Genre: Afrobeats, Pop, Afro-Fusion
Release Date: August 25, 2023
Artist: Burna Boy
Produced by: Skread
Album: I Told Them…
About the Song
“If I’m Lying” is a deeply personal and reflective track from Burna Boy’s acclaimed seventh studio album, I Told Them…. The song is a powerful testament to resilience, honesty, and the emotional toll of life’s journey. With a simple yet poignant melody, Burna Boy strips back the bravado to offer a vulnerable look at his struggles and truths. The central hook is a dramatic, poetic oath that emphasizes the sincerity of his words, making the track one of the standout moments on the project.
Why “If I’m Lying” Is a Must-Listen
- Raw Honesty: Burna Boy delivers one of his most vulnerable performances, dropping his usual bravado for openness.
- Profound Message: A lyrical exploration of perseverance, pain, and truth.
- Poetic Hook: The chorus has a striking, almost biblical oath that lingers in memory.
- Emotional Production: The sparse beat and haunting synths highlight Burna’s voice and sincerity.
Full Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Every day, I just dey give thanks for life
Know how to move ’cause I know sacrifice
Lose control, still hold on tight
Won’t be the only time
I’m a soldier, I know how to fight
I make fire when it’s cold in the night
If you need a shoulder to cry, then I’ll give you mine
[Chorus]
And, if I’m lyin’, let the ocean and seas start dryin’
The birds in the sky stop flyin’
All the trees in the world start dyin’, all start dyin’
And, if I’m lyin’, let the ocean and seas start dryin’
Let the birds in the sky stop flyin’
All the trees in the world start dyin’, all start dyin’
[Verse 2]
Won’t be the only time (Mhm)
Only time
Only time
Won’t be the only time
That you’re gonna get your heartbroken
You got to learn how to ride the motion
And, if I’m lyin’, let the ocean and seas start dryin’
The birds in the sky stop flyin’
All the trees in the world start dyin’, all start dyin’
And, if I’m lyin’, let the ocean and seas start dryin’
Let the birds in the sky stop flyin’
All the trees in the world start dyin’, all start dyin’
[Bridge]
Zero, all that I get is zero
Rain fallin’ on my window
That’s why I sleep under my pillow
Woah, woah, woah
These days I don’t sleep no more, no
Oh, so, my eyes open wide
At least I know I’m alive
[Outro]
And, if I’m lyin’, let the ocean and seas start dryin’
The birds in the sky stop flyin’
All the trees in the world start dyin’, all start dyin’
And, if I’m lyin’, let the ocean and seas start dryin’
Let the birds in the sky stop flyin’
All the trees in the world start dyin’, all start dyin’
Commentary Breakdown
Lyrical Analysis
“If I’m Lying” is a meditation on resilience and truth. Burna Boy calls himself a “soldier” who knows how to survive life’s battles, while also showing empathy by offering a “shoulder to cry.” The central chorus is a dramatic oath, where he swears on nature itself—oceans, skies, trees—underscoring the gravity of his truths. The bridge adds raw vulnerability with lines about emptiness, sleeplessness, and emotional struggle, yet it closes with a spark of hope: “At least I know I’m alive.”
Musical and Vocal Analysis
Producer Skread delivers sparse, atmospheric production that puts Burna Boy’s voice at the center. The slow beat and haunting synths enhance the song’s meditative feel. Burna’s vocal performance is heartfelt and deeply emotional, shifting between strength and fragility. The repetition of the chorus adds a spiritual, mantra-like quality that lingers with the listener.
About the Artist
Burna Boy is a Grammy Award-winning Nigerian artist and one of the most influential musicians globally. Known for pioneering Afro-Fusion, he blends Afrobeats with reggae, dancehall, and pop influences. Burna Boy often uses his music to tell stories of resilience, African identity, and personal struggle, making him a defining voice of his generation.
Listen & Stream
🎧 Listen on Spotify
🎶 Stream on Apple Music
▶️ Watch Official Video
What Do You Think?
Did the raw emotion in “If I’m Lying” resonate with you? Which lyric hit you the hardest? Share your thoughts below.