Kingston

"Kingston" is a lush and intimate exploration of the intoxicating and vulnerable state of being deeply in love. The song captures the dreamy, almost surreal feeling that new love can induce, where reality and dreams blur. The lyrics convey a profound sense of longing and devotion, as the narrator offers her entire being to her partner, symbolized by the recurring refrain, "Baby, tell me where you wanna go." This isn't just a physical journey, but an emotional one, indicating a readiness to follow her partner anywhere in life. The song touches on themes of vulnerability, as the thought of her lover is so powerful it "slightly scares" her yet also "takes my breath away," highlighting the dual nature of intense love as both daunting and wonderful. It's a portrayal of finding someone who completely captivates you, making even mundane moments, like the sound of rain, feel significant and romantic. The song avoids grand declarations, instead finding its power in small, honest details and a hazy, heartfelt atmosphere.

The narrative begins the very moment the singer meets her love interest, a moment so profound it kickstarts her dream life. She now makes a point to document these dreams, should she recall them upon waking. There’s an admission of unfamiliarity with a place called Kingston, yet she finds a simple, intimate pleasure in the sound of rain there, associating the location with this sensory detail. A feeling of loneliness creeps in with the darkness, prompting her to leave a light on, a small beacon against the solitude that makes her miss her partner intensely.

The chorus is a direct and tender plea, a complete surrender to her partner's desires. She asks where he wants to go and what he wants to know, offering everything she possesses and more. It is an expression of absolute devotion and a desire to merge her world with his.

The second verse shifts perspective slightly, recounting her partner's affectionate words. He calls her "baby" and professes his love. His words have a powerful, almost physical effect on her, making her feel "some type of way." This connection is so intense that the mere thought of him is both slightly frightening and breathtakingly beautiful, to the point where it makes her lose her train of thought. This verse highlights the vulnerability and overwhelming nature of her emotions. The experience is so powerful it slightly scares her but simultaneously exhilarates her, leaving her speechless.

The song then returns to the seminal memory of their meeting, which initiated her dream-filled existence, reinforcing this as the central, transformative event of her emotional landscape. The repetition of the chorus underscores the song's core theme: a boundless and unquestioning willingness to give her all to this love. The repeated offer to go anywhere and share everything becomes a mantra of her devotion, a soothing, hypnotic promise that fades out, leaving the listener in the warm, hazy glow of her affection.

"Kingston" was released in late 2018 as the lead single for Faye Webster's third studio album, Atlanta Millionaires Club (2019). This marked her debut on the Secretly Canadian record label, after previously being associated with Atlanta's hip-hop collective, Awful Records. The song, like much of her work, was born from her honest and direct songwriting approach. Webster has stated she often writes songs in one sitting to maintain a feeling of immediacy and authenticity, a practice influenced by her time with Awful Records. The recording for the album Atlanta Millionaires Club was notably done live with her band, aiming for a grounded and imperfect feel. The song was written by Webster herself and produced with a blend of her signature influences: the pedal steel guitar from her country roots and the laid-back groove of R&B. The accompanying music video, which features flamingos and ice-skating, was also directed by Webster, showcasing her multidisciplinary artistic vision.

"Kingston" is rich with subtle symbolism and imagery that create its dreamy atmosphere.

• Dreaming: The opening line, "The day that I met you I started dreaming," serves as the song's central metaphor. Dreaming symbolizes the transformative and almost surreal state that love has induced in the narrator. Her life has taken on a new, more vibrant and imaginative dimension since meeting her partner.
• Kingston and Rain: The reference to Kingston, a place the narrator admits to not knowing much about, symbolizes the new and unfamiliar territory of this deep love. Her focus isn't on the place itself, but on a shared, intimate experience within it: "the sound it makes when it starts pouring rain." This transforms the unknown place into a personal, romantic memory, suggesting that the significance of any place is defined by the presence of her lover.
• Leaving a Light On: The act of leaving a light on is a simple yet powerful symbol of loneliness and longing. It's a literal beacon against the darkness, representing her hope and her conscious decision to wait for and think of her partner, fighting off the feeling of being alone.

The predominant emotional atmosphere of "Kingston" is one of dreamy, contented longing and deep affection. It's a tranquil and mellow soundscape, evoking the warmth and humidity of a Georgia summer. The emotion is created through a careful combination of elements: the slow, steady rhythm, the serene and shimmering pedal steel guitar, and Faye Webster's soft, breathy vocals. There's a powerful sense of intimacy and vulnerability, especially in lines like "It's the thought of you that slightly scares me / But it takes my breath away." This reveals a subtle emotional complexity; the love is so profound it's almost overwhelming, a mix of blissful security and exhilarating fear. The overall mood is not one of angst or desperation, but of a peaceful, all-encompassing lovesickness. It’s the sound of being completely captivated by someone, where every thought and feeling is filtered through their presence.

Since its release, "Kingston" has become Faye Webster's signature song and has seen a significant rise in cultural influence, largely propelled by its popularity on social media platforms like TikTok. This viral spread introduced her unique blend of indie folk and R&B to a much wider audience, cementing her status as a beloved indie artist. The song's success was commercially recognized when it was certified Gold and later Platinum by the RIAA. Its dreamy and atmospheric quality has made it a popular choice for use in visual media, further broadening its reach. Though specific high-profile syncs are not widely documented, its general use in user-generated content is vast. "Kingston" is a cornerstone of Webster's discography, often cited as the quintessential example of her sound and a highlight of her breakthrough album, Atlanta Millionaires Club. It is a highly anticipated song at her live shows and a fan favorite.

"Kingston" follows a relaxed and unconventional structure, prioritizing mood over strict formal constraints. The rhyme scheme is loose and often relies on slant rhymes (dreaming/morning, on/now), which contributes to the song's conversational and natural feel. It largely adopts a free verse approach, allowing the lyrical narrative to unfold organically. The rhythm is characterized by a slow, loping tempo, often described as halftime (around 71 BPM), which gives the song its signature languid, hazy quality. This unhurried pace mimics the feeling of a lazy, humid day or the slow-motion sensation of being deeply in love. The interplay between the sparse, syncopated drum beat and the smooth, legato phrases of the pedal steel and vocals creates a gentle, swaying motion that draws the listener into its tranquil emotional space.

"Kingston" is defined by its unique blend of musical and literary styles.

• Musical Fusion: The song masterfully fuses genres, combining the prominent twang of a pedal steel guitar, a staple of alt-country, with the smooth, laid-back groove of R&B and soul. This creates a sonic texture that is both rustic and modern. The arrangement is spacious, using minimal instrumentation and pauses to let Webster's vocals and the lyrics take center stage.
• Vocal Delivery: Faye Webster's vocal performance is feather-light and understated, almost like a sigh or a hushed confession. This breathy, relaxed delivery enhances the song's intimate and dreamy quality, making the listener feel as if they are being let in on a secret.
• Lyrical Honesty: Webster employs a direct and forthright lyrical style. She has mentioned that she avoids changing words just to make them rhyme better, which lends an air of raw authenticity to her lyrics. Lines like "He said, 'baby,' that's what he called me, 'I love you'" have a conversational, diary-like quality that is highly relatable.
• Repetition: The chorus, with its repeated plea "Baby, tell me where you wanna go," acts as a hypnotic mantra. This repetition drills down on the central theme of devotion and surrender, making it the memorable and emotional core of the song.

What is the meaning behind Faye Webster's song 'Kingston'?

'Kingston' is about the all-encompassing and dreamy feeling of being deeply in love. It explores themes of longing, devotion, and the beautiful vulnerability that comes with intense affection, where the singer offers her entire world to her partner.

What genres define Faye Webster's 'Kingston'?

The song blends several genres, most notably indie folk, alternative R&B, and alt-country. Its signature sound comes from the fusion of pedal steel guitar, common in country music, with the smooth, mellow grooves of R&B and soul.

When was 'Kingston' by Faye Webster released?

'Kingston' was released on November 15, 2018, as a single from her 2019 album, 'Atlanta Millionaires Club'. It was her first release after signing with the record label Secretly Canadian.

What does the line 'the thought of you that slightly scares me' mean in 'Kingston'?

This line captures the overwhelming and intense nature of the narrator's love. It suggests that the depth of her feelings is so powerful that it's both exhilarating ('takes my breath away') and slightly frightening, highlighting the vulnerability that comes with deep emotional connection.

Is 'Kingston' by Faye Webster about a specific place?

While the song mentions Kingston, the lyrics state, 'I don't know that much about Kingston.' This suggests the location isn't as important as the feeling and memories associated with it, using the name more to evoke a mood and a personal, romantic atmosphere than to describe a literal place.

Has Faye Webster's 'Kingston' been certified or won any awards?

Yes, 'Kingston' has been certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), signifying over one million units sold in the United States.