Kehlani is back with “little story,” the second single off their forthcoming third album, Blue Water Road. By their own admission, Kehlani makes “relationship music,” and this latest song is about trying to win back an ex and become a better partner. The intimate, guitar-driven track quickly found a home in the Top 20 on the Genius Top Songs chart.
Produced by Pop Wansel, Some Randoms, and Wes Singerman—all of whom share writing credit with Kehlani—“little story” opens with an admission of sorts. We’re dealing with a reliable narrator who’s not always a reliable person.
Wouldn’t say I’m a liar, but I’m not always honest
I ain’t come through, but that’s why I ain’t promise
Kehlani reveals more of the story in the pre-chorus. This couple has a complicated history, but Kehlani isn’t ready to close the book.
Oh, yeah, I want you to do it again
I want you to pick up the pen and write me into your story
You know I love a story, only when you’re the author
Kehlani then broaches the subject of marriage—something they’re not quite ready for.
Tryna meet you at the altar
Workin’ on bein’ softer
In the second verse, Kehlani expresses regret for how they’ve acted in the past.
Still mad I hit the dash on you
After wearin’ you down right to the last of you
As the verse ends, Kehlani reaffirms their loyalty and offers up an astrological explanation for their behavior.
’Cause you gotta face that I couldn’t run from
Heartbreak, Taurus, I’m a shy girl
But you’re not one, ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh, oh
The second time through the pre-chorus, Kehlani changes up the lyrics. The person they’re trying to reconnect with doesn’t fully trust them. Reconciliation is going to take some real effort.
We got one hell of a story, you’re a hell of an author
You swear I leave you at the altar
In the chorus, Kehlani praises their ex for always being able to recognize their bullshit and see the truth. No wonder Kehlani is trying honesty this time.
You always been a dream to me
Ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh, oh, ooh
Ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh, oh, ooh
It’s in the way you see through me
Kehlani commented on the song and its accompanying black-and-white music video on Instagram. “What can I say… a true little story,” Kehlani said. “A song I really care about. A video I really care about. Enjoy it, it’s an honor to share it.”
You can check out all the lyrics to “little story” on Genius now.
