Backburner: Diving Into the Deeper Meaning

Hi Tune Lovers! Come back with Tune in Song, which will take you diving into the world of national and international music. 

This time, our topic's still about Niki Zefanya, the talented young singer from Indonesia who recently went viral with one of her songs, Backburner, from her album 'Nicole'. This song and Keeping Tabs were officially released on August 12, 2022, along with High School in Jakarta. Musically, this song carries the R&B/Soul genre. Moreover, the song gained significant popularity among listeners due to its relatable and profound lyrics. So what exactly is the meaning of Backburner, which went viral because of Niki's song? Let's find it out together!

Understanding the Meaning of Backburner

Backburner has another meaning, namely the backup option. This word is often used in romantic matters that are not prioritised in romantic relationships. The person needs more time with their partner. However, he still maintains the relationship because she is always there whenever her partner needs her. Often, someone becomes on the Backburner because they fear being lonely if they don't have a partner. For more details, you can read below about the meaning of Backburner.

Emotional journey on the meaning of NIKI lyrics

What's the meaning of the lyrics of the song Backburner?

I can't lie, it feels nice that you're calling

You sound sad and alone, and you're stalling

And for once, I don't care about what you want

As long as we keep talking (as long as we're talking)

I mean, you gotta admit the history's kind of unmatched

Asian Calvinism, we made it out of that

Well, whether we're free of will or predestined

Clearly, I've not learned my lesson even now

Hope He doesn't strike me down (strike me down)

In the first verse, Niki describes her happiness at being called by the person she liked. Niki doesn't give a damn about her name either, as long as they continue to talk. Then Niki explained that although their relationship had a unique past, she realized her choice was wrong and prayed that God would not punish her because fate had brought them together.

The Goo Goo Dolls are dead to me

The way you should be too

But you bring them up

Along with how much I fucking miss you

Then, Niki admits that, just as she ought to have moved on from the individuals she formerly desired, she no longer gives a damn about what she used to appreciate (the Goo Goo Dolls band).

Maybe I'm just not better than this, I haven't tried

Maybe life's less romantic when I don't wanna die

You'd think I'd be a fast learner

But guess I won't ever mind crisping up on your backburner

Backburner

Your backburner

Your backburner

Your backburner

In this chorus, Niki reflects on how she should deal with this relationship. She thinks that her life is less romantic because she doesn't want to feel hurt in the relationship. While she says she'll quickly learn from mistakes, she also realizes she'll always fall back on unclear things in her relationships and put them on the backburner.

It's pathetic, but at least you are, too

I don't know what to do

I don't like anyone except sometimes you

And now you're sounding like a hurt puppy

You look ugly when you cry

But I'm the one you think to call

How do you feel lucky and appalled at the same time?

After everything you put me through

I somehow still believe in you, oh-oh

This second verse is still about feeling uncertain. She feels sad when the person she likes calls her like a dog in pain. She also feels lucky because the person she likes still calls her when she's sad. She still believed in her even though she realized she had been hurt.

But I know in a week or so

You'll fade away again

And I wish that I cared

Hey, are you still there?

Good

Niki knows she is still frequently contacted but is sure the person she likes will disappear and no longer pay attention. Niki says she doesn't care, but is she still checking to see if the person she likes is still near her?

Maybe I'm just not better than this, I haven't tried

'Cause maybe you'll finally choose me after you've had more time

I thought I was a fast learner

But guess I won't ever mind, guess I won't ever mind

Maybe I blame my mother bleeding into my stride

Maybe it was my father and his wandering eyes

(It's their fault that)

I'll always be in your corner

'Cause I don't feel alive 'til I'm burnin' on your backburner, oh-oh

(Backburner, your backburner)

And I know that it's sad that I settle for the backburner, oh-oh (your backburner)

(Your backburner, your backburner)

Guess I won't ever mind crisping up on your backburner, oh-oh (your backburner)

(Backburner, your backburner)

As long as you still think of me, oh, oh-oh (backburner, backburner)

At the end of this song, Niki feels that she is only "living" when it is on Backburner because of what she has been through. Her mother influenced Niki's lifestyle and behaviour, and her father had slanted eyes even though he had a partner.

So, Niki's song has quite a deep meaning by telling the story of someone who is the second choice but still loves and maintains his love story for his partner. So, has it ever been on the back burner, Tune Lovers? Please comment!