Song Meaning

Moxie Raia's "Rudimental" isn't just a catchy hook; it's a pointed question mark aimed at the listener's soul. The song circles around themes of self-discovery and accountability, masked in the dreamy, sun-drenched soundscape. Raia's opening verses establish a sense of personal transformation. 'Something came in the night/And it washed my soul and made me whole' suggests a profound, almost spiritual awakening, a shedding of past burdens or naiveté. The pre-chorus builds anticipation, hinting at a journey of self-discovery where the stakes are high ('If we never try, then we'll never know the basics'). This isn't just about personal growth; it's about understanding fundamental truths. Raia's message emphasizes the importance of experiencing life fully and seizing opportunities for learning and development. The repetition of 'Don't let it pass you by' serves as a constant reminder to stay present and engaged in the journey of self-discovery. The chorus hits hard, turning inward to broader questions of legacy. The central query – 'Who you gonna be?' – echoes throughout, forcing a confrontation with one's potential impact. It's not just about existing, but about actively shaping the narrative. Raia juxtaposes passive observation ('stop and stare') with active participation ('stand and speak'), highlighting the moral choice inherent in every moment. This reflects a deeper psychological tension: the desire for comfort versus the call to action. The line 'when it comes to history' is a masterstroke, framing individual choices within a larger context of collective memory and consequence. Jimi Tents' verse adds another layer, grounding the song's lofty questions in lived experience. His reflection on his upbringing and community introduces themes of social mobility, the pursuit of dreams against the odds, and the desire to provide for loved ones. Tents touches on the pressures and expectations of becoming a role model, questioning what it means to inspire others when one's own path has been fraught with challenges. His verse also speaks to the complexities of identity and belonging, as he navigates between different social worlds. The raw emotion in lines like 'Momma, I just wanna ball' adds a layer of vulnerability, revealing the human desire for success and recognition amidst the struggles of life. Ultimately, "Rudimental" functions as both an anthem and an introspective challenge, pushing us to define ourselves not by our circumstances, but by our actions.

Moxie Raia & Jimi Tents - R&B

Rudimental

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Duration: 4:01

[Verse 1: Moxie Raia] I can't explain the way you make me feel Locked with the sun in our eyes God knows it's a beautiful life I set my intention and I keep it real Power to not feel the pain Wisdom to wash it away [Pre-Chorus: Moxie Raia] I can't explain it all, but something came in the night And it washed my soul and made me whole And now everything's alright Shining and losing a light and grow If we never try, then we'll never know the basics Don't let it pass you by [Chorus: Moxie Raia] So, tell me when it all goes down? Are you gonna be around? I know you're gonna make it in But are you gonna make it out? So tell me will you stop and stare? Or are you gonna stand and speak? Yeah, when it comes to history Who you gonna be? [Verse 2: Moxie Raia] It's the rudimental things that make the world turn Forget whatever you know Follow what you have been told I will love you better, so that you don't forget Gone with the world in your hands A child's the father, a man [Pre-Chorus: Moxie Raia] I can't explain it all, but something came in the night And it washed my soul and made me whole And now everything's alright Shining and losing a light and grow If we never try, then we'll never know the basics Don't let it pass you by [Chorus: Moxie Raia] So, tell me when it all goes down? Are you gonna be around? I know you're gonna make it in But are you gonna make it out? So tell me will you stop and stare? Or are you gonna stand and speak? Yeah, when it comes to history Who you gonna be? Who you gonna be? Who you gonna be? Who you gonna be? Yeah [Verse 3: Jimi Tents] Growing up I never thought I'd be a role model To me it's crazy I relate to what I jot down Half my neighbourhood survived returning coke bottles The other half is middle class that played the class clown So often with no options, worked from so worthless to show stopping and globe trotting Both my parents had to die living the dream So who am I to tell you don't believe? No matter if it's winter, spring, summer, fall Tell 'em that we want it all Always going down the round When there ain't no one to call Can I trade my chocolate tie? In for a wonder ball Momma, I just wanna ball Momma, I just wanna ball And I don't ain't need someone to love me like you do Promise I'mma make it up to you Not a fan of letting go Gotta fight and have you know I'm here for you [Chorus: Moxie Raia] So, tell me when all goes down? Are you gonna be around? I know you're gonna make it in But are you gonna make it out? So tell me will you stop and stare? Or are you gonna stand and speak? Yeah, when it comes to history Who you gonna be? Who you gonna be? Who you gonna be? Who you gonna be?

Credits

Writers: Moxie Raia
Thomas Glashausser
Max Wolfgang
Freddy Wexler
Jimi Tents

Rudimental

Rudimental

Lyrics

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Credits