Behind the Lyrics: Khalid and Disclosure - “Know Your Worth”

(Photo Credit: Sophie Jones)

Welcome back, friends! I recently went on a road trip with my little sister to Point Pleasant, West Virginia. She told me she loved alternative music, so I was blasting some great millennial hits when she finally realized she would lose her hearing if she let me control the radio. 

When she took over, she played this song "Know Your Worth" by Khalid & Disclosure. I know, not really alternative, but it got me thinking -- us millennials out there, we definitely have been shit on when it comes to terrible life events to live through, but you know what? Gen Z (my sister's gen) also has not had it great, so I listened along and then asked my questions. Let's dive in. 

"Know Your Worth"  -- Khalid & Disclosure 

He keeps leaving you for dead

I don't know what you been waiting for

So you've got your love locked up instead

But somethin' better's waitin' at your door

You don't know your worth

All the things I know that you deserve

Say it's not real if it doesn't hurt

Find someone you know will put you first

Find someone who loves you at your worst

Gotta keep, gotta keep, gotta keep your head up

Gotta keep, gotta keep, gotta keep your head up

Gotta keep, gotta keep, gotta keep your head up

Who puts you first?

Find someone who loves you at your worst

Don't forget the words I said

Picking you up when you're feelin' down

You get strung on thoughts left in your head

When you lose hope, soon you will be found

You don't know your worth

All the things I know that you deserve

Say it's not real if it doesn't hurt

Find someone you know will put you first

Find someone who loves you at your worst

Gotta keep, gotta keep, gotta keep your head up

Gotta keep, gotta keep, gotta keep your head up

Gotta keep, gotta keep, gotta keep your head up

Who puts you first?

Find someone who loves you at your worst

Find someone who loves you at your worst

Gotta keep, gotta keep, gotta keep your head up (head)

Gotta keep, gotta keep, gotta keep your head up (keep your head up, keep your head up)

Gotta keep, gotta keep, gotta keep your head up

Who puts you first?

Find someone who loves you at your worst

Find someone who loves you at your worst

This is one example of several songs she chose that I thought, "Wow, these lyrics are really straightforward. I don't think there is much to analyze." So, I said this out loud. 

My sister said, "Life is too hard the way it is. I want something chill, encouraging, and hopeful." 

Music really does shape who we are. We know the science. We've all probably seen the data, but hearing the difference spoken out loud got me thinking again. 

Millennials listened to witty bands like Fall Out Boy. They get their emotional, angry poetry lyrics from The Used or Escape the Fate. I could go on, but we all know it -- we are angry. We are frustrated.

I share this because next time you are annoyed by a Gen Z walking into work late with their iced coffee and that big grin on their face...really look at them. Look at the optimism, hope, and determination radiating off of them. Yes, their lyrics are kind...well...boring for me. Haha. But, I can totally see her point, and I do think like most things in life, we could all use the moderation. So, give some new music a shot, maybe get to know that Gen Z coworker, and until next time.