altar Lyrics
Fresh white flowers and a new tea light
Nine cups of water, still water
Soon, I'll see your face
Don't know why I ever thought you were far away
I shoulda known better
[Pre-Chorus]
If I set a flame and I call your name
I'll fix you a plate, we can go to dinner
We can share a meal your way
And I'll play you the songs that you used to play
[Chorus]
So I put you on the altar, stay just a little bit longer, woah
Laid it out for ya, thought I felt you before
Now you're closer
Closer, woah
So I put you on the altar, stay just a little bit longer, woah
Laid it out for ya, thought I felt you before
Now you're closеr
Closer, woah, woah
[Verse 2]
Holdin' on to things you told me
Holdin' on to dreams you showеd me
Holdin' on to anything from you
That you've been leavin' here
Now I believe, I swear
I can smell your perfume
Pickin' up your signal like a phonebooth
Keepin' you alive and I do it 'cause I want to
If I set a flame and I call your name
I'll fix you a plate, we can go to dinner
We can share a meal your way
And I'll play you the songs that you used to play
[Chorus]
So I put you on the altar, stay just a little bit longer, woah
Laid it out for ya, thought I felt you before
But now you're closer (Closer)
Closer, woah (Now you're closer)
So I put you on the altar, stay just a little bit longer, woah
Laid it out for ya, thought I felt you before
But now you're closer (Closer)
Closer, woah, woah (Closer)
About
After a series of collaborations since the beginning of 2021, Kehlani returns on September 17 with “altar”—the lead single from their third studio album, blue water road.
The Oakland native revealed the track in a Twitter post along with a snippet on September 14, a few hours after the album’s announcement. She then expanded in a separate tweet on the single’s meaning, which honors the spirits of their loved ones:
to all those i have lost, all the angels i have gained, all those that walk with me with hands cracking my chest open, this is for you. i love you! 🕯
Q&A
Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning
In a since-deleted tweet posted on September 14, 2021, Kehlani shared:
ALTAR is dedicated to all those i’ve lost. 2020-2021 was full of gaining angels. full of understanding death. full of growing through grief. full of elevation and honor.
- 5.up at night
- 9.altar
- 10.melt
- 11.tangerine
- 12.everything
