Be Honest
by Jorja Smith (featuring Burna Boy)

Album: released as a single (2019)
Charted: 8
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "Be Honest" is an empowering summertime song in which Jorja Smith flirts with a guy.

    You see my thick thighs
    Lost when you look into my brown eyes
    See my little waist can make you switch sides


    She goes on to warn the man not to mess with her.

    If you make your bed, then you can lie
    Just please don't waste my time
  • The song features Nigerian Afrofusion artist Burna Boy, whose verse finds him giving in to Smith's charms. The pair previously collaborated on his African Child album track "Gum Body."
  • The upbeat, slinky groove comes courtesy of Izybeats (Koffee "Toast") and Cadenza (who previously worked with Smith on her 2016 single "Where Did I Go?").
  • The song was released as Smith's first new material since she dropped her debut album Lost and Found in June 2018. The track is a sonic contrast to the singer's previous, more moody, ballad-leaning material. She told HighSnobiety:

    "It's more upbeat. When I listen to it, I just think of being out with my friends, sipping on rum. There's like, red light or sunset and everyone is just having a good time slow-wining. It's like that."
  • The music video was directed by Amber Grace Johnson, who has previously worked with Rihanna and A$AP Rocky. The clip finds Smith and two of her best friends, Erin and Sandra, wandering through London on a hot and sticky summer's day. The locations include Rye Lane Market and Peckham Liberal Club.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"They're Playing My Song

The Nails lead singer Marc Campbell talks about those 44 women he sings about over a stock Casio keyboard track. He's married to one of them now - you might be surprised which.

Andrew Farriss of INXS

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.

Chris Fehn of Slipknot

Chris Fehn of SlipknotSongwriter Interviews

A drummer for one of the most successful metal bands of the last decade, Chris talks about what it's like writing and performing with Slipknot. Metal-neck is a factor.

Thomas Dolby

Thomas DolbySongwriter Interviews

He wrote "She Blinded Me With Science" so he could direct a video about a home for deranged scientists.

Superman in Song

Superman in SongSong Writing

Not everyone can be a superhero, but that hasn't stopped generations of musicians from trying to be Superman.