Daniel Caesar

Lyrics

[Intro: Kardinal Offishall]
Yeah, inside di ting dem call sweet melody
Wahpm gyal, u comin' like a family enuh, eee!
Inside fi dem call DC is a d gyal dem, please
A max out the diesel, oh yeah!
Ayy, my girl, put down di man dem weh a talk nuthin' 'bout fee
You done know my lovin' is free
Lead out, lead out, the the th- international Daniel Cae- Cae- Cae-

[Verse 1: Daniel Caesar]
I love dominantly
You make me weak, make me thirsty for release
Wan', come compliment me
Then become my enemy
Cop a flight to Paris, low key
It's you, baby girl, I'm tryna to breed, please
Baby, try to understand me
I'm not a monster, I'm just a man with needs
I take flights when I learn it's time to go
Tryna take time back crossing timing zones
Come press your lips 'pon me
LSD got me feelin' empathy
Wan fi' alter the mind chemically
'Cause we suffer endlessly
Could be Kamikaze, only time will tell
Even though I'm godly, might end up in Hell
[Chorus: Daniel Caesar]
Sweet melody, whine up yuh body 'pon mi
Yuh lovin' baby girl, you know mi need it, need it
Let me fight for it, mi achieve it, 'chieve it
Sweet melody, whine up yuh body 'pon mi
Yuh lovin' baby girl, you know mi need it, need it
Let me fight for it, mi achieve it, 'chieve it

[Post-Chorus: Daniel Caesar]
Feel my love drip over your skin
Rich dark chocolate, sweet melanin
Forevermore you gon' be my kin
Whatever Jah has binded, let no man enter in

[Interlude: Kardinal Offishall]
Real up! Hand inna di air fi love enuh what I'm say, no matter weh you believe in G.O.D or L.S.D, ah mad!
Lick couple shots, Jesus Christ! Jesus Christ! Hol' on!

[Verse 2: Daniel Caesar]
You give me your love, it's unrequited
The thought of you gets me excited
I guess I'll come to your crib, uninvited
A few of your favorite vices, girl I know you like it
Girl, you came through like (Lightning, lightning)
You light up my life, you’re like (Lightning, lightning)
Danny be good? That's un (likely, likely)
But Jah be comin' down, yeah
He turned my life around, yeah
[Chorus: Daniel Caesar]
Sweet melody, whine up yuh body 'pon mi
Yuh lovin' baby girl, you know mi need it, need it
Let me fight for it, mi achieve it, 'chieve it
Sweet melody, whine up yuh body 'pon mi
Yuh lovin' baby girl, you know mi need it, need it
Let me fight for it, mi achieve it, 'chieve it

[Post-Chorus: Daniel Caesar]
Feel my love drip over your skin
Rich dark chocolate, sweet melanin
Forevermore you gon' be my kin
Whatever Jah has binded, let no man enter in

Canadian singer-songwriter Daniel Caesar is known for his unique sound, which blends elements of R&B, soul, and gospel music with a touch of his Jamaican heritage. One of his most noteworthy songs, "CYANIDE" can be found on his critically acclaimed album CASE STUDY 01, which was released in 2019.

About CYANIDE

"CYANIDE" is the second track on CASE STUDY 01, and it is a musical tribute to Daniel Caesar’s Jamaican roots and heritage. The song features heavily influenced reggae sounds and is performed predominantly in Patois, a Jamaican dialect of English, further emphasizing his cultural background. As mentioned in the song's lyrics, the inspiration behind "CYANIDE" comes from a failed relationship which ended up being toxic and poisonous. This is where the analogy of the toxicity of cyanides comes into play.

The opening lyrics of "CYANIDE" hit close to the song's central theme: "My friends all say she's the one, but I can't feel it, no." Daniel Caesar sings about being in love with someone he thought was the one but is now realizing that the spark has faded. He also expresses his anxiety about openly sharing his feelings and letting society know that he isn't perfect and can be bruised too.

As the song progresses, Caesar describes how the relationship had plummeted to toxic levels. The chorus of the song repeats the line, "I won't let you poison me," indicating that Caesar had to take necessary measures to preserve himself. He paints a dark and eerie picture of his mental state, where he feels suffocated and wanting to escape the situation.

Giving the song a sense of community touch, Daniel Caesar features guest appearances on "CYANIDE" by two fellow Toronto-based artists: Kardinal Offishall and River Tiber. The guests add some additional reggae-inspired flair to the piece, reinforce that the song presented Caesar’s affinity and pride for his Jamaican heritage while also giving a sense of togetherness.

The instrumentation behind the song is primarily guitar-driven, with hypnotic and repetitive beats that remind the listener of their cultural connection to the Caribbean. In some sections of the song, there is a lightening fast bass and a steady drum beat that works together in perfect unison, giving the song that reggae taste.

Throughout the duration of the song, the mood shifts from calm to disturbing, which is a testament to the lyrics' emotional weight. Caesar's impressive vocal range, coupled with the pared-down production, makes for an engaging story. The words are full of complex emotions, painting a picture of heartbreak and raw vulnerability.

Concluding, "CYANIDE" is an emotional ballad from Daniel Caesar that explores the theme of a failed and poisonous relationship, a well-thought analogy referencing cyanides. His appreciation towards his Jamaican roots and heritage is evident in the predominantly Patois language, contributing to the song's essence, and Reggae-influenced production. The song is a true masterpiece that combines various musical elements seamlessly, leaving the listener with a deep sense of thought and cultural appreciation.

• Release Date: June 28, 2019
• Artist: Daniel Caesar