Some

The song "Some" by Steve Lacy is a nuanced exploration of modern courtship, characterized by a blend of confident yearning and patient restraint. At its core, the track is a direct and heartfelt plea for affection from a love interest. The recurring request for just "some" of her love, rather than all of it, suggests a humble, low-pressure approach. It's not about possession but about a shared connection. The lyrics convey a story of a protagonist who is self-aware; he acknowledges that his love interest has many options ("I'm sure there's lots guys that you see") but confidently asserts his own value ("But, I swear they are not as cool as me").

The song delves into the theme of seeking genuine connection over fleeting romance. Lacy's suggestions for their time together—watching a movie, hitting the beach, or just chilling—emphasize a desire for simple companionship and shared experiences rather than grand, performative gestures. This reflects a modern romantic sensibility where intimacy is built through casual, authentic moments.

A crucial layer of meaning is added in the outro, where the line "I just wanna take it slow" is repeated. This serves as a thesis statement for the song's approach to love. In a culture often defined by immediacy, Lacy advocates for patience and allowing a relationship to unfold naturally. It's a declaration of intent to build something meaningful, savoring the process rather than rushing the outcome. The song captures the delicate balance of expressing strong desire while respecting the other person's space and the natural pace of emotional connection.

The narrative begins with a direct and simple plea, repeated with an earnest, almost hypnotic gentleness: the singer desires a portion of his love interest's affection. This isn't a demand for all-consuming passion, but a humble request for just "some" of their love, suggesting a patient and respectful approach to courtship. The repetition of "your love, your love" emphasizes the specific, personal nature of his desire; he is not interested in generic affection, but in the unique love that this particular person can offer.

The singer then adopts a contemplative and slightly insecure tone, acknowledging the reality of his situation. He's aware that the object of his affection has a heart full of love, but he openly wonders where that love will be directed. This question, "who you gonna give it to?", reveals his vulnerability and the central tension of the song: the uncertainty of reciprocation. He doesn't stop there; he also acknowledges his competition, recognizing that there are surely many other suitors she sees. However, he quickly pivots to a moment of cool self-assurance, asserting, "But, I swear they are not as cool as me." This line injects a playful confidence into the narrative, suggesting that while he is vulnerable, he also believes he has something unique and valuable to offer.

Following this declaration of self-worth, he lays out a vision for their potential time together. The suggestions are relaxed and intimate, devoid of grand, ostentatious gestures. He proposes simple, shared experiences: "we could watch a movie, hit the beach, or just chill, get high." This illustrates a desire for genuine companionship and connection through everyday moments. He further empowers his love interest by adding, "We can do whatever you wanna do," placing her desires and comfort at the forefront. The promise that he "can take you where you wanna go" acts as both a literal offer of adventure and a metaphorical assurance that he is supportive and attentive to her wishes. The core request is then reiterated, bringing the focus back to his fundamental desire for her affection.

The song concludes with a significant shift in focus, encapsulated in the repeated phrase, "I just wanna take it slow." This outro serves as the narrative's resolution and defining statement. After expressing his deep longing and making his case, he clarifies the pace at which he wishes the potential relationship to proceed. This emphasis on slowness contrasts with a world of instant gratification and highlights his desire to build something genuine and lasting, savoring each step of the journey rather than rushing towards a conclusion. It's a final, reassuring promise of patience and intention, leaving the listener with the impression of a suitor who is not just infatuated, but also considerate and sincere in his approach to love.

"Some" was released as a single on November 1, 2016, and later featured on Steve Lacy's debut solo project, the song series titled Steve Lacy's Demo, which was released on February 24, 2017. The most remarkable aspect of the song's creation is its DIY, minimalist production method. At the age of 18, Lacy produced and recorded the entire project, including "Some," using only his iPhone.

He utilized the GarageBand application for the arrangements. The creative process involved programming the drum patterns in Ableton before transferring them, and then plugging his guitar and bass directly into his phone via an iRig interface to lay down the instrumental tracks. For the vocals, he sang directly into the iPhone's built-in microphone, often using a pop filter to improve the quality. Lacy has referred to this resourceful and minimalist approach as "The Bare Maximum," a philosophy of creating high-quality content with the most basic setup. This method defined his early sound and established him as a pioneer in the bedroom pop and lo-fi R&B scenes, proving that professional-sounding music could be made without access to a traditional studio.

The rhyme scheme in "Some" is relatively simple and follows a loose, conversational pattern rather than a strict, formal structure. The verses primarily use a near-rhyme scheme, such as in the lines "I'm sure there's lots guys that you see / But, I swear they are not as cool as me," which follows an AABB-like pattern. This simplicity contributes to the song's direct and honest lyrical feel, making it sound more like a genuine thought process than a crafted poem.

Rhythmically, the song is defined by its relaxed, mid-tempo groove. The drum pattern is steady yet syncopated, providing a subtle funk backbone that encourages a gentle head-nod. The bassline is melodically active and rhythmically playful, creating a laid-back, summery feel. The lyrical rhythm, or the cadence of Lacy's vocal delivery, is conversational and flows effortlessly over the instrumental. There's a notable interplay between his unhurried singing and the consistent groove of the rhythm section, which musically embodies the song's central theme of "taking it slow." The tempo remains consistent, reinforcing the song's calm and confident emotional atmosphere.

"Some" is a prime example of Steve Lacy's signature stylistic blend. Musically, it is built on a foundation of lo-fi production, giving it an intimate and authentic "bedroom pop" feel. This aesthetic is a direct result of its creation on an iPhone. The track features a groovy, funk-infused bassline and Lacy's distinctive, clean guitar strums that drive the melody forward. The rhythm is laid-back with upbeat, syncopated drums, creating a sound that is both relaxing and infectious. The overall arrangement is minimalist, adhering to his "Bare Maximum" philosophy, where each element is essential and purposeful.

Lyrically, the song employs direct address and a conversational tone, making the listener feel like a confidant to his romantic plea. The use of repetition in the chorus ("Baby, I want some of your love / Your love, your love") acts as a hypnotic hook, reinforcing the central theme of longing. Lacy's vocal delivery is a key technique; he uses a smooth, soulful croon that conveys both vulnerability and a sense of cool confidence. This relaxed vocal style perfectly complements the song's chillwave instrumentation and themes of taking things slow.

"Some" was released as the lead single for Steve Lacy's Demo and was an immediate hit, serving as a powerful introduction to his solo artistry outside of his work with The Internet. The song was instrumental in establishing his signature sound—a blend of indie, soul, funk, and lo-fi—and his innovative DIY production methods. Its creation entirely on an iPhone became a widely discussed topic, inspiring countless young, aspiring musicians by demonstrating that high-quality music could be made with minimal resources. This solidified Lacy's status as a pioneer in the burgeoning bedroom pop movement.

While later songs like "Dark Red" and "Bad Habit" would achieve massive viral success on platforms like TikTok, "Some" laid the crucial groundwork for Lacy's career. It showcased his unique musical identity and production philosophy of "The Bare Maximum," earning him critical praise and a dedicated fanbase early on. The track remains a fan favorite and a key song in his discography, emblematic of the raw talent and ingenuity that would eventually make him a Grammy-winning, chart-topping artist.

The primary lyrical motif in "Some"—the request for just "some" of a person's love—functions as a central metaphor for a modern, less demanding form of affection. It symbolizes a desire for a genuine connection that doesn't rely on grand declarations or notions of ownership. It represents a patient, respectful approach to building a relationship, asking for a beginning or a piece of intimacy rather than an all-or-nothing commitment.

The song also uses the concept of an "ocean of affection" to symbolize the vast potential for love within the person he is addressing. Lacy isn't asking to own the ocean, but simply to navigate its waters with her. Furthermore, the casual activities he lists—movies, the beach, chilling—are symbolic of a deeper desire for authentic companionship. They represent a love that is found not in dramatic events but in the quiet, shared moments of everyday life, emphasizing comfort and mutual enjoyment over performative romance.

The most prominent recurring motif in "Some" is the lyrical phrase "Baby, I want some of your love." This line, which opens the song and repeats in the chorus, is the central pillar of the track's theme. Its repetition drills home the singer's primary desire with a simple, almost meditative quality. The added emphasis on "Your love, your love" specifies that this longing is for a particular person's affection, not just love in general.

Another key recurring phrase is "I just wanna take it slow," which is repeated extensively in the song's outro. This phrase acts as a concluding thesis, clarifying the singer's intentions. Its repetition transforms a simple desire into a core principle of his romantic approach, emphasizing patience and a desire for genuine, unhurried connection.

A recurring thematic motif is the offering of casual, shared activities: "we could watch a movie, hit the beach, or just chill." This list appears as a way to illustrate the kind of comfortable, low-pressure companionship he is seeking, reinforcing the song's overall relaxed and authentic vibe.