In this list, we explore the top 10 Tyla songs of all time, that have resonated with most fans and critics alike, showcasing her exceptional talent, emotional depth, and enduring appeal across various musical genres. From heartfelt ballads to energetic Amapiano anthems, these songs represent the very best of Tyla’s illustrious career.
Who is Tyla?
Tyla, whose real name is Tyla Laura Seethal, is a rising star from South Africa. Born on January 30, 2002, in Johannesburg, this talented singer has been making waves with her unique sound and captivating performances.
Tyla’s meteoric rise reached new heights with her 2023 single “Water.” This track became a sensation, achieving top-ten status in multiple countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. It was a historic moment when “Water” entered the US Billboard Hot 100, marking the first time in 55 years that a South African soloist achieved this feat.
The song “Water” also led to Tyla’s recognition on a global scale. She received nominations for prestigious awards, including a Grammy Award, a Soul Train Music Award, and two South African Music Awards, solidifying her position as a musical force to be reckoned with.
Furthermore, Tyla’s “Water” didn’t just make waves in the music world; it also became a sensation on the social media platform TikTok. The “Water” dance challenge took TikTok by storm, captivating users worldwide with its catchy chorus and infectious moves. Created by Tyla’s choreographer, Litchi, this challenge became a viral sensation, with Tyla herself joining in and sharing her dance videos on TikTok.
Tyla’s most famous song, “Water,” has become an anthem for millions, amassing over 200 million streams on Spotify. Tyla’s captivating journey from Johannesburg to international stardom is a testament to her exceptional talent and determination to make her mark on the global music stage.
Top 10 Tyla Songs Of All Time
1. Water
“Water” by Tyla is the lead single from her self-titled debut album and gained popularity after a TikTok dance featuring the song went viral. It marked a turning point in her career, earning her a Grammy nomination for Best African Music Performance and becoming her first top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, making her the highest-charting African female solo artist at the time. The song’s lyrics explore themes of sensuality and desire, expressing a passionate connection between the singer and their subject. Tyla later released a remix of the song featuring Travis Scott, further solidifying its success and showcasing her musical talent. “Water” by Tyla is her most famous song on Spotify with over 200 million streams.
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2. Truth or Dare
In “Truth or Dare” by Tyla, the song explores themes of change and self-worth within a romantic relationship. The lyrics in the first verse suggest a sense of frustration and confusion as the singer questions why their partner is returning after going missing. The pre-chorus highlights a transformation in the singer’s life and a shift in their partner’s attitude, with the partner now becoming a fan of the singer’s success. The chorus introduces the concept of playing “truth or dare” as a way to challenge the partner’s past behavior and test their feelings. The post-chorus further emphasizes the partner’s change and raises questions about their sincerity. Overall, the song delves into the complexities of a changing relationship, with the singer seeking honesty and authenticity from their partner.
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3. Girl Next Door
The song “Girl Next Door” by Tyla featuring Ayra Starr appears to revolve around themes of jealousy and possessiveness in a romantic relationship. Tyla seems to be warning their partner not to make the mistake of leaving them for someone else, emphasizing that they have a lot of options but that this particular person is special. Ayra Starr’s verse reinforces the idea that the person’s love is irreplaceable, and they shouldn’t waste time looking for better options. The catchy chorus repeatedly reminds the listener not to leave for the “girl next door.” Overall, the song conveys a message of insecurity and the fear of losing someone to a perceived rival.
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4. To Last
The song “To Last” by Tyla appears to be about the pain of a failed relationship and the heartbreak that comes with it. In the verses, the lyrics reflect a sense of disappointment and betrayal, as the singer never expected their first love to turn into their first heartbreak. The chorus suggests that the other person in the relationship didn’t give it a chance to endure, as if they never wanted it to last. The instrumental breaks emphasize the emotional weight of the situation, and the outro repeats the theme of longing for a love that could have endured. Overall, the song seems to convey the feeling of loss and the desire for a relationship that could have lasted.
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5. Butterflies
“Butterflies” by Tyla explores the feelings of being deeply infatuated with someone, despite the uncertainty and confusion that may come with the relationship. The lyrics suggest a sense of vulnerability and being caught up in the emotions of love, represented by the metaphor of “butterflies.” The singer acknowledges that there have been challenges and deception in the relationship, as indicated by lines like “Sparred with a hundred lies” and “Can’t think when I’m with you.” Despite these difficulties, there’s a sense of longing and attachment, as the heart desires more. Overall, the song seems to convey the rollercoaster of emotions that can come with a passionate but complicated relationship.
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6. On and On
“On and On” by Tyla appears to convey a sense of nostalgia and the desire to relive the carefree partying and dancing spirit of the past, particularly in the 1990s. The lyrics suggest a reluctance to leave the party and a wish to extend the fun throughout the night. The mention of partying like it’s ’95 and dancing all night reflects a longing for the energy and excitement of that era. Overall, the song captures the idea of living in the moment and enjoying the present without worrying about tomorrow.
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7. Girls Need Love
“Girls Need Love” by Summer Walker featuring Tyla explores the desire for intimacy and physical connection. In the lyrics, Summer Walker expresses her longing for sexual and emotional fulfillment, highlighting the frustration of not being able to openly communicate these desires due to societal expectations and norms. The chorus emphasizes how girls often struggle to express their desires openly. Tyla’s verse reinforces the theme of seeking a genuine connection and intimacy with someone. Overall, the song sheds light on the need for honest communication and the importance of acknowledging and addressing one’s desires and needs in a relationship.
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8. Been Thinking
Tyla’s latest single, “Been Thinking,” is a catchy and relatable song that delves into the all-consuming nature of love. The track’s chorus, featuring the line “All day, all night, I’ve been thinkin’ ’bout ya,” highlights the constant presence of thoughts about a love interest. Tyla playfully compares her feelings to a game of tag in the first verse, expressing infatuation and longing. The pre-chorus and chorus reinforce the theme of relentless thoughts about the love interest. In the second verse, Tyla humorously acknowledges the challenge of maintaining control in their presence. Overall, “Been Thinking” is a song that captures the universal experience of being consumed by thoughts of someone special, showcasing Tyla’s vocal talent and songwriting skills.
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9. Getting Late
Tyla’s song “Getting Late” seems to convey a sense of urgency and desire in a relationship. The repetition of the line “Baby, I know it’s getting late” in both the chorus and refrain suggests that time is running out, but the singer is determined not to waste it. The lyrics indicate a strong connection between the singer and their partner, with lines like “You give me life, no gravity, you fly” and “For you, baby, I will stop the hands of time,” emphasizing the importance of the relationship. Overall, the song appears to be about cherishing a moment with someone special and not taking it for granted, even if it’s late and time is limited.
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10. Water (Remix) ft. Travis Scott
The song “Water (Remix)” is a collaboration between rapper Travis Scott and R&B/Soul singer Tyla. This remix is notable for being their first collaboration as labelmates. Despite the song’s simplicity in its lyrics, it has garnered significant success for Tyla, which led to Travis Scott’s decision to join the remix. It’s worth mentioning that this isn’t the first remix of “Water,” as there was a previous one by Marshmello.
The lyrics of the song convey a sense of desire and intensity in the context of a romantic relationship. Tyla and Travis Scott sing about the desire for their partner to make them “sweat” and “lose their breath,” indicating a passionate and physical attraction. They express a willingness to let go of inhibitions and engage in a passionate encounter.
Travis Scott’s verse adds a layer of sensuality to the song, describing the way his love interest moves and the magnetic attraction he feels toward her. He also highlights the idea that she deserves the finer things in life, such as diamonds and trips to exotic locations.
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