Released: 2019 • Features: Ty Dolla $ign
“Nights Like This” is an evocative testimony of heartbreak and betrayal by Kehlani, featuring Ty Dolla $ign. The song explores the harsh reality of unrequited love and the painful aftermath of a failed relationship. It’s a deep dive into the emotional tumult provoked by deceit, disappointment, and a loss of trust.
In the first verse, Kehlani reflects on being lured back into a romantic cycle only to be let down, stating “you act like you need remindin’, tryna do it over, bring it back and rewind it.” The term “bring it back and rewind it” manifests the recurrent pattern of old lovers trying to rekindle a flame that has fizzled out. The phrase “all that glitters isn’t gold” alludes to the deceptive appearances that often mask reality – her partner seemed perfect, but proved otherwise.
The chorus illustrates Kehlani’s struggle to move on from a love that has proven to be untrustworthy and detrimental to her well-being. She’s caught in a love hangover, a state of longing and regret: “On some nights like this, shawty, I can’t help but think of us.” In hip-hop culture, “shawty” is typically used to refer to an attractive woman or a love interest.
Ty Dolla $ign amplifies this narrative in his verse, expressing his disappointment and disillusionment. Emphasizing their shared history, he refers to “my day one since back at Big B’s house on Adams,” indicating the depth of their connection. Yet, the hard-hitting line “Used to promise me you’d never switch on me like Gemini,” alludes to an unexpected betrayal. The phrase “switch on me like Gemini” refers to the astrological sign Gemini, often stereotyped as two-faced or changeable.
When Kehlani delivers the line “Just gonna play with my emotions just because,” it underscores the tormented sense of love being used as a weapon, a tool for manipulation. The song ends on a note of tragic resolution: Kehlani acknowledges the futility of her hopes – “you gon’ get my hopes high, girl,” repeating it like a self-willed mantra against falling back into the same emotional trap.
By scrutinizing the lyrics of “Nights Like This,” we are given an intimate glimpse into raw emotion, regret, and resilience. It’s a testament to Kehlani’s lyrical prowess as she uses hip-hop to vocalize deeply personal experiences, transforming her pain into poignant and relatable storytelling.
