Back and Forth Lyrics – Kehlani
Read the full lyrics of “Back and Forth” by Kehlani from the album Kehlani. Here, we have shared the complete “Back and Forth” Lyrics along with its music video, deeper meaning and song credits.
An assertive, self-empowering anthem by Kehlani, “Back and Forth” explores independence, rejecting toxic cycles, and choosing self-worth over conflict, inviting listeners to unpack themes of autonomy, tension, and emotional boundaries.
Lyrics of Back and Forth by Kehlani
[Intro: Missy Elliott]
(Uh) This is (Ooh) an exclusive (Damn, right)
Let’s go, new Kehlani
When I say (“New Kehlani”)
You know it’s some hot s*it
Let me say what I’m gon’ say, let me stay on the topic (Woo, topic)
Girl, woman, I do what I wanna do (Wanna do)
Why you tripping when I come right home to you? (Woo, woo)
[Verse 1: Kehlani & Missy Elliott]
Why you so quiet?
The silence hit like sirens (Woo)
If looks could kill, well then, tonight might get violent
When the fit too fire, you always get too firing (Woo)
Ah-ah-ah (Woo)
[Pre-Chorus: Kehlani & Missy Elliott]
And by-y-y-y-y
By doing this later, I do us a favor, oh, I
And by-y-y-y-y (By)
Don’t ruin my makeup, be there when you wake up (Ah-ah)
(Let’s go)
[Chorus: Kehlani & Missy Elliott]
I ain’t going back and forth tonight, I’m going out (I ain’t going back and forth tonight; Woo)
I ain’t going back and forth tonight, I’m going out (It’s last call, you the last thing on my mind)
I ain’t picking up the phone for nun’, nuh-uh, before the lights come on (Get there when I get there, take my time; Woo)
I ain’t going back and forth tonight, I’m out (So don’t you start that s*it when I get home; Mm)
[Post-Chorus: Kehlani & Missy Elliott]
(Ah-ah-ah-ah) Let’s get it, let’s go (Uh)
(Ah-ah-ah-ah) Let’s get it, let’s go (Uh-uh)
(Ah-ah-ah-ah) Let’s get it, let’s go (Uh-uh; Ooh, woo)
[Verse 2: Kehlani & Missy Elliott]
I’ma need you to cool down for me
Check your insecurities
Leave ’em at the door of our home (New s*it, ah)
I think I see you new now, that’s on me
All your pride and jealousy (Uh-huh)
That’s gon’ make me leave you alone (Ah-ah-ah)
[Pre-Chorus: Kehlani & Missy Elliott]
And by-y-y-y-y
By doing this later, I be doing us a favor (Woo)
And by-y-y-y-y (By)
Don’t ruin my makeup, I’ll be there when you wake up, all night
(Let’s go)
[Chorus: Kehlani & Missy Elliott]
I ain’t going back and forth tonight, I’m going out (I ain’t going back and forth tonight; Woo)
I ain’t going back and forth tonight, I’m going out (It’s last call, you the last thing on my mind)
I ain’t picking up the phone for nun’, nuh-uh, before the lights come on (Get there when I get there, take my time)
I ain’t going back and forth tonight, I’m out (So don’t you start that s*it when I get home)
[Bridge: Missy Elliott]
(Missy)
Ayo, where you going?
I’m going out, what you mean?
Oh, yeah, with who?
I’m going out, I’m ’bout to leave
And you wearing that?
Yeah, I’m grown, not a teen
Who you riding with?
I’m ’bout to drop my Lamborghini (Ooh)
N!gga, I ain’t doing this tonight
I’m ’bout to drive off, oh, you mad? Yeah, aight
You know I be home, I’ma see ya when I see ya
All that back, back and forth got me feeling like Aaliyah
Listen here
[Chorus: Kehlani & Missy Elliott]
I ain’t going back and forth tonight, I’m going out (I ain’t going back and forth tonight; Woo)
I ain’t going back and forth tonight, I’m going out (Let’s go; It’s last call, you the last thing on my mind)
I ain’t picking up the phone for nun’, nuh-uh, before the lights come on (I’ma get there when I get there, take my time)
I ain’t going back and forth tonight, I’m out (So don’t you start that s*it when I get home; Woo)
[Post-Chorus: Kehlani, Missy Elliott & Both]
(Ah-ah-ah-ah) Let’s get it, let’s go (Ah, yeah)
(Ah-ah-ah-ah) Let’s get it, let’s go (Oh, nah)
(Ah-ah-ah-ah) Don’t start that s*it ‘fore I get home
(Ah-ah-ah-ah) Let’s get it, let’s go (Uh)
(Ah-ah-ah-ah) Drop it down to the floor (Uh)
(Ah-ah-ah-ah) Let’s get it, let’s go (Uh-uh; Ooh, ooh)
[Outro: Missy Elliott]
Ooh, girl, we need to run this back
Meaning of Back and Forth Lyrics
Intro: Missy Elliott Meaning:
Missy Elliott kicks things off with a confident, hyped-up tone, introducing Kehlani as bold and self-assured. The vibe is clear right away—this is about a woman owning her choices and not letting anyone question her independence, especially in a relationship where she still shows up but wants freedom too.
Verse 1: Kehlani & Missy Elliott Meaning:
Here, the mood shifts into tension between partners. Kehlani notices the silence and attitude coming from her partner, which feels heavy and almost explosive. It hints at jealousy or insecurity, especially when she looks good and steps out, and how that triggers unnecessary drama instead of trust.
Pre-Chorus: Kehlani & Missy Elliott Meaning:
She’s basically saying it’s better to avoid conflict in the moment. Rather than arguing and ruining the night, she chooses space. There’s also a subtle confidence here—she wants to enjoy herself without emotional stress, promising she’ll come back later when things are calmer.
Chorus: Kehlani & Missy Elliott Meaning:
This part is all about setting boundaries. She refuses to engage in arguments or constant checking in. She’s choosing to go out, enjoy her time, and not be pulled into repetitive fights. It reflects a strong need for independence and peace over toxic back-and-forth communication.
Post-Chorus: Kehlani & Missy Elliott Meaning:
The energy becomes carefree and celebratory. It feels like letting loose, dancing, and focusing on the moment instead of relationship stress. It reinforces her decision to enjoy life without being weighed down.
Verse 2: Kehlani & Missy Elliott Meaning:
Now she directly addresses the issue—her partner’s insecurity and jealousy. She asks them to calm down and leave those negative feelings behind. There’s also a realization that these behaviors might push her away if they continue, showing she values emotional maturity in the relationship.
Pre-Chorus: Kehlani & Missy Elliott Meaning:
Again, she emphasizes avoiding unnecessary conflict. She’s choosing distance for the sake of both of them, suggesting that space can actually help the relationship rather than harm it.
Chorus: Kehlani & Missy Elliott Meaning:
The same strong stance repeats—she’s not engaging in arguments tonight. It highlights consistency in her mindset: she wants freedom, trust, and no drama, especially when she’s just trying to enjoy herself.
Bridge: Missy Elliott Meaning:
Missy brings a playful but firm exchange, showing a partner questioning her actions. The responses are confident and slightly defiant, making it clear she doesn’t owe constant explanations. The reference to Aaliyah connects the “back and forth” idea to a classic vibe, emphasizing how tiring repeated arguments can feel.
Chorus: Kehlani & Missy Elliott Meaning:
The repetition here reinforces the main message—she’s done with circular arguments and is prioritizing her own peace and enjoyment for the night.
Post-Chorus: Kehlani, Missy Elliott & Both Meaning:
The vibe returns to fun and release. It’s about being in the moment, dancing, and not letting relationship tension ruin a good time.
Outro: Missy Elliott Meaning:
The ending feels like a rewind-worthy moment, suggesting the energy and message are strong enough to experience again, leaving a lasting impression of confidence and independence.
Back and Forth Song Credits & Production Details
| Song Title | Back and Forth |
| Singer(s) | Kehlani |
| Musician(s) | Khristopher Riddick-Tynes, The Stereotypes |
| Lyricist(s) | Kehlani, Missy Elliott, Khristopher Riddick-Tynes, Jonathan Yip, Ray Romulus, Jeremy Reeves, Ra Charm, Ari PenSmith, Daniel Church, Kamal Wilson |
| Featuring | Missy Elliott |
| Release Date | April 10, 2026 |
| Label | Atlantic Records, TSNMI |
| Copyright © | Atlantic Records, TSNMI |
| Language | English |
More Songs by Kehlani
Frequently Asked Questions About Back and Forth Song
Who is the singer of the song ‘Back and Forth’?
The song ‘Back and Forth’ is sung by Kehlani.
Who wrote the song ‘Back and Forth’ by Kehlani?
The song ‘Back and Forth’ by Kehlani is written by Kehlani, Missy Elliott, Khristopher Riddick-Tynes, Jonathan Yip, Ray Romulus, Jeremy Reeves, Ra Charm, Ari PenSmith, Daniel Church and Kamal Wilson.
Who produced the music for the song ‘Back and Forth’?
Music of the song ‘Back and Forth’ is produced by Khristopher Riddick-Tynes and The Stereotypes.
When was the song ‘Back and Forth’ officially released?
The song ‘Back and Forth’ is officially released on April 10, 2026, accompanied by its official music video.
Which record label released the song ‘Back and Forth’?
The song ‘Back and Forth’ by Kehlani was released under the record labels Atlantic Records and TSNMI.
Who owns the copyright of the song ‘Back and Forth’?
Atlantic Records and TSNMI own the copyright of the song ‘Back and Forth’.
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