The title track on Dave’s brand new album is an ode to God and himself. The rapper goes through a series of ‘what-if’ questions trying to figure out his moral grounds and will.
‘The Boy Who Played The Harp’ is Dave’s third studio album, following his 2021 project ‘We’re Alone In This Together.’ He went into a four year hiatus before releasing his 2025 album with 10 new tracks. He also confirmed that the album title is an ode to Kind David, the biblical king known for playing a harp. Dave added “David’s story and search for purpose has guided me and I’ve grown so much over these years.”
A recurring question in the song is ‘What would I do in the next generation.’ This central question acts as a pillar Dave uses to test himself against as he puts himself in historically significant troubles.
In this song, Dave draws parallels between Kind David and himself. In the Bible, King David was an exceptional harp player who used his skills to soothe the troubled mind of King Saul and also as an ode to God. In retrospect, Dave wants to use his music to soothe the troubled world and also pay tribute to God.
Listen to “The Boy Who Played The Harp” Dave
Dave “The Boy Who Played The Harp” Lyrics Meaning and Song Review
At the start of the only verse of the song, Dave dives into three historical events of great significance.
The 1940s signify the Second World War between Allied forces and Germany. In September 1939 the British declared war against Germany and enforced that all British males between the ages 18 to 41 must join the army. Dave wonders how he would have handled that situation.
The 1960s represent a significant shift in political climates around the world. In both the USA and the UK, Civil Rights movements were erupting demanding equal rights for every race. During the same period several African countries were fighting for independence from European powers. Dave, having his roots in Nigeria, wonders how he would have helped his brothers fight this cause for progress in society.
Jump to 1912, Dave imagines himself onboard the grandest ship of the time, the unsinkable Titanic. How would he have reacted when the ship tore itself apart in half and women and children were being boarded the less than adequate life boats on the ship? Would Dave be able to let his life go to save some strangers he never met in his life?
Would I fight for justice? Is it the reason my mum named me David?
Dave tries to find within him purpose for his life. Was he put on this Earth to progress humankind? Why does he feel so strongly about all those historical events? Maybe he was there in the front lines in another life.
But I’m knowin’ the answer, ’cause what am I doin’ in this generation?
Dave finally comes to the present. All this time he was asking himself what will he be doing in his next generation? As if he was not living a life right now, or he already had found his fighting cause in this life. But he realizes that he can do more with this life that he has been given.
Amid this sudden rush of adrenaline, comes the fog of reality and Dave takes a step back. He is a musician. Maybe as good as Kind David who played the harp. But he was a Kind and Dave is not. Dave has to tread carefully. Every time he speaks his mind he risks alienating a crowd. Music is his lifestyle and livelihood. Wrong steps can impact his livelihood direly. So does he just walk on egg shells? Or does he use his platform to force change?!
Can’t speak out on illegal settlers, now I’m afraid of a shadow-ban
Many first world countries seem to be dealing with an aggravated level of illegal settlers. Dave cannot even talk about these issues on his social media because of censorship. He wants to fight. But he cannot find if he loses his platforms and hence his voice–a true dilemma of the digital age.
Dave admits that most times he feels powerless despite having a fan base that stuck with him all these years. All the things he has said, sang, and written on social media feels like a waste at times. He pours his heart on to his music but it won’t make the cut for charts or malls. Nobody wants to listen to genocide awareness, exploitation, and greed while they’re shopping for brand new clothes. This socially conscious music is not going to feed Dave for long.
In a next generation, Dave speaks to his ancestors. This could mean that he is speaking to the people of today. Dave questions these ancestors about his dilemma – about his feelings of hopelessness. The ancestors ignite some hope in Dave. They tell him how Dave has a much higher chance of enforcing change than they did. They came from a time when social injustice was the norm – it was the law. But they did their peaceful protests, they educated people, boycotted, and they also felt powerless most times. But if you keep doing this over and over it is going to make a dent in the social structure. Eventually, it is going to crumble to make room for new structure.
This gives Dave some hope and confidence.
There ain’t a greater task
Shift that, make a name, make a start
This sparked a light under Dave. He just got to start something. No looking back. Just take the first step and people will join.
Let us hear what you think about this song in the comments below. Read the complete lyrics to the song on Genius.