We previously featured Fiona Amaka when she manifested peace with the self-realized, Miles Apart, so when we heard that the talented creator was back with the Acoustic Version of Tell Her Why, we were curious to say the least, and couldn’t wait to share our experience.
Drawing us in with an intricate acoustic guitar and the sublime and captivating timbre that we have come to love from Fiona Amaka, the star shares her metaphorical soul and tangible authenticity with us as she takes us on a personal journey.
Tell Her Why delves deep into the complexities of emotional entrapment and self-deception within a relationship. The song’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of a protagonist who feels trapped, not by overt hostility but by a more subtle, psychological imprisonment. The notion of a “silent jailer” suggests that the confinement is not just imposed by external circumstances but is also self-inflicted, rooted in the protagonist’s own mind.
Throughout the song, the protagonist wrestles with their own negative behavior, rationalizing it as a response to their partner’s flaws. Lines like “You don’t hate her / You tell yourself, it’s cos she / Brings it out in you” reveal a deep-seated tendency to avoid taking responsibility, instead blaming the partner for triggering these reactions. This rationalization serves as a coping mechanism, allowing the protagonist to sidestep the hard truths about their own role in the relationship’s turmoil.
The repeated question, “And if you go, will it be different anywhere else?” is a haunting refrain that underscores the protagonist’s doubt about whether leaving the relationship will bring any real change. This repetition amplifies the internal struggle, highlighting a fear that simply escaping the current situation won’t resolve the underlying issues, which seem to be intrinsic to the protagonist rather than the relationship itself. Speaking on the release of Tell Her Why, Fiona confesses, “The song touches on the darker side of what relationships can be.” We appreciate the intimacy that comes to life with the acoustic version.
The London-based singer-songwriter brings her unique blend of “rock’n’soul” to life magnificently. Known for her bluesy vocals and dynamic guitar work, Fiona’s sound evokes a fusion of influences from legends like Stevie Nicks and Joan Armatrading to contemporary artists such as Francis of Delirium and Tyler Ramsey.
This acoustic rendition strips back the layers to reveal the raw emotional depth at its core. Produced by Andy Zanini in London with vocal production by Eric Sanicola in Los Angeles, the track showcases Fiona’s ability to convey powerful emotions through both her voice and guitar, creating a hauntingly beautiful listening experience.
Fiona’s journey as a solo artist has seen her perform across various venues in London, often collaborating with guest artists like Gabriel Leni and David Taro. Her music has garnered international attention, with airplay on stations such as Radio Armazem in Brazil and Hot 97.3 FM in Connecticut. Critics have praised her rich, soulful voice and the way it intertwines with her acoustic blues and rock influences. As TJPL News noted, Fiona’s music is an “emotional whirlwind” that resonates deeply with listeners. With Tell Her Why, Fiona continues to explore the complexities of relationships, delivering cool soft arrangements and beautiful melodies that linger long after the final note.
We have added the Acoustic Version of Tell Her Why to our New Music Spotlight playlist, as well as our brand new TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream the wider discography of the talented star, including the original version and Miles Apart!