When Roni first played me this beat, I think he had it in mind for someone else, but I convinced him I should have it as I loved the dubby vibe so much!
I wrote this track first and foremost as a dedication to one of my best friends Tiki Taane.
We were both travelling at the time this song was written, him with his band Salmonella Dub, and me with the Tali Live band.
He came to visit me in Bristol a few times, and whenever I came home to NZ we would catch up.
We would also often call each other to see how the other was getting on and Tiki was particularly good at boosting my morale, especially when I was struggling with depression or exhaustion. He understood me and my situation so well so knew the right words to keep me on track.
One phone call I said to him "Im actually writing a song dedicated to you!" and he said "Oh that's funny I'm writing a song about you!"
(Long Time - Salmonella Dub)
It was a nice surprise - but as we are such similar personalities, and definitely have that soul connection - I could understand how it could happen that way. I think of him as brother to me.
Within the lyrics I thank him for inspiring me, and lifting me and even sing one of his own song lyrics "Love your ways..."
I also took the opportunity to send love to my New Zealand music crew and colleagues who had inspired me on this musical DnB path. I guess I was feeling quite homesick and nostalgic for my beginnings whilst writing it.
There is a part in the song where I say "once upon a time a certain King had savage thoughts" That is a reference to my friend King Kapisi, a NZ musician who was with me when I met Roni Size - and actually encouraged me to go talk to him. The "Savage thoughts" is a reference to one of his tracks that I love.
"And late nights listening to the Che on Misty frequencies" that is a reference to another Kiwi Musician Che Fu, whose lyrics I would listen to when I was homesick, or wanted some inspiration for raps.
"Scientific in the brightness of a Concord Dawn" - Scientific was my DnB crew from Christchurch (where it all began) Concord Dawn my DnB colleagues who were also breaking into the UK scene at the same time,
"and fore anyone could blink, I'd Shapeshifted and was gone" - This is a nod to Shapeshifter who were coming up in the scene just as I left NZ and were and still are good friends of mine.
lyrics
CHORUS
Even thou, even though even though I am afar,
You're always gonna, always gonna be my Soulstar,
Im always gonna always gonna be a soldier,
Spreading the light, representing the mic x2
1. Heroes, come in all shapes and all forms
theres those whose words have helped me through the storms
In times when I though I'd never rise above,
he told me take the mic and do it for the love
Step upon the stage and bring that rugged flow
Let em know you're gonna take it International
since then I been doing this for all of my days
For that I gotta thank your loving ways (love your ways)
CHORUS
Even thou, even though even though I am afar,
You're always gonna, always gonna be my Soulstar,
Im always gonna always gonna be a soldier,
Spreading the light, representing the mic x2
2.
Once upon a time a certain king had savage thoughts,
in the method of his madness I found I was caught
inspired to take my rhymes abroad he watched my first step
encouraged me to bust a rap, for that I can't forget
And late nights listening to the Che on Misty Frequencies,
again inspired me to make my mark 'mongst all of these
Scientific in the brightness of a Concord Dawn, and fore anyone could blink, I'd Shapeshifted and was gone..."
3.
Heroes, come in all shapes and disguises, there's those who cannot help but inspire us.. and I'd like to think Im inspired you, cos though we're separated we're still part of the same crew, A land whose voices long to be heard, reach em up and let em soar like a bird,
Never ever try to be, something that you're not, Always be thankful for every single thing you've got, let the lyrics from your lips land on every earlobe, as we're taking this sound to four corners of the globe.. let em know..
CHORUS
Even thou, even though even though I am afar,
You're always gonna, always gonna be my Soulstar,
Im always gonna always gonna be a soldier,
Spreading the light, representing the mic x2
credits
from Lyric On My Lip,
released November 27, 2020
Tali & Roni Size
TALI is a multi award winning Drum n Bass MC, vocalist, songwriter, & composer for film & television.
Tali has toured
the world many times over as an MC for some of industries biggest heavyweights, has collaborated on various singles, had a UK top 40 single, released 8 solo albums, and performed with her own live Drum n Bass band. In 2020, Tali launched her own label, Reign Recordings....more
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