"Southside Serenade" is an unreleased song by Kanye West that was created during the So Help Me God era.[1] The latest version of the song features vocals from Francis and the Lights.[2]
Production[]
The song is essentially a cover of Leon Russell's 1972 song, "Manhattan Island Serenade".[1]
Background[]
As previously stated, the song was created during the So Help Me God sessions from around late 2014 to early 2015. In a video showing the making of Kanye's 2015 single, "All Day", Kanye can be heard singing the song's lyrics.[3] In October 2016, Chance the Rapper revealed that he had worked with Kanye and Francis and the Lights on a "very dark" track. While it has never leaked, it is speculated to be a later version of "Southside Serenade".[4] The song was auctioned by Music Mafia before being leaked in March 2018.[1]
Lyrics[]
[Verse: Kanye West & Francis and the Lights]
Sitting on a runway, time on my hands, thinking of you again
As I replay our conversations, pray that everything fell in place
Like a mirror lookin' back at me, sayin' you're the only wave
Makin' me feel I could survive, so glad to be alive
But I got a song to sing
Messed up inside and it's been raining all day
[Chorus: Kanye West & Francis and the Lights]
Since you went away, Southside serenade
Since you went away, Southside serenade
[Instrumental Interlude]
[Chorus: Kanye West]
Since you went away, Southside serenade
Since you went away, Southside serenade