1980
1980

Estelle - 1980 Lyrics

Estelle takes us on a nostalgic journey through her formative years, offering a vivid glimpse of life in the 1980s. Through her lyrics, she paints a picture of a crowded yet loving household, filled with family and the resilience required to make ends meet.… Read more

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Oct 18, 2004
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1980 Music Video

1980 Lyrics

Yo yo yo

I grew up in the 1980's
In a four bedroom house
My family, my grandma,
Three or four aunties
Uncles and brothers
In and out of prison daily
At certain times when there was no heat
We stay under covers
There was life like u never seen
Grandma taking extra people in
Come dinner time it was tippin' 18
Boil a big pot of water on the stove to take a bath
Rub my face with olive oil
All my mates used to laugh
All my cousin's moved out
We all got divided
As i started to get older I seen God providing
I've seen 50 pound last 3 months solid
I got my first pair of Nikes we were still eating porridge
Me and my cousin used to play Mel and Kim
Practising dancin'
Coming down the stairs and ting
I touched Africa and came back darker
Knowing myself
Feeling my roots a little bit harder

1980 Year that God made me
89 I started to get by
99 I started to write rhymes
Walk with me reminisce my life
So then we moved up

1980 Year that God made me
89 I started to get by
99 I started to write rhymes
Walk with me reminisce my life
So then we moved up

I thought I was the Fresh Prince
Dynasty was re-runs and Dallas was faded
With three beds this time and six kids
We got a doggy that dog loved to shit
My brother got his first pair of LA gears
He thought they were to take pictures of instead of wear
I started hanging out and my jeans got tighter
My weird neighbors set their own house on fire
Church was all day every day and every week
That's where i learned how to sing
Hearing that pastor preach
Benediction was all we went for
So we could run home and play connect four
Mum worked late and we learnt to cook
Rice peas chicken and stew pea soup
In the room watching Kung-Fu films
And Cleopatra Joans
Wishing we were Cosby kids and the match stick girls

1980 Year that God made me
89 I started to get by
99 I started to write rhymes
Walk with me reminisce my life
So then we moved up

1980 Year that God made me
89 I started to get by
99 I started to write rhymes
Walk with me reminisce my life
So then we moved up

The man downstairs was dead for three weeks
His own cat started eating him
The house starts to wreak
That's when we moved out
And our house was bigger
We had a large garage and the attic was killer
We used to pray for three hours in the mornin'
Sitting on the school bus
Believe we was yawning
All our hair was stuck down to our foreheads
Jam curls, splits, dorags and pin curls yes
Sexy boys walking round showing interest
In what I don't know 'cause we all had flat chests
Don't think we never mastered the kid and play steps
Doowop for days in the boggle yep
But this is just the beginning of my life right,
Nine kids a house and one life time
Yo, the beginning of my life right
Nine kids a house in one life time

Writer(s): RICHARD SHELTON, KEVIN VENEY, LOREN HILL, LINDA CREED, THOM BELL, E. SWARAY, H. SWARAY
Copyright(s): Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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What is the Meaning of 1980?

Estelle takes us on a nostalgic journey through her formative years, offering a vivid glimpse of life in the 1980s. Through her lyrics, she paints a picture of a crowded yet loving household, filled with family and the resilience required to make ends meet. She touches on the challenges and warmth of her upbringing, from sharing space to simple joys like her first pair of Nikes. Estelle reflects on the cultural icons of the time, neighborhood stories, and her evolving sense of identity, especially after connecting with her African roots. With each verse, she illustrates her personal growth and the foundations that set the stage for her artistic path. Ultimately, it’s a heartfelt reflection on family, heritage, and the little moments that shape who we become.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the significance of the title '1980' in Estelle's song?

    The title '1980' refers to the year Estelle was born. The song is an autobiographical reflection on her life, capturing moments from her childhood and formative years growing up in London.

  2. Which Tony Orlando and Dawn song is sampled in '1980' by Estelle?

    '1980' by Estelle samples 'Lazy Susan' by Tony Orlando and Dawn. The song complements Estelle's storytelling by blending nostalgic elements from the past with her personal experiences.

  3. What themes are prevalent in Estelle's song '1980'?

    '1980' explores themes of family, childhood memories, and personal growth. Estelle shares stories of her upbringing in a large family, navigating hardships, and reflecting on pivotal moments that shaped who she is today.

  4. Who directed the music video for Estelle's '1980'?

    The music video for '1980' was directed by Andy Hylton. The video visually depicts scenes from Estelle's younger years and features members of her family, providing a deeper connection to the lyrics.

  5. How did '1980' perform on the music charts?

    '1980' reached number 14 on the UK Singles Chart, making it the highest-charting single from Estelle's debut album 'The 18th Day.' It also gained recognition in Australia and Sweden, reaching number 36 in both countries.

  6. What is a significant event mentioned in Estelle's '1980' lyrics?

    In the lyrics of '1980,' Estelle describes a memory of living above a deceased man, whose body was undiscovered for weeks until the odor led them to check on him. This anecdote highlights the vivid and sometimes grim realities faced during her childhood.

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