In his latest track, “Lately”, Davido steps away from his usual upbeat Afropop anthems to deliver a raw and introspective piece that delves deep into personal struggles and emotional vulnerability. This song is not just another addition to his discography; it’s a heartfelt expression that resonates with the complexities of human emotions.​

The lyrics open with a candid admission: “Lately, lately, I have been through many things lately.” This repetition emphasizes the weight of his experiences, setting a somber tone that invites listeners into his world of introspection. The plea, “Pray for me, make you pray for me pa,” is a direct appeal for support, highlighting a sense of isolation and the need for communal empathy.​

Throughout the song, Davido uses metaphors and vivid imagery to convey his internal battles. Lines like “Leave me make I meditate, I know you no go fit relate” suggest a desire for solitude and reflection, acknowledging that others might not fully grasp his pain. The recurring chorus, “Oluwa sare wa, make I no jam yawa,” serves as a prayer for divine guidance and protection against misfortune.​


The second verse takes a deeper look into his emotional state, with expressions of disbelief and longing: “For days, for days, all night, all night, can’t believe this is bye-bye, missing you, baby, why?” These lines hint at personal loss and the struggle to come to terms with it. Despite indulging in temporary escapes—“I don shayo, I don manya”—he acknowledges that these are mere distractions, affirming, “But I go still dey okay.”​

The second verse delves deeper into his emotional state, with expressions of disbelief and longing: “For days, for days, all night, all night, can’t believe this is bye-bye, missing you, baby, why?” These lines hint at personal loss and the struggle to come to terms with it. Despite indulging in temporary escapes—“I don shayo, I don manya”—he acknowledges that these are mere distractions, affirming, “But I go still dey okay.”​

The song concludes with the poignant question, “Who dey breathe?” This rhetorical inquiry encapsulates the suffocating nature of his emotional turmoil, leaving listeners with a lingering sense of his vulnerability.​

“Lately” stands as a testament to the power of music as a medium for expressing and processing complex emotions. Davido’s openness invites audiences to look beyond the surface of catchy melodies and rhythms, urging a deeper appreciation for the narratives artists weave into their work. It’s a reminder that behind the fame and glamour, artists grapple with their own battles, and through songs like this, they seek connection, understanding, and healing.​