I wrote this song during a phase where I was very unsure about myself and everything happening at that point in time. A girl who felt invisible and unnecessary and how she eventually realised that her 'fear' is and was the only thing stopping her from being happy.
Outside of that, this song was the one that kinda started my whole music career/songwriting journey. It was the first song I shared lyrics with singer/songwriter Tejas way back in 2015, recorded my first demo at T74 where I met producer Rishi, Linford and Yohann followed as my first band, having performed it on BalconyTv was the cherry on my cake and then, now, here we are. I've since learned I prefer strawberries on my cakes, cherries are too sweet. lol
This is my first official, debut release, and so I've tried my hand at self-producing, directing and everything in between because now I "kinda" know who I am and what I'm working towards sounds/looks like. This song was but a prototype of the unknown but "now she knows".

Credits:
Aarifah - songwriter, vocals, guitars, producer
Bharath Kashyap - Guitars
Yohann Coutinho - Bass
Jason D'souza - Mix
Shawn Hatfeild - Master

Lyrics:

V1
You can find her at the store,
at the discounted section.
You can find her behind the door,
she holds open in your direction.

Always second-guessing herself,
always pretending she couldn't care less.
She was comfortable in the skin,
tailored to your perfection.

Ch1
She let it grow on,
to crush her soul and
to make her someone
she didn't know, coz
fear controls the steering wheel
makes her wanting to believe
she was never meant to be.
But, now she knows.

V2
Everything was fine, she was
defiant all the time but,
Won't you try to see through her transparency?
She's been misread her whole life.

Her eyes speak with sincerity,
while her bitten lips hide the truth.
She was just a prototype,
of the unknown but,
now she knows.

Ch2
She let it grow on,
to crush her soul and
to make her someone
she didn't know, coz
fear controls the steering wheel
makes her wanting to believe
she was never meant to be.

Bridge
What you do not
see beneath the
pleasantries, the niceties,
she is barely there
hanging by a thread
lost in diversity
her fantasy, oh
that she was free.

And, now she knows
now she knows
And, now she knows, she'll take that leap!

Outro/Chorus
She won't let it grow,
It won't crush her soul
coz now she's someone that she finally knows.
She controls the steering wheel,
makes her wanting to believe,
that she holds authority of herself at least,
but now she knows,
now she knows.
Now she knows, she'll take that leap

Now She Knows - Aarifah

In a nutshell, this song is about when you're on a journey to explore, and people unintentionally pile on. lol. Nobody means any harm here, but all you want is a little space, and all they want is to shower you with love. It's a pretty pickle.
Enjoy!
Vocals, Guitars, Percussion, Production - Aarifah

V1
It wasn’t you, it was me I said as you walked along a beach,
with sand in between my toes and needs.
Sweet pea don’t call me honey I say as he steals a piece
of my heart.

V2
Stop trying to hurt yourself disregard the alarm you see.
While you break down the walls built around my mind,
I know best how to protect,
me-nial as though it seems, why try to outrun me
with my heart.

Bridge
Don’t, come a little closer dear.
This is fun and all but I know better.
I'm here for me,
and that won’t change that easily.
Easier said than done.
What have I begun?

Outro
- Don’t (Let me be by myself, just for a while,
Let me go, let me grow) Come a little closer
- (Let me be brave, just for once in my life) I'm here for me and that won’t change that easy (I'm not scared, this I know) Easier
- (Let me be by myself, just for a while, Let me go, let me grow) said than done.
- (Set me free just for some peace of mind
I'm not scared this I know)
What have I begun?
Let me live just for a little while x (infinity)
Let me go, let me grow.

Let Me Grow Production Demo

Ever felt so content you were terrified something was bound to go wrong? This song is that, with a pinch of hope. The helplessness of finding your passion, the butterflies, wondering what the future looks like, feeling like something/one was the best thing in the world and then it all crashes down only to make you realise theres more in store for you. So much more. Anyway...

Anyway - Aarifah

toxic acoustic demo

Titled after the EP itself, "Past Tense" serves as a heartfelt apology to the artist's former self, grappling with the weight of past mistakes while embracing personal evolution. Buying the EP gives listeners access to bonus material and more surprises along the way! Get ready, coz there's no stopping her! :p

As a part of a 5 track EP the record emerges as a gentle embrace to her youth, paying homage to the songstress's audacity to write, discover her passion and find her voice. While the EP shares its name with the song, it is not solely defined by it.



LYRICS

I told you im sorry
Time and time again

I tried to fix the shards
Of glass that we’ve become
I tried my best to fix this
It just can’t be done


Sitting outside watching us fight
again and again
Sitting besides you
Do you love me

Like I do

I'll admit I'm feline
Purring when I’m with you
I try to hold my breath
Coz my purring gets to you


Sitting outside watching us fight
again and again
Sitting besides you
Do you love me
Like I love you

Sitting outside watching me cry
again and again
Sitting besides you
Do you love me
Like I love you

I told him I loved him
Time and time again
He told me he trusted me
But that was in past tense



Song Credits:
Acoustic Guitar, Vocals by Aarifah
Written and Produced by Aarifah
Recorded at Stitch Audio by Ayan De
Mixed by Ayan De
Mastered by Ayan De

Artwork Credits:
Artwork by Aarifah
Photography by Harbaksh Sahi

Past Tense

"The Best Part," celebrates the nurturing forces that sustain the artist amidst life's trials, embodied in a whimsical music video set to release soon. It's going to feature a very special guest. Any guesses? 

As a part of "Past Tense" -EP, the record emerges as a gentle embrace to her youth, paying homage to the songstress's audacity to write, discover her passion and find her voice. 



LYRICS

Well I've...
Well I've done all that I can do
And you feel I love annoying you
So how do you do?
And I understand your state of mind
That you have needs well so do I
Stop trying to be cruel

You say you need me
You say you don't
Then you leave me
So alone


Hey what's gotten into you
I’ll always be here for you
Why are you keeping me at bay
You're the best part of my day

Sometimes ignorance might be bliss
but I care too much to get hurt like this again
Stop pushing me away
Distance might make things better
Or worse don't go saying (I’ll) see you later
Why won't you stay

Space is what you want
Space for you is all I've got
Don't get carried away
I won't ever stray


Hey what's gotten into you
I’ll always be here for you
Why are you keeping me at bay
You're the best part of my day

You're the best part of my day



Song Credits:
Acoustic Guitar, Vocals by Aarifah
Written and Produced by Aarifah
Recorded at Stitch Audio by Ayan De
Mixed by Ayan De
Mastered by Ayan De


Artwork Credits:
Artwork by Aarifah
Photography by Harbaksh Sahi

The Best Part

Listeners familiar with Aarifah's YouTube channel will recognize the opener "Don't Rush," a soulful reminder to embrace the journey of love without haste, crafted with wisdom beyond the artist's years. Five versions later, we're not that upset that she took her time and didnt rush...

As a part of a 5 track EP titled "Past Tense", the record emerges as a gentle embrace to her youth, paying homage to the songstress's audacity to write, discover her passion and find her voice.


Lyrics

Let's talk about how
When a boy meets a girl and
everything stops
During pointless conversations
they find love
And happiness in making the other blush

Okay now, let talk about curves
Smiling laughing kissing oh them curls
Your body between blankets
and that churns
A chemical reaction making
Reality, a parallel, space in time


It's easier
To close my eyes and hold on tight
But don't you see dear
This space, it makes me feel, so alive

So please don't rush
Be careful darling I know you that much
Put your hands on my hips,
(that) drives me nuts
(I'm) sorry that you're hurting but I'm lost
In unforgivable lust


It's easier
To close my eyes and hold on tight
But don't you see dear
This space, it makes me feel, so alive
It's easier
To close my eyes and hold on tight
But don't you see dear
This space, it makes me feel 

So alive

Somethings wrong about the way you look tonight in my head
The way my brain cells ignite 
Over no spilled milk
I guess I knew that I was lying to myself
Lying to myself.

Let's talk about how, when a boy meets a
girl and everything stops



Song Credits:
Acoustic Guitar, Vocals by Aarifah
Written and Produced by Aarifah
Recorded at Stitch Audio by Ayan De
Mixed by Ayan De
Mastered by Ayan De

Artwork Credits:
Artwork by Aarifah
Photography by Harbaksh Sahi

Don't Rush

"Hey Good Evening," the song that led Aarifah to be a Nexa Finalist working with industry legends A. R Rahman and Clinton Cerejo, is a reflection on the artist's formative years working in the service industry. Yes, she was a foster, Black Label girl sometimes even bartending as a part time job. Drawing parallels between their experiences in hospitality and the stage, it delves into themes of authenticity and connection... and also how to be polite and well mannered and get the audience to greet me. :p I was young and being cute heh.

As a part of a 5 track EP titled "Past Tense", the record emerges as a gentle embrace to her youth, paying homage to the songstress's audacity to write, discover her passion and find her voice.

Lyrics:

I'm all on my own watching you go on
About my choices these choices
That I've been making on my own
Stop wasting my time
you tell me all the while
Coz I'm special so special
This is a lesson from my time

What I don't get is why you can't see
Aren't you doing what you want just let me be

Hey good evening, I'm so and so
Don't you wanna know?
Hey, how's it going?
Can't you see I'm trying to be nice?
I'm genuinely not, smiling coz you’re hot

Hey good evening,
This is what I've got for you.

(So) with bags on my eyes
I'm done with these lies
I need to move on just move on from the
how's and when's and whys

What I don't get is why you can't see
Aren't you doing what you want just let me be

Hey good evening, I'm so and so
Don't you wanna know?
Hey, how's it going?
Can't you see I'm trying to be nice?
I'm genuinely not, smiling coz you’re hot

Hey good evening,
This is what I've got for you.

I'm not denying what you've got to say
All I'm asking is to hear me play
Don't need reminders of
whom not to blame
Coz you can't reign 
On my parade

What I don't get is why you can't see
Aren't you doing what you want just let me be

What I don't get is why you can't see
Aren't you doing what you want just let me be

Hey good evening, I'm so and so
Don't you wanna know?
Hey, how's it going?
Can't you see I'm trying to be nice?
I'm genuinely not, smiling coz you’re hot

Hey good evening,
This is all I've got for you.


Song Credits:
Acoustic Guitar, Vocals by Aarifah
Written and Produced by Aarifah
Recorded at Stitch Audio by Ayan De
Mixed by Ayan De
Mastered by Ayan De

Artwork Credits:
Artwork by Aarifah
Photography by Harbaksh Sahi

Hey Good Evening

"No Stopping Me," a spirited anthem born from humble beginnings and a resilient spirit. This lighthearted bop encapsulates the universal truth that true creativity knows no bounds. I mean, she wrote this song on a guitar that only had four strings, not knowing any chords, how to compose, or taking any singing lessons. A rare moment of childlike curiosity, amusement, and audacity captured in the innocence of a song.

As the final track of the EP titled "Past Tense", the record emerges as a gentle embrace to her youth, paying homage to the songstress's audacity to write, discover her passion and find her voice.

Lyrics

I don't know if I know where I'm going
What the next day holds
What my future looks like
I'm not sure if that light that keeps glowing
Inside of my soul just gives up and dies

But at least I have no regrets looking back
You will always see me as I see myself singing hey yeah


Coz I like being me and nobody else
I own my respect I decide what's best
I love life king size
Coz I like being free
Staying true to myself
There's no stopping me

I don't care
If I made the right choices
(if) all those snide voices in my head must die
Coz at least I accept the way this road is paved
I have no complaints, I will never derail

Well at least I have no regrets looking back
You will always see me as I see myself
singing hey yeah


Coz I like being me and nobody else
I own my respect I decide what's best
I love life king size
Coz I like being free
Staying true to myself
There's no stopping me



Song Credits:
Acoustic Guitar, Vocals by Aarifah
Written and Produced by Aarifah
Recorded at Stitch Audio by Ayan De
Mixed by Ayan De
Mastered by Ayan De

Artwork Credits:
Artwork by Aarifah
Photography by Harbaksh Sahi

No Stopping Me

Lyrics:

I'm all on my own,
watching you go on,
about my choices. These choices,
that I've been making on my own.

Stop wasting my time,
you tell me all the while,
'cuz I'm special, so special.
This is a lesson from my time.

But what I don't get is why you can't see.
Aren't you doing what you want?
Just let me be!

Hey, Good evening!
I'm so and so, you don't wanna know.
Hey! How's it going?
Can't you see I'm trying to be nice?
I'm genuinely not,
smiling 'cuz you're hot.
So hey, Good evening!
This is what I've got for you.

With bags on my eyes,
I'm done with these lies.
I need to move on, just move on,
from the hows and whens and whys.

But what I don't get is why you can't see.
Aren't you doing what you want?
Just let me be!

Hey, Good evening!
I'm so and so, you don't wanna know.
Hey! How's it going?
Can't you see I'm trying to be nice?
I'm genuinely not,
smiling 'cuz you're hot.
So hey, Good evening!
This is what I've got for you.

I'm not denying, what you've got to say.
All I'm asking is to hear me play.
Don't need reminders of whom not to blame.
'cuz you can't rain on my parade.

But what I don't get is why you can't see.
Aren't you doing what you want?
Just let me be! x2

Hey, Good evening!
I'm so and so, you don't wanna know.
Hey! How's it going?
Can't you see I'm trying to be nice?
I'm genuinely not,
smiling 'cuz you're hot.
So hey, Good evening!
This is what I've got for you
 hey god evening
this is all I've got for you
hey good evening
This is what I've got, for youuuuu

Hey, Good Evening

This is me ft. mumbai traffic and random people talking five storeys below -_-
I'm sorry about that. Didn't have time to cut or edit any of it. Ignore that. pfft!
Hope you like this, despite all the gandha spam.
^_^

Nickelback Hero (Cover)

I wrote this song during a phase where I was very unsure about myself and everything happening at that point in time. A girl who felt invisible and unnecessary and how she eventually realised that her 'fear' is and was the only thing stopping her from being happy.
I was and still am an introvert, shy at times but this song is about how I've used that to my strength.

Lyrics:

You can find her at the store,
at the discounted section.
You can find her behind the door,
she holds open in your direction.

Always second guessing herself,
always pretending she couldn't care less.
She was comfortable in the skin,
tailored to your perfection.

She let it grow on,
to crush her soul and
to make her someone
she didn't know, coz
fear controls the steering wheel
makes her wanting to believe 
she was never meant to be.

but, now she knows.

Everything was fine, she was
defiant all the time but,
won't you try to see through her transparency?
She's been misread her whole life.

Her eyes speak with sincerity,
while her bitten lips hide the truth.
She was just a prototype, 
of the unknown but,
now she knows.

She let it grow on,
to crush her soul and
to make her someone
she didn't know, coz
fear controls the steering wheel
makes her wanting to believe 
she was never meant to be.

What you do not
see beneath the
pleasantries, the niceties,
she is barely there
hanging by a thread 
lost in diversity
her fantasy, oh  
that she was free.

And, now she knows
now she knows
And, now she knows, she'll take that leap!

She won't let it grow,,
It won't crush her soul
because now she's someone that she finally knows.
She controls the steering wheel,
makes her wanting to believe,
that she holds authority of herself at least,
and now she knows,
now she knows.

Now she knows, she'll take that leap 

Credits:

Guitars/Lead Vocals: Aarifah Rebello
Mix and Master: Rishi Bradoo
Recorded at Theatre 74, Mumbai.

Now she knows (Acoustic Demo)

In my entire existence I have heard quite a few Frank Sinatra songs but never really knew they were sung or written by him. When I enrolled myself in a songwriting course, this song (his version) was listed as reference and i was hooked.
I fell in love with him, and I hope I can make you feel the same way.
Love!

Frank Sinatra - What'll I Do (Cover)

One of the first songs Live at Tuning Fork, Mumbai. Also this was the first gig with an entire band set up, and first time i was playing a solo. its a little rough and will take shape soon... stay tuned for an EP!

No Stopping Me (lyrics)
I don't know, if I know where I'm going?
What the next day holds,
What my future looks like?

Im not sure, if that light keeps glowing,
Inside of my soul, 
Just gives up and dies.

But at least I have no regrets, looking back.
You will always see me as i see myself singing, HEY!

Coz I like being me, and nobody else.
I own my respect, I decide whats best.
I live life kingsize,
I like being free.
Staying true to myself, coz there's no,
There's no stopping me.
No Stopping Me!

I don't care, if I made the right choices.
If all those snide voices,
In my head must die.

But at least, I accept the way this road is paved.
I have no complaints. 
Would never de-rail.

Finally I have no regrets, looking back
You will always see me as i see myself 
Singing HEY!

Coz I like being me, and nobody else.
I own my respect, I decide whats best.
I live life kingsize,
I like being free.
Staying true to myself, coz there's no,
There's no stopping me.
No stopping me x3

(amaze guitar solo, cue end being out of breath)


Like next year.
Kbai.

Guitars/Vox - Aarifah Rebello
Lead guitar - Tejas Menon
Bass - Yohann Coutinho
Drums - Linford D'souza

Recorded at Tuning Fork

Live at Tuning Fork

No Stopping Me (Live at Tuning Fork)

I've always loved this song. Enjoy!
Link to video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJac2oIUuV0


Credits:
Guitars/Lead Vocals: Aarifah Rebello
Mix and Master: Rishi Bradoo
Video: The Blip
Recorded at Theatre 74, Mumbai.

Alter Bridge - Watch Over You (Cover)

This is my rendition of an all time favourite The Pretender by Foo Fighters
Happy Listening!

Audio done by Drona Acharya

Foo Fighters - The Pretender (Cover)

I'm broke, where does the money really flow?

Picture credits - Abhishek Gupta

Peter Cat Recording Company - Where the Money Flows (Cover)

Aarifah - Anyway Acoustic Demo

Good old Foo Fighters being awesome. I just tried to emulate that awesomeness. Hope you enjoy it. 

Walking After You - Foo Fighters Cover

Hello,
I'm Aarifah, a singer/songwriter, part time day dreamer and full time weirdo. I play the drums and the guitar as well. A friendly person and perpetually high on life. My Instagram has an amazing response time, so you can always stay tuned to me and my antics on it.
Thanks random Soundcloud member.
Much Love!

Aarifah

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