Rose selenite

Longing is one of those emotions that everyone has felt at some point in their life. Others do a better job of diminishing that feeling than others. Water your own grass and it will be greener! 

Desert Rose by Lolo Zouaï. 

The second this song starts, our realm transforms into a different dimension. The slow, sauntering pace makes the piece all the more magnetic. 

The tune gives an airy, alluring, and seductive edge. The harmonies, the beat, the falsetto vocals. This song is all you need. 

Despite the enticing melody though, the true significance in the somber nature of the lyrics. The piece discusses religious differences and family trauma. 

The music video features Zouaï, of French and Algerian descent, visiting a town, and visibly being unsettled. She hopes to be part of a community like this one, but fears that because of her carefree nature, she will not be welcome: 

I chose a life of sin

Wish you could forgive

The inspiration for the song came about when she was waiting in the airport for a flight to attend a relative's wedding in Algeria, but her flight was suspiciously canceled. Zouaï reveals that she found out a member of her family had gotten the flight canceled. The conflict came after she had posted a picture on Instagram highlighting a suggestive finger, and her family did not approve. 

Middle finger in the air, I'm sorry that I scared ya

The title comes from a crystal like rose found in deserts of and neighboring Algeria. 

As always, I'll leave some interpretation free to be yours. 

If you click on the album cover below, you can listen or re-listen to "Desert Rose" by Lolo Zouaï on YouTube. "Chain" is also particularly inviting; I heard this piece first in HBO's Euphoria. Let me know thoughts, emotions, ideas, sparks, creations, or memories that come up while the instruments hum into your ears. 

Warm regards, 

Nai