The Meaning Behind The Song: Come With Me Now by Kongos
Introduction
“Come with Me Now” is the first single from the South African alternative rock band Kongos’ second album, Lunatic. The song was released in 2011 and became a commercial success in the United States in 2014, reaching the top of Billboard’s Alternative chart. The song has also been used in various movies and television shows.
The song is often associated with indie rock, alternative rock, and world music sounds. It has a distinctive beat with a mixture of rock, blues, and heavy African rhythms, which forms a part of the band’s style. The lyrics of the song are also intriguing and often misunderstood by many people.
In this article, we would be analyzing the meaning behind “Come with Me Now” by Kongos.
The Lyrics
The lyrics of the song highlight several themes, including love, loneliness, and seeking adventure. The chorus of the song has a catchy and upbeat melody that encourages you to let go of all your fears and come with the band on a thrilling ride.
The first part of the song talks about the desire to find someone to fall in love with. The band is calling out to anyone who is searching for love and asking them to come with them. The lyrics go thus:
“Come with me now
I’m gonna take you down
Come with me now
I’m gonna show you how”
The next verse talks about the struggle of loneliness and how it feels to not fit in with anyone. The lyrics try to communicate that even in your loneliness, it’s possible to find others that feel the same way. The verse goes thus:
“Walking through the alleys
Feeling like a stranger
They all got their reasons
But I just don’t seem to care”
In the chorus, the lyrics talk about the joy of adventure, and the song’s heavy African influence shines through in its rhythm.
“Come with me now
I’m gonna take you down
Come with me now
I’m gonna show you how”
In the last part of the song, the band sings about breaking all the rules and taking the path less traveled. The lyrics talk about the joys of living outside society’s norms and experiencing life as it is.
“Take it from me
You were made to live it up
You’ll never give it up
So don’t even try”
The Meaning Behind The Song
The meaning behind the song is broad and often depends on the listener’s interpretation. However, some themes stand out from the lyrics that could help us understand the meaning behind the song.
Feeling Lonely
One of the themes the song addresses is loneliness. The lyrics suggest a feeling of disconnect and not fitting in with people around you. The band calls out to anyone who feels that way and invites them to come with them in a quest for freedom. The song tries to offer an escape from the pressures of the society that can often lead people to feel lonely and different.
Desire for Love
Another theme the song highlights is the desire for love. The band sings about their willingness to take anyone down who is willing to follow them, which could be interpreted as the band’s desire to find someone to love. The song tries to offer an escape from the pressures of loneliness and suggests to its listeners that they can find love and happiness on their journey.
African Rhythms
The song’s heavy African rhythm comes from the band’s upbringing in South Africa. The Kongos brothers grew up in a multicultural family and were introduced to various music genres at a young age. The song’s African influence is a reflection of that upbringing, and the band’s fusion of different music genres helped to create their unique sound.
The Journey
The song celebrates the idea of going on an adventure and not following the conventional path. The lyrics encourage its listeners to embrace the unconventional and not be afraid to break the rules. The band tries to offer an escape from societal norms and suggests to its listeners that they can live life on their terms.
FAQs
What is the origin of Kongos?
Kongos is a South African alternative rock band formed in Phoenix, Arizona, United States. The band’s members are four brothers: Johnny, Jesse, Dylan, and Daniel Kongos. However, they spent their early childhood in Johannesburg, South Africa, where they were exposed to various music genres.
What inspired “Come with Me Now”?
According to the band, the song was inspired by their upbringing in South Africa and the love they had for heavy African rhythms. The song reflects their multicultural background, which allowed them to experiment with different music genres.
What genre is “Come with Me Now”?
“Come with Me Now” is a fusion of different music genres such as alternative rock, indie rock, and world music. The song has a distinctive heavy African rhythm that adds to its unique sound.
What was the reception of “Come with Me Now”?
“Come with Me Now” has been described as one of the most infectious songs of 2014 and was a commercial success in the United States, reaching the top of Billboard’s Alternative chart. The song has also been used in various movies and television shows.
What other songs do Kongos have?
Kongos has released several other songs, including “I’m Only Joking,” “Take It From Me,” “When You’re Here,” and “Repeat After Me.” They have also released four studio albums, including “Lunatic,” “Egomaniac,” “1929: Part 1,” and “1929: Part 2.”
What is the meaning of the words “Take it from me” in the song’s lyrics?
The words “Take it from me” in the song’s lyrics suggest that the Kongos brothers have gone through similar experiences, and they are inviting their listeners to listen to their advice.
What has been the impact of “Come with Me Now” on Kongos’ career?
“Come with Me Now” has been the most commercial success for Kongos, reaching the top of Billboard’s Alternative chart. The song’s success propelled the band to the spotlight, and they have since released several other successful songs.
What message is Kongos trying to convey with “Come with Me Now”?
Kongos is inviting their listeners to embrace adventure and explore life outside societal norms. The song encourages its listeners to be themselves and not be afraid to take risks.
What is the most misunderstood part of the song’s lyrics?
The most misunderstood part of the song’s lyrics is the chorus that includes the words “Come with me now, I’m gonna take you down. Come with me now, I’m gonna show you how.” Many people interpret the words “take you down” as a negative thing when it is meant to be a positive thing.
What inspired the incorporation of African rhythms into the song?
The Kongos brothers were inspired to incorporate African rhythms into the song due to their upbringing in South Africa, where they were exposed to different music genres. The African rhythms add to the unique sound of the song.
What was the inspiration behind the creation of Kongos?
According to the band, their father, John Kongos, who was a South African musician, inspired them to pursue music. The band’s multicultural background allowed them to experiment with different music genres and create their unique sound.
What other artists are similar to Kongos?
Kongos’ sound is often compared to other artists who mix different music genres, such as Imagine Dragons, Alt-J, and Foster the People.
What is next for Kongos?
Kongos has continued to release successful music, and they are currently working on new projects. The band has not announced any upcoming performances yet.
