"Gazelles (Set Free // Extended)" - KOZEN feat. Shy Musiq [OFFICIAL LYRIC VIDEO]

"Gazelles" originally appeared on "Swimming To The Stars (B)" and so far is the only song from the (B) half of that project ever performed live by the band. It climbed surprisingly high among our most-played Spotify songs, so it felt appropriate to bring the song back revamped with some significant additions.
The most notable changes are Shy Musiq's guest vocal section and the extended ending instrumental and metal sections. Shy came on board the project in the spring of 2024 and brought a lot of flare to the song. Her Kenyan background and incorporation of Swahili lyrics reflects the location where the song was originally written and inspired, directly enhancing the lyrics by providing a secondary perspective from the song's main narrating voice.
This added feminine perspective is further reinforced and intensified by Chandelle's screaming section at the end. While the metal instrumental ending was written as a live arrangement for the 2019 release show for A Fearful Wonder, the screamed vocals only came into play about a month or two before the release of the EP in 2024 as Chandelle was finishing her vocal sessions for the record. The screamed English lyrics draw directly from some of the lines delivered in Swahili by Shy earlier on.
The song also includes new vocal takes from Max, new solos from both guitarists in the band, re-recorded rhythm electric and acoustic guitars, slightly different bass takes from Jon Aristide's old sessions, a completely re-worked drum performance by Jared in place of Kyron's original part from STTS, and some modifications to the background percussion tracks.
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Connect with KOZEN online:
kozen.org
kozen.bandcamp...
kozen.org/merch
kozen-merch.cr...
/ kozenmusic
/ kozenmusic
open.spotify.c...
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KOZEN 【広善】& Alumni:
Maxwell Kozen - Vocals, Guitar, Keys, Synth, additional Bass
Chandelle King - Vocals
Antonia Lawrence - Vocals
Jericho Leal - Guitar
Jared Leal - Drums
Jonathan Aristide - Bass
Guest Performers:
Shy Musiq - Vocals
Mix & Master by Maxwell Kozen
SHY MUSIQ🇰🇪:
Instagram // / shy.musiq
RUclips // / @shymusiqq
Other Links // shymusiq.bio.l...
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DONATE to help create more music:
[www.paypal.com...]
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Please visit our Bandcamp page (kozen.bandcamp...) to read the full EP lyrics and download the record.
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LYRICS:
There’s nothing quite as innocent
As losing innocence
Wide-eyed in the wide world and so naive
A sense of awe and wonder
Overwhelming common sense
Making moves without knowing what to believe
When tenderness grew brave
We put her in a cage
Captives, oh so sweet
I think I want to set you free
Captives, oh so sweet
I think I want to set you free
There is no way to justify
A life within a cage
When threats within can match the ones without
The wolves within the walls warning
Gazelles of lion’s rage
And wondering why they still try to get out
Fangs and claws beyond these doors
So elegance must wear her horns
Captives, oh so sweet
I think I want to set you free
Captives, oh so sweet
I think I want to set you free
Am I good enough for your heaven?
You write me out of my story like I’m nothing
All my nights up, nobody knows
All of the tears I wipe on the low
I’m tired of living under your control
I feel my horns, they’re starting to grow
Coming in fast, but I’m taking it slow
It’s not a threat, I’m just letting you know
Hakuna kati yangu na Mungu
Oh ni tamu kuwa na uhuru
So nitavaa pembe unazozichukia
So nitavaa pembe unazozichukia
And you’ll be safe if you’re as wise as serpents
Wise as serpents
But innocent as doves
When wolves and lions make your spirit have to
Stand for itself
Your strength will be enough
And you’ll be safe if you are doves like serpents
Doves like serpents
Innocence reborn
Just take the time to become doves like serpents
Doves like serpents
She can wear her horns
Captives, oh so sweet
I think I want to set you free
Captives, oh so sweet
I think I want to set you free
(Guitar solo - Maxwell Kozen)
I think I want to set you free
I'll find my own way to break out of my cage
I'm brave and I know my strength
Nitasimama mwenyewe
I'll break out of my cage
With my joy and my rage
Watch me break, break, break
(Guitar solo - Maxwell Kozen)
(Guitar solo - Jericho Leal)
Stand for yourself
Your strength will be enough
There is no way to justify
A life within a cage
So I will wear these horns you hate
And stand in my own strength
None between
God and me
Oh so sweet
To be free
#ShyMusiq

[@kyronnewbury]

Amazing work! Just an awesome mix of genres!

[@KOZENMUSIC]

Thank you bro! your support means the world, as always!

[@KOZENMUSIC]

Thanks for being such a bit part of the original version of this song.