On Friday, NIKI dropped the latest single, “High School In Jakarta,” off her forthcoming album, Nicole. The song follows “Before” and “Oceans & Engines,” both of which were pulled from a vault of tracks she’d written in high school and college. “High School In Jakarta” seems to follow suit, again reflecting on her early years as a teen. According to NIKI, all of Nicole—due out August 12—will focus on that time in her life and include a mix of revisited and newly written tracks.
“This project is without a doubt my most favorite thing I have ever made as an artist,” NIKI said in a statement. “It’s where younger me and current me meet and hang and have a fucking blast together.”
On “High School In Jakarta,” NIKI recounts the highs and lows of dating an older boy in high school. The song opens with her addressing that older boy directly. She’s giving him an update on her life—her best friend is moving away and it feels like the end of the world. The only thing keeping her going now is their budding romance.
Freshman year’s about to plummet just a little harder
But it didn’t ‘cause we kissed on that Halloween night
On the second verse, that budding romance has already seemingly crashed and burned. Her older boy has moved on, and she’s making (regrettable) changes.
I bleached half my hair when I saw Zoe on your Vespa
It was orange from three-percent peroxide, thanks to you
We learn they met in drama class on the pre-chorus—the irony of which is not lost on NIKI.
Now there’s drama (Drama), found a club for that
Where I met ya (Met ya), had a heart attack
Yadda, yadda
NIKI does some reflecting on her roller coaster of a first love on the hook. She understands now that when you’re in high school, everything feels like an ancient Greek battle. Their relationship didn’t stand a chance.
High school in Jakarta, sorta modern Sparta
Had no chance against the teenage suburban armadas
Feelings get in the way of honest communication on the third verse, where NIKI dives a little deeper into the dynamics of their relationship.
You don’t text at all and only call when you’re off your face
I’m petty and say, “Call me when you’re not unstable”
I lie and tell you I’ll be gettin' drunk at Rachel’s
On the second pre-chorus, NIKI wonders whether her ex has matured at all since their high school days.
But I couldn’t have you sit there and think
That you’re better ‘cause you’re older
Are you better now that we’re older?
Distance has grown between NIKI and her high school love on the bridge, and despite things going south, she doesn’t regret their relationship.
We’re movin' in in March or so
And although you bring me to tears
I’m glad that we gave it a go
“High School in Jakarta” arrived alongside an official music video, which features cameos from NIKI’s 88Rising labelmates Rich Brian and Warren Hue, as well as NIKI’s current boyfriend, songwriter and producer Jacob Ray.
You can read all the lyrics to “High School in Jakarta” on Genius now.
