"Childlike Things" by FKA Twigs, featuring North West, is a standout track from the album EUSEXUA that embraces a playful, yet ethereal energy. The song opens with a fast-moving, synthetic beat that drives the track forward, instantly grabbing the listener’s attention. It builds on a basic yet catchy pop chorus that feels lighthearted and engaging. What makes the track even more surprising is North West's contribution, rapping in Japanese, adding an unexpected and fun dynamic to the song. Her youthful energy complements Twigs’ experimental style, making this collaboration an enjoyable surprise.
North West’s Contribution
North West’s verses in Japanese bring a unique element to the song. Translating to lines such as “Hello, my name is North Chan / California to Tokyo / Jesus is king,” her parts reflect a blend of cultural influences and youthful faith, something that feels fresh in the pop landscape. The simplicity of her lyrics, juxtaposed with FKA Twigs' otherworldly sonic experimentation, gives "Childlike Things" an interesting balance between innocence and depth. North’s vibrant delivery meshes perfectly with the fun, carefree vibe of the track.
FKA Twigs’ Performance
FKA Twigs herself brings her signature avant-garde touch, with lyrics like “I've got supersonic powers that are polyphonic,” continuing her exploration of mystical and futuristic themes. Her vocals are both dreamy and sharp, floating effortlessly over the driving beat. The refrain “Dun-dun-dun-dun-dun” repeats throughout the track, creating an almost hypnotic rhythm that propels the listener deeper into the whimsical world Twigs is creating. It’s this combination of childlike fantasy and surreal power that makes the track so compelling.
The Chorus and Themes
The chorus, where Twigs sings, “Where the wild things are I will be / Lost in a world of childlike things and fantasies,” encapsulates the heart of the song. It speaks to a longing for escapism and adventure, drawing listeners into a world where the lines between reality and imagination blur. Paired with North's verses, the song exudes a sense of innocence and wonder, while also exploring deeper themes of identity and personal power.
FKA Twigs Childlike Things Review
"Childlike Things" is a fun, unexpected journey into a whimsical world, driven by FKA Twigs’ innovative production and North West’s spirited performance. The track captures the essence of youthful energy, with its bouncy beat and catchy melody, but it also holds a deeper resonance, as Twigs continues to push the boundaries of genre and expression. This collaboration is a bold experiment that pays off, adding a unique layer to the album.
What Does North West’s Parts Mean In English?
“こんにちは
私の名前はノースちゃん
カリフォルニアから東京
イエス様 王様 (Ah-ah)
神様賞賛 (Ah-ah)
イエスは唯一の真の神”Konnichiwa
My name is North Chan
California to Tokyo
Jesus king
God is praise
Jesus is the only true god
“こんにちは
私の名前はノースちゃん” Konnichiwa (Hello)
My name is North
“カリフォルニアから東京” California to Tokyo
Listen to FKA Twigs Childlike Things
FKA Twigs Childlike Things Lyrics Meaning Explained
The meaning of Childlike Things by FKA Twigs revolves around the themes of imagination, innocence, and the blending of fantasy with reality. Through its playful structure, the song explores the freedom and creativity associated with a childlike mindset, while also acknowledging the complexities of adult life. Featuring North West, whose verse introduces a spiritual and multicultural perspective, the track becomes a fusion of playful escapism and deeper contemplation. The use of both English and Japanese lyrics, along with the contrast between fantastical and spiritual themes, gives the song a unique depth, allowing it to transcend simple pop conventions. Childlike Things invites listeners to embrace their inner wonder while navigating the adult world.
The Repetitive Refrain: A Childlike Hypnotic Cadence
The repetitive refrain of "Dun-dun-dun / Dun-dun-dun-dun-dun, dun-dun-dun-dun-dun / Dun-dun-dun-dun-dun-dun-dun" sets a rhythmic tone, creating a hypnotic, childlike sound. The “dun-dun-dun” pattern mimics a playful, nursery-rhyme-like cadence. This simple structure reflects the innocence and repetition found in childhood, which is a core theme of the song. The music itself reinforces the idea of simplicity and childlike wonder, allowing the listener to immerse themselves in a fantastical world without over-complicating the mood.
FKA Twigs and the Contrast of Power and Mundanity
In the first verse, FKA Twigs sings, "I've got supersonic powers that are polyphonic (Ah-ah) / Like a chocolate teapot / Melt them down and burn them up (Ah-ah)". Here, she describes her ability to transcend the ordinary with "supersonic powers." The word "polyphonic" refers to multiple sounds or voices, symbolizing her multifaceted expression. The metaphor of a "chocolate teapot" emphasizes beauty that may be impractical or misunderstood, reflecting her unique but unconventional powers. As she sings about "Extra tonic give a glass of gin just to put it in," and "feeling dead alive like a nine-to-five," she juxtaposes the extraordinary with the mundane, highlighting the tension between her fantastical abilities and the constraints of daily life.
Imagination and Escape in the Chorus
The chorus brings us back to the theme of imagination and escape: "Where the wild things are I will be / Lost in a world of childlike things and fantasies". FKA Twigs references the famous children’s book Where the Wild Things Are, signifying her immersion into a place of fantasy and unrestrained creativity. The “childlike things and fantasies” suggest a longing to return to a state of innocence, where imagination can take over, free from the burden of reality. This contrasts with the routine and constraints mentioned in the verse, reinforcing the desire to break free.
North West's Spiritual and Cultural Verse
North West’s verse brings a new energy to the song, with her lyrics in Japanese: "こんにちは / 私の名前はノースちゃん / カリフォルニアから東京 / イエス様 王様 (Ah-ah) / 神様賞賛 (Ah-ah) / イエスは唯一の真の神 (You need to know)". Translated as "Hello / My name is North / From California to Tokyo / Jesus is king / Praise God / Jesus is the only true God," this verse introduces a spiritual layer to the track. North expresses her faith in God and Jesus, framing it as a universal truth. The phrase "From California to Tokyo" highlights a multicultural identity, bridging different cultures and experiences. In contrast to Twigs’ abstract fantasy, North grounds the track in faith and spirituality, adding a dimension of innocence through her youthful yet profound message.
The Unified Outro: Creative and Spiritual Synergy
The outro blends the voices of both artists, with the repeated lines, "I've got supersonic powers / こんにちは / 私の名前はノースちゃん / I've got supersonic powers / カリフォルニアから東京". This section creates a sense of unity between FKA Twigs and North West, as their perspectives merge. While North reintroduces her identity in Japanese, maintaining the theme of global awareness and cultural identity, FKA Twigs continues to emphasize her extraordinary powers. Together, they reinforce the idea of limitless potential, whether it comes from imagination, spiritual belief, or personal creativity.
FKA Twigs Childlike Things Lyrics
[Refrain: FKA twigs]
Dun-dun-dun
Dun-dun-dun-dun-dun, dun-dun-dun-dun-dun
Dun-dun-dun-dun-dun-dun-dun
Dun-dun-dun
Dun-dun-dun-dun-dun, dun-dun-dun-dun-dun
Dun-dun-dun-dun-dun-dun-dun
[Verse 1: FKA twigs]
I've got supersonic powers that are polyphonic (Ah-ah)
Like a chocolate teapot
Melt them down and burn them up (Ah-ah)
I've got supersonic powers that are polyphonic
Extra tonic give a glass of gin just to put it in
Drink it up feeling dead alive like a nine-to-five
I've got supersonic powers, ha
[Chorus: FKA twigs]
Where the wild things are I will be
Lost in a world of childlike things and fantasies
[Refrain: FKA twigs]
Dun-dun-dun
Dun-dun-dun-dun-dun, dun-dun-dun-dun-dun
Dun-dun-dun-dun-dun-dun-dun
Dun-dun-dun
Dun-dun-dun-dun-dun, dun-dun-dun-dun-dun
Dun-dun-dun-dun-dun-dun-dun
[Verse 2: North West]
こんにちは
私の名前はノースちゃん
カリフォルニアから東京
イエス様 王様 (Ah-ah)
神様賞賛 (Ah-ah)
イエスは唯一の真の神 (You need to know)
[Chorus: FKA twigs]
Where the wild things are I will be
Lost in a world of childlike things and tragedies
Dreams breaking their hearts
Can cross seven seas
Lost in a world of childlike things and fantasies
[Refrain: FKA twigs]
Dun-dun-dun
Dun-dun-dun-dun-dun, dun-dun-dun-dun-dun
Dun-dun-dun-dun-dun-dun-dun
Dun-dun-dun
Dun-dun-dun-dun-dun, dun-dun-dun-dun-dun
Dun-dun-dun-dun-dun-dun-dun
[Outro: North West & FKA twigs]
I've got supersonic powers
こんにちは
私の名前はノースちゃん
I've got supersonic powers
カリフォルニアから東京
I've got supersonic powers