Album: Home Again (2012)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Kiwanuka told This Is Fake DIY that at the time of penning this soft lullaby, he "had been listening to a lot of lo-fi recorded soul music. Al Green in particular." Interested by the way Green sang, "Rest" was "definitely inspired by those quiet, soothing vocals."
  • "Rest" is part of Michael Kiwanuka's debut album, Home Again, which did very well in his native UK. Kiwanuka made fast moves in his early 20s when, after posting his music to MySpace, he got signed to Communion Records. In 2011 he released two acclaimed EPs on the label that landed him a gig opening for Adele. This all set the stage nicely for Home Again; the title track was released as the first single and provided his first hit. His next album, Love & Hate, was released in 2016 and went to #1 in the UK.

Comments: 1

  • Tom Barnes from Sagle, Idaho, UsaI love “Rest” and am especially intrigued by the musical instruments played in the song. I think I hear electric guitar, slide guitar and maybe accordion as well? Can you tell me what instruments are used? I love this song and the video that played along with it.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

David Bowie Lyrics Quiz

David Bowie Lyrics QuizMusic Quiz

How well do you know your David Bowie lyrics? Take this quiz to find out.

Joe Ely

Joe ElySongwriter Interviews

The renown Texas songwriter has been at it for 40 years, with tales to tell about The Flatlanders and The Clash - that's Joe's Tex-Mex on "Should I Stay or Should I Go?"

Donald Fagen

Donald FagenSongwriter Interviews

Fagen talks about how the Steely Dan songwriting strategy has changed over the years, and explains why you don't hear many covers of their songs.

Chad Channing (Nirvana, Before Cars)

Chad Channing (Nirvana, Before Cars)Songwriter Interviews

Chad tells tales from his time as drummer for Nirvana, and talks about his group Before Cars.

Tom Keifer of Cinderella

Tom Keifer of CinderellaSongwriter Interviews

Tom talks about the evolution of Cinderella's songs through their first three albums, and how he writes as a solo artist.

Jon Oliva of Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Jon Oliva of Trans-Siberian OrchestraSongwriter Interviews

Writing great prog metal isn't easy, especially when it's for 60 musicians.