nothing good ever comes easy
I know times are rough
But winners don’t quit, so don’t you give up
The sun’ll come out
But we’ve been struggling endlessly
Someday we’ll find the love
‘Cause after the storm—

[Bridge: Kali Uchis]
I know it’s hard
But did you even really try?
Maybe you could understand
When all you had to do was ask
And just open your mind
When everything is passing by
And all you had to do was try
Yeah, all you had to do was try

[Outro: Bootsy Collins & Kali Uchis]
Try, try, try, try, try
And all you had to do was try
Try, try, try, try

The Role of Bootsy Collins in Setting the Tone

Bootsy’s Opening Lines

Bootsy Collins sets the stage with his distinctive voice, delivering a piece of timeless advice:

“Ah, whatever goes around

Eventually comes back to you

So you gotta be careful, baby

And look both ways before you cross my mind”

These lines remind us of the importance of caution and mindfulness in our actions and thoughts, emphasizing the concept of karma. Bootsy’s presence adds a layer of depth and soul to the song, grounding its message in a sense of timeless wisdom.

Impact on Listeners

Bootsy’s introduction serves as a wise prelude, preparing listeners for the introspective journey that follows. His words strike a chord, reminding us that our actions have consequences, and it’s crucial to be mindful of our choices.

Verse 1: Kali Uchis Brings Vulnerability

Exploring Personal Struggles

In the first verse, Kali Uchis candidly shares her thoughts on personal struggles:

“Did you ever wonder, yeah, do you ever wonder?

What he might be going through on his own, and

The demons that he’s facing alone

(Sometimes it hurts, baby)

I hate that sometimes I can’t go home

And it just ain’t the same on the phone, no

But everybody’s gotta go on, don’t they?

Yes, we do, baby”

Kali touches on the loneliness and challenges that many people face, highlighting the importance of empathy and understanding.

Relatability and Connection

These lines resonate with listeners who have experienced isolation or struggled to find their way back home, both literally and metaphorically. Kali’s vulnerability invites us to reflect on our own journeys and the obstacles we encounter.

Pre-Chorus: The Mirror as a Hero

The Power of Self-Reliance

The pre-chorus, featuring both Kali Uchis and Bootsy Collins, introduces a powerful message of self-reliance:

“So if you need a hero (If you need a hero)

Just look in the mirror (Just look in the mirror)

No one’s gonna save you now

So you better save yourself

And everybody’s hurting

Everybody’s going through it

But you just can’t give up now

‘Cause you gotta save yourself

Yeah, gotta hang on, baby”

Encouragement to Persevere

This part of the song reminds us that while everyone faces their own battles, it’s crucial to find strength within ourselves. The mirror symbolizes self-reflection and the realization that we hold the power to overcome our challenges.

Chorus: The Promise of Better Days

Hope and Resilience

The chorus, sung by Kali Uchis, reinforces the theme of hope and resilience:

“The sun’ll come out

Nothing good ever comes easy

I know times are rough

But winners don’t quit, so don’t you give up

The sun’ll come out

But we’ve been struggling endlessly

Someday we’ll find the love

‘Cause after the storm’s when the flowers bloom”

Universal Appeal

These lines offer comfort and encouragement, assuring listeners that difficult times are temporary and better days are ahead. The metaphor of flowers blooming after a storm beautifully illustrates the idea that hardships can lead to growth and new beginnings.

Verse 2: Tyler, The Creator’s Unique Perspective

A Playful Yet Profound Contribution

Tyler, The Creator brings his distinctive style to the second verse, blending playfulness with deeper meaning:

“Kali, what you mean? I take it offensive

‘Cause I’m the hottest flower boy that popped up on the scene

Feeling better, better than ever

‘Cause your umbrella, -brella (-brel-la)

Sun is beaming on me like headlights beaming on Bambi

Now let’s pretend the street is the room and you are a Camry

‘Cause you drive me candy, the Tito to my Randy

Now let’s produce some thrillers, my chocolate wit’ yo’ vanilla, uh”

Metaphors and Imagery

Tyler uses a series of metaphors and playful imagery to convey a sense of optimism and joy. His verse contrasts with Kali’s more somber reflections, adding a layer of balance and complexity to the song.

The Bridge: A Call to Action

Encouragement to Try

In the bridge, Kali Uchis encourages listeners to take action and open their minds:

“I know it’s hard

But did you even really try?

Maybe you could understand

When all you had to do was ask

And just open your mind

When everything is passing by

And all you had to do was try

Yeah, all you had to do was try”

Overcoming Obstacles

These lines serve as a reminder that overcoming obstacles often requires effort and a willingness to seek help or new perspectives. Kali’s words inspire listeners to take proactive steps toward their goals.

Outro: A Gentle Reminder

Reiteration of the Message

The song concludes with Kali and Bootsy repeating the word “try,” emphasizing the importance of perseverance:

“Try, try, try, try, try

And all you had to do was try

Try, try, try, try”

Lasting Impact

This simple yet powerful ending reinforces the song’s core message and leaves listeners with a sense of motivation and hope.

Exploring the Deeper Meaning

The Importance of Empathy

Throughout the song, there is a recurring theme of empathy and understanding. Kali Uchis and her collaborators remind us that everyone faces challenges, and it’s essential to approach others with compassion.

Finding Strength Within

Another key takeaway is the importance of self-reliance. The song encourages listeners to look within themselves for strength and resilience, rather than relying solely on external sources of support.

Real-Life Applications

Personal Growth and Self-Reflection

“After the Storm” serves as a powerful reminder to engage in self-reflection and personal growth. By taking the time to understand our own struggles and strengths, we can better navigate life’s challenges.

Building a Supportive Community

The song also highlights the value of community and support networks. While self-reliance is crucial, having a supportive community can make a significant difference in our ability to overcome obstacles and thrive.

Conclusion

“After the Storm” by Kali Uchis, Tyler, The Creator, and Bootsy Collins is more than just a song—it’s an anthem of resilience, hope, and self-reliance. Through its poignant lyrics and soulful melody, it encourages listeners to persevere through tough times, find strength within themselves, and approach others with empathy and understanding.

By exploring the deeper meaning behind each verse and chorus, we gain valuable insights into the human experience and the power of music to inspire and uplift. Whether you’re facing personal challenges or simply seeking motivation, “After the Storm” offers a timeless message of hope and resilience.

If this exploration of “After the Storm” resonates with you, consider sharing the song with friends and family. Its powerful message has the potential to inspire and uplift others, just as it has for countless listeners around the world.