Nigerian pop superstar Joeboy returned in late September with the single “Alcohol,” which follows the release of his debut album, Somewhere Between Beauty & Magic, back in February. Produced by Tempoe, “Alcohol” is very much a response to Joeboy’s newfound fame.
“After the release of my debut album Somewhere Between Beauty & Magic, I disconnected from the world and focused on things that mattered to me that I had taken for granted in the year and a half I was recording,” Joeboy said in a statement.
“In the midst of the peace and quiet I desperately craved, I was finding myself reflecting and looking forward to the next stage of my career,” he added. “While indulging and sometimes over indulging in certain vices that have kept my mind at ease.”
In the first verse, Joeboy takes stock of his recent successes and sips a drink in celebration.
We no go fall
We ah go go, we go win
You you go know
All of the blessings fall on my yard
The mood shifts in the second verse, as Joeboy laments the many “problems” and “distractions” he’s come to face since blowing up. Now he’s drinking partially for peace of mind.
Too many badman and not enough friends
Lord save me I don’t wanna lose my conscience
I just wanna dance under the sunset
Make nobody stop my enjoyment oh (No, no, no)
In the chorus, Joeboy keeps coming back to the idea of blocking out negative thoughts and continuing to move forward. Returning to where he was before isn’t an option.
That’s why I sip my alcohol (E we)
I don’t wanna reason bad things no more (Oh no)
I don’t wanna go back to where I dey before
You can read all the lyrics to “Alcohol” on Genius now.
