SZA, born Solána Imani Rowe, is a pioneer artist in contemporary R&B known for her distinctive voice and creative approach to music. She initially pursued a career in marine biology before discovering her passion for songwriting and performance.
Her genre-defying style blends elements of R&B, hip-hop, soul, and indie, creating a sound that is both unique and emotionally relatable. Her breakthrough came with the release of her debut studio album, Ctrl, in 2017, which received widespread acclaim for its honest storytelling and genre-blending tracks.
About the Song
Open Arms is a tender, self-improvement song about finding solace in emotionality and leaning on someone who provides unconditional support. Her emotive vocals and heartfelt lyrics make it a touching highlight of the album.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Released | December 9, 2022 |
| Album | SOS Deluxe:LANA |
| Writers | SZA, Rob Bisel, Michael Uzowuru, Teo Halm, Travis Scott & Dougie F |
| Producers | Michael Uzowuru, Teo Halm & Rob Bisel |
Meaning Behind the Song Open Arms
This song discusses unconditional love and the human need for emotional connection.SZA paints a touching picture of finding solace in a relationship where she can be her true self, flaws and all, without fear of judgment.
It’s a tender explanation of what it feels like to let someone in fully, to lean on another person when life’s challenges become too heavy to bear alone.
The lyrics show a yearning for that rare kind of love where the other person accepts you wholeheartedly, accepting every part of who you are: the good, the bad, and the broken.
Through soft, emotive vocals and gentle melodies, SZA conveys a sense of safety and warmth, as if being wrapped in the comfort of someone’s open arms.
Open Arms Lyrics by SZA
Intro: Norma Rowe
When you do your best you ca—, I done told you
When you do your best, hell, that’s all you can do
You and me and anybody else
So they always start talkin’
Verse 1: SZA
Runnin’ away from where I’m from
Never can stay with no one
Lovin’ you almost feels like something
When no one’s around me
You lost and found me
I was surrounded
With open, open, open
Chorus: SZA & Travis Scott
Open arms (Ooh)
Open arms
You keep me open, I’m so devoted
You keep me open (Ooh)
Open arms
I’m so devoted to you, to you, to you
Verse 2: SZA
Spent your life bein’ hopeless
Chokin’ on insecurity
I know ownership’s bad
But please put a leash on me anyway
Who needs self-esteem anyway?
I hate myself to make you stay
Push me away, I’ll be right here
With open, open, open
Chorus: SZA & Travis Scott
Open arms (Ooh)
Open arms
You keep me open, I’m so devoted
You keep me open
Open arms
I’m so devoted to you, to you, to you
Verse 3: Travis Scott
No matter what come between us, yeah, I decided
I’m forever ridin’, we forever guided
Pull up on an opp, hit his curb up, slide it (Brr)
Notice when you mad, ain’t no words, just silence
Drew my favorite color, now you seein’ every shade of me
You say that I’m trippin’, I hit back like, “Where you takin’ me?”
Locked in for life, on God, no replacin’ me
Consequences, repercussions, karma keep on changin’ me
For you, I try
Face card, valid ID
C’est la vie, go to Paris
It ain’t five-star, it ain’t me
Over-solid, keep it concrete
I’ma bet it on you, a whole fee
Just don’t switch sides
I could fire piece your wrist, AP
Through the ups and downs and all the heat
Take a turn and tell you what it be
Backshots make you feel relief
Anything, just don’t you ever leave
Outro: SZA, Travis Scott, & Both
I guess I gotta go (Ooh)
I guess it’s time to go
I gotta let you go
(I’m so devoted)
You keep me open
Gotta let you go, gotta let you go
I gotta let you go, I must
But you’re the only one that’s holdin’ me down (Ooh)
You’re the only one holdin’ me down (Only one)
‘Cause you’re the only one that’s holdin’ me down
Similar Songs Like Open Arms
If you are into pop songs or the soft pop genre, here’s a list of recommendations that you might love:
- Drew Barrymore: It is a personal song where SZA expresses self-doubt and longing. She compares herself to the actress Drew Barrymore, showing how she feels both special and unsure.
- The Weekend: This soulful song talks about the complexities of a love triangle. SZA uses smooth vocals to share time with someone and the emotions that come with it.
- Broken Clocks: It is a song about feeling stuck and in the past. SZA’s soft, powerful voice carries a mix of passion and determination to move forward.
- Good Days: This hopeful song is about leaving behind the negativity of the past and looking toward brighter times. Its soothing melody and lyrics make it uplifting.
Awards for the Song
| Category | Awards |
|---|---|
| 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards | R&B Artist of the Year |
Similar Artists Like SZA
Below is a list of similar pop artists like SZA. If you are into soft love music, you might love these:
- Ella Mai
Genre: R&B, Contemporary R&B
Top Albums: Ella Mai (2018) - Tinashe
Genre: R&B, Pop
Top Albums: Songs for You (2019), 333 (2021) - Doja Cat
Genre: R&B, Pop, Hip-Hop
Top Albums: Hot Pink (2019), Planet Her (2021) - FKA Twigs
Genre: R&B, Alternative R&B, Experimental
Top Albums: LP1 (2014), Magdalene (2019)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Solo Version of Open Arms?
Yes, a solo version titled Open Arms was released as part of the SOS Deluxe: LANA edition. It featured only SZA’s verses without Travis Scott’s contribution.
What key is Open Arms in SZA?
The track is 4 minutes in length, set in the key of A major. It has a moderate energy level and is highly suitable for dancing, following a 4/4 time signature.
How Did Open Arms Perform on Music Charts?
The song charted in multiple countries, reaching a peak position of number 67 on the Billboard Global 200 and also appearing on charts in the United States, Canada, and Australia.
